Best Online Colleges in Maine (Top 2y & 4yr Schools)

Enrolling in online college in Maine has many benefits, including the flexibility to attend school while you work, balance school and personal life, or simply work at your own pace. Many Maine colleges also offer multiple start dates, allowing you to begin your studies the moment you’re ready. And if you’re a resident, you may qualify for in-state tuition discounts and state scholarships.

If you’re considering an online college degree, this guide is a great place to start your search. We introduce you to the top online colleges in Maine, the different ways you can earn a degree online, and other key resources to help you reach your educational goals.

Top-Ranked Online Colleges in Maine for 2024

Choosing the right online college can be tough. Our ranking of top online colleges in Maine focuses on institutions that meet regional accreditation standards and offer excellent support services. Whether you’re starting school for the first time or returning after a long break, these colleges can help you take the next step in your higher educational journey.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
University of Maine

Orono, Maine

Public $$
The University of Maine provides students with the opportunity to earn their undergraduate degree, graduate certificate, or graduate degree on their own schedule. The university’s online programs are designed and taught by members of the University of Maine faculty who are passionate about online teaching. Students have access to world-class professors and the same quality education as on-campus students. The school offers special tuition rates for several programs for out-of-state and international students, making it one of the more affordable academic institutions in New England. The university strives to provide online students with all of the materials and resources needed to be successful, including technological and academic support and various student resources. Admission requirements vary by program but include a complete application with optional test scores.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Engineering Technology
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $700 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Master of Science in Food Science & Human Nutrition
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $590 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $388-$485 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
2
Unity College

Unity, Maine

Private not-for-profit $$$
Unity College is an environmental college that provides an immersive and experiential environment for its online students. Students can learn from anywhere in the world while being taught by global experts and leading scientists working full-time in their fields. Through immersive technologies, challenging field assignments, and applied real-world learning, students will be actively engaged in earning their bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or non-degree credits on their own schedule. Some courses even offer extended reality, which includes immersive technologies encompassing virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. Unity College is accredited and Unity Distance Education offers affordable, accessible online degrees that apply coursework to real work, so graduates have the skills to succeed in high-growth careers or continue their education in graduate school. The university offers extensive resources for online students including 24/7 Canvas support, student resources and materials, IT support, career services, and more. Admission requirements include a complete application, transcripts, and any program-specific requirements.
Program Highlights:
Master’s in Environmental Studies and Sustainability
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $650 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Master’s in Marine Science
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $650 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
B.S. in Animal Health and Behavior
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $470 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1
3
University of Southern Maine

Portland, Maine

Public $$
The University of Southern Maine offers a variety of online degrees covering a broad spectrum of areas of study. Students can choose from more than 60 online programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and certificate levels. The university’s online programs are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to continue to meet their work and family commitments while earning a degree. Each course has a syllabus that lays out expectations for the semester, so students can plan ahead. Coursework is delivered through BrightSpace with a mix of video lectures, reading, and discussion boards. Students can easily interact with the material, faculty members, and other students. Depending on the course, students access BrightSpace daily or weekly to read course materials, watch online lectures, participate in online discussion boards, and complete assignments, quizzes, and tests. Students are offered optimum technical, advising, writing, and tutoring support. Online students are eligible for e-tuition rates and scholarships, grants, and other financial aid are available.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Education – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Online
- Credits: 30
- Length: As few as 10 months
- Cost: $12,900 total tuition
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education Online
- Credits: 60
- Length: As few as 24 months
- Cost: $22,680 total tuition
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $8,640 (Resident); $24,300 (Nonresident)
- Mode: Blended
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1
4
University of Maine at Machias

Machias, Maine

Public $$
The University of Maine at Machias offers fully online programs at the bachelor’s, associate, and certificate levels. Many courses are offered via asynchronous methods, while some courses are offered via live, synchronous online instruction. Online students are assigned a faculty advisor who will assist in choosing a program of study and a dedicated academic advisor to help navigate the challenges of online degree completion. Once enrolled, online students will also get assistance in building a degree completion plan, choosing electives, and figuring out a schedule that works for them. They will also be connected with the many UMM resources that are available to online students, including career services, online tutoring, counseling, and more. Admission requirements include a complete application, transcripts or an official GED score, a recommendation letter, a personal essay, and test scores.
Program Highlights:
B.S. in Business and Entrepreneurial Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $282 (In-state & Canadian); $352 (Out-of-state online); $480 (New England)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
B.A. in Psychology and Community Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $282 (In-state & Canadian); $352 (Out-of-state online); $480 (New England)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
B.S. in Environmental Geographic Information Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $282 (In-state & Canadian); $352 (Out-of-state online); $480 (New England)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

13/1
5
University of Maine at Augusta

Augusta, Maine

Public $$
The University of Maine at Augusta is a pioneer in distance learning, offering some form of distance learning for more than 30 years. UMA currently offers 41 degree programs, 28 of which are available completely online. Others are available in a hybrid online form using video conferencing or a combination of online and in-person courses. Online degree programs are offered at the baccalaureate, post-baccalaureate, associate, certificate, and graduate levels. UMA offers a wide variety of financial aid options including grants, scholarships, work study, tuition waivers, and more. Admission requirements include a complete online application, official transcripts, and program-specific requirements.
Program Highlights:
Cybersecurity, MS
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $432 per credit hour (Resident); $577 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Mental Health & Human Services Bachelor
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $245 per credit hour (Resident); $319 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Trauma-Informed Emergency Management Master’s
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $432 per credit hour (Resident); $577 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
6
Husson University

Bangor, Maine

Private not-for-profit $$$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1
7
University of Maine at Fort Kent

Fort Kent, Maine

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
8
University of Maine at Presque Isle

Presque Isle, Maine

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Central Maine Community College

Auburn, Maine

Public $
Central Maine Community College has a variety of online degree programs available for you to help you reach your goals — and they are offered at an affordable price. CMCC offers the lowest tuition in New England at $96 per credit hour. The affordability and flexibility of the degree programs can help students from a variety of backgrounds earn a degree. The college offers 7 fully online degree programs, including accounting, business administration and management, justice studies and more. These two-year programs offer a great pathway to transferring to a four-year university and earning a bachelor’s degree, or securing a full-time entry-level role in your career field.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science, Accounting
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $96/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Associate of Applied Science, Human Services
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $96/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Associate of Applied Science, Medical Coding and Electronic Health Records
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $96/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
2
Southern Maine Community College

South Portland, Maine

Public $
Southern Maine Community College has designed online courses and online degrees in Liberal Studies and Business Administration to give students an affordable, flexible opportunity to pursue an education. SMCC also offfers both online and hybrid courses that cover a range of topics. The liberal studies program will expose you to numerous disciplines, allowing you try out different fields, from history to education, psychology to social work, and many other areas. The business administration program will provide you with a foundation in general business practices, leadership concepts and microcomputer applications. Both will give you knowledge and skills that you can apply in a four-year degree program and your career beyond that.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts, Liberal Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $96/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Associate of Science, Business Administration
- Credits: 62
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $96/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1

Online Learning Formats at Maine Colleges

There are many ways to learn online with some courses requiring more live interaction than others. The classes you choose depend on how you like to learn, the time of day you want to access coursework, and the amount of time you can study each week. Consider each of the following types of online learning to help you decide which program mode is best for you.

Fully Online or Hybrid/Blended

A fully online program has courses you attend from the comfort of your home with little, if any, time spent on in-person coursework. Fully online programs are common for technology or business programs where interaction with others isn’t as necessary for learning the needed skills.

Hybrid or blended models, on the other hand, have some face-to-face learning with instructors. These models are common for degrees where a hands-on approach makes sense, such as health degrees, where skills are required through fieldwork and labs.

The programs highlighted below explain how a fully online and a hybrid/blended program might work.

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at the University of Southern Maine (Blended/Hybrid)

If you want to work in law or the criminal justice system, the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at the University of Southern Maine might be a good fit. This blended program incorporates in-person lectures and roundtables with online courses for a balanced approach to helping you meet your educational goals. Courses include White Collar Crime, Crimes Against the Environment, and Crimes in Maine. The program also has an intensive internship experience.

Tuition starts at just over $8,600 for in-state students. While this is a four-year program, optional summer and winter terms may help students get their degrees faster. Year-round admission means you can apply when the time is right for you.

Bachelor of Science in Health Administration at St. Joseph’s College of Maine (Fully-Online)

Health administration is a growing field, and it’s now possible to get a degree fully online with St. Joseph’s College of Maine. You can complete a Bachelor of Science degree at St. Joseph’s in as little as two years thanks to five, 10-week terms.

The curriculum includes a mix of liberal arts courses to fulfill general credits and healthcare administration leadership and management courses that cover human resources, long-term care management, and financial issues. You can also easily move into a master’s degree after this bachelor’s program or earn a certificate if you aren’t quite ready to pursue a degree.

Asynchronous or Synchronous

Asynchronous courses are typically pre-recorded lectures or use other materials accessible at any time, so you can catch up on lectures or take notes at your convenience. Synchronous courses, on the other hand, are real-time online courses where you must be present at the time of the class and interact as if you were physically in the classroom. Even some 100% online courses may ask you to participate in live sessions, so know what you’re getting into before you enroll. See the examples below to help understand how asynchronous and synchronous programs work.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Maine (Asynchronous)

For those who want a 100% online experience with courses reviewable day or night, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program at the University of Maine is a good pick. It’s fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, joining less than 5% of business schools with the honor.

Students can begin their very first year online or transfer in with an associate degree and take advantage of the “2+2” program that allows them to graduate in just two years. Courses include Principles of Financial Accounting, Strategic Management, the Legal Environment of Business, and others designed to help students become leaders in the business world. Enrollment takes place in the Fall and Spring semesters, and students must earn a C or higher in their core business courses to continue in the program.

Master of Science in Engineering Technology from the University of Maine (Synchronous)

The University of Maine added a Master of Science in Engineering to its list of online degree programs, and many of its courses are held live online in a virtual face-to-face environment. Synchronous courses are also recorded, so they can be referred to later if needed. Courses in this master’s program include Renewable Energy and Electricity Production, Lean Six Sigma, and Fuel Science and Technology for the Electrical Engineering Technology concentration and Geodetic US Public Land Survey Computations, Applied Hydrographic Surveying, and Small Business Management for the Surveying Engineering Technology concentration.

Applicants to this program need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, surveying, math, physics, or similar, and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Part-Time or Full-Time

You should also give some thought to how many hours a week you can dedicate to a college course. Expect to spend class time plus three to four hours outside of class each week for one course. This is a minimum, with labs and clinicals adding more time. If you work full-time or care for loved ones, a full-time class schedule may not be possible. Many of the best online colleges in Maine also offer part-time options with year-round semester scheduling to help even part-timers get their degrees quickly.

The two schools spotlighted below illustrate how part-time and full-time scheduling works.

Associate in Behavioral Health Studies at York County Community College (Part-Time)

When you don’t have the flexibility to attend school full-time, a part-time option like the Associate in Behavioral Health Studies at York County Community College is ideal. Courses include Abnormal Psychology, Trauma and Recovery, Addiction and Substance Abuse, and Victim Advocacy. You can also bundle your degree with a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician Community Certification (MHRT/C) or Victim Advocate Certification.

The program is 61 credit hours and can take as little as four semesters. Those wishing to attend part-time, however, can take it at their own pace. The average course load for part-time students is two or three courses per semester for up to four years.

Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Husson University (Full-Time)

Husson University, a private college with various online programs to choose from, offers a full selection of courses that allow full-time students to complete a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the same time as students attending onsite. Those starting with no credits take around four years, and those transferring in up to 90 credits can finish in as little as two years.

This BS in Accounting program is accredited by the IACBE and includes an accelerated BS to MBA option for those who want to jump-start their graduate education. You’ll get internship experience and the skills needed to pass your CPA exam to begin working right out of school. The flexible online accounting courses are asynchronous, so you can access them 24/7. The selection of seven-week courses includes Principles of Accounting, Federal Taxation, and Auditing Concepts and Methods. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition price for this online degree program.

Accreditation and Colleges in Maine

Quality online education programs in Maine are federally recognized by the Department of Education and regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). From there, any professional program you choose should have the backing of the organization overseeing its curriculum and assessments. Nursing programs, for example, should be listed with the Maine State Board of Nursing as having met their standards. If the school aims to prepare you for a professional license like the NCLEX, its pass rate for the graduating class should at least be competitive with other schools. Use this guide to accreditation to further understand these quality standards.

Cost of Earning Your Online Degree in Maine

Maine has a higher cost of living than some states, and college costs reflect that. An in-state, four-year public college, for example, costs around $20,700. Private institution cost as much as $54,000. With the high cost of an in-person college degree, online degree programs can be an affordable way to stay within budget without compromising on quality. By simply not paying room and board you’ll save at least $9,000 a year.

Additionally, you can also often still benefit from in-state tuition if you attend online. In most situations, Maine colleges give resident students in-state discounts even if they take online classes. Here are the costs of a few Maine schools to give you an idea of the range of tuition costs.

School Name	On-Campus In-State	On-Campus Out-of-State	Online In-State	Online Out-of-State
University of Maine	$ 11,640/year	$14,550/year	$11,640/year	$14,550/year
University of Southern Maine	$ 8,640/year	$ 24,300/year	$ 8,640/year	$ 24,300/year
St. Joseph’s College of Maine	$ 11,340/year	$ 11,340/year	$ 11,340/year	$ 11,340/year
York County Community College	$3,880/year	$ 6,760/year	$3,880/year	$6,760/year
Husson University	$ 11,940/year	$ 11,940/year	$ 11,940/year	$ 11,940/year

* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.

Financial Aid for Maine College Students

Even with the in-state discounts, it makes sense to look for additional ways to save money on your degree. Financial aid is a big opportunity to cut the college price tag down even further.

Start by looking at federal aid, which includes money that doesn’t have to be paid back. Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are available to lower-income students. Federal aid also includes loans with lower interest than from other sources. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is necessary for obtaining federal aid.

From there, all colleges typically have scholarship opportunities specific to just that school and can be found on a school’s financial aid page. Other scholarships are available to all Maine students and those pursuing certain degree programs. See this guide to scholarships for online colleges for more information.Finally, Maine has some programs for health professionals who remain in Maine after they get their degrees. Find out more about this loan forgiveness program on the Finance Authority of Maine website, which also has a listing of Maine scholarships you can browse.

Future Potential: Growing Careers in Maine

Maine students still uncertain about what degree program to pursue may find this chart handy. It lists the fastest-growing careers requiring post-secondary education along with what you can expect to make in the field.

Career	Job Growth (2020-2030)	Annual Mean Wage (2021)
Epidemiologists	50%	N/A
Nurse Practitioners	37.4%	$116,370
Occupational Therapy Assistants	25%	$56,250
Data Scientists	24.1%	$90,410
Medical and Health Services Managers	23.4%	$102,070
Physician Assistants	22.5%	$123,200
Logisticians	22%	$79,520
Physical Therapist Assistants	21.9%	$55,300
Audiologists	20%	$83,190
Operations Research Analysts	20%	$77,620

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

Must-Have Resources for Maine-Based College Students

Finance Authority of Maine

With information on affording college and paying for it while you attend, this site answers common tuition and expense questions. Start here if you’re wondering if you can afford school.

Maine Department of Education

This page has useful links for the FAFSA, a College Navigator, state rules and regulations, as well as accreditation information. Bookmark it for a quick reference to all things higher ed.

University of Maine Online Success Tips

While designed for UMaine online students, this advice is useful for anyone getting a degree from the convenience of their computer. Check out the handy timeline!

University of Maine Academic Program Search

With all seven of the state colleges listed, you can find the program you are interested in and which school offers it. Private schools are not included.

Maine’s Free College Program

Did you know that most Maine students right out of high school can get a community college education for free? Get details, including which schools participate, on this website.

Today’s Best Online Colleges in Maine