Best Online MBA Programs in Maine

Badge for BEST ONLINE MBA IN MAINE
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • An online MBA program in Maine can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
  • The state of Maine is predicting a strong rate of job growth in the next decade, perfectly positioning online MBA graduates for career advancement.

Maine's Best Online MBA Programs

Sort by:
  1. University of Maine
  2. Thomas College
  3. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  4. Husson University
  1. University of Maine
  2. Husson University
  3. Thomas College
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  1. Thomas College 97%
  2. University of Maine 94%
  3. Husson University 91%
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
  1. Thomas College 23 to 1
  2. Husson University 16 to 1
  3. University of Maine 14 to 1
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 10 to 1
  1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $41,586
  2. Thomas College $29,996
  3. Husson University $21,090
  4. University of Maine $11,640
  1. Thomas College $28,954
  2. Husson University $17,220
  3. University of Maine $9,738
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,630
  1. Husson University
  2. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  3. Thomas College
  4. University of Maine
  1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  2. Thomas College
  3. Husson University
  4. University of Maine
  1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
  2. Husson University 91%
  3. University of Maine 94%
  4. Thomas College 97%
  1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 10 to 1
  2. University of Maine 14 to 1
  3. Husson University 16 to 1
  4. Thomas College 23 to 1
  1. University of Maine $11,640
  2. Husson University $21,090
  3. Thomas College $29,996
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $41,586
  1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,630
  2. University of Maine $9,738
  3. Husson University $17,220
  4. Thomas College $28,954

Maine, the northernmost state in New England, is known for several things, including its fishing, quaint coastal towns, and, of course, lobster. In addition to this, Maine is also popular for its excellent higher education system, home to four private and public colleges and universities offering top-ranked online MBA degree programs.

Today’s business industry is more competitive than ever. As such, students realize that a bachelor’s degree in business may not be enough to supplement their career advancement goals in a corporate setting. Many business professionals are finding ways to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree without abandoning their current positions and obligations.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Maine

Maine is right on target with the national average, making the state an affordable choice for those looking to receive an online master’s degree from one of the public universities in Maine. The private schools tend to cost more, ranging from $20,000 to $40,000, though the class sizes are often much smaller.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.


What are Maine’s Colleges & Universities?

Maine’s Best Overall

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

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Best Online MBA Programs in Maine

  1. #1

    University of Maine

    Orono , ME
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Maine 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Maine

    Cost of Degree: $10,104
    Expenses: $15,320
    Starting Salary: $75,734
    Salary after 4 years: $93,292
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Maine Online has a prominent status in distance education. Notably, its Maine Business School is one of the best business schools delivering high-quality business education in the nation. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has accredited it.

    The University of Maine’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) provides students with a comprehensive, advanced business education, which ranks highly among the best online master programs in the state. This Maine Business School online MBA program is also one of the most affordable degrees, making it a top choice for professionals with limited budgets. Thanks to its rolling admission, applicants can apply at any time to the online MBA.

    The program’s core courses include Strategic Data Analysis, Managerial Marketing, Strategic Decision Making, Business Intelligence, Management of Contemporary Organizations, Financial Statement Analysis, Global Supply Chain Networks, and Financial Management.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Business Analytics
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Systems
    • Human Nutrition
    • Outdoor Industry Management
    • Public and Nonprofit Management
    • Sustainability
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Thomas College

    Waterville , ME
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Maine 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Thomas College

    Cost of Degree: $29,996
    Expenses: $14,998
    Starting Salary: $59,217
    Salary after 4 years: $72,523
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Allen Ryan School of Business at Thomas College in Maine is a known business school offering core business courses that emphasize hands-on learning. In addition to its on-campus programs, the school also provides numerous online degrees. Students in on-campus and online programs access the same faculty and opportunities, including Study Abroad programs.

    The Allen Ryan Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a flexible program that equips students with the necessary business management knowledge and skills for higher-level corporate positions. With its accelerated 8-week course format, this online MBA program enables students to study important business principles efficiently. In addition to fitting into hectic schedules, the shortened format creates a lively learning atmosphere that motivates students to engage with the course materials actively.

    Key courses of the program include Operations Research Techniques, Organizational Theory and Behavior, Marketing Management, Strategic Planning, and Economic Systems.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Human Resources
    • Project Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Saint Joseph's College of Maine

    Standish , ME
    #25 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    2K

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

    Cost of Degree: $9,630
    Expenses: $17,836
    Starting Salary: $64,129
    Salary after 4 years: $78,539
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is one of America’s top private Catholic institutions, preferred by national and international students who want to study in a tight-knit learning environment. Saint Joseph’s is also a prominent name in online education in Maine. The college provides students with tailored and individualized learning opportunities.

