20 Best Affordable Schools in Maine for Bachelor’s Degree 2020

In the following article, we highlight the top 20 schools that offer the best affordable colleges in Maine for bachelor’s degrees. With its rolling mountains, beautiful coastlines, and thick forests, Maine is every nature-lover’s paradise. The state is also a favorite among free-spirited, progressive students who enjoy the great outdoors and who have no qualms about snow. Private and public colleges and universities alike are heavily influenced by the state’s unique environment, from the University of Maine at Fort Kent, which is deep-rooted in French culture, and the Maine Maritime Academy, which almost exclusively provides marine-based areas of study. Attending one of the affordable colleges in Maine is a fantastic way to follow your passions without breaking the bank, and the following list includes the top 20 institutions of higher learning in the state based on a carefully developed methodology.

Methodology

To provide our readers with the most comprehensive list of the most affordable colleges in Maine, we started by conducting a search for the schools offering bachelor’s degrees using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We awarded points based on a specific methodology that evaluated each school’s tuition rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates as outlined below.  Ties between schools were broken by the lowest-cost tuition.

Average Cost of Attendance

As you narrow down your options, you might find yourself concerned about the cost of tuition. After all, attending a college or university should be a rewarding experience, but not at the expense of a drained bank account. When it comes to selecting a college or university, keep tuition in mind, but avoid selecting the cheapest program simply because it is the most affordable. Instead, try to balance cost and quality, ensuring that the program is not only affordable but also offers the majors, extracurriculars, and college experiences you are looking for in a school. For the following ranking, we awarded tuition based on the cost for one year of study for in-state students completing 15 hours of coursework per semester, as reported by the NCES. We also provided out-of-state tuition costs for your reference.

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Student-to-faculty ratios give us an understanding of a school’s average class sizes as well as the likelihood that students will be able to benefit from individualized studies, mentoring, and close relationships with faculty members and peers. Although some students prefer to attend large universities that may offer more of a selection in terms of majors, small colleges provide greater accountability for students. There are benefits to both large and small schools, so keep your individual needs and prior academic experiences in mind when choosing an institution, but for the purpose of this article, we awarded the most points to schools that reported low student-to-faculty ratios, as stated by the NCES.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Graduation Rate

Finally, graduation rates tell us the percentage of students that actually complete a school’s program requirements and earn their degree which is, ultimately, the goal. Whereas many students attempt to determine their chances of getting into a school by looking at admission rates, few consider the importance of graduation rates. In other words, while there is no definitive tried-and-true method of using these figures to find the best school possible, it is relatively safe to say that schools with low graduation rates may not be providing everything students are looking for in their academic experience. For instance, these institutions might not offer academic support, they may be employing inexperienced or unhelpful faculty, or they may be charging too much for the quality of the program students are receiving. For this ranking, we awarded points based on the following ranges, awarding the highest number to schools with the highest graduation rates from NCES.

Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point

Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Colleges in Maine

20. Purdue University Global-Augusta

Augusta, Maine

Points: 3

School Website

Established in 2018 through Purdue University’s acquisition of Kaplan University, Purdue University Global-Augusta is an adult-serving public best-value university in Maine.  Located in Augusta, the school delivers content mostly online, focusing on career-oriented fields at the doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate levels. PG’s Augusta location is known for its inexpensive pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and other popular inexpensive majors at this campus include medical assisting, business, healthcare management, medical insurance billing and claims, human services, and food, nutrition, and wellness studies. Students may join a number of active alumni and student groups that regularly host events and outings with the goal of meeting and networking with PG classmates.

In-State Tuition: $14,343
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,343
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: N/A

19. Purdue University Global-Lewiston

Lewiston, Maine

Points: 3
School Website

In 2018, Purdue University acquired for-profit Kaplan University, resulting in the establishment of Purdue University Global. In addition to operating a campus in Lewiston, Maine, the school also features a location in Augusta. This affordable Maine university is devoted to offering low-cost undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to help adult and working students pursue and realize their career ambitions. Popular economical majors at the school’s Lewiston campus include healthcare management, nursing, and medical assisting as well as business, accounting, psychology, and human services. Outside of the classroom, students may take advantage of regular outings and events designed to encourage networking with their peers, and PG-Lewiston’s local resource center provides onsite academic services, computer access, and a quiet place to study.

