Rankings / By State
Best Bachelor's Programs in Maine
- 17
- Schools
- $54,234
- Avg. Earnings
- 59%
- Avg. Graduation
- $20,349
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,761
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $37,852 at the low end to $89,964 at the top. That 2.4× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
-
University of Maine at Fort Kent offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $51,077 against $7,482 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
-
The most budget-friendly option on this list is University of Maine at Presque Isle, at $7,035 annually in net price.
-
Completion rates separate this field: Bowdoin College graduates 95% of its students, well above the 59% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
-
Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Bates College: graduates owe only 0.21× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Bowdoin College ($82,735 earnings), not the highest earner, Maine Maritime Academy ($89,964). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. University of Maine at Presque Isle ($7,035/yr) and Maine College of Art & Design ($38,338/yr) produce graduates earning $40,956 and $40,778 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $31,303 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of Maine at Fort Kent outperforms Maine Maritime Academy: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Maine at Fort Kent and Bowdoin College. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $49K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bowdoin College #1 overall | $82,735 ▲ +53% vs avg | $14,398 | 95% | 80 |
| 2 Colby College #2 overall | $80,490 ▲ +48% vs avg | $17,180 | 89% | 78 |
| 3 Bates College #3 overall | $69,498 ▲ +28% vs avg | $29,351 | 90% | 76 |
| $89,964 ▲ +66% vs avg | $23,414 | 60% | 68 | |
| $45,025 ▼ -17% vs avg | $21,005 | 58% | 62 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Bachelor's Programs in Maine
This analysis ranks 17 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $54,234 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 59% and an average net price of $20,349.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Maine at Fort Kent — Net Price: $7,482 | Graduation Rate: 40%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Bowdoin College — 95% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Maine Maritime Academy — Median alumni earnings: $89,964
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Maine Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Maine?
$48,653
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$18,885
Median net price
1.7%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Maine serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
Start with the medians across these 17 schools. Graduates earn a median of $48,653 ten years after enrollment, or about $653 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 56%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $18,885 a year with about $24,499 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 26% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.7%.
For Maine, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $18,885 and graduates earning a median of $48,653, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Bowdoin College lands at #1 with a 80/100 composite, led by academic quality (93/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (79/100). Graduates earn a median $82,735 a decade after enrolling, 53% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,398 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Colby College lands at #2 with a 78/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (76/100). Graduates earn a median $80,490 a decade after enrolling, 48% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,180 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Bates College lands at #3 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (71/100). Graduates earn a median $69,498 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,351 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Maine Maritime Academy lands at #4 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $89,964 a decade after enrolling, 66% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,414 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Husson University lands at #5 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $45,025 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,005 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Thomas College lands at #6 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $44,991 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,885 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of Southern Maine lands at #7 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,958 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,596 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
University of Maine at Fort Kent lands at #8 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (50/100). Graduates earn a median $51,077 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,482 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of New England lands at #9 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (32/100). Graduates earn a median $55,921 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,107 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of Maine lands at #10 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (64/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,653 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,510 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Saint Joseph's College of Maine lands at #11 with a 56/100 composite, led by academic quality (76/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $59,045 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,555 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Presque Isle, ME · 100% accepted · $7,035 net
Why it ranks #12
University of Maine at Presque Isle lands at #12 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,956 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,035 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of Maine at Farmington lands at #13 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (59/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $44,433 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,857 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
College of the Atlantic lands at #14 with a 55/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $40,264 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,184 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
University of Maine at Augusta lands at #15 with a 50/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $40,342 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,924 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Unity Environmental University lands at #16 with a 41/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (55/100) and pulled down by academic quality (36/100). Graduates earn a median $37,852 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,104 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Maine College of Art & Design lands at #17 with a 39/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (53/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (25/100). Graduates earn a median $40,778 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $38,338 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 17 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right bachelor's program can feel overwhelming, especially in a state like Maine, where 17 institutions offer unique opportunities. Each of these schools shares a commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for the workforce, but they differ significantly in outcomes. With an average earning potential of $54,234 for graduates, it's clear that outcomes matter when weighing options.
What sets the top schools apart is their graduation rates, potential earnings, and manageable debt. For instance, Bowdoin College and Colby College not only boast impressive graduation rates of 95% and 89%, respectively, but they also provide strong earning potential, with graduates earning around $82,735 and $80,490. The financial burden of student debt also plays a crucial role, as seen in the differences across the institutions.
Take Bowdoin and the University of Maine at Fort Kent as examples. While Bowdoin graduates enjoy an average earning of $82,735, those from the University of Maine at Fort Kent earn just $51,077. Additionally, Bowdoin's net price is $14,398, whereas Fort Kent's is significantly lower at $7,482. These numbers highlight the trade-offs families must consider when selecting a program that best fits their needs.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 7 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.7%. Maine Maritime Academy leads the group at 3.5%, with Thomas College (3%) and Husson University (2%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 6.5% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Husson University leads at 13.4%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 35.3% across this list. Colby College posts the highest success rate at 60.8%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.67 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Colby College reaches 1.83, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When comparing Bowdoin College and Bates College, one major difference stands out: earnings. Bowdoin graduates earn $82,735, while Bates graduates earn $69,498. This disparity in income could significantly impact a graduate's financial stability post-college.
As you review these schools, think about your priorities. Consider how location, program fit, and financial aid packages align with your personal goals. A school with a lower net price might seem appealing, but understanding the potential trade-offs in earnings and graduation rates is crucial. Focus on what matters most for your future.
Ultimately, the choice of college shapes not only personal growth but also financial well-being. Selecting a school that enhances your earning potential while balancing costs can lead to a more stable life. One family's decision to prioritize Bowdoin's higher earnings over the lower costs at Fort Kent may pave the way for greater financial security down the line.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Bachelor's Programs in Maine: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Bachelor's Programs in Maine ranking? +
Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Bachelor's Programs in Maine ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $82,735 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 95% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Maine Maritime Academy posts the highest median earnings on this list: $89,964 ten years after enrollment, well above the $54,234 average across the 17 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Maine at Fort Kent leads: graduates earn a median $51,077 against net price of about $7,482 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Bowdoin College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 95%, compared with a 59% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $20,349 a year across the 17 ranked schools with cost data. University of Maine at Presque Isle is among the most affordable at roughly $7,035. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Bachelor's Programs in Maine ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 17 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
