Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024

Badge for BEST ONLINE COLLEGES IN MAINE

Find the best online colleges in Maine ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Top 10 Online Colleges in Maine

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  1. University of Maine
  2. University of Southern Maine
  3. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  4. Unity Environmental University
  5. University of Maine at Presque Isle
  6. University of Maine at Fort Kent
  7. Husson University
  8. University of Maine at Machias
  1. University of Maine
  2. University of Southern Maine
  3. Husson University
  4. University of Maine at Presque Isle
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  6. University of Maine at Fort Kent
  7. University of Maine at Machias
  8. Unity Environmental University
  1. University of Maine at Fort Kent 99%
  2. University of Maine at Presque Isle 97%
  3. Unity Environmental University 94%
  4. University of Maine 94%
  5. Husson University 91%
  6. University of Southern Maine 85%
  7. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
  1. Unity Environmental University 36 to 1
  2. University of Maine at Presque Isle 23 to 1
  3. University of Maine at Fort Kent 17 to 1
  4. Husson University 16 to 1
  5. University of Maine 14 to 1
  6. University of Southern Maine 14 to 1
  7. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 10 to 1
  1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $41,586
  2. Husson University $21,090
  3. Unity Environmental University $12,640
  4. University of Maine $11,640
  5. University of Southern Maine $8,064
  6. University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
  7. University of Maine at Presque Isle $7,350
  1. Husson University $17,220
  2. University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
  3. Unity Environmental University $9,750
  4. University of Maine $9,738
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,630
  6. University of Southern Maine $7,776
  7. University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
  1. University of Maine at Machias
  2. Husson University
  3. University of Maine at Fort Kent
  4. University of Maine at Presque Isle
  5. Unity Environmental University
  6. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  7. University of Southern Maine
  8. University of Maine
  1. Unity Environmental University
  2. University of Maine at Machias
  3. University of Maine at Fort Kent
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  5. University of Maine at Presque Isle
  6. Husson University
  7. University of Southern Maine
  8. University of Maine
  1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
  2. University of Southern Maine 85%
  3. Husson University 91%
  4. University of Maine 94%
  5. Unity Environmental University 94%
  6. University of Maine at Presque Isle 97%
  7. University of Maine at Fort Kent 99%
  1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 10 to 1
  2. University of Maine 14 to 1
  3. University of Southern Maine 14 to 1
  4. Husson University 16 to 1
  5. University of Maine at Fort Kent 17 to 1
  6. University of Maine at Presque Isle 23 to 1
  7. Unity Environmental University 36 to 1
  1. University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
  2. University of Maine at Presque Isle $7,350
  3. University of Southern Maine $8,064
  4. University of Maine $11,640
  5. Unity Environmental University $12,640
  6. Husson University $21,090
  7. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $41,586
  1. University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
  2. University of Southern Maine $7,776
  3. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,630
  4. University of Maine $9,738
  5. Unity Environmental University $9,750
  6. University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
  7. Husson University $17,220

Key Takeaways

  • Colleges in Maine are accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, the same accrediting agency for in-person and online schools in Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
  • The state’s employment situation is relatively favorable, with vacancies exceeding the number of applicants who have earned degrees from online bachelor’s programs in online schools!
  • While the cost of higher education in Maine is slightly higher than the national average, the state has a plethora of financial aid for traditional and online programs for students to save on tuition, including loan forgiveness programs, scholarships, and grants.

Featured Programs

Becoming a Maine Resident for Out-of-State Students

Many online colleges and universities in the Maine University System offer above-average academic programs with reasonable tuition rates. However, out-of-state students interested in pursuing their online education in Maine should know that they will be paying out-of-state tuition fees, which are more expensive.

Regarding residency requirements, Maine has more rigorous policies in obtaining domicile than other states. The state requires more loyalty to Maine, in which students must prove that they aren’t in Maine only to become a student.

While most residency requirements vary, students will have higher chances of getting approved if they live in the state for at least a year before submitting their application to a prospective school in Maine.