In-State Tuition: $14,343
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,343
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: N/A

18. Thomas College

Waterville, Maine

Points: 4
School Website

Located in Waterville, Thomas College is an affordable accredited college in Maine that focuses on fields such as business, technology, and education. Founded in 1894, the low-cost school offers more than 30 undergraduate degrees, including popular programs such as business, criminal justice and safety studies, psychology, accounting, sport and fitness management, marketing, and elementary education. Students have many opportunities to engage in study-travel, community service, leadership development, applied research, and internships to develop transferable skills. Thomas College is known for its Guaranteed Job Program that guarantees students who meet a series of 10 requirements will attain a job offer within six months after earning their degree. If a student is unable to land a job after graduation, Thomas College will either make his or her student loan payments for up to one year, or the school will let the student begin a master’s program at Thomas for free.

In-State Tuition: $26,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent

17. University of Maine at Presque Isle

Presque Isle, Maine

Points: 5
School Website

Established in 1903 as a teacher’s college, the University of Maine at Presque Isle is a top-value accredited university in Maine. Students can choose from 20 low-cost bachelor’s degree programs and 18 concentration options as well as seven associate degrees, 38 minors, and five certificate programs. UPMI continues to offer solid teacher-education programs as well as cheap degrees that are organized into four industries: university-wide professional, education, and art and science. The school is the only one in the state to offer a curriculum focused on personalized learning. Students are encouraged to earn their degree at their own pace, completing classes however they wish, whether it be online, on-campus, or through an internship. As a result, UPMI is a more affordable alternative to traditional colleges, and graduates leave the school with approximately $5,000 less in debt compared to the average university.

In-State Tuition: $8,035
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,235
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent

16. University of Maine at Augusta

Augusta, Maine

Points: 5
School Website

The University of Maine at Augusta, located in Augusta, Maine, is one of the cheapest colleges in Maine. Established in 1965, UMA enrolls approximately 6,000 students each year in 20 low-cost bachelor’s degrees and 11 associate programs as well as 42 minors, 44 certificates, and seven post-bachelor’s programs. Popular inexpensive majors include the liberal arts and humanities, psychiatric and mental health services, business, nursing, mental health counseling, dental hygiene, and library science. To help ease the financial burden and make its programs more affordable for students, UMA offers the Pine Tree State Pledge, a tuition guarantee program designed for eligible and qualified full-time, in-state first-year students. Under this program, students will not pay any out-of-pocket expenses for mandatory fees and tuition. New in-state full- and part-time transfer students with at least 30 transferable credits are also eligible.

In-State Tuition: $7,988
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,918
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 17 percent

15. University of New England

Biddeford, Maine

Points: 6
School Website

Established in 1831, the University of New England is an affordable private university in Maine based in Biddeford with additional locations in Portland and Tangier, Morocco as well as online. UNE boasts the highest student enrollment of any Maine college with 14,000 total students. At UNE, students can choose from more than 40 bachelor’s and 32 graduate/professional degrees through six colleges: College of Graduate and Professional Studies, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Westbrook College of Health Professions, College of Dental Medicine, College of Pharmacy, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Approximately 98 percent of undergraduates receive some type of financial assistance to make UNE’s programs more affordable, and 94 percent of graduates are employed within one year of earning their degree.

In-State Tuition: $37,620
Out-of-State Tuition: $37,620
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent

14. Unity College

Unity, Maine

Points: 6
School Website

Located just 35 miles southwest of Bangor, Unity College is a private accredited best-value college in Maine that offers cheap undergraduate and graduate programs centered around a curriculum that emphasizes sustainability science. Popular inexpensive bachelor’s degrees include environmental education, adventure therapy, captive wildlife care and education, conservation biology, sustainable energy management, sustainable agriculture, and parks and forest resources. Unity’s core environmental citizen curriculum connects all degree tracks through a science-based liberal arts foundation, and each program includes courses in the social sciences, the natural sciences, and the humanities. On any given day, a Unity classroom might be an animal shelter, a whale-watching expedition, the top of a mountain, or a hunter check station. Lab time may include first aid, rock climbing, building, ropes work, animal handling, camping, or farming.

In-State Tuition: $29,160
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,160
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent

13. Husson University

Bangor, Maine

Points: 6
School Website

Established as Husson College in 1898, Husson University is a private accredited university in Maine that offers cheap undergraduate and graduate degrees to more than 3,500 students each year. Located in Bangor, with two additional campuses in Presque Isle and Westbrook, Husson boasts the largest physical footprint of any private Maine university. Husson is recognized as one of the top colleges in the state for students looking for pre-professional education and experiential learning. Some of the school’s more popular bachelor’s degrees are offered by the College of Business, including law, business, and accounting. Other affordable majors are provided through the College of Science and Humanities, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Education, and the New England School of Communication as well as a Division of Online and Extended Learning.

