POPULATION (2021): 1.3 million
CAPITAL: Augusta
LARGEST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN MAINE: University of Maine
LARGEST PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN MAINE: University of New England
The Northeasternmost state in the U.S., sometimes Maine is forgotten about by the outside world, but people who live there love it for many good reasons, including the quality of higher education. If you’ve never lived in a place with snow, Maine will certainly be a bit of a culture shock in that realm, but the people are very welcoming, and most of the small towns throughout the state have a similar feel, including the college towns!
Universities in Maine – 4-Year Colleges and Online
Only 3 colleges in the state have more than 10,000 students, but with a relatively small population, that’s not much of a surprise to see in the Northeast where enrollment is, generally, a bit lower than in the West and South. Here is a closer look at all of the 4-year colleges in Maine, big and small!
Public Universities in Maine
The University of Maine, located on Orono, is the largest public university, and it also has five smaller branch campuses: Presque Isle, Fort Kent, Machias, Farmington, and Augusta. Other public universities in Maine include the University of Southern Maine and the Maine Maritime Academy.
Private Universities in Maine
The University of New England is the largest college in the state by enrollment and is a private university in Biddeford (with a campus in Portland as well). The University of New England is the only private college in Maine with more than 5,000 students, though several other small private colleges exist in the state:
- Husson University
- Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
- Colby College
- Thomas College
- Bowdoin College
- Bates College
Community Colleges in Maine
Maine is dedicated to providing quality education at the community college level, and does so by operating a web of community colleges that are accessible for students no matter whey they grew up in Maine.
- Southern Maine CC
- Central Maine CC
- Kennebec Valley CC
- Eastern Maine CC
- York County CC
- Northern Maine CC
Prominent Online Colleges in Maine
Online colleges and courses in Maine help serve students who can’t relocate or who don’t want to commute to a campus, especially in the winter which can drop a lot of snow in Maine. Saint Joseph’s, the University of New England, and all of the state schools offer fully online programs in addition to many resources and coursework.
Get to Know Maine
Relaxing and beautiful both come to mind quickly when talking about Maine. The coasts are beautiful and rocky in many places… which helps with keeping their staple food, the Maine lobster, in steady supply to tourists and residents alike.
Wintersports are very popular when the snow is falling, but the same mountains that offer skiing and snowboarding also offer hiking, mountain biking, and venues for music and arts festivals in the warmer months.
Maine is a great choice for college if you enjoy the natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere.