Maine Universities Ranked: The Best Colleges and Universities in Maine

Bowdoin College is a private liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine, that was established in 1794. It is one of the oldest educational institutions in the state. Its strengths are in the areas of arts, science, political studies, and international relations.

Bowdoin College Overview

• Campus Location: Brunswick
• Student Population: 1,805
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Graduation Rate: 94%
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $66,864
• US News National Ranking: #6
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #38

Best Bowdoin College Programs

• Asian Studies. This program is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Asian diaspora. Students are highly encouraged to study abroad in Asian countries during their junior years to broaden their range of interests and develop individual research projects.
• Biochemistry. This program helps students understand how biological and chemical principles apply to daily living.
• Cinema Studies. This course introduces students to different film techniques, history, and literature, to give students a deeper understanding of the filmmaking craft.
• Computer Science. This course will help students develop fluency in popular programming languages, develop their own algorithms, and engage in collaborative team projects.
• Urban Studies. Students will explore the physical, environmental, economic, cultural, and political dimensions of urban settings. This course will allow them to have a career in urban planning and perform key roles in land development projects.

Bates College is a private college known for concentrations in liberal arts and science programs. Its informative classes encourage students to be intellectual thinkers and advocate for reflection and personal growth. Some of this private institution’s popular programs include Art and Visual Culture, Biochemistry, Classical and Medieval Studies, and European Studies.

Bates College Overview

• Campus Location: Lewiston
• Student Population: 1,876
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Graduation Rate: 92%
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $64,706
• US News National Ranking: #25
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #64

Best Bates College Programs

• Economics. This program provides a broad, non-technical understanding of general economics and how it relates to institutions, current policies, and economic analysis.
• Dance. This is a study of the theories behind dance and the artform’s cultural context. The athletic program encourages original choreographic works and the school opens up opportunities for its students to flourish in this line of interest.
• Biology. This is a general biology course that prepares students for a possible career in health sciences, research, education, and medicine. School graduates can then move on to medical school.
• Theater. This program combines the study of Greek dramatic literature with present acting, dance, directing, design, and film.
• Political Studies. This program stresses the importance of diversity in political experience and it tackles a wide range of socio-political issues, such as racism, sexuality, gender, and ethnicity.

Colby College is a private college that was founded in 1813, best known for its teachings in literary and other liberal arts. It offers a variety of academic programs with a focus on arts, history, biology, chemistry, civilization studies, and economics. It has 32 athletic teams and the college is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in NCAA Division III.

Colby College Overview

• Campus Location: Waterville
• Student Population: 2,155
• Acceptance Rate: 10% 
• Graduation Rate: 87%
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $71,127
• US News National Ranking: #17
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #71

Best Colby College Programs

• American Studies. This program exposes students to the complex interactions of the American people, and the social structures and political institutions that constitute all of America.
• Art History. This program examines classic and contemporary works of art and studies their relationships to the political, social, and cultural concerns at the time the art was created.
• Neuroscience. Neuroscience examines the behavior of the human brain from a biological research perspective. This program tackles both neurobiology and psychology.
• East Asian Studies. This program provides an in-depth study of the culture, traditions, social aspects, and languages of Japan and China.
• Astrophysics. This program teaches the fundamentals of astrophysics that are necessary for a technical career in space observatories, planetariums, commercial satellites, and spaceflight organizations.

Maine Maritime Academy is a public college with an inviting campus in the coastal area of Castine, Maine, offering maritime training with on-campus housing and residence halls. The school aims to develop unique skillsets among its students on campus to build their careers in the business, logistics, engineering, and operations aspects of the maritime industry.

Maine Maritime Academy Overview

• Campus Location: Castine
• Student Population: 941
• Acceptance Rate: 52%
• Graduation Rate: 72%
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $72,837
• US News National Ranking: #4
• Times Higher Education Ranking: No ranking

Best Maine Maritime Academy Programs

• Coastal Marine and Environmental Science. Students of this program will learn how to tackle environmental problems, such as rising sea levels and global environmental change.
• International Business and Logistics. This program helps students develop the skills to take on leadership roles to manage logistical challenges and operations in domestic and global supply chains.
• Marine Biology. The marine biology program teaches students how to preserve marine life. It provides hands-on experience in laboratories, research vessels, and fieldwork.
• Marine Engineering Operations. This regimental program gives students hands-on learning opportunities in a laboratory setting and training inside ships. Graduates can be eligible for a 3rd assistant engineer job with a U.S. Coast Guard license.
• Oceanography. This public institution’s oceanography program teaches students to measure, analyze, and synthesize ocean data. The course includes field trips to explore various ocean landscapes including salt marshes, intertidal shores, and mudflats.

