Best Colleges in Maine
Claiming the spot as the easternmost state, Maine has warm summers and severe winters. Known for its jagged coastline and seafood, it’s fitting that most colleges in this state are clustered around the Gulf of Maine. The Pine Tree State has a mix of public and private institutions, with only one for-profit college. There are thirteen baccalaureate-conferring institutions, the oldest being Bowdoin College, which also claims the status of most prestigious. When it comes to the economy, top industries include finance, insurance, real estate, and rental/leasing. Government, educational services, and the manufacturing of paper and wood products follow those. Popular attractions in Maine include Acadia National Park, Kennebunkport, and the Portland Museum of Art.
How Were the Top Schools in Maine Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Located near the Androscoggin River and Casco Bay, Bowdoin College is a 4-year liberal arts college in coastal Maine. With a focus on using education for the common good, Bowdoin offers undergraduate degrees in over 30 majors. Additionally, Bowdoin...
Attended classes and all were excellent---Chinese 2nd yr, Biomath, Chem, Physics
Profs all accessible and nice, varied classroom environments
Founded in 1813, Colby College is one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges, serving only undergraduates. Colby’s academic programs, including 45 majors and 35 minors, are anchored to the world’s most complex challenges. Colby’s campus...
Colby College provides a safe and welcoming environment to prospective and new students as well as an experience that is unique, challenging, and gratifying. The largest classes at Colby are probably the introductory science courses, which take place...
” – Angela from Bronx, NY
Founded in 1855 by a group of abolitionists, Bates College is a liberal arts college in southern Maine with a focus on social justice and egalitarianism. Bates confers bachelor’s degrees in 35 academic majors and students have the option to pursue...
What captured me was the modest intelligence of the students. Everyone here not only passionately wants to be here, but every student sincerely deserves to be here. The student body, friendly and easy-going, is a part of the aura of subdued learning...
” – Kiera from Lewiston, ME
College of the Atlantic is a private, 4-year institution established in Bar Harbor, Maine. The campus features a variety of facilities unique to the environment, such as the Beech Hill and Peggy Rockefeller Farms. All students enrolling in COA create...
The positive energy at COA is infectious. When everyone around you is incredibly passionate about what they're studying, it's hard to resist your own curiosity. The concept of going to class is completely redefined at the college by spirited...
” – Sky
The University of Maine at Farmington is a public, 4-year institution, and is associated with the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Located on a 55-acre campus among the mountains and lakes in the western region of Maine, the college boasts a...
The campus is amazing, you can feel close to nature and isolated, or suburban and connected to the world - depending on where you feel like walking. The teachers care about their students and you can tell, you can stay after class for as long as you...
” – Rachel from Farmington, MEMaine Maritime Academy is a public college with a campus overlooking the Castine Harbor in Maine. The school provides hands-on technical training aboard commercial vessels, the Schooner Bowdoin, and the Training Ship State of Maine. Students can...
I am definitely learning. The course load definitely pushes you to be constantly learning, and people here take around 18 credits plus noncredit courses such as labs for chemistry, nautical science, physics, in addition to other courses and classes...
” – Philep from Bolton, CT
Founded in 1865, the University of Maine is a 4-year public institution and the flagship campus of the UMaine system. UMaine encompasses colleges of Business, Liberal Arts, Education, Engineering, and Natural Sciences conferring degrees in almost 100...
The professors offer a lot of information in classes. Many professors have fantastic teaching techniques and are definitely worth while.
” – Ashley from Conway, NHUnity College, “America’s Environmental College,” is located in Unity, Maine, and was founded in 1965. Sitting within three climate zones, UC is comprised of 225 acres and features a liberal arts education in environmentally focused majors...
Unity College is hands on learning based. They put you out in your field of study and relate all subjects to the environment.
” – Jordan from Johnsburg, IL
USM promotes a diverse community with varied backgrounds and experiences to build a rich environment on our campuses. This results in a well-rounded learning community as individuals engage one another, build understanding, and learn to advocate for...
usm is a great school that is often taken for granted. there are tons of opportunities available once you become involved in the community. usm is also known to have some of the best programs around, in certain majors.
” – Jenae
For more than 110 years, Husson University has helped students build successful careers through innovative undergraduate, graduate and online programs that focus on experiential education. Husson offers nearly 70 degree programs in business, health...
I visited this school during an open house and I fell in love with it immediately. I can't wait to attend this fall, and I am really looking forward to all of the different things I will learn and do while I am there.
” – Rachel from Anson, MEWith a campus adjacent to the Northern Maine Woods, the University of Maine at Presque Isle is a regional campus of UM in a pastoral setting in the northeast part of the state. US News & World Report repeatedly lauds UMPI, ranking it number 14 on its...
Despite being a small rural school, UMPI offers a lot of great courses to its students especially those going into the field of education, ranging from English to Recreation and Phys. Ed.
” – Mika from Van Buren, ME
With campus situated a short distance from Saco Bay, The University of New England is a 4-year institution in coastal Maine and the largest private university in the state. UNE is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy...
The classes are usually about the size of high school classrooms, the teachers will know your name and will make sure you know of office hours. Don't be surprised if they give you their home phone number!
” – Megan from Biddeford, MEEnsconced in the St. John Valley, the University of Maine at Fort Kent is a rural institution serving a diverse student body featuring a higher percentage of international students than any New England university. UMFK offers a number of academic...
I really enjoy attending UMFK. There is so much to do there with many activities that goes on. The professors are extremely helpful.
” – Mariah from Byron, MEWith a campus that runs alongside the scenic Kennebec River, Thomas College is a 4-year institution in central Maine specializing in business education. In addition to bachelor’s degree programs in Finance and Accounting, Thomas also offers two...
Since it's a small college the professors can give you more one on one attention
” – Gabrielle from Skowhegan, METhe Maine College of Health Professions is a school of medicine and healthcare in southern Maine. The college offers bachelor’s and associate degree programs in Nursing as well as associate degrees in Radiologic Technology and Health Sciences...
Saint Joseph's College of Maine is a liberal arts college that was founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, and it is the only Catholic college in Maine. The Mercy tradition is encouraged at Saint Joseph’s through volunteering, service trips, Respect...
The teachers at St. Joe's are very friendly and welcome questions at any time. At the beginning of the semester you will be given their office hours and they tell you, you can always email them or go up to their office for help. The class size...
” – Ashley from sanford, ME
Founded in 1882, the Maine College of Art is a private school of art and design in coastal Maine. Situated in the Arts District of Portland, MECA confers bachelor’s degrees in 11 artistic majors including Photography, Ceramics, and Illustration. In...
Reading from other reviews, I know I'll learn a lot, not only in Illustration, but in other forms of art too. They have an awesome Foundations program, and just by reading the curriculum, I know I'm going to learn more and more about art.
” – Ana from the Southern Realms of JerseyThe University of Maine at Augusta is the flagship campus of UM and is located in the state capital. All of UMA’s academic buildings are centered around the campus green, a large circular open space for students to congregate when the weather allows...
i really enjoy attending school here. its small enough that getting to know people throughout the year is easy. also, the opportunities available here are great!
” – anonymousWith a campus adjacent to Lake Auburn, Central Maine Community College is a 2-year institution serving three counties. CMCC offers degrees and certificates in over 30 academic fields of study and its programs in Accounting, Business Administration...
Central Maine Community College is a great place to jump start your college career at an affordable price. The classroom environment for any student going to college the first time, whether you're young or old, is fantastic.
” – Dartanyan from Minot, MEFeaturing a 72 acre campus, Eastern Maine Community College is a 2-year college in Bangor. EMCC is home to over 30 degree and certificate-granting programs of study including Fine Woodworking & Cabinet Making and Diesel, Truck, & Heavy Equipment. The...
Imagine a college where the faculty knows you on a personal level, the price is extremely affordable, and the education is so valuable you can't put a price on it! I attended EMCC for two years, and it was an overall positive experience. For anyone...
” – Holliann from Waite, ME