# Best Bachelor's Programs in Maine

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 17 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-maine

## Methodology

Bachelor's programs in Maine ranked by outcomes and mobility

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Key Findings

- Bowdoin College graduates earn an average of $82,735, the highest in Maine.
- Colby College has a graduation rate of 89%, indicating strong student retention.
- The average net price for Maine colleges is $16,064, affecting affordability.
- University of Maine at Fort Kent has the lowest average earnings at $51,077.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Bowdoin College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bowdoin-college) | Brunswick, ME | 95% | $82,735 | $14,398 | $18,500 | 0.22x |
| 2 | [Colby College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colby-college) | Waterville, ME | 89% | $80,490 | $17,180 | $19,157 | 0.24x |
| 3 | [Bates College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bates-college) | Lewiston, ME | 90% | $69,498 | $29,351 | $14,275 | 0.21x |
| 4 | [Maine Maritime Academy](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/maine-maritime-academy) | Castine, ME | 60% | $89,964 | $23,414 | $27,000 | 0.3x |
| 5 | [Husson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/husson-university) | Bangor, ME | 58% | $45,025 | $21,005 | $27,000 | 0.6x |
| 6 | [Thomas College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/thomas-college) | Waterville, ME | 53% | $44,991 | $18,885 | $24,250 | 0.54x |
| 7 | [University of Southern Maine](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-southern-maine) | Portland, ME | 43% | $49,958 | $13,596 | $19,060 | 0.38x |
| 8 | [University of Maine at Fort Kent](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maine-at-fort-kent) | Fort Kent, ME | 40% | $51,077 | $7,482 | $20,160 | 0.39x |
| 9 | [University of New England](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-england) | Biddeford, ME | 65% | $55,921 | $38,107 | $25,250 | 0.45x |
| 10 | [University of Maine](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maine) | Orono, ME | 56% | $48,653 | $17,510 | $25,000 | 0.51x |
| 11 | [Saint Joseph's College of Maine](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-josephs-college-of-maine) | Standish, ME | 67% | $59,045 | $27,555 | $27,000 | 0.46x |
| 12 | [University of Maine at Presque Isle](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maine-at-presque-isle) | Presque Isle, ME | 45% | $40,956 | $7,035 | $16,000 | 0.39x |
| 13 | [University of Maine at Farmington](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maine-at-farmington) | Farmington, ME | 52% | $44,433 | $16,857 | $24,499 | 0.55x |
| 14 | [College of the Atlantic](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-the-atlantic) | Bar Harbor, ME | 69% | $40,264 | $25,184 | $25,050 | 0.62x |
| 15 | [University of Maine at Augusta](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maine-at-augusta) | Augusta, ME | 25% | $40,342 | $10,924 | $22,734 | 0.56x |
| 16 | [Unity Environmental University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/unity-environmental-university) | New Gloucester, ME | 44% | $37,852 | $19,104 | $25,000 | 0.66x |
| 17 | [Maine College of Art & Design](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/maine-college-of-art-design) | Portland, ME | 50% | $40,778 | $38,338 | $27,000 | 0.66x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Bachelor's Programs in Maine." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-maine

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.