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2025 Best UUÖ±²¥s in Maine

By Jennifer King Logan • Edited by Bailey Fletcher • Updated 5/29/2024

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Welcome to your guide to the best online colleges and universities in Maine! Whether you're a working professional, a busy parent, or a recent high school graduate, Maine offers top-notch online programs tailored to your needs. Explore institutions with exceptional education, innovative online platforms, and supportive communities to achieve your academic and professional goals. Discover the convenience, quality, and affordability of online education in the Pine Tree State.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Two online schools in Maine have notably high Salary Scores, with graduates earning median wages as high as $82,033 — just four years after graduation. 
  • Affordable online colleges in Maine have annual tuitions between $7,500 and $9,952.
  • The University of Southern Maine scores high among its students, with a review rating of 3.89 out of 5. 

We also include our hand-selected Honorable Mentions at the end, which have strong data across the board. To learn more about our selection process for finding the best online schools in Maine, see our methodology.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Best by Salary Score

Introducing our curated list of the best online schools in Maine ranked by Salary Score. This unique metric evaluates the median salaries of alumni, allowing you to gauge the potential long-term financial benefits of each institution. Each school featured here boasts a Salary Score with median earnings exceeding $80,000, ensuring a promising return on your educational investment.

Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Key Metrics:

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earning: $82,033

Why We Like Them:

SJC stands out due to its graduates' noteworthy median earnings of $82,033, placing the institution in the top 6% nationwide for this metric. Additionally, the college's strong graduation rate of 70% places it among the top 16% of institutions, highlighting its effectiveness in helping students complete their degrees. This high graduation rate indicates that you are likely to find the necessary support and resources to successfully finish your online education. As part of SJC Online, you can take fully online degrees as an undergrad or a graduate in subjects ranging from Jewish-Christian studies to business degrees, and more.

What Students Say:

"Being a full-time employed student and finishing my degree while being pregnant created a stressful environment to say the least...nice to be able to put faces to the names I had seen so many times. The online experience is great with being able to start your classes on the first day of any month and having an open curriculum. Plus, my advisor was a great help with it all."

Robyn L., Graduated 2016

University of New England

Key Metrics:

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earning: $80,007

Why We Like Them:

UNE produces graduates with median earnings of $80,007 — placing it among the top 8% of universities nationally for this metric. This speaks not only to the quality of education you will receive but also to the strong return on investment. Through UNE Online, you can complete graduate degrees and certificates 100% remotely. These include quite a few programs in the health sector, such as emergency management, public health, and biomedical science, to name a couple. There are also online master's programs in social work and education.

What Students Say:

"UNE is expensive, but I felt it was worth it. The courses are all online, which is best for me. I was able to work full-time as a teacher and spend time with my family while earning my degree. My advisor was amazing, and most of the professors were great. The work was easy for me, but I found that it taught me a lot and provided me with a degree I can be proud of."

Sarah, Graduated 2016

Best by Affordability

These online colleges and universities in Maine provide high-quality education with tuition costs as low as $7,500. Explore these budget-friendly options to find the perfect fit for your academic and financial needs.

University of Maine at Presque Isle

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $7,500

Why We Like Them:

UMPI is featured here for its affordable tuition of $7,500. It is one of the best options for affordability among online schools in Maine. Another noteworthy feature is the substantial support extended to you, with 95% of online learners receiving financial aid, which further emphasizes the institution's commitment to making education attainable. In terms of online offerings, UMPI has a diverse selection of online bachelor's degrees to choose from, whether you're interested in psychology, English, criminal justice, or business.

University of Maine at Augusta

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $9,952

Why We Like Them:

UMA has a remarkably low tuition of $9,952. This positions it within the top 12% of the most cost-effective institutions nationwide. Additionally, the program's accessibility is further emphasized by the fact that 97% of students here are receiving financial aid, making higher education attainable for many. Although median earnings of graduates are relatively modest at $44,828, the affordability and financial aid options present significant value for students. We also appreciate UMA's wide range of online bachelor's degrees, from business and social science programs to those in mental health and human services. There are many more fields to choose from.

Highest Rated by Students

With recommendation rates of 94% and 86%, these institutions have garnered high praise from their students for exceptional educational experiences and supportive learning environments. Discover why these top-rated schools in Maine are highly recommended and how they can help you achieve your academic and career goals. 

University of Southern Maine

Key Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: 3.9/5
  • Number of Reviews: 43
  • Recommend Rate: 91%

Why We Like Them:

USM's impressive overall review rating of 3.89 out of 5 indicates an overwhelmingly positive student experience. One contributing factor is perhaps the median earnings among its graduates of $56,034, demonstrating solid financial outcomes for graduates. Nearly all students — 98% — receive financial aid, and the average aid package of $9,668 ensures that obtaining higher education is financially manageable. Some samples of online degree offerings include a bachelor's in business administration and a master's in nursing.

What Students Say:

"The University of Southern Maine helped me realize my full potential... USM is a very community-based college, and it does its best to make students feel that they are part of a community, even if students are online. The faculty and staff are focused on student success."

Tessa W., Graduated 2019

University of Maine

Key Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: 3.63/5
  • Number of Reviews: 56
  • Recommend Rate: 93%

Why We Like Them:

UMaine stands out with a commendable overall review rating of 3.63 out of 5. This high rating signifies strong student satisfaction. Furthermore, UMaine's impressive recommendation rate of 94% underscores these positive firsthand experiences, indicating that its alums are likely to advise others to choose this institution. If we look at the online enrollment, UMaine has 2,747 online learners, which places it in the top 27% nationwide for this metric. Online programs at UMaine are at the bachelor's and master's level spanning a variety of subjects. There are even online certificates to choose from.

What Students Say:

"This is a small school with small classes and it allows for a more intimate education. Professors are genuinely concerned for your success and accessible if you need extra help."

Jason L., Graduated 2017

Honorable Mention

Leveraging our expertise of the higher education landscape, we have curated an "Honorable Mentions" category to spotlight online colleges in Maine that excel in key areas that are important when choosing the right college. These institutions consistently perform well across various metrics, guaranteeing high-quality educational experiences. 

Unity College

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 4,120

Why We Like Them:

Unity College has significant online enrollment, with 4,120 students participating in online courses, placing it among the top 20% of universities for this metric. This robust online presence indicates that you will be joining a large community of distance learners. Additionally, 98% of Unity College's students receive financial aid, illustrating its strong commitment to making higher education financially accessible. Another point of interest is the diverse array of online bachelor's and master's programs tailored to meet both environmental stewardship and sustainability, areas in which Unity College has long been a pioneering institution.

What Students Say:

"I found a job in the field I got my Unity degree in within a month of graduating. My salary increased by $25,000...I highly recommend getting a Master’s of Professional Science due to its immediate applicability to the real world."

Brian, Graduated 2021

University of Maine at Fort Kent

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 487

Why We Like Them:

At UMFK, you become part of a dynamic cohort of 487 online learners. We believe this indicates that UMFK has developed a well-established platform for virtual education. Plus, we appreciate that 97% of students here receive financial aid. Moreover, the median earnings for graduates, standing at $70,903, places UMFK in the top 20% of universities nationwide for having the best return on investment. There are online associate programs as well as bachelor's and master's degrees online in subjects like nursing, human services, and more.

Student Reviews of Online Programs

Tyler Anderson, Graduated 2016

Attended: Stevens-Henager College

Extremely expensive, very poor student services, lies to students, charges hidden fees, attacks credit rating by charging fees without notification, staff unknowledgable. BEWARE.

Review Date: 7/26/2011

Attended: Stevens-Henager College

Overall Rating: 2/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Tyler Anderson, Graduated 2016

Lance Fujimoto, Graduated 2012

Attended: UEI College

UEI College is not what people say it is. I mean the parking is bad but the staff are not as bad as people think they are. They help you in every aspect and do everything they can to help you.


I honestly think that people who write bad reviews about the school have never saw an admissions rep. or even stepped on the campus. I learned a lot and even got a JOB at a DEALERSHIP upon my GRADUATION DAY.

Review Date: 4/5/2012

Attended: UEI College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Lance Fujimoto, Graduated 2012

HB, Graduated 2011

Attended: Stevens-Henager College

I graduated from SHC in 2011 from the medical specialties program. I currently work as a CMA in a hospital. I did get a job right out of school, and I have not had trouble finding other MA jobs. I did very well in school, nothing below an A-. I felt MOST of the teachers were competent and helpful. I did learn what I needed to start working as an MA. I have been able to go back and "re-take" classes that I felt I needed a re-fresher in, which is a great benefit. I am actually still using the "free"... Read More


I do NOT make as much as the "counslers" said I would. I DO owe a ridiculous amount in student loans, which I just had to start paying back. I do not feel like the school was up front about the costs. There were a couple teachers I had that did not know anything about what they were teaching (I actually had to teach the computer teachers a couple things about Windows Xp). I do not feel that the "medical specialties" program is worth the time, or $$. If you want to be an MA, just go to an ATC.


At least know what you are getting into. Know that it IS expensive. Know that they do NOT have the best facilities. But also know that if YOU are willing to put in the work, YOU can make it worth it. Just like YOU will have to do the work when YOU get a job. I find it disgraceful that most the people that I have seen post "negative" reviews just seem to expect everything handed to them, then expect to get a cherry job and make a lot of $ right out of school without putting any effort forth themselves!

Review Date: 7/8/2012

Attended: Stevens-Henager College

Overall Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

HB, Graduated 2011

michelle owens, Graduated 2009

Attended: TCI

I attended tci for my associates in human services and graduated with a 3.5 gpa... thanks to tci articulation agreement with another school, i was able to go on to get my bachelors without having to do anything over ! i am grateful to tci bc i got the foundation that i needed in order to go for my bachelors.


The professors although at the time it didnt seem challenging, i gained a lot of knowledge in the field. the thought in a way where you didnt feel stressed and overwhelmed with the information... Read More


Here i am getting my bachelors in a more challenging school... and half of the students dont know one thing from another !! where there professors that i wasnt too fond of? absolutely and that goes for any school you attend ! students that behaved like less then adults... absolutely... but thats my concern ! i got what i needed out of the school and i am thankful for the knowledge and stress free semesters !!!

Review Date: 9/13/2012

Attended: TCI

Overall Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

michelle owens, Graduated 2009

nicole, Graduated

Attended: Prism Career Institute

I was very pleased with my instructors and their knowledge on the material as well as preparing me for what I needed to know. But I was dissatisfied with the rest of the faculty. Financial Aid is the worst around, here I thought my account was paid off until one day I received a collection letter in the mail for a balance due. Not once was a statement sent to me, or a bill, or ANY collection calls made to me or any numbers I provided. I was never followed up on directly after school with finding... Read More


It was disheartening to see a year and a half after graduating from the school I am still having problems, which ruins my recommendation for the the education program with valuable teaching staff. Any one considering... reconsider.

Review Date: 10/4/2012

Attended: Prism Career Institute

Overall Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: Yes

nicole, Graduated

Ms.Quinn, Graduated

Attended: Remington College

Don't go to this school you would be better off schooling yourself. I went in 05-07 in the Criminal Justice Program Memphis Campus. Upon my graduation they told me I could not because of loans that had to be paid off from their school.


When I asked why was I not informed until 2 years later they had no answer. When I talked to the Dean she said It had to be paid but also informed me it was their mistake but I still couldnt get my AAS degree. So i basically went to school for nothing for 2 whole years..... Read More

Review Date: 8/8/2012

Attended: Remington College

Overall Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Ms.Quinn, Graduated

Jayme Squire, Graduated

Attended: Northern Arizona University

From the moment I first showed interest in this school, they have been nothing but helpful. For being a big University the teachers all have gone out of their way to make sure every student had the individual time then needed to succeed.


The schools have many degrees that all have really good rapor in the job world. The want you to get experience early on in your chosen career field and provide opportunities to observe and work in your career field. I really enjoy the program I am in and I am always... Read More

Review Date: 10/2/2012

Attended: Northern Arizona University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Jayme Squire, Graduated

Tyesha Frazier, Graduated 2025

Attended: CCI Training Center

CCI training is a good school I just knew that I was going to make it far with CCI training and the teachers are very helpful and amazing and great and if I ever go back to school CCI training is the school I will attend again .....to everyone that looking for a online classes please go CCI training is a good school great teacher's

Review Date: 2/20/2025

Attended: CCI Training Center

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Tyesha Frazier, Graduated 2025

lora m Dowell, Graduated 2023

Attended: Charter College Online

Im so happy to be attending school through charter college, great atmosphere, smaller school.. i love it.. i also just love the thought of changing my life around.. i would reccomend charter to others as well.. i feel the whole process was easier then attending a bigger school.. thank you for having me as a student..

Review Date: 5/24/2023

Attended: Charter College Online

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

lora m Dowell, Graduated 2023

AmberHenninger, Graduated 2021

Attended: Purdue Global

Purdue has been an amazing school and experience and I found all the professors to be amazing with helping to understand the content they were teaching. It has impacted my career in a great way and helped me be more productive in the office. The writing classes have helped me with properly writing formal papers also.

Review Date: 2/12/2021

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

AmberHenninger, Graduated 2021

Mary Blackman, Graduated 2020

Attended: Walden University

Walden is a very good school. They are very student oriented.

Review Date: 2/14/2015

Attended: Walden University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Mary Blackman, Graduated 2020

Shauna Hewitt, Graduated 2019

Very supportive staff so far. They guide you to resources and have great follow up skills!

Review Date: 2/14/2015

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 4.5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Shauna Hewitt, Graduated 2019

Sandrea Goree, Graduated 2018

Attended: Walden University

The pros of this graduate program is that the classes are online and flexible. The cons is the workload can be a little hectic, but the content of the program is fantastic. I would not trade this program for another online course.

Review Date: 6/11/2013

Attended: Walden University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Sandrea Goree, Graduated 2018

Candace Jarrett, Graduated 2018

Attended: University of South Alabama

Staff is readily available to answer questions via email. While taking online courses the interent is always used and I feel I can always get in contact with instructors because they email you about upcoming assignments or quizzes and give you their contact information whether it be telephone numbers including cell numbers and hours they will be available. Extremely helpful since you don't have that classroom sit down experience with them!

Review Date: 5/13/2013

Attended: University of South Alabama

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Candace Jarrett, Graduated 2018

Joe Huver, Graduated 2018

Attended: Ashworth College

I signed up and completed the HVAC program, although I was satisfied with the course I'm highly dissatisfied with the school as a whole. The system to enroll is easy and fast, to get your certificate is another story. I finished in May and the schools military department still hasn't have me any clear indication on when my payment from the gi bill will be made, so I can receive my certificate. I feel like 5 months time is a bit excessive. The "submit a ticket" thing the school has is a total waste... Read More

Review Date: 9/29/2018

Attended: Ashworth College

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Joe Huver, Graduated 2018

Mary Lilly, Graduated 2017

Attended: Chamberlain University

This is online nursing program with Chamberlain College of Nursing- no actual campus.

Review Date: 7/27/2014

Attended: Chamberlain University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Mary Lilly, Graduated 2017

Bethany Abrahams, Graduated 2017

Attended: Creighton University

I love that my program is available online- it makes graduate school possible for me.

