Maine is home to a variety of colleges and universities that offer quality education and a range of programs for students. Many of these schools also recognize the growing demand for flexible learning, which is why they provide fully online and hybrid programs. Online education allows students to earn degrees while balancing work, family, or other commitments, without compromising on the quality of learning.
Across the state, colleges offer online programs in fields such as business, healthcare, education, criminal justice, and technology. These programs are designed to prepare students for real careers while giving them the flexibility to study on their own schedule.
To help prospective students make an informed choice, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best online colleges in Maine. The schools featured here are known for strong academics, flexible programs, and career-focused opportunities.
Top Online Colleges in Maine
1. University of Maine – UMaine Online
UMaine Online gives students flexible online degrees from a respected public research university. You can study fully online in subjects like business administration, psychology, economics, rural education, social work, and liberal studies, all from home. Many programs are designed so you don’t have to visit campus at all, which makes it great for working students or people with busy schedules.
The online offerings also include certificates and minors that help you build specialized skills. Courses may be either fully online or a mix of online and occasional in‑person work, giving you options that fit different learning styles and goals.
2. University of Southern Maine (USM Online)
USM Online offers career‑focused degrees that you can complete fully online or in flexible formats. Their programs include business analytics, communication, leadership and organizational studies, marketing, and social sciences, all designed with working students in mind.
USM also has degree completion tracks for students who already earned some college credits and want to finish their degree quickly. The online system supports you with advising and resources so you can balance school with work or family. USM’s online options make it easier to earn a degree without relocating or having to come to campus often.
3. University of Maine at Augusta (UMA Online)
UMA Online is known in Maine for offering many fully online degree programs — more than most public colleges in the state. You can take online courses in business, criminal justice, liberal studies, applied science, and other subjects.
UMA has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report for its online business and overall online bachelor’s programs, showing the quality of its distance education. With options for scholarships and lower tuition rates, UMA is a solid choice if you want an affordable online college with strong support and flexibility.
4. University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI Online / YourPace)
UMPI Online offers flexible and affordable online programs, especially through its unique YourPace system. This allows students to complete courses as they master the material instead of following a strict schedule, which can save time and fit around jobs or family life.
Programs include subjects like English, history, psychology, social work, business, and more, all designed to be 100% online and accessible from anywhere. The YourPace model is ideal for adult learners or people who want more control over their pace and deadlines. UMPI also supports international students online with the same accredited degrees.
5. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (Online)
Saint Joseph’s College has a strong online program with flexible start dates and student support built into every course. You can study business administration, health administration, social work, education, accounting, and other fields entirely online. The online learning environment includes personal attention from faculty, regular feedback, and community connection, even though you’re studying remotely.
There are both undergraduate and graduate online options, including an online MBA for career advancement. This makes Saint Joseph’s a good choice if you want quality online education with a human touch and clear pathways to career goals.
6. Husson University (Online)
Husson University’s online programs are designed for practical career preparation and flexibility. You can earn online degrees in accounting, professional health sciences, wildlife biology and conservation, and related fields. These programs are 100% online and focus on skills that employers value, such as management, conservation work, and professional health services.
Husson also offers graduate certificates and master’s level options online, helping students take the next step in their careers without needing to be on campus. The online curriculum is career‑driven, giving students the tools to succeed in diverse professional paths.
7. Beal University (Online / Hybrid)
Beal University offers online or hybrid programs (combining online and occasional campus work) in business, healthcare, and technology areas that suit many career paths. Students can study business administration, cybersecurity, health sciences, healthcare management, medical billing, and nursing (RN‑BSN) online.
The online classes include interactive assignments and group projects, helping you learn while still fitting education into a busy life. Although some programs require an associate degree first, Beal’s online offerings give you flexibility without sacrificing access to career services and academic support.
FAQs – Best Online Colleges in Maine
1. Which online programs in Maine lead to the best job prospects?
Degrees in nursing, healthcare administration, business, education, computer science, and criminal justice are in high demand in Maine and nationally. Choosing these programs can improve your chances of finding employment quickly after graduation.
2. Are online degrees from Maine colleges respected by employers?
Yes. Maine’s accredited online college,s like UMaine, USM, and Huss,on offer degrees recognized by employers. Programs meet the same academic standards as their on-campus counterparts.
3. Can I study online while workifull-timeime?
Absolutely. Most online programs in Maine are designed for flexibility, with asynchronous classes and part-time options that let you study around your work schedule.
4. Are there fully online bachelor’s programs in Maine?
Yes. Schools like UMA, UMPI, and UMaine offer fully online bachelor’s degrees in fields like business, social work, criminal justice, and liberal studies.
5. How much do online programs in Maine cost?
Costs vary. Public universities like UMaine and UMA are more affordable, especially for in-state students. Private colleges like Saint Joseph’s and Husson charge more but may offer scholarships or financial aid.
6. Are there online graduate programs available in Maine?
Yes. Several schools, including USM and Husson University, offer online master’s degrees in business, education, healthcare, and professional studies.
7. Will I get support as an online student?
Yes. Maine online colleges provide academic advising, tutoring, library access, and career services. Faculty and staff are available to help you succeed remotely.
8. Do online programs include hands-on experience or internships?
Many programs offer virtual labs, simulations, and internship opportunities. Some fields, like nursing or healthcare, may require short on-site clinical experiences.
9. Can I transfer credits to an online college in Maine?
Yes. Most online colleges accept transfer credits from accredited institutions, allowing you to save time and reduce tuition costs.
10. Are online programs suitable for adult learners or returning students?
Definitely. Maine’s online colleges are ideal for adult learners, parents, and working professionals. Programs are flexible and designed to help students balance education with other responsibilities.