College of the Atlantic is an experimental private liberal arts college founded in 1969 that offers only one unique self-designed program called Human Ecology. When students enroll in this program, they’re allowed to pick their courses and design their own curriculum according to their interests. Tiny class sizes contribute to a sense of community engagement among students.

College of the Atlantic Overview

• Campus Location: Bar Harbor
• Student Population: 370
• Acceptance Rate: 76%
• Graduation Rate: 67%
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $42,816
• US News National Ranking: #92
• Times Higher Education Ranking: No ranking

Best College Of The Atlantic Courses

Note: The school only has one sole program, which is Human Ecology. Listed here are some of the courses students can choose to build their curriculum under the program.

• Introductory Entomology. This course is a solid introduction to insect biology, ecology, and taxonomy, through lectures, lab sessions, and field trips.
• The Anthropocene. This course defines humans in terms of political climate change. It teaches how to respond to human-induced climate change.
• Land Use Planning. This course examines what key physical aspects make a welcoming community that is desirable to live in, work in, and visit.
• Lichen Biology. This is a general introductory course to the biology of lichens, their chemistry, reproduction, structure, and the unique nature of lichen symbiosis.
• Introduction to Photography. This program teaches students how to use a camera as an effective tool for self-expression. It is a practical course that teaches basic camera controls.

The University of New England in Maine is the largest private research university in the area. It’s known for producing health professionals and providing hands-on learning for increasing career earnings. It specializes in the areas of healthcare, dental medicine, education, and marine sciences for both online students and students on campus.

University of New England Overview

• Campus Locations: Bedford and Portland (US), Tangier (Morocco)
• Student Population: 7,208
• Acceptance Rate: 87%
• Graduation Rate: 63%
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $47,415
• US News National Ranking: #249
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #434

Best University of New England Programs

• Animal Behavior. This program is an interdisciplinary study that allows you to enter various career paths related to animals, including veterinary science, environmental science, marine biology, and biology.
• Biochemistry. This program trains students in laboratory techniques and other biochemical disciplines that can serve as a gateway to a thriving career in the bioscience industry.
• Criminology. This program focuses on the study of the social construction of crimes and criminals, the effectiveness of anti-crime policies, and social reaction to crime.
• Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies. As a combination of the study of health science, wellness promotion, and human occupation, this program is full of academic resources.
• Marine Sciences. The marine sciences program is very hands-on from the beginning, teaching students how to survey species within the local estuarine food web.

The University of Maine is a land grant public research university established in 1865 and is the flagship university of the University of Maine system. It is the largest institution in Maine, with more than 11,500 students. A notable alumnus of this school is best-selling horror author Stephen King.

University of Maine Overview

• Campus Location: Orono
• Student Population: 11,741
• Acceptance Rate: 92%
• Graduation Rate: 57%
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $44,376
• US News National Ranking: #213
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #600

Best University of Maine Programs

• Child Development and Family Relations. This program prepares students to work with youth and families in the community. Graduates can take on roles such as child advocates, early childhood educators, camp directors, or behavioral specialists.
• Animal and Veterinary Sciences. This program covers the breeding, management, anatomy, diseases, and physiology of farm animals, avian species, and companion animals.
• Biomedical Engineering. This program covers a broad range of topics in biology and engineering. It will help students develop the skills to handle biological systems to benefit society.
• Communications. This program focuses on how humans use communication to build societies, produce cultures, and build connections.
• Botany. This is a general course that teaches the fundamentals of biological science as it relates to plants. It will cover math, organic chemistry, physics, and human sciences.

The University of Maine at Farmington is a public liberal arts school known for its strengths in teacher education, arts and science, and human services programs. It was named as the best public college in Maine in 2018 by Best Colleges for its affordability and strong focus on liberal arts.

University of Maine at Farmington Overview

• Campus Location: Farmington
• Student Population: 1,862
• Acceptance Rate: 96.6%
• Graduation Rate: 55%
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $35,051
• US News National Ranking: #6
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #601

Best University of Maine at Farmington Programs

• Actuarial Science. This program prepares students to become eligible for licensure in the state of Maine. An actuary forecasts and formulates strategies to mitigate future events using mathematical strategies. This is very helpful in the business, government, and finance industries.
• Business Psychology. This is a study of real-world business concepts, dynamics, and practices. The psychology aspect of the course focuses on how to improve organizational structures.
• Creative Writing. This program covers poetry, screenwriting, fiction, and journalism. Part of the curriculum is an apprenticeship program in a publishing house or as a screenwriter in the media industry.
• Early Childhood Education. The University of Maine at Farmington’s early childhood education program has gained a reputation for preparing high-quality teachers after graduation. Its curriculum is based on the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
• Geography and Environmental Planning. This program is designed to help students develop a strong skillset that will help them build a career in community planning, conservation of natural resources, environmental justice, and international development.

Husson University is a private university that offers fully online programs for some of its undergraduate degrees, masters, and doctoral programs. It is well known for quality programs in the areas of business, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting, and related protective services.

Husson University Overview

• Campus Location: Bangor
• Student Population: 3,473
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $43,582
• US News National Ranking: #299
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #800

Best Husson University Programs

• Accounting. This program provides strong core courses on the fundamentals of accounting. It teaches students how to produce valuable and reliable information through the assessment of financial statements.
• Business and Professional Studies. This program has a broad curriculum of study that prepares the student for various roles in any business setting. Coursework includes economics, business law, accounting, marketing, financial management, and international business.
• Criminal Justice.  This program focuses on the traditional areas of law, policy-making, budgeting, psychology, and leadership, which are essential skills needed to perform effectively in a law-oriented organization.
• Integrated Technology. This program is designed to help students understand business processes integrated with tech skills. You will learn how to build computer information systems for businesses and learn web development skills.
• Nursing. The school has modern nursing laboratories and state-of-the-art simulation equipment to train nursing students extensively. It has partner programs with hospitals and healthcare agencies to help students gain the experience they need.

Beal University is a small private university located in Bangor, specializing in healthcare and business programs. It offers online and on-campus programs. Academic years are divided into six terms with an eight-week period each term.

Beal University Overview

• Campus Locations: Wilton, Bangor
• Student Population: 493
• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Graduation Rate: 46%
• Post-Grad Median Salary: $25,542
• US News National Ranking: Not included
• Times Higher Education Ranking: Not included

Best Beal University Programs

• Nursing. This program trains students to become professional nurses and meet the demands of today’s complex healthcare environment.
• Healthcare Sciences. This is a foundational degree for those who want a career in the medical field but who are still undecided on their specialization.
• Biomedical Science. This program prepares students for a career in pharmaceuticals, health departments, laboratories, and medical manufacturing.
• Business Administration. The business admin program prepares students to manage business operations and employee supervision. This course gives students fundamental knowledge of business operations including finance, marketing, and business law.
• Medicinal Plant Sciences. This program prepares students to become professionals in the medical cannabis sector, either in business operations or laboratory settings.

1. Central Maine Community College. This is a public community college located in Auburn. Many students consider enrolling here because of its low tuition rate. It offers associate degrees and programs in the areas of business, technology, health sciences, public safety, and engineering.
2. Northern Maine Community College. Founded in 1961, this public community college offers more than 30 associate and certificate degrees in the areas of business, accounting, nursing, medical coding, education, and many more.
3. University of Maine Presque Isle. This public college is ranked number 31 in the Best Regional Colleges North list by U.S. News. The school offers a selection of 22 bachelor’s degree programs and 45 minors in the areas of arts, science, education, agriculture, business, computer science, engineering, and health.

1. University of Maine at Fort Kent. This public university in Maine is an academic center for Acadian and French American culture and heritage, thanks to its proximity to the Canadian border. Its programs focus on health, sciences, and information technology.
2. University of Maine at Machias. The University of Maine at Machias is a public college known for its excellent programs in education, English, social sciences, and physical sciences.
3. University of Southern Maine. The University of Southern Maine is one of the two schools in Maine to offer an ABET-accredited program in computer science. It offers around 115 undergraduate areas of study.

1. Maine College of Art and Design. A private art college in Portland, the Maine College of Art and Design is the largest arts institution in Maine. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Fine Arts, and continuing studies for adults and youth. 
2. Maine College of Health Professions. The Maine College of Health Professions provides individualized education through small class sizes to ensure students develop keen skills to secure a career in the healthcare industry.
3. Bates College. Bates College advocates intellectual thinking, reflection, and personal growth among its students. Its popular program offerings include Art and Visual Culture, Biochemistry, Classical and Medieval Studies, and European Studies.

1. University of Maine. Some of the University of Maine’s fully online undergraduate and graduate degree program offerings are include Educational Leadership, Instructional Technology, Economics, Legal Studies, Political Science, and Business Administration.
2. University of Southern Maine. This university offers undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and certificate degrees that can be taken fully online. Programs are taught by the same faculty as traditional face-to-face classes. It has programs in the areas of art, biology, business, chemistry, economics, engineering, and more.
3. University of Maine at Augusta. This university offers 28 bachelor's, master's degree, and associate degree programs that can be taken fully online. Some of these programs include applied science, cyber security, liberal studies, music, and social science.

1. Colby College. Colby College is one of the best schools for international students to get their bachelor’s degrees because the population has a high student diversity, tuition fees are reasonable, and there is a 10-to-one student-to-faculty ratio. Around 9.9 percent of the student population are international students.
2. Bates College. Bates College is a wonderful college for diversity, with about 7.8 percent of its students being international students, some coming all the way from Asian and European countries.
3. Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College is also good for diversity and has a great selection of undergraduate degree programs for international students. About six percent of its total student body are international students. Bowdoin has one of the highest graduation rates, with a student-to-faculty ratio of nine-to-one.

1. University of Maine. The computer science coursework at the University of Maine provides students with the fundamentals of computer science, including programming languages, software engineering, operating systems, and computer architecture.
2. University of Southern Maine. The computer science program at this school teaches students competitive skillsets to become experts in the tech industry, no matter what specializations they choose. Graduates can become data scientists, software engineers, or programmers.
3. Bowdoin College. In Bowdoin College’s computer science program, students are taught to analyze algorithms and create their own. Students will learn programming languages and specialize in at least one. They will learn how to collaborate and have hands-on training to build and create projects.

1. University of Maine. This school’s nursing program prepares students for a professional role in advanced healthcare, healthcare leadership, and public health management. Its faculty is committed to providing scientific teaching strategies to engage its learners.
2. University of Southern Maine. The school prepares its students for professional nursing practice through a combination of coursework and state-of-the-art simulation labs. It provides the academic and social foundations that students need to service the global community in a medical career.
3. University of New England. The University of New England’s nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Its faculty uses various teaching strategies, like state-of-the-art simulation and comprehensive training.

1. Maine Maritime Academy. This school provides robust training and coursework in engineering principles to prepare students for a maritime engineering role. The school’s programs qualify students as engineering practitioners in the maritime industry.
2. University of Southern Maine. The school’s Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering programs are both accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
3. University of Maine at Presque Isle. The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s engineering programs train students to tackle world problems such as energy supply, healthcare delivery, and infrastructure repair. Some of the programs include civil, chemical, electrical, biomedical, computer, and mechanical engineering.

1. University of Maine at Machias. This school offers an undergraduate degree in business and entrepreneurial studies. The program emphasizes professional skills and entrepreneurial talent and seeks to encourage entrepreneurial culture.
2. Bowdoin College. Bowdoin students taking up business courses are trained in critical thinking and analytical skills to succeed across business roles. Coursework includes fundamentals in marketing, corporate strategy, brand management, corporate branding, financial advisory, and more.
3. University of Maine at Presque Isle. This program offers concentrations in management, information systems, accounting, and business leadership. Students will tackle all the fundamentals of business, including finance, marketing, human resources, project management, and recreation.

1. Colby College. The selection of arts-related major and minor courses at Colby College will surely provide an interesting experience for liberal arts lovers. The school offers East Asian studies, creative writing, art history, classics, cinema studies, meteorology, and more.
2. Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College is a known liberal arts college offering philosophy, Arctic studies, art history, urban studies, sociology,  and music. Bowdoin’s education fosters independent thinking, social responsibility, and individual action.
3. Bates College. Bates College promotes immersive study in a particular area that culminates in a capstone project or a thesis. It offers courses such as Asian studies, Chinese studies, dance, East Asian studies, rhetoric, film, and screen studies.

This profession monitors and cares for patients with disabilities, including those incapable of mobility and those with chronic illnesses, to help them live a good life. They often care for the elderly who need assistance. In some cases, they may be allowed to administer medication and do routine medical procedures.

• Average Salary in Maine: $31,730
• Employment in Maine: 15,890
• Overall Job Growth: 33%
• Best Maine University Program: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences at Beal University

Registered nurses coordinate with doctors to deliver patient care, educate patients on their health status, and provide medical and emotional support to the families of the patient. Maine offers on-campus and fully online nursing courses, so you can be employed while earning a degree and transitioning into the medical field.

• Average Salary in Maine: $73,630
• Employment in Maine: 14,380
• Overall Job Growth: 9%
• Best Maine University Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Beal University

Secondary school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation, including college and work. Aside from teaching in a specific area, they plan lessons, assess student capabilities, and administer standardized tests.

• Average Salary in Maine: $57,520
• Employment in Maine: 5,450
• Overall Job Growth: 8%
• Best Maine University Program: Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at University of Maine at Presque Isle

Retail sales workers work in department stores and retail shops to assist customers in the decision-making and processing of their purchases. They must be familiar with the products and merchandise in order to answer questions and issues raised by customers. This job has the highest percentage of employment in Maine and good opportunities for career advancement.

• Average Salary in Maine: $33,340
• Employment in Maine: 17,820
• Overall Job Growth: -1%
• Best Maine University Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Beal University

This occupation manages, monitors, and produces financial reports for organizations. Although overall job growth for this occupation does not seem encouraging, Maine continues to have job openings for this occupation. Almost every university and college in Maine offers business or finance-related degrees that qualify you for a job as a bookkeeper, accountant, or auditing clerk.

• Average Salary in Maine: $43,330
• Employment in Maine: 7,800
• Overall Job Growth: -3%
• Best Maine University Program: Bachelor of Science in Economics at Bates College