A Guide to Online Colleges in Maine

Welcome to “Vacationland.” This state nickname may sound like an advertisement for the state of Maine but it’s actually an apt name for all types of visitors to this fantastic New England state that borders New Hampshire and Canada. Out of the cities, head to the most northern state in New England for its slow living, scenery, unique heritage, and amazing cuisine. If you’ve heard of a Maine lobster you know that dining is nothing short of elegant here. The Highlands include some of the highest peaks in the state, the largest lakes, as places to sit and watch the phenomenal indigenous animals like moose, Lynx, whales, and the American Black Bear (maybe try that one from afar).

Though Maine is known for its lobster and a collection of lighthouses dotted along pristine island towns, