Top 10 Universities in Maine

1. Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College, located in Brunswick, is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus community. Founded in 1794, Bowdoin offers a comprehensive undergraduate experience with a focus on critical thinking, global engagement, and community service.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 6th in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,800 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s degrees in various fields, including arts, sciences, and humanities.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 10%.

Average SAT Score:

1430-1560 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Community Service Organizations
2. Performing Arts Groups
3. Outdoor Adventure Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Nathaniel Hawthorne – Author
2. Reed Hastings – Co-founder and CEO of Netflix
3. Franklin Pierce – 14th President of the United States
4. Thomas Brackett Reed – Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
5. DeRay Mckesson – Civil rights activist and podcast host

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Teach For America
2. Google
3. Goldman Sachs
4. Boston Consulting Group
5. Microsoft

2. Colby College

Colby College, located in Waterville, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs and commitment to sustainability. Founded in 1813, Colby offers a transformative educational experience with a focus on interdisciplinary learning, research, and global engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 17th in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s degrees in various fields, including arts, sciences, and humanities.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 10%.

Average SAT Score:

1390-1530 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Environmental Clubs
2. Cultural Organizations
3. Student Government

Famous Alumni:

1. Olympia Snowe – Former U.S. Senator
2. Elijah Lovejoy – Abolitionist and journalist
3. Richard Blanco – Poet
4. Harold Alfond – Businessman and philanthropist
5. Margaret Chase Smith – Former U.S. Senator

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Deloitte
2. Bain & Company
3. Pfizer Inc.
4. McKinsey & Company
5. P. Morgan Chase & Co.

3. University of Maine

The University of Maine, located in Orono, is a public research university known for its strong programs in engineering, forestry, and marine sciences. Founded in 1865, UMaine offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 176th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 11,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including engineering, forestry, marine sciences, business, and liberal arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 90%.

Average SAT Score:

1090-1280 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Outdoor Adventure Clubs
2. Academic Honor Societies
3. Community Service Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Stephen King – Author
2. Bernard Lown – Nobel Peace Prize laureate
3. Olympia Snowe – Former U.S. Senator
4. Peter Vigue – Former CEO of Cianbro Corporation
5. Susan Collins – U.S. Senator

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. IDEXX Laboratories
2. MaineHealth
3. WEX Inc.
4. L.Bean
5. Bath Iron Works

4. Bates College

Bates College, located in Lewiston, is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and commitment to social justice. Founded in 1855, Bates offers a transformative educational experience with a focus on critical inquiry, civic engagement, and inclusive community.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 23rd in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,800 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s degrees in various fields, including arts, sciences, and humanities.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 11%.

Average SAT Score:

1360-1510 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Community Service Organizations
2. Performing Arts Groups
3. Athletics Teams

Famous Alumni:

1. Benjamin Mays – Civil rights leader and educator
2. Michael Beschloss – Historian and author
3. John Bertrand – Former CEO of Staples Inc.
4. Margaret Chase Smith – Former U.S. Senator
5. John Jenkins – President of the University of Notre Dame

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Teach For America
2. Google
3. Boston Consulting Group
4. Morgan Stanley
5. Harvard University

5. University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine (USM), with campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, is a public university known for its diverse academic programs and commitment to student success. Established in 1878, USM offers a supportive learning environment with a focus on experiential learning, research, and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 207th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 8,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 80%.

Average SAT Score:

1020-1210 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Cultural Organizations
2. Student Government
3. Academic Honor Societies

Famous Alumni:

1. Richard Blanco – Poet
2. Paul LePage – Former Governor of Maine
3. Carolyn Chute – Author
4. Jean Gamage – Former Maine State Senator
5. Ryan Fecteau – Maine State Representative

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Maine Medical Center
2. Idexx Laboratories
3. WEX Inc.
4. Bath Iron Works
5. L.Bean

6. Maine Maritime Academy

Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), located in Castine, is a public college focused on maritime education and training. Founded in 1941, MMA offers specialized programs in marine engineering, marine transportation, and maritime management, preparing students for careers in the maritime industry.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 6th in Regional Colleges North (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s degrees in marine engineering, marine transportation, marine science, and other maritime-related fields.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 60%.

Average SAT Score:

1080-1260 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Regimental Band
2. Varsity Sports Teams
3. Maritime Clubs and Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. George J. Dufek – Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
2. Susan Collins – U.S. Senator
3. Peter Vigue – Former CEO of Cianbro Corporation
4. Frederick Haab – Former President of the American Society of Naval Engineers
5. Wilbur Dow – Former President of Maine Maritime Academy

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Bath Iron Works
2. Maine Marine Patrol
3. S. Navy
4. General Dynamics
5. Chevron Corporation

7. Husson University

Husson University, located in Bangor, is a private university known for its strong programs in business, healthcare, and communication. Established in 1898, Husson offers a practical and career-focused education with a commitment to experiential learning and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 118th in Regional Universities North (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 3,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including business administration, nursing, pharmacy, education, and communications.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 83%.

Average SAT Score:

980-1180 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government
2. Professional Organizations
3. Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

1. Darren Criss – Actor and singer
2. Charles Osgood – Former host of “CBS Sunday Morning”
3. Bob Crowley – Winner of Survivor: Gabon
4. Richard E. Lyford – Former President of Husson University
5. Jane K. Smith – Former Maine State Legislator

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Eastern Maine Medical Center
2. Bangor Savings Bank
3. Dead River Company
4. MaineGeneral Health
5. The Jackson Laboratory

8. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, located in Standish, is a private Catholic college known for its strong programs in healthcare, education, and business. Founded in 1912, Saint Joseph’s offers a values-based education rooted in the liberal arts tradition, emphasizing service, leadership, and social responsibility.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 64th in Regional Universities North (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various fields, including nursing, education, business administration, and health administration.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 84%.

Average SAT Score:

990-1180 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Campus Ministry
2. Service Learning Projects
3. Student Clubs and Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. William B. Hafford – Former Maine State Legislator
2. Jane Knapp – President of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
3. Robert J. Heslin – Former President and CEO of Mercy Hospital
4. John Brennan – Former CIA Director
5. Maura Sullivan – U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Maine Medical Center
2. Mercy Hospital
3. Hannaford Supermarkets
4. Unum Group
5. TD Bank, N.A.

9. University of New England

The University of New England (UNE), with campuses in Biddeford and Portland, is a private university known for its strong programs in health sciences, marine sciences, and environmental studies. Founded in 1831, UNE offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, combining academic excellence with hands-on experience and research opportunities.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 86th in Regional Universities North (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 8,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including health professions, marine biology, environmental science, and liberal arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 80%.

Average SAT Score:

1050-1250 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Marine Biology Research Projects
2. Health Professions Clubs
3. Cultural Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. John Crowley – CEO of Amicus Therapeutics
2. Ted Koppel – Former anchor of “Nightline”
3. Richard Blanco – Poet
4. Linda Bean – Businesswoman and political activist
5. Susan C. Schwab – Former United States Trade Representative

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Maine Medical Center
2. IDEXX Laboratories
3. Martin’s Point Health Care
4. Unum Group
5. MaineHealth

10. Thomas College

Thomas College, located in Waterville, is a private college known for its strong programs in business, technology, and education. Founded in 1894, Thomas offers a career-focused education with a commitment to hands-on learning, professional development, and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 133rd in Regional Universities North (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various fields, including business administration, computer science, education, and criminal justice.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 80%.

Average SAT Score:

980-1160 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Business Clubs and Organizations
2. Technology Competitions
3. Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

1. Joshua Chamberlain – Civil War general and former governor of Maine
2. Dana Connors – President of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce
3. Harold Alfond – Businessman and philanthropist
4. George Mitchell – Former U.S. Senator and peace negotiator
5. Cathy Nadeau – Maine State Legislator

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. MaineGeneral Health
2. MaineHealth
3. Hannaford Supermarkets
4. TD Bank, N.A.
5. Central Maine Healthcare