Best Colleges in Maine

22
Universities
8
Community Colleges
30
Total Institutions

Explore 30 colleges and universities in Maine, ranked by the Repit College Score. Our ratings evaluate graduation rates, affordability, resources, and student experience.

#1
B+

Colby College

Waterville, ME • 2,284 students
Private Non-Profit
90%
Grad Rate
#2
B+

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME • 1,850 students
Private Non-Profit
96%
Grad Rate
#3
B+

Bates College

Lewiston, ME • 1,753 students
Private Non-Profit
91%
Grad Rate
#4
C+

Maine College of Health Professions

Lewiston, ME • 228 students
Private Non-Profit
83%
Grad Rate
#5
C+

Maine Maritime Academy

Castine, ME • 913 students
Public
61%
Grad Rate
$21k
Net Price
#6
C+

University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME • 7,528 students
Public
46%
Grad Rate
$12k
Net Price
9%
Off-Campus
#7
C+

University of Maine

Orono, ME • 11,760 students
Public
56%
Grad Rate
$18k
Net Price
#8
C+

University of Maine at Farmington

Farmington, ME • 1,950 students
Public
53%
Grad Rate
$15k
Net Price
#9
C+

College of the Atlantic

Bar Harbor, ME • 367 students
Private Non-Profit
69%
Grad Rate
#10
C+

University of Maine at Augusta

Augusta, ME • 4,323 students
Public
23%
Grad Rate
$12k
Net Price
47%
Off-Campus
#11
C

University of New England

Biddeford, ME • 6,473 students
Private Non-Profit
61%
Grad Rate
#12
C

Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Standish, ME • 1,463 students
Private Non-Profit
69%
Grad Rate
#13
C

Husson University

Bangor, ME • 3,133 students
Private Non-Profit
57%
Grad Rate
#14
C

University of Maine at Fort Kent

Fort Kent, ME • 1,406 students
Public
40%
Grad Rate
$11k
Net Price
13%
Off-Campus
#15
C

Maine Media College

Rockport, ME • 24 students
Private Non-Profit
#16
C

University of Maine at Presque Isle

Presque Isle, ME • 2,187 students
Public
38%
Grad Rate
$10k
Net Price
15%
Off-Campus
#17
C

Maine College of Art & Design

Portland, ME • 474 students
Private Non-Profit
49%
Grad Rate
#18
C

Unity Environmental University

New Gloucester, ME • 6,359 students
Private Non-Profit
57%
Grad Rate
#19
C

Thomas College

Waterville, ME • 1,669 students
Private Non-Profit
51%
Grad Rate
#20
D

University of Maine-System Central Office

Orono, ME
Public
#21
D

Beal University

Bangor, ME • 520 students
Private For-Profit
34%
Grad Rate
#22
D

Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts

Portland, ME • 93 students
Private Non-Profit

Cities with Multiple Colleges

Lewiston 2 colleges
Waterville 2 colleges
Orono 2 colleges
Portland 3 colleges
Presque Isle 2 colleges
Bangor 3 colleges

About College Rankings in Maine

The Repit College Score ranks 30 colleges and universities in Maine based on outcomes (graduation rates, retention), affordability (net cost, financial aid), resources (class sizes, faculty ratios), and student experience (campus life, housing options).

4-Year Universities (22): Bachelor's degree-granting institutions including public universities, private colleges, and research institutions.

2-Year Colleges (8): Community colleges and technical schools offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Maine

How many colleges are in Maine?

There are 30 accredited colleges and universities in Maine tracked by Repit, including 22 4-year institutions and 8 community colleges. Each school is rated using our proprietary scoring system that evaluates outcomes, affordability, and resources.

How does Repit rate colleges?

Repit rates colleges on a 100-point scale across five categories: Outcomes (graduation and retention rates), Affordability (net cost and financial aid), Resources (class sizes and selectivity), Experience (campus life and learning format), and Prestige (reputation and recognition). Each factor is weighted and combined into an overall score and letter grade.

Should I attend a public or private college in Maine?

Maine has both public and private institutions. Public schools often offer lower tuition for state residents, while private schools may provide more financial aid. Compare net prices and outcomes using Repit's detailed college profiles to find the best value for your situation.

Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: September 2026 | Methodology