Review Date: 3/28/2013

Attended: Creighton University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Bethany Abrahams, Graduated 2017

Tarah Marshall, Graduated 2017

A great program for people with time constraints. The best in quality for people seeking a BCBA credential online. However, the first year does not qualify as part time, so no loan deferment is available. Financial assistance is limited.

Review Date: 4/28/2015

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4.5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Tarah Marshall, Graduated 2017

Jonell Garza, Graduated 2017

Attended: Capella University

I feel the University online gives me the freedom to work at my own pace and still maintain my job as an RN. You meet people from all different places online in your classrooms and it brings different perspectives to your learning experience. I am very excited about school and what it will bring into my life.

Review Date: 2/15/2015

Attended: Capella University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Jonell Garza, Graduated 2017

Elizabeth Benitez, Graduated 2016

Attended: City University of Seattle

Pros: Online and Inclass (Saturdays) Available to work full time

Review Date: 5/6/2014

Attended: City University of Seattle

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Elizabeth Benitez, Graduated 2016

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Higher Education in Maine

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Maine is home to with degree programs. These institutions include Maine community colleges, where you can enroll in certificate and associate degree programs but also four-year colleges and universities offering bachelor's and graduate degrees. About half of Maine's colleges are publicly funded, and most are in rural areas or small towns.

of Maine's 25-and-older population held at least a bachelor's degree in 2022. This ranks the state 23rd in terms of educational attainment. Maine will need a constant supply of educated workers to meet its growth goals for key industries, such as life sciences and clean energy. For that reason, studying for a STEM degree might be a good bet if you're interested in a Maine career.

You can potentially find online degree and certificate programs at every level of education in the Pine Tree State. Most distance learning programs have asynchronous courses with no live meetings, so you can do classwork at any convenient time of the day or night. UUÖ±²¥ education has helped many students balance school with work and other parts of their lives.

Interested in a specific career helping people? See our lists of online MSW programs in Maine and online nursing programs in Maine.

FAQs About UUÖ±²¥s in Maine

Is Community College Free in Maine?


The state government is certificates and associate degrees for students who graduated from a Maine high school between 2022 and 2025. This pandemic relief program covers any tuition and fees remaining after the student has used all their other sources of federal or state financial aid.

Other community college aid programs include the and the program. 

How Many Colleges Are in Maine?


Maine has 29 institutions that grant associate degrees or higher. This includes the University of Maine System, which consists of the flagship University of Maine campus at Orono, six other university campuses, and a small law school. 

What Are the Best Colleges in Maine?


When considering the best online colleges in Maine, several institutions stand out to us based on various factors:

  • Saint Joseph's College of Maine and the University of New England have the highest Salary Scores, with graduates earning median wages up to $82,033 within four years of graduation. 
  • For affordability, the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Maine at Augusta offer annual tuitions ranging from $7,500 to $9,952. 
  • The University of Southern Maine is highly rated by students, boasting a review rating of 3.89 out of 5. 
  • Additionally, Unity College and the University of Maine at Fort Kent are notable honorable mentions for their strong overall performance. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific priorities, such as salary outcomes, cost, or student satisfaction.

There are many factors influencing a school's quality and not all will be equally important to you. For example, you might consider student-faculty ratio, graduation rates, financial aid packages, or available research centers.

How Much Is College in Maine?


There's no single college cost in Maine because each school charges a different amount for tuition and required fees. But we can use NCES data to see that are higher in Maine for most categories than they are in the rest of the country.

  • Public four-year college, in-state resident: $10,813  
  • Public four-year college, out-of-state resident: $30,244
  • Private four-year college: $38,972
  • Public two-year college, in-state resident: $3,857
  • Public two-year college, out-of-state resident: $6,746

These averages are based on the latest available NCES data on Maine from 2022-2023. 

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