    The web-based Master of Business Administration (MBA) at SJCME is one of Maine’s best MBA programs for working adults. Prospective students without an undergraduate degree in business can still apply for the program.

    In addition to equipping students with the abilities required to lead teams, manage risks, and create long-term plans, the program’s curriculum also focuses on business’s moral and ethical aspects.

    Essential MBA courses include Leadership & Lifelong Learning, Leadership, Order & Change, and Ethical, Social & Environmental Responsibility. As an alternative to MBA concentrations, MBA students have various electives to choose from to align their degrees with their career goals. Students must also complete a capstone course after completing core, foundational, and elective courses.

    Those who want to merge healthcare and business education can pursue the MSN/MBA in Nursing and Business Administration dual degree program.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Leadership
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MSN/MBA in Nursing and Business Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Husson University

    Bangor , ME
    #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2024 #7 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024 #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

    With business school accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the Husson MBA online is one of the best in Maine. As a leadership MBA, students will take on a comprehensive curriculum that will enhance their business skills, such as analysis, decision-making, and implementation. Its admission is on a rolling basis, allowing prospective MBA students to start the program throughout the year.

    Core courses of the curriculum explore topics that focus on the modern issues faced by business administration. Courses include Research Methods, Managerial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Strategic Change Management, and Management Communications.

    In addition to concentrations, students will choose between Financial Management or Financial Management in Health Care Organizations electives. They can also pursue badges and certificates to boost their business acumen and strengthen their resumes for managerial positions.

    Among the best features of the Husson MBA is its free 24/7 online tutoring.

    Online Master’s Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • Organizational Management
    • Risk Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: Maine (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $8,982
  • Avg. Expenses*: $14,784
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $70,030
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $80,168
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
  • Job Growth: 4.86%
  • Number of Jobs: 11,888,900
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Management Analysts9.69%No data
Computer and Information Systems Managers15.41%$133,020
Human Resources Managers5.22%$129,830
Purchasing Managers4.39%$128,050
Compensation and Benefits Managers1.71%$107,890

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$56,693$85,124$136,647

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#47 Maine9% higher than average$85,124
#2 New York5% higher than average$116,372
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$104,589
#4 Michigan15% higher than average$90,047
#5 Georgia13% higher than average$90,306
#6 Illinois7% higher than average$96,596

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers$133,020
Human Resources Managers$129,830
Purchasing Managers$128,050
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Why pursue an online MBA in Maine?

Statistics indicate that the expense of higher education has more than doubled since 1986, as has been widely covered in the media, and that college tuition has increased considerably in recent years. In contrast to this national trend, Maine has proactively addressed rising higher education costs, prioritizing accessibility.

Through consistent support for public institutions and initiatives like the Maine State Grant and Maine College Promise, the state keeps tuition costs low. It actively participates in federal programs, promoting financial literacy to make college education affordable for all, serving as a model for other states.

Aside from its affordable educational costs, the state can also offer a positive career outlook for MBA grads. According to the Maine Department of Labor, management-related positions have experienced a significant increase in employment, surpassing any other industries in the state. The notable increase in managerial roles suggests that Maine’s economic environment is flourishing and presents excellent opportunities for MBA graduates to further their careers.

Maine is just one of many states offering excellent online MBA programs. To check out our rankings, look into the best online associate’s degrees in Rhode Island, Vermont, Michigan, and more!

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Maine

Do online MBA programs in Maine require the GMAT?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections.

The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools of all shapes and sizes — elite research universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, online colleges, etc. There’s no real common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT or don’t.

Of the four online MBA programs in Montana and the surrounding states, only the University of Maine requires the GMAT.

If you are considering a graduate business school that requires the GMAT, then you certainly want to do well on the exam. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application and because there may be another college that suddenly interests you, and it might require successful completion of the GMAT.

If you’re going to take the test, at minimum, you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. Therefore, we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to work with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects, and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have — test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.

There are a growing number of high-quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. If standardized testing isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

How long does it take to get an MBA in Maine?

Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about two years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because MBAs offer so many educational paths, program requirements can vary greatly, from 30 to 60 credits, which means this degree may take anywhere between two and four years to complete.

What are the courses in an online program in Maine like?

MBA courses, available online and on campus, often require a thesis or professional experience component. Topics include corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations.

Online classes are often conducted in asynchronous formats or maximum flexibility, which entails pre-recorded lectures. While courses are often “self-paced,” online MBA programs imply mid-term and end-of-term deadlines.

What can you do with an MBA in Maine?

MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. MBAs are popular because of their versatility. With so many choices of concentrations, your MBA can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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