Best Value Colleges in Maine

Best Value Schools for a degree in Maine

Here are the most affordable colleges in Maine. We have sorted our list based on the average cost of attendance after financial aid is factored in. In-state tuition is used for public universities.

  1. University of Southern Maine

    University of Southern Maine is a four-year, medium full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Portland, ME. It has an enrollment of 4,668 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 86.99%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $9,472.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1112.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 22.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,568
    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,854
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $43,240
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $45,767
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,569
    • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $64,493
    • Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,728
    • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,231
    • Law. (First Professional Degree) – $55,594
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,774
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,649
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,526
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Public Policy Analysis. (Master’s Degree) – $49,644
    • Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
    • Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $42,203
    • Criminology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,565
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,565
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
    • Social Sciences, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,236
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,615
    • Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $18,309
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $51,690
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,422
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $95,169
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,160
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $58,673
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,852
    • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $54,869
    • Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,342
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925

    University of Southern Maine School Spirit

    The school spirit at the University of Southern Maine is generally considered to be moderate. Although the university does not have a large sports program due to the lack of a football team, they do have several other varsity sports teams that compete in the Little East Conference. The university also has a strong culture of activism and community involvement, which fosters a sense of pride and belonging among students. Additionally, the university hosts several events and traditions throughout the academic year, which help to build school spirit and a sense of community on campus. Overall, while the university may not have the same level of school spirit as some larger universities, it is still an important aspect of campus life at the University of Southern Maine.

    Learn more about University of Southern Maine

  2. University of Maine at Augusta

    University of Maine at Augusta is a four-year, higher part-time, higher education institution located in Augusta, ME. It has an enrollment of 3,020 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is unreported. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $9,889.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. (Associate’s Degree) – $29,092
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,937
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,956
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,816
    • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. (Associate’s Degree) – $33,138
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,374
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Associate’s Degree) – $49,918
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,358
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,637
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,281

    University of Maine at Augusta School Spirit

    At the University of Maine at Augusta, there are several popular extracurricular activities. Some of the most popular extracurriculars at UMA include the Student Government Association (SGA), the Student Activities Board (SAB), the Diversity Committee, the Environmental Club, the Criminal Justice Society, the Theatre Club, and the Veterans Association. Additionally, UMA offers a variety of academic and career-oriented student organizations, as well as intramural sports, community service activities, and cultural events.

    Learn more about University of Maine at Augusta

  3. University of Maine at Farmington

    University of Maine at Farmington is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Farmington, ME. It has an enrollment of 1,380 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 96.69%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,863.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,284
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,882
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,397
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,687
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,960
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,047
    • Business/Managerial Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771

    University of Maine at Farmington School Spirit

    The University of Maine at Farmington is known for its strong school spirit. The campus community is tight-knit and students take pride in their university. There are a variety of events and activities throughout the year that promote school spirit, including sports games, festivals, and performances. The UMF athletic teams, known as the Beavers, also enjoy strong support from the student body. Overall, school spirit at the University of Maine at Farmington is an important part of campus life.

    Learn more about University of Maine at Farmington

  4. Unity College

    Unity College is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in New Gloucester, ME. It has an enrollment of 1,981 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 91.42%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $16,719.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 27 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Natural Resources Management and Policy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,668
    • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,499
    • Zoology/Animal Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,863
    • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,933

    Unity College School Spirit

    Unity College, a private environmental college located in Maine, is known for having a strong sense of school spirit. Their students are highly involved in campus life and take great pride in their school’s unique mission to educate environmental stewards. The college offers a variety of student-led clubs and organizations, including athletics teams, environmental groups, and recreational clubs that contribute to the vibrant campus culture. In addition, Unity College hosts a variety of campus events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and outdoor adventures, which further strengthen the sense of community and school pride. Overall, Unity College students are known for being passionate, driven, and proud to be part of the “Unity experience”.

    Learn more about Unity College

  5. Bowdoin College

    Bowdoin College is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Brunswick, ME. It has an enrollment of 1,948 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 8.82%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $16,925.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,123
    • Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $104,192
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,771
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,009
    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
    • Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,101
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,971
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,015
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,231
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771

    Bowdoin College School Spirit

    School spirit at Bowdoin College is generally pretty high. The small, tight-knit community fosters a sense of pride and camaraderie among students. Athletics are particularly important at Bowdoin, with many students actively participating in sports teams or supporting their classmates at games. The college also hosts a number of events throughout the year that bring the community together, including Homecoming and Ivies Weekend. Overall, you can expect a strong sense of school spirit at Bowdoin College.