Students should also demonstrate that they haven’t traveled and applied to other schools outside Maine. Exceptions apply to the military/veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, dependents using GI Bills, and students eligible for a regional tuition reciprocity agreement.

On a positive note, the state’s unemployment rate is at 3.6%, indicating a favorable trend that the number of jobs available has exceeded the number of job seekers!

Colleges and Universities in Maine

At $9,970, Maine is right on target with the national average, making the state an affordable choice for those looking to receive an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. The 16 public colleges and universities range in tuition from $4,000 to $14,000. The 10 private schools tend to cost more, ranging from $27,000 to $55,000, though the class sizes are often much smaller. The largest private university is the University of New England, with just under 6,000 students, and a tuition of $38,000.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The University of Maine (UMaine), with just under 10,000 students, is the largest public school, with a tuition rate of $11,000. Based in Orono, the public research university offers degrees in fields like literature, earth sciences, and physics. Stephen King and Bernard Lown are among the influential alumni who attended this school. The cost for higher education in Maine varies, but the state offers loan forgiveness programs for many professions, including dentists, lawyers, educators, health professionals, and veterinarians. The Alfond Leaders program forgives up to $60,000 for residents working in eligible science, technology, engineering, and mathematics occupations.

The northernmost state in New England, Maine is known for its fishing, quaint coastal towns, and of course, lobster. Maine is also home to over 60 lighthouses. Students looking to earn their degree while living in a state that has both ocean beaches and lush forests can choose from 26 private and public higher education institutions.

Come see why Maine is an excellent option for earning your higher education degree and starting a career.


What are Maine’s Colleges & Universities?

Maine’s Best Overall

Best Online Colleges in Maine
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Best Online Colleges in Maine 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine

    Cost of Degree: $12,606
    Expenses: $15,966
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Surveying Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BUS in University Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1109/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Maine

    Cost of Degree: $10,920
    Expenses: $15,892
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Technical Leadership
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership And Organizational Studies

    Concentrations

    • Integrative Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies

    Concentrations

    • Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social And Behavioral Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Joseph's College of Maine

    Cost of Degree: $42,834
    Expenses: $17,836
    Starting Salary: $47,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Banking
    • Required Credits: 4-6 years
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Long Term Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
    • Program type: Completion degree
    • Required Credits: 120 overall
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Radiologic Science Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Unity Environmental University

    New Gloucester , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Unity Environmental University

    Cost of Degree: $12,640
    Expenses: $14,236
    Starting Salary: $37,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Animal Health and Behavior
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Animal Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Geospatial Technologies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Health and Safety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Health and Wellness
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Justice and Social Change
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science and Climate Change
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sustainable Business Management

    Concentrations

    • Adventure Ecotourism
    • Hemp Industry and Science
    • Renewable Energy
    • Sustainable Food and Farming
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Wildlife Conservation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Presque Isle

    Cost of Degree: $9,080
    Expenses: $13,700
    Starting Salary: $35,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Project Management
    • Management and Leadership
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in English

    Concentrations

    • Professional Communication And Journalism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in History and Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 years
    • Format: Online
    BLS in Liberal Studies

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Management
    • Project Management
    • Educational Studies
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 years
    • Format: Online
  6. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Fort Kent

    Cost of Degree: $9,045
    Expenses: $12,532
    Starting Salary: $37,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Allied Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing (RN To BSN)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  7. #7

    Husson University

    Bangor , ME

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    4K

    Online Degree Completion Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 122-123
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 121-122
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business and Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Integrated Technology

    Concentrations

    • Software Development
    • Web Design and Development
    • Required Credits: 121-122
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration and Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 121-122
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 121-122
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
  8. Online Degrees

    BS in Business and Entrepreneurial Studies
    • Required Credits: 120 total
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BCS: Bachelor of College Studies

    Concentrations

    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Education

    Concentrations

    • Special Education
    • Inclusive Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 120 total
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Geographic Information Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology and Community Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online

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