Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

ASO Staff Writers
By
Updated on June 27, 2023

Accredited Degree Programs, Scholarships and Resources for Top Schools

In recent years, Maine has offered many incentives for people to move to and attend school in its state, such as the Live and Work in Maine program that reimburses visitors their vacation costs if they move there. For those who want to earn a college degree, Maine offers many higher education options, from its coastal towns to big cities and rural areas near the Canadian border. The best online universities in Maine will offer a variety of degree programs, flexibility and employment services to help fuel the state’s growing labor demands. Learn about these colleges and universities, and how choosing an online program in Maine can be the gateway to career success.

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Best Online Colleges in Maine

State incentives encourage individuals to join the burgeoning workforce in Maine. For example, the Live and Work in Maine program reimburses visitors their vacation costs if they move to Maine. For college students, Maine offers many higher education options in coastal towns, big cities, and rural areas near the Canadian border.

The best online schools and colleges in Maine offer a variety of degree programs, flexible scheduling options, and career services. This guide provides information about schools in the state and how choosing an online program in Maine can lead to professional success.

#1 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

Central Maine Community College

  • Location-markerAuburn, ME
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,820
  • Out-of-state$5,640
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate57%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled3,218
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment32%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

Kennebec Valley Community College

  • Location-markerFairfield, ME
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,820
  • Out-of-state$5,640
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled2,406
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment40%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

York County Community College

  • Location-markerWells, ME
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,820
  • Out-of-state$5,640
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,630
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment45%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

Saint Joseph's College of Maine

  • Location-markerStandish, ME
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$36,720
  • Out-of-state$36,720
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,470
  • Out-of-state$9,470
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled1,987
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment40%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

University of New England

  • Location-markerBiddeford, ME
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$37,390
  • Out-of-state$37,390
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$23,498
  • Out-of-state$23,498
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled7,483
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment47%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

University of Maine at Fort Kent

  • Location-markerFort Kent, ME
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,170
  • Out-of-state$11,460
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate65%
  • Acceptance Rate99%
  • Students Enrolled1,589
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

University of Maine

  • Location-markerOrono, ME
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,000
  • Out-of-state$29,310
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,100
  • Out-of-state$26,388
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate90%
  • Students Enrolled11,561
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment36%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

University of Southern Maine

  • Location-markerPortland, ME
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,868
  • Out-of-state$20,692
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,578
  • Out-of-state$20,538
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled8,429
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment40%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

University of Maine at Presque Isle

  • Location-markerPresque Isle, ME
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,170
  • Out-of-state$11,460
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate99%
  • Students Enrolled1,445
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

University of Maine at Machias

  • Location-markerMachias, ME
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,170
  • Out-of-state$14,250
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate49%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled659
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment71%
  • AccreditationNo

How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in Maine?

Maine institutions offer many online options, and sorting through them can be intimidating. Maine.gov maintains a list of schools in the state that offer online programs. Additionally, you can click the icon below to learn about online schools and colleges in Maine.Search All Accredited Schools in Maine

How Much More Do College Grads in Maine Make?

Earning a college degree can help individuals significantly increase their income. The state Department of Labor projects growth throughout the state in fields such as nursing, management, accounting, and education through 2026. These fields require skilled candidates with advanced degrees. As the table below illustrates, higher education tends to lead to increased earning potential nationwide.

Less Than a High School DiplomaHigh School DiplomaAssociate Degree
$28,756$37,960$44,824
Bachelor’s DegreeMaster’s DegreeDoctoral Degree
$62,296$74,568$94,900

Source: BLS

Paying for Online College in Maine: Tuition and Financial Aid

The average tuition for in-state students at public schools in Maine costs about $600 per year more than the national average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The University of Maine offers some of the state’s most affordable four-year programs. Private schools often cost more than public institutions, and the average tuition for private schools in Maine is more than $6,000 per year higher than the national average.

Students at any of Maine’s higher education institutions can benefit from public and private grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts. The tables below compare the average costs of tuition at Maine institutions to the national averages.

In-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionNational Average
$9,664$26,939$9,037 (In-State) $25,657 (Out-of-State)
TuitionOut-of-State TuitionNational Average
$37,043N/A$30,730

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Cost Considerations for Online Students in Maine

The figures above do not include the cost of room and board or online learning fees. Additionally, tuition rates and financial aid options vary by institution. Below are some cost considerations for learners attending online schools and colleges in Maine.

Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Maine

Students must typically meet residency requirements to qualify for in-state tuition from online schools and colleges in Maine. Generally, to qualify for in-state tuition rates, students must prove that they have lived in Maine for at least one year for a purpose other than education

Spouses and domestic partners of individuals employed in Maine may also qualify for in-state tuition, along with active-duty members of the armed forces stationed in Maine. Online students should contact their school to learn about residency requirements. In some cases, distance education learners may qualify for in-state tuition rates, regardless of their residency status.

Scholarships for Maine College Students

Grants for Maine College Students

The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in Maine

Accreditation refers to a voluntary process by which schools establish credibility. Many financial aid options are only available to students at accredited schools, and graduate schools typically require applicants to hold a degree from an accredited institution.

In Maine, the New England Commission of Higher Education awards regional accreditation, the most prestigious type of institutional accreditation. Maine institutions can hold several types of accreditation. Learners should ensure that they understand prospective schools’ accreditation status before applying.

Online College and Adult Education in Maine

Adult learners can pursue a variety of education options in Maine. In addition to two- and four-year programs, adult learners can complete ESL programs, job training options, and high school completion courses. The sections below include statistics and information about adult education in Maine.

By the Numbers: Adult Education in Maine

College Enrollment

College enrollment in Maine decreased 1.9% between 2016 and 2017.

Online Enrollment

In 2015, 23,706 Maine students were enrolled in at least one online course.

Online Learners

In 2015, 67% of online learners in Maine were enrolled in public institutions.

Source: National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, Distance Education State Almanac

Adult Education Programs for Maine Students

Online College Resources for Maine Students

Choosing from online schools and colleges in Maine can seem overwhelming. However, resources from public and private organizations can help learners make an informed decision. The resources below provide information about accreditation, financial aid, community college options, and potential scams.

Search All Accredited Colleges and Universities in Maine