Choosing a college in Maine is not as simple as picking a well-known name or going with the first school that sounds familiar. Maine has a surprisingly rich mix of institutions, each built around a different academic style, campus culture, and long-term outlook.
You’ll find some of the strongest liberal-arts colleges in the country here, where students learn in small classes and actually know their professors. You’ll also find a flagship public university that carries out major research projects and offers programs you cannot easily find elsewhere in the region. Then there are the smaller, career-focused schools that train students for practical fields like health care, engineering, maritime careers, business, art, and design.
Because the options are so varied, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to begin. That is the purpose of this article. Instead of listing names and leaving you to figure out the rest, this breakdown explains what each college offers, what kind of student it serves best, and how the overall experience compares. This will help you understand the differences between Maine’s top colleges so you can choose a school that matches your goals, learning style, and budget.
Best Colleges in Maine
1. Bowdoin College (Brunswick)
Bowdoin is a small liberal-arts college known for its strong academics, warm community, and long history in Maine. The school focuses on teaching students how to think clearly, communicate well, and engage with the world in a meaningful way.
Classes are small, so students get a lot of personal attention from professors. Bowdoin also puts a lot of effort into research, internships, and experiences. The school is need-blind for U.S. students and meets full financial need, which makes it easier for many families.
Campus life is calm and friendly, and the surrounding town gives students a peaceful environment to study and grow.
2. Bates College (Lewiston)
Bates is another top Maine liberal-arts college that values openness, curiosity, and community. Students choose from a wide range of majors, or they can design their own if they want something more flexible. Classes are discussion-based, and professors encourage students to share ideas and question what they learn.
Bates also has a strong culture of service and encourages students to get involved in local projects. The college meets 100 per cent of demonstrated financial need, which helps students from many backgrounds attend.
Campus life is lively, with clubs, sports, and events that make it easy for students to build friendships and stay active.
3. Colby College (Waterville)
Colby is known for its academic strength, global programs, and strong student support. The college offers many majors in the arts, sciences, and humanities, and students often work closely with professors on research projects. Colby has small classes, so learning feels personal.
The school also has strong internship programs and partnerships that help students get real experience before graduation. Financial aid is generous, and the college meets full demonstrated need.
The campus is modern and well-kept, and the school invests heavily in new facilities. Students enjoy a friendly environment with plenty of activities that bring people together.
4. College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor)
College of the Atlantic is very unique because it offers just one major: Human Ecology. This major lets students study people and the environment in almost any way they choose, combining science, arts, and social issues. The school is small, so everyone knows each other, and professors work closely with students.
COA is also deeply committed to sustainability, and this shows in its campus practices and academic approach. Students spend a lot of time outdoors, doing fieldwork or working on community-based projects. The environment is relaxed and creative, making it a great place for students who want freedom, flexibility, and hands-on learning.
5. University of Maine, Orono (Flagship)
The University of Maine in Orono is the state’s main public research university. It offers a very large number of programs across many fields, including engineering, sciences, arts, business, education, and more. Because it is a big school, students have access to strong facilities, research centres, and experienced faculty.
UMaine also supports undergraduate research, so students can take part in projects usually reserved for graduate levels at other schools. Campus life is active, with sports, clubs, and events that make it easy to find a community. It is a good option for students looking for an affordable, broad, and flexible university experience.
6. University of Southern Maine (Portland/Gorham)
The University of Southern Maine serves students in Maine’s largest city and offers a mix of academic programs designed for practical careers. Students can study business, health sciences, engineering, arts, education, and several other fields.
The school is known for supporting working students, offering flexible schedules and accessible faculty. Because it is located in Portland, students benefit from internships, part-time work, and community opportunities in a busy city environment. The campus is diverse, and students come from many backgrounds and age groups.
7. Maine Maritime Academy (Castine)
Maine Maritime Academy is a specialised college that trains students for careers in engineering, marine transportation, logistics, and related fields. The programs are very hands-on, and students often learn on real ships, simulators, and engineering equipment. Although it is a small school, it has a strong national reputation because graduates get jobs quickly and earn good salaries.
The community is close-knit, and the training is disciplined and structured. Campus life is different from a typical college because many students take part in regimented programs, but it creates a strong sense of teamwork and responsibility.
8. Husson University (Bangor)
Husson University is known for practical, career-focused programs that prepare students for jobs in business, health sciences, communications, and technology. The school offers small classes and personal attention from professors, which helps students who prefer a more guided learning environment.
Husson also keeps tuition relatively affordable compared to many private universities, and the school emphasises value. Students often say the environment feels friendly and supportive. Many programs include internships or hands-on practice, especially in nursing, pharmacy, and business.
9. University of New England (Biddeford & Portland)
The University of New England is a private school known for health sciences, especially nursing, dental medicine, osteopathic medicine, and allied health programs. Students also study business, marine sciences, arts, and several other fields. UNE blends classroom learning with real-world training, and many students get clinical or internship experience early.
The Biddeford campus offers a coastal environment, while the Portland campus focuses more on professional and graduate programs. UNE is growing quickly and has invested a lot in new facilities.
10. Maine College of Art & Design (Portland)
Maine College of Art & Design is a small, specialised art school located in downtown Portland. It attracts students who want to explore visual arts, design, illustration, photography, textiles, and creative media. The school encourages experimentation and helps students build strong portfolios. Classes are small, and professors are working artists who share experience.
Because it is in a creative city, students have access to galleries, studios, and community arts projects. The learning environment is open, friendly, and collaborative. Many students choose MECA&D because it allows them to grow artistically while still learning practical skills for creative careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the highest-paying majors I can study at colleges in Maine?
Majors like engineering (electrical, chemical, computer), computer science, and business/economics tend to pay the most after college. These types of degrees often lead to high starting salaries (for example, engineering graduates often make $70,000–$80,000 in their first jobs) and strong mid-career income.
2. How much does it cost on average to go to a college in Maine?
On average, for 2024-2025, in-state tuition and fees for Maine colleges are about $7,762. If you’re from out of state, it’s much higher: about $28,748 according to recent data.
3. What about living costs while studying in Maine?
Living costs (room, board, transport, personal expenses) can also add up. For 4-year colleges in Maine, average on-campus living costs are around $15,956 per year, while off-campus costs are about $12,168. So, when budgeting, you need to include both tuition and living costs.
4. Which colleges in Maine are the most expensive?
The priciest schools in Maine include Colby College, Bowdoin College, and Bates College. For example, Colby’s undergraduate tuition is about $69,600.
5. Is choosing a high-paying major worth the cost?
It can be, depending on your situation. Majors in STEM (the high-paying ones) often lead to bigger salaries, which may help you pay back any debt faster. But it also depends on how much you pay for college, whether you get financial aid, and your career goals.
So, it’s smart to weigh the cost of school, the likely earnings after graduation, and what kind of work you want to do.