    Learn more about Bowdoin College

  6. University of Maine

    University of Maine is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Orono, ME. It has an enrollment of 9,246 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 96.46%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $17,067.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1180.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 26.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,236
    • Food Science and Technology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,615
    • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,658
    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,416
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $41,937
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,726
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $41,789
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,798
    • Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $72,509
    • Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,464
    • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,737
    • Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,775
    • Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,499
    • Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,964
    • Construction Engineering Technologies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,964
    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,649
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,381
    • Marine Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,141
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,443
    • Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $43,798
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,808
    • International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,059
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,585
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,218
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,428
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $58,673
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,309
    • Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,007

    University of Maine School Spirit

    The University of Maine has a strong school spirit, with various traditions and events that foster a sense of community and pride among students. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Black Bears, are popular among students and the wider community, with a dedicated student section at games. Homecoming week is a particularly big event on campus, with a parade, bonfire, and other activities to bring students and alumni together. The university also has a marching band and several clubs and organizations related to school spirit. Overall, school spirit is an important part of the University of Maine experience.

    Learn more about University of Maine

  7. Colby College

    Colby College is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Waterville, ME. It has an enrollment of 2,262 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 8.87%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $17,739.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1471.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 33.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,193
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
    • International/Global Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
    • Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,971
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,995
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,118

    Colby College School Spirit

    School spirit is an important part of the culture at Colby College. The students, staff, and alumni are united in their passion for their school. The college has a number of traditions that fuel school pride, such as the annual homecoming parade, campus-wide events like the Puddle Jump, which takes place during the winter, and a vibrant athletics program. Additionally, the college’s mascot, Mules, is much beloved by everyone and can be seen at various sporting events and campus activities. Overall, school spirit is alive and well at Colby College, and students love to show their support for their school.

    Learn more about Colby College

  8. Husson University

    Husson University is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Bangor, ME. It has an enrollment of 2,430 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 85.55%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $19,688.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,048
    • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Legal Support Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,941
    • Psychology, General. (Master’s Degree) – $56,415
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,127
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
    • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. (Doctoral Degree) – $128,489
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $56,351
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Doctoral Degree) – $67,042
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,274
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,153
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $58,943
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,673
    • Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993

    Husson University School Spirit

    Husson University takes pride in its school spirit, which is exhibited through various events and activities organized by the university. Students actively participate in sports and other extracurricular activities, showing their support for their teams, clubs, and organizations. The university also has a Spirit Week, during which students and faculty dress up according to the theme of the day and participate in various competitions and activities. Additionally, the university has a strong sense of community, and students are encouraged to participate in volunteer work and community outreach programs. Overall, the school spirit at Husson University is active and enthusiastic.

    Learn more about Husson University

  9. Bates College

    Bates College is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Lewiston, ME. It has an enrollment of 1,821 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 17.31%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $26,560.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,192
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,600
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,273

    Bates College School Spirit

    Bates College is known for having strong school spirit, with many students expressing deep pride in their college. There are a number of campus traditions that contribute to this strong sense of community, such as the Bates dance festival, pep rallies, and sports events. Students often show their school spirit through their attire, with many wearing Bates apparel or displaying the college’s logo on stickers and other items. Overall, school spirit is an important part of the Bates College experience and helps to foster a sense of unity and pride among students, faculty, and alumni.

    Learn more about Bates College

  10. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

    Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a four-year, medium full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Standish, ME. It has an enrollment of 1,066 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 80.58%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $29,195.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1125.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $49,840
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,298
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $64,990
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $59,934
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $96,829
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,485

    Saint Joseph’s College of Maine School Spirit

    Saint Joseph’s College of Maine has a strong sense of school spirit. Students are proud of their institution and are actively engaged in campus activities, clubs, and athletics. The college has a dedicated Office of Student Engagement that organizes events and activities aimed at promoting school spirit and community building. Additionally, the college has a competitive athletic program with a variety of varsity sports teams that students can participate in or cheer on. Overall, there is a strong sense of community and pride on campus at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.

    Learn more about Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

  11. University of New England

    University of New England is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Biddeford, ME. It has an enrollment of 2,224 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 89.99%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $35,936.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $70,344
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,009
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $54,593
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Doctoral Degree) – $86,550
    • Education, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $126,504
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,420
    • Zoology/Animal Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,774
    • Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $44,399
    • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,236
    • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,651
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $102,919
    • Medicine. (Doctoral Degree) – $59,097
    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. (Doctoral Degree) – $124,217
    • Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $57,705
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $66,922
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Doctoral Degree) – $68,024
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,806
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $182,280
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,235

    University of New England School Spirit

    The University of New England has a strong school spirit and students and alumni are very committed to the University. The University regularly holds various events such as pep rallies and tailgating parties during the sports season to boost school spirit. UNE also has a strong athletic program with 18 varsity teams that compete in the NCAA Division III. The University also encourages student involvement in various clubs and organizations and offers many opportunities for students to get involved in the campus community.

    Learn more about University of New England