Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024
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
- University of Maine
- University of Southern Maine
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine
- Unity Environmental University
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- Husson University
- University of Maine at Machias
- University of Maine
- University of Southern Maine
- Husson University
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- University of Maine at Machias
- Unity Environmental University
- University of Maine at Fort Kent 99%
- University of Maine at Presque Isle 97%
- Unity Environmental University 94%
- University of Maine 94%
- Husson University 91%
- University of Southern Maine 85%
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
- Unity Environmental University 36 to 1
- University of Maine at Presque Isle 23 to 1
- University of Maine at Fort Kent 17 to 1
- Husson University 16 to 1
- University of Maine 14 to 1
- University of Southern Maine 14 to 1
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine 10 to 1
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine $41,586
- Husson University $21,090
- Unity Environmental University $12,640
- University of Maine $11,640
- University of Southern Maine $8,064
- University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
- University of Maine at Presque Isle $7,350
- Husson University $17,220
- University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
- Unity Environmental University $9,750
- University of Maine $9,738
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,630
- University of Southern Maine $7,776
- University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
- University of Maine at Machias
- Husson University
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- Unity Environmental University
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Maine
- Unity Environmental University
- University of Maine at Machias
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- Husson University
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Maine
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
- University of Southern Maine 85%
- Husson University 91%
- University of Maine 94%
- Unity Environmental University 94%
- University of Maine at Presque Isle 97%
- University of Maine at Fort Kent 99%
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine 10 to 1
- University of Maine 14 to 1
- University of Southern Maine 14 to 1
- Husson University 16 to 1
- University of Maine at Fort Kent 17 to 1
- University of Maine at Presque Isle 23 to 1
- Unity Environmental University 36 to 1
- University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
- University of Maine at Presque Isle $7,350
- University of Southern Maine $8,064
- University of Maine $11,640
- Unity Environmental University $12,640
- Husson University $21,090
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine $41,586
- University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
- University of Southern Maine $7,776
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,630
- University of Maine $9,738
- Unity Environmental University $9,750
- University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
- 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?
- 2 Research Universities
- 14 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 3 Graduate Schools
- 8 Public Colleges & Universities
- 8 Private Colleges & Universities
- 1 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 13 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 9 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 8 Community Colleges
- 8 Online Colleges
Maine’s Best Overall
Best Online Colleges in Maine 2023
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Maine 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Research Universities in Maine 2025
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2025
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Maine
- #2 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #6 Best Online MBAs in Finance 2025
- #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #7 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
- #7 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #11 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #16 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #24 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
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: $12,606Expenses: $15,966Starting Salary: $48,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in Maine 2025
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2025
- #8 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #19 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
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: $10,920Expenses: $15,892Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #25 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2025 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Maine
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: $42,834Expenses: $17,836Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #8 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #5 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
53%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Unity Environmental University
Cost of Degree: $12,640Expenses: $14,236Starting Salary: $37,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
29%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Presque Isle
Cost of Degree: $9,080Expenses: $13,700Starting Salary: $35,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #7 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Maine 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Maine
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
37%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Fort Kent
Cost of Degree: $9,045Expenses: $12,532Starting Salary: $37,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Maine #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024 #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
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
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