In-State Tuition: $18,170
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,170
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent

12. University of Maine

Orono, Maine

Points: 6
School Website

The University of Maine is a public accredited best-value university in Maine, located in Orono. Established in 1865, the school is also the flagship institution of the University of Maine System with an annual enrollment of 11,400 students. UM is comprised of a Graduate School and an Honors College as well as the Maine Business School, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Education and Human Development, and the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture. Students can choose from more than 90 affordable undergraduate majors, 70 master’s programs, and 35 doctoral degrees. In particular, UM’s STEM majors are the most popular, and other strong programs include forestry, marine sciences, climate change, and advanced materials for energy and infrastructure.

In-State Tuition: $11,170
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,970
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent

11. University of Southern Maine

Portland, Maine

Points: 6
School Website

Based in Portland, the University of Southern Maine is a multi-campus top-value accredited university in Maine with additional locations in Lewiston and Gorham. Originally two separate institutions, the University of Maine at Portland and Gorham Normal School, the two universities merged in 1970 to become the University of Maine at Portland-Gorham and, ultimately, USM. The school offers 54 affordable majors, 90 majors, and 21 graduate degrees to more than 10,000 students each year, and popular low-cost majors include business, nursing, health professions, communications, psychology, accounting, and marketing. In addition, online students can choose from more than 15 inexpensive programs in fields such as communication, leadership studies, and business administration. USM students benefit from local partnerships for employment opportunities and internships.

In-State Tuition: $8,918
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,294
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 33 percent

10. University of Maine at Fort Kent

Fort Kent, Maine

Points: 6
School Website

Founded in 1878, the University of Maine at Fort Kent is one of the cheapest colleges in Maine and a member of the seven-school University of Maine System. Located in the heart of the Saint John Valley, one of the last areas of English-French bilingualism in the country, USFK is unique in that many of its students speak French. Undergraduates can choose from 12 low-cost bachelor’s degrees in areas such as the behavioral sciences, conservation law enforcement, business management, environmental studies, and rural public safety administration. Affordable online options include undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences, nursing, and cybersecurity. General education courses are organized into three categories: practical and intellectual skills, social and personal responsibility, and general knowledge. UMFK is also recognized as a military-friendly school due to its small class sizes, individualized attention, and online academic offerings.

In-State Tuition: $8,115
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,315
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent

9. University of Maine at Machias

Machias, Maine

Points: 6
School Website

The University of Maine at Machias, located in Machias, is an affordable accredited university in Maine. Established as a normal school for educating teachers in 1909, UMM now specializes in low-cost recreation, education, and environmental studies programs, including a nationally recognized degree in marine biology. All students must complete a core curriculum comprised of several environmental studies disciplines. Due to its location just 15 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, UMM is known as “Maine’s Coastal University,” providing students with many opportunities for hands-on environmental and biological inquiry and research. Student life at UMM includes student-run organizations as well as intramural and varsity sports.

In-State Tuition: $7,830
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,100
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 32 percent

8. Colby College

Waterville, Maine

Points: 7
School Website

Founded as the Maine Literary and Theological Institution in 1813, Colby College is a private accredited best-value college located in Waterville, Maine. The school enrolls approximately 1,900 students each year in 58 majors and 35 minors through four divisions: Natural Sciences, Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Social Sciences. Students also have the option to develop their own independent major based on their individual interests and professional goals. Internships, study abroad, and collaborative and independent research provide robust opportunities and hands-on learning experiences, and the 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows students to develop close relationships with their classmates and professors. Outside of the classroom, Colby’s location provides students with easy access to civic engagement experiences and world-class research institutions. The school’s Colby Commitment removes financial barriers by meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial need without student loans.

In-State Tuition: $55,210
Out-of-State Tuition: $55,210
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 92 percent

7. Bowdoin College

Brunswick, Maine

Points: 7
School Website

Chartered in 1794, Bowdoin College is a private inexpensive accredited Maine college located in Brunswick. The school also operates a 200-acre scientific field station on Kent Island and a 118-acre coastal studies center on Orr’s Island. The school prides itself on its 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 99 percent of faculty members hold a doctorate in their respective fields. Undergraduate students may choose from more than 40 low-cost majors, all of which focus on developing skills in speaking, reading, writing, and critical thinking. Areas of study include broad liberal arts disciplines as well as specialized programs in coastal studies and teaching. Bowdoin also offers several joint engineering programs in partnership with the University of Maine, Dartmouth College, California Institute of Technology, and Columbia University. In terms of student life, Bowdoin offers more than 100 student organizations and more than 30 varsity teams, and the school’s Outing Club organizes more than 100 outdoor events and trips annually.

In-State Tuition: $53,922
Out-of-State Tuition: $53,922
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: 95 percent

6. Bates College

Lewiston, Maine

Points: 7
School Website

Founded in 1855, Bates College is a private top-value accredited college in Maine located in Lewiston. It was the first coeducational institution of higher learning in New England, and it takes pride in its focus on social justice. Fewer than 1,800 students enroll at Bates each year, resulting in a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school’s affordable curriculum is structured around more than 30 best-value majors and related minors, and students have additional opportunities for concentrated study. Nearly every major culminates in a senior thesis, and popular areas of study include economics, political science and government, psychology, mathematics, and environmental science. Bates is one of the best colleges in the state for volunteerism as community service is built into most programs, The school’s Harward Center, described as a beacon of community-engaged learning, allows students to give back by tutoring local elementary school students, mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and other methods of community engagement.

In-State Tuition: $53,794
Out-of-State Tuition: $53,794
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 92 percent

5. College of the Atlantic

Bar Harbor, Maine

Points: 7
School Website

Located in Bar Harbor, the College of the Atlantic is a private low-cost accredited college in Maine. The COA provides undergraduate students with the freedom and flexibility to design a curriculum that works for them through 19 affordable constellations of interests such as farming, ethnography, visual arts, and consciousness. In addition to completing coursework, COA students must also meet requirements that include an internship, a writing portfolio, a senior capstone project, and community service. Outside of the classroom, the salty ocean air lingers across the campus, which is comprised mostly of environmentally conscious buildings and rustic cabins. Students have opportunities to develop lifelong friendships on school-sponsored camping outings.

In-State Tuition: $43,542
Out-of-State Tuition: $43,542
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent

4. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Standish, Maine

Points: 7
School Website

Founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a private Catholic accredited college in Maine located just 18 miles northwest of Portland in Standish. The only coeducational Catholic college in the state, the school offers economical on-campus and online programs to more than 2,700 students from all 50 states and nine countries. Students may choose from high-value undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as business, the arts and humanities, the sciences, interdisciplinary studies, the social sciences, and healthcare, fitness, and wellness. A number of its most popular degrees are provided in practical fields such as health administration, information technology, criminal justice, accounting, and business. Outside of the classroom, students will enjoy opportunities for service trips, study-away programs, research, and internships, all with a focus on making a difference.

In-State Tuition: $35,650
Out-of-State Tuition: $35,650
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent

3. Maine College of Art

Portland, Maine

Points: 7
School Website

Located in the heart of the Portland Arts District on the southern coast of Maine, the Maine College of Art is a private affordable accredited college in Maine dedicated to art. Founded in 1882, MECA is the oldest arts educational institution in the state. Undergraduates may choose from 11 low-cost Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in areas such as illustration, sculpture, graphic design, printmaking, woodworking and furniture design, textile and fashion design, metalsmithing and jewelry, and more. Through these inexpensive programs, MECA delivers a transformative learning experience within a demanding and intimate educational environment, thanks to the school’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Graduates are prepared in the areas of civic engagement, creative entrepreneurship, and artistic excellence. Outside of the classroom, students have access to Portland and all of the opportunities the city offers while remaining only minutes from forests, lakes, beaches, and an abundance of natural beauty.

In-State Tuition: $35,050
Out-of-State Tuition: $35,050
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent

2. Maine Maritime Academy

Castine, Maine

Points: 7
School Website

Maine Maritime Academy is one of the most affordable colleges in Maine. Located in Castine, this coeducational school serves approximately 950 undergraduates in low-cost career-oriented degree programs in transportation, science, business, and engineering. Established in 1941, the school is one of six non-federal maritime training colleges in the U.S., and it has received national recognition for outcomes, value, and educational quality by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to rigorous academic programs, the school provides specialized laboratories, including state-of-the-art simulators, that bring classroom lessons to life. Although the school is considered a nautical training institution, students are not required to enter the military or go to sea after graduation, and many students seek shore-side employment in the power generation industry or maritime-related fields. In fact, MMA graduates enjoy a job placement rate of 90 percent within 90 days of earning their degree.

In-State Tuition: $13,478
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,098
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 69 percent

1. University of Maine at Farmington

Farmington, Maine

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1864 as Western State Normal School, the University of Maine at Farmington is the best affordable college in Maine and the oldest university in the state. UMF is a member-school of the University of Maine System as well as a founding member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. More than 1,800 full-time students can choose from more than 30 undergraduate majors while endlessly curious and indecisive learners may take advantage of the school’s self-designed majors or liberal arts undecided program. UMF offers low-cost degree programs in the STEM fields, the social sciences and sciences, the humanities, education, counseling and health, business, and the arts. The school’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, emphasis on undergraduate education, beautiful suburban campus, and affordable net price make UMF the most affordable bachelor’s degree college in Maine.

In-State Tuition: $9,118
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,598
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Most In-Demand Careers in Maine for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?

Regardless of whether you have a specific career path in mind, having a solid understanding of the job outlook for the occupations you are considering can help you narrow down the program and school you wish to pursue. According to the Maine Department of Labor, Center for Workforce Research and Information, the following are the top 10 most in-demand careers for students who hold a bachelor’s degree as well as the number of available openings between 2016 and 2026 for that particular occupation. Entry-level wages and median wages are also provided for your reference.

• • 1. General and Operations Managers: 1,021 openings
    – Entry-level wage: $19.88
    – Median wage: $38.03

• • 2. Registered Nurses: 944
    – Entry-level wage: $24,81
    – Median wage: $30.71

• • 3. Accountants and Auditors: 440
    – Entry-level wage: $21.91
    – Median wage: $29.60

• • 4. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: 378
    – Entry-level wage: $38,500
    – Median wage: $52,941

• • 5. Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education: 366
    – Entry-level wage: $38,110
    – Median wage: $53,304

• • 6. Business Operations Specialists, All Other: 314
    – Entry-level wage: $19,49
    – Median wage: $29,81

• • 7. Financial Managers: 250
    – Entry-level wage: $31,58
    – Median wage: $47.83

• • 8. Clergy: 238
    – Entry-level wage: $20.54
    – Median wage: $23.98

• • 9. Managers, All Other: 238
    – Entry-level wage: $31.29
    – Median wage: $44.34

• • 10. Construction Managers: 218
    – Entry-level wage: $28.23
    – Median wage: $39.54

What are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Maine?

Many Maine graduates go on to pursue careers in the tourism, electronics, machinery, fishing, shipbuilding, and agriculture industries. Whether you would like to work in one of these in-demand fields or you are looking to compare your options based on salary expectations, we decided to consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a better understanding of the highest-paying jobs in Maine. According to the BLS, the annual mean wage across all occupations in Maine was $46,810 as of May 2018, the most recent data available. The five top-paying fields included surgeons and physicians as well as psychiatrists, internists, and obstetricians and gynecologists.

However, for this section, we also wanted to highlight well-paying occupations that students could pursue immediately after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from a college in Maine. Although medical schools and law schools require an undergraduate degree as their minimum education requirement, the following occupations can be attained with a bachelor’s alone or with a bachelor’s and additional training and/or experience.

• • Personal Financial Advisors: $135,170
  • Architectural and Engineering Managers: $124,230
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers: $124,130
  • Sales Managers: $121,130
  • Human Resources Managers: $107,160
  • Actuaries: $106,660
  • Compensation and Benefits Managers: $106,200
  • Electronics Engineers, Except Computer: $103,160
  • Purchasing Managers: $102,050
  • Transportation Inspectors: $101,310

What are the Best Schools in Maine for Bachelor’s Recipients?

There are plenty of colleges and universities to choose from for your bachelor’s degree in Maine, and knowing which schools produce the highest-paid graduates can help prospective students make a smart financial decision about where to attend. Below, we have highlighted five of the schools we discussed above and provided salary information related to early and mid-career earnings as well as 20-year net returns on investment, or the amount a student can expect to make 20 years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from a specific school, according to PayScale. The following information is ranked based on the net ROI for in-state students who earned an undergraduate degree without a financial aid package.

• • 1. Maine Maritime Academy
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $718,000
    – Early Career Pay: $66,700
    – Mid-Career Pay: $119,900

• • 2. Bowdoin College
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $366,000
    – Early Career Pay: $59,700
    – Mid-Career Pay: $116,000

• • 3. Bates College
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $353,000
    – Early Career Pay: $57,500
    – Mid-Career Pay: $120,300

• • 4. Colby College
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $339,000
    – Early Career Pay: $57,800
    – Mid-Career Pay: $102,000

• • 5. University of Maine
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $283,000
    – Early Career Pay: $50,800
    – Mid-Career Pay: $90,700

Famous for Stephen King, rolling hills, lobster, thick forests, and an even thicker Down East accent, Maine is also home to an assortment of fantastic colleges and universities. Although Maine Maritime Academy is nearly double the 20-year net ROI compared to the second-best school and boasts the highest starting salary, it is actually Bates College that tops the list in terms of mid-career earnings. Keep in mind that it is difficult, if not impossible, to measure the value of education in dollars, but considering the financial implications of the cost of tuition can help you choose the best affordable colleges in Maine for bachelor’s degrees that makes sense for you.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 20 best affordable colleges in Maine for bachelor’s degrees.

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