Explore Maine Colleges
Colleges in Maine
Explore 19 colleges and universities in Maine, including 7 public institutions and 12 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.
19
Total Colleges
7
Public
12
Private
Maine at a Glance
Avg Acceptance Rate
5920%
Average acceptance rate for Maine colleges
Avg Net Price
$20,860.389
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
$26,896.889
For public universities
See how Maine colleges compare head-to-head on acceptance rates, costs, and outcomes.
Maine Colleges Directory
Browse 19 colleges in Maine, sorted by ranking and selectivity.

Brunswick, ME•Private
7%
Acceptance Rate$79,440/yr
1470-1550
94%
"Bowdoin College turns Maine's biting coastal winds into a launchpad for polar explorers, policy wonks, and outdoor philosophers who crave tight-knit intellectual camaraderie."

Waterville, ME•Private
7%
Acceptance Rate$78,730/yr
1460-1550
87%
"In remote Maine woods, Colby forges resilient adventurers into sharp thinkers via tiny classes and a signature January of wild projects."

Lewiston, ME•Private
13%
Acceptance Rate$79,846/yr
1420-1530
92%
"Bates College immerses you in Maine's rugged outdoors while forging tight-knit scholars who prioritize experiences over extravagance."

Orono, ME•Public
97%
Acceptance Rate$25,050/yr
1070-1330
60%
"Maine's land-grant flagship where Black Bears tackle forestry, engineering, and Arctic research in a riverside woodland setting."

Farmington, ME•Public
97%
Acceptance Rate$19,950/yr
995-1245
61%
"University of Maine at Farmington is located in Farmington, ME."

Portland, ME•Public
79%
Acceptance Rate$20,184/yr
990-1250
45%
"University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME."

Bangor, ME•Private
81%
Acceptance Rate$32,832/yr
1065-1275
61%
"Husson University blends hands-on learning with the quiet charm of Bangor, Maine, for a practical, close-knit college experience."

Castine, ME•Public
54%
Acceptance Rate$23,756/yr
1095-1260
75%
"Maine Maritime Academy is located in Castine, ME."

Biddeford, ME•Private
92%
Acceptance Rate$57,510/yr
N/A
69%
"Oceanfront Maine campus training future health professionals and marine scientists hands-on."

Bar Harbor, ME•Private
70%
Acceptance Rate$54,684/yr
1240-1430
72%
"Interdisciplinary human ecology college nestled against Acadia National Park where students craft their own paths."
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Colleges
Bowdoin College is the highest-ranked university in Maine, ranked #26 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.
The average tuition at Maine colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $26,897 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $31,586. After financial aid, the average net price is $20,860.
The average acceptance rate for colleges in Maine is 59%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.
To qualify for in-state tuition at Maine public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a Maine driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.
Maine is located in the Northeast region of the United States. Home to the Ivy League and some of America's oldest universities, the Northeast offers a rich academic tradition with diverse urban and rural campuses.
Maine offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $20,860. Public universities in Maine provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.
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