The State of Maine is known for its coastal vistas, New England climate, and spacious communities. The colleges and universities in Maine typically reflect the open spaces and scenic beauty found throughout the state. Located among rolling hills, lakes, and rivers, Maine has excellent college choices for residents through the University of Maine system and a wide range of private institutions. Many of Maine’s private schools offer small classes and supportive learning environments. The University system has locations spread throughout the state, and they offer a wide range of major courses of study. Bowdoin and Colby colleges stand out as innovators in college education.
How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Maine
Responses from public and private surveys alike demonstrate a clear relationship between salary and educational attainment. Over the course of a lifetime of earnings, a bachelor degree holder can earn about one million dollars more than a similar person with no degree. Education also translates into an opportunity to move into different occupations and higher levels within a particular occupation. Education can even inspire success as an entrepreneur.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Top 5 Best Associate Degree Programs in Maine
Kennebec Valley Community College
Score: 95.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,562
- Out-of-State:$6,442
- Net Price: $7,268
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 2,381
- Undergrad Students: 2,381
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,800
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Washington County Community College
Score: 89.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,687
- Out-of-State:$6,567
- Net Price: $3,994
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 685
- Undergrad Students: 685
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,800
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Northern Maine Community College
Score: 82.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,880
- Out-of-State:$6,760
- Net Price: $8,462
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 772
- Undergrad Students: 772
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,900
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Eastern Maine Community College
Score: 81.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,877
- Out-of-State:$6,667
- Net Price: $9,972
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 2,531
- Undergrad Students: 2,531
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,600
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Southern Maine Community College
Score: 78.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,797
- Out-of-State:$6,677
- Net Price: $9,762
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 21%
- Total Enrollment: 7,205
- Undergrad Students: 7,205
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,200
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Top 15 Best Bachelor's Programs in Maine
Bowdoin College
Score: 87.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,910
- Out-of-State:$64,910
- Net Price: $23,110
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 1,850
- Undergrad Students: 1,850
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Colby College
Score: 86.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,600
- Out-of-State:$66,600
- Net Price: $15,163
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 2,284
- Undergrad Students: 2,284
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Bates College
Score: 80.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,478
- Out-of-State:$63,478
- Net Price: $26,658
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 1,753
- Undergrad Students: 1,753
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Maine Maritime Academy
Score: 80.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,746
- Out-of-State:$30,226
- Net Price: $21,433
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 913
- Undergrad Students: 889
- Graduate Students: 24
- Grads Salary: $99,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Score: 70.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,834
- Out-of-State:$42,834
- Net Price: $28,268
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 1,463
- Undergrad Students: 1,059
- Graduate Students: 404
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
University of Maine at Farmington
Score: 68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,989
- Out-of-State:$23,079
- Net Price: $15,383
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 1,950
- Undergrad Students: 1,605
- Graduate Students: 345
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of Southern Maine
Score: 67.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,920
- Out-of-State:$27,104
- Net Price: $12,006
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 7,528
- Undergrad Students: 5,520
- Graduate Students: 2,008
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
The University of Maine
Score: 67.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,606
- Out-of-State:$35,346
- Net Price: $18,237
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 11,760
- Undergrad Students: 9,267
- Graduate Students: 2,493
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Husson University
Score: 65.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,194
- Out-of-State:$22,194
- Net Price: $21,101
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 3,133
- Undergrad Students: 2,525
- Graduate Students: 608
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Maine at Fort Kent
Score: 65.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,045
- Out-of-State:$14,325
- Net Price: $10,736
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 1,406
- Undergrad Students: 1,357
- Graduate Students: 49
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Thomas College
Score: 62.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,896
- Out-of-State:$30,896
- Net Price: $18,882
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 1,669
- Undergrad Students: 1,581
- Graduate Students: 88
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Score: 61.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,990
- Out-of-State:$14,270
- Net Price: $9,773
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 2,187
- Undergrad Students: 2,152
- Graduate Students: 35
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 28:1
University of New England
Score: 58.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,550
- Out-of-State:$42,550
- Net Price: $38,675
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 6,473
- Undergrad Students: 3,863
- Graduate Students: 2,610
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of Maine at Augusta
Score: 57.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,618
- Out-of-State:$21,548
- Net Price: $11,569
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 4,323
- Undergrad Students: 4,250
- Graduate Students: 73
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Unity Environmental University
Score: 54.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,640
- Out-of-State:$12,640
- Net Price: $17,734
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 42%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 6,359
- Undergrad Students: 5,655
- Graduate Students: 704
- Grads Salary: $58,000
- Student-to-faculty: 36:1
Top 5 Best Master's Programs in Maine
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Score: 87.92
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,630
- Out-of-State:$9,630
- Net Price: $28,268
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 1,463
- Undergrad Students: 1,059
- Graduate Students: 404
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
University of Southern Maine
Score: 82.15
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,010
- Out-of-State:$24,300
- Net Price: $12,006
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 7,528
- Undergrad Students: 5,520
- Graduate Students: 2,008
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Maine at Farmington
Score: 81.62
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,560
- Out-of-State:$10,560
- Net Price: $15,383
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 1,950
- Undergrad Students: 1,605
- Graduate Students: 345
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
The University of Maine
Score: 81.07
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,026
- Out-of-State:$30,528
- Net Price: $18,237
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 11,760
- Undergrad Students: 9,267
- Graduate Students: 2,493
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Husson University
Score: 80.35
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,542
- Out-of-State:$18,542
- Net Price: $21,101
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 3,133
- Undergrad Students: 2,525
- Graduate Students: 608
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Potential Scholarships
The costs of education are high and rising for today’s students and their families. The prices increase due to the rising costs of education and the trend towards five-year completion of four-year programs. Two of the better ways to reduce the costs of education are grants and scholarships. State, federal, and private grants aid students immediately and further reduce their need for loans and long-term debt. Students should search thoroughly for scholarships, apply every possible place, and start early.
Scholarships for Maine College Students
Maine has state grants and a wide range of private scholarships. Many awards come from businesses and business associations. Some Maine scholarships require particular residency in cities, counties, or other affiliations. Students should search using all their characteristics including gender, major course of study, ethnic heritage, interests, and hobbies.
ABSF
Amos Bridge Scholarship Fund
https://www.mainecf.org/find-a-scholarship/available-scholarships/available-statewide/
Amount: Determined by the university on the basis of need
Deadline: May 1
The Amos Bridge Scholarship Fund was established to support students enrolled in the University of Maine’s Construction Engineering Technology program or USM's Certificate in Construction Management, or similar programs relating to management within the construction industry.
ACGMS
AGC of Maine Scholarship
https://agcmaine.org/scholarship/
Amount: $1,000-$3,000 (10-12 Awards)
Deadline: TBA
Eligible applicants must be Maine residents with a preferred major of construction education or a related field. The review process involves an interview before an AGC committee. The preferred applicants will have some experience or knowledge of the construction industry. Each applicant must submit an application with a 300-word essay that presents the student's interest and motivations for entering the construction industry.
TNHSS
The NHS Scholarship
https://www.nhs.us/students/the-nhs-scholarship/
Award: Up to $25,000 (600 awards)
Deadline: February 1
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) supports NHS scholarships. The scholarships recognize outstanding students from Maine and across the US that attend colleges in Maine or elsewhere. The NASSP and the NHS seek to promote better access to quality education by reducing the financial barriers to college. The group acknowledges the rising costs of education and the increased difficulty that cost places on US families. The program awards about 600 students annually with a national winner at $5,000, 24 finalists at $5,500, and 575 semifinalists who receive $3,200. Students must apply through their local sponsors. All members of the National Honor Society are eligible.
ASCE
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Maine Section Scholarship
https://www.famemaine.com/scholarships/american-society-of-civil-engineers-asce-maine-section/
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: January 31
Applicants must be Maine residents, graduating high school seniors, and have expressed an intention to study engineering at an accredited institution. The selection criteria are academic performance, extracurricular activities, and a personal statement describing interest and career plans for the field of engineering. Applicants should get application forms and information from a high school guidance counselor or directly from the foundation at:
Leslie L. Corrow, P.E.
American Society of Civil Engineers Maine Section, Scholarship Chair
c/o Kleinschmidt Associates,
141 Main Street,
PO Box 650, Pittsfield, ME 04967
MLMSF
Maine Legislative Memorial Scholarship Fund
https://www.famemaine.com/scholarships/maine-legislative-memorial-scholarship-fund/
Amount: $1,000 (1 Award per County)
Deadline: May 1
The Maine Legislative Memorial Scholarship Fund awards financial aid to Maine resident high school seniors, full-time students, and part-time post-secondary students. All applicants must be pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees. They must be accepted at or enrolled in an accredited Maine college.
The award is $1,000 and not renewable. The program selects one student from each of the 16 Maine Counties.
Top Social Services Careers and Salaries