Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

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.

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.

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

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.

Source: BLS

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.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.