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.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Online Schools and Colleges in Maine

Central Maine Community College

  • Location-markerAuburn, ME
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

Central Maine Community College offers flexible online programs that meet high academic standards. Located in Auburn, the school's academic options include in-person programs and seven online programs. At the institution, 1,041 enrollees choose to complete their studies online.

Distance learners can work with peers on group projects. With virtual communication tools, such as videoconferencing and chat, participants can develop their network and connect with classmates. Many employers prefer candidates with professional experience, which students can gain by completing internships and research projects. Online learners can access institutional resources such as academic advising. Opportunities such as job fairs and career workshops help enrollees explore their professional options.

Federal financial aid programs can help degree-seekers afford higher education. Along with providing information about institutional funding, the school's financial aid office can help learners explore additional funding options, such as third-party scholarships. According to the institution's statistics, 88% of enrollees benefit from financial aid of some type.

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

While completing Kennebec Valley Community College's online programs, enrollees develop field-specific knowledge and practical skills that apply to roles across industries. The 952 learners who study online receive the same high-quality education as the school's on-campus students. Flexible scheduling and enrollment options allow distance learners to earn their degree faster than many on-campus students.

Enrollees studying online can pursue individual assistance by connecting with professors through email and videoconferencing. The supportive online community enables participants to collaborate with peers and faculty on subject-specific research projects or pursue other experiential learning opportunities, such as internships. Institutional resources, including career services and academic advising, encourage academic and professional success among online students. Job fairs provide opportunities for learners to network and explore potential employment opportunities.

Educational expenses can vary based on the program. For specific information regarding program costs, applicants can contact an admissions counselor. Eligible enrollees can benefit from internal and external funding opportunities to help lower the total.

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

At York County Community College, online students can access programming of equivalent quality to in-person academic options. Based in Wells, the school educates 738 remote enrollees through 15 online programs. Busy learners who need flexible scheduling options can choose asynchronous online programs to complete coursework around other obligations.

The institution's virtual learning platform provides opportunities for students to communicate with instructors and classmates. In addition to internships, research projects provide opportunities for learners to collaborate with professionals in their field and gain practical experience. Career counselors help enrollees identify the best professional path for them and prepare to find and secure jobs after graduation. Mock interviews allow degree candidates to practice their interpersonal skills and improve their chance of landing a job after graduation.

Financial aid counselors help applicants explore funding options to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Enrollees who demonstrate financial need can submit the FAFSA to apply for federal financial aid. According to the school, the number of degree-seekers receiving financial aid amounts to 86% of the student body.

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

While attending Saint Joseph's College of Maine, students can choose from online programs across fields. Located in Standish, the school boasts a robust online learning community, supporting 792 remote enrollees across 23 programs. Working professionals in online programs can complete assignments and class requirements on evenings and weekends.

Distance learners benefit from an online learning community, which can lead to professional connections. Degree-seekers often complete internships in their field to prepare to succeed in job interviews and their chosen field. Enrollees can meet with academic advisors to ensure they choose classes aligning with their career goals. Mock interviews help students prepare to secure positions in their field after graduation.

For applicants who need help determining the best funding options for their situation, the financial aid office provides support and insights. The federal government supports enrollees with financial need through loans, grants, and work-study programs. The school reports that 98% of its students receive some form of financial aid.

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

University of New England’s online degrees provide enrollees with a competitive education, preparing them for their future careers. The school offers 13 online programs and enrolls 3,521 distance learners based throughout the country. Along with working professionals, students with children often pursue online learning because of the increased flexibility it offers.

Distance learners can pursue individual assistance by connecting with professors through email and videoconferencing. To impress prospective employers, degree-seekers often complete internships and original research. Institutional resources, including career services and academic advising, encourage academic and professional success among online students. To explore employment options, learners can attend job fairs organized by the school.

Degree candidates in some programs may have additional costs, such as lab fees. For specific information regarding program costs, applicants can contact an admissions counselor. Enrollees often pursue institutional funding and scholarships from third-party organizations.

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

University of Maine at Fort Kent offers flexible online programs that meet high academic standards. The school delivers seven online programs, along with on-campus options in Fort Kent. Of the institution's enrollees, 894 attend classes online.

Students benefit from a supportive online learning community. Virtual communication tools provide opportunities for participants to connect and network with peers and colleagues. Learners can collaborate with professors on original research projects and can pursue internships with local organizations. The institution's virtual resources help degree candidates make the most of their program. Enrollees can take advantage of career services and networking opportunities to prepare to secure a job after graduation.

Many students apply for financial aid to reduce the financial burden of earning a degree. Along with providing information about institutional funding, the school's financial aid office can help learners explore additional funding options, such as third-party scholarships. The institution's statistics indicate that 94% of enrollees receive financial aid.

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

University of Maine is a leader in online education. In addition to delivering in-person programs on campus in Orono, the school offers 35 online programs. The flexibility of online programs can benefit learners with personal and professional responsibilities.

Students earning a degree online can participate in discussions and receive assistance from professors through the virtual learning platform. Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects, help degree-seekers bolster their resume and prepare for the workforce. Enrollees also benefit from access to numerous institutional resources, receiving academic and career guidance throughout the duration of their studies. Toward the end of their program, students can partake in career workshops and mock interviews to prepare to enter the workforce.

For applicants who need help determining the best funding options for their situation, the financial aid office provides support and insights. Many scholarship programs support enrollees in specific fields of study. Of all students, 99% receive some form of financial aid.

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

University of Southern Maine's online classes provide the same high-quality academic experience as its on-campus courses. The public school delivers 21 online programs from its campus in Portland. The institution's 3,393 online learners benefit from institutional resources, such as career counseling and tutoring.

The online learning platform allows enrollees to complete group projects, attend virtual office hours, and develop a supportive academic network. In addition to completing general education requirements, degree-seekers take advanced courses in their field. Before registering for classes, students consult with academic advisors to identify course options aligning with their goals. Enrollees often pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as original research and internships, to improve their skills and bolster their resume.

The financial aid office provides details about the various available funding options, which can make higher education more accessible. Potential funding options for students include federal financial aid, institutional awards, and private scholarships.

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

Students looking for a premier online education should consider University of Maine at Presque Isle. With 11 online programs, the public school also offers on-campus programs in Presque Isle. The college prepares its 597 online distance learners for the workforce through rigorous coursework, a supportive learning community, and institutional resources.

Online enrollees can develop professional connections with classmates and professors using the virtual classroom environment. Online programs feature advanced coursework, during which learners gain the specific skills necessary for their profession. Before registering for classes, students consult with academic advisors to identify course options aligning with their goals. Enrollees can also collaborate with faculty members on research projects and independently pursue internships and other experiential learning opportunities relevant to their studies.

The financial aid office provides information about degree costs and funding options to help applicants create a budget. Eligible learners may receive institutional scholarships and awards from external organizations.

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

University of Maine at Machias is a leader in online education. With four online programs, the school provides a variety of academic options for its 469 online enrollees. Busy learners who need flexible scheduling options can choose asynchronous online programs to complete coursework around other obligations.

While completing an online program at the institution, degree-seekers can form connections with like-minded peers through the virtual learning platform. In collaboration with faculty members and colleagues, learners can pursue research projects, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities relevant to their field. Enrollees can meet with academic advisors to ensure they choose classes aligning with their career goals. During career workshops, students can explore professional opportunities aligning with their academic background.

For applicants who need help determining the best funding options for their situation, the financial aid office provides support and insights. Enrollees who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies may qualify for merit-based awards. Of the school's student body, 99% of degree-seekers qualify for some form of financial aid.

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