Maine may be known for its beautiful landscapes and coastal towns, but it’s also home to a variety of excellent colleges and universities. In total, the state has over 20 four-year institutions, ranging from small liberal arts colleges to larger public universities and specialized schools like maritime and health-focused institutions.
Of course, not every school offers the same level of programs or opportunities, which is why it’s important to choose one that is recognized for academic quality and career preparation. If you’re planning to study in Maine, selecting a school ranked among the best can make a real difference in your learning experience, access to resources, and future opportunities.
The list below highlights the top colleges in Maine, based on respected rankings and reliable sources, and provides a clear look at what each school offers. Read on to explore these schools and find the one that fits your goals and ambitions.
Best Colleges in Maine
1. Bowdoin College
Bowdoin College is a highly respected liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine, known for strong academics, close student–faculty relationships, and a supportive learning environment. The school offers a wide range of programs across the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and arts, including majors such as biology, computer science, economics, government, psychology, environmental studies, mathematics, chemistry, and international relations.
Students are encouraged to explore different subjects before choosing a major, which helps them make more informed academic decisions. Bowdoin also places strong emphasis on undergraduate research, interdisciplinary learning, and study-abroad opportunities, allowing students to gain both academic depth and real-world exposure.
2. Colby College
Colby College is a well-known liberal arts college in Waterville, Maine, widely respected for academic excellence and student development. The college offers a broad range of academic programs across the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts.
Students can study fields such as economics, environmental science, biology, global studies, computer science, psychology, political science, sociology, and the creative arts. Colby places strong emphasis on hands-on learning through research projects, internships, and fieldwork, helping students gain practical experience alongside classroom learning.
The school also supports interdisciplinary study, allowing students to combine different fields into a single academic path.
3. Bates College
Bates College is a highly regarded liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine, known for academic rigor, inclusive learning, and strong student support systems. The college offers a wide range of programs across the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and creative arts.
Popular areas of study include psychology, biology, economics, environmental studies, neuroscience, politics, and sociology. Bates encourages interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to connect different fields of study in meaningful ways. A major strength of the academic system is undergraduate research, where students work directly with professors on real research projects.
The school also emphasizes community engagement, global learning, and experiential education, helping students build practical skills, confidence, and professional readiness alongside strong academic foundations.
4. University of Maine (Orono)
The University of Maine in Orono is the state’s flagship public university and the largest research institution in Maine. It offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across major academic fields, making it a strong option for students who want both academic depth and program flexibility.
Students can study engineering, business, education, liberal arts, agriculture, environmental science, forestry, marine sciences, computer science, and health-related fields. The university is especially known for its research strength in climate science, engineering innovation, and environmental studies. Students benefit from modern laboratories, research centers, and hands-on learning opportunities that support the development of real-world skills.
6. University of Southern Maine (USM)
The University of Southern Maine is a public university with campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, offering students access to both strong academics and real-world opportunities. USM provides a wide range of programs in business, nursing, education, liberal arts, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and the arts.
One of the school’s major strengths is its focus on practical learning through internships, clinical placements, community partnerships, and industry connections, especially in healthcare, education, and business fields. Its location in Maine’s largest urban areas gives students access to jobs, internships, and professional networks while still studying.
USM also supports graduate and professional programs, making it a good option for students planning long-term academic and career growth.
7. University of New England (UNE)
The University of New England is a private university with campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine, known for combining strong academics with career-focused programs. UNE offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as health sciences, nursing, biology, business, education, psychology, environmental science, and public health.
One of its standout features is its medical and health-related programs, including one of the few medical schools in Maine, giving students excellent opportunities for hands-on clinical experience. UNE emphasizes experiential learning through labs, research projects, internships, and community engagement, preparing students to enter the workforce or pursue advanced studies.
8. College of the Atlantic (COA)
College of the Atlantic, located in Bar Harbor, Maine, is a unique liberal arts college entirely focused on human ecology, which studies the relationships between humans and their natural, social, and built environments. Instead of traditional majors, students design individualized programs that combine disciplines such as environmental science, policy, biology, sociology, art, and sustainable development.
COA emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in research, community projects, fieldwork, and internships both locally and internationally. This flexible, interdisciplinary approach allows students to pursue their specific interests while developing practical skills and critical thinking.
9. Maine Maritime Academy (MMA)
Maine Maritime Academy, located in Castine, Maine, is a public college specializing in maritime, engineering, and business-related programs. It offers undergraduate degrees in areas such as marine engineering, marine transportation, shipbuilding, logistics, business administration, and environmental science.
MMA is known for its hands-on approach to learning, where students gain practical experience aboard training ships, in labs, and through internships with maritime and shipping companies. The academy’s programs combine technical skills, leadership training, and real-world problem-solving to prepare graduates for careers in the maritime industry, logistics, and related fields.
10. Thomas College
Thomas College, located in Waterville, Maine, is a private institution focused on career-oriented undergraduate programs designed to prepare students for the workforce. The college offers degrees in business administration, accounting, management, marketing, information technology, data analytics, and criminal justice, among others.
Thomas emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through internships, applied projects, and close faculty mentorship. Class sizes are small, giving students personal attention and direct access to professors, which supports both academic and professional growth. The college also provides career services, networking opportunities, and leadership development programs, ensuring students graduate with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in their chosen fields.
FAQs About Studying in Maine
1. Which courses are most lucrative in Maine?
Degrees in healthcare, engineering, business, computer science, and marine-related fields are in high demand. These align with Maine’s strong industries and offer better job opportunities and salaries.
2. Are there online colleges or programs in Maine?
Yes. Schools like USM, UNE, and Thomas College offer online or hybrid programs in business, nursing, education, and social sciences.
3. How affordable is studying in Maine?
Public universities are more affordable for in-state students, while private colleges charge higher tuition but often offer scholarships. Living costs vary by city, with Portland being more expensive.
4. What industries hire graduates in Maine?
Healthcare, education, technology, marine and shipping, tourism, and business are major employers. Graduates from programs aligned with these industries have the best job prospects.
5. Does Maine support internships or hands-on learning?
Yes. Most colleges provide research, internships, co-ops, and fieldwork, giving students practical experience and professional connections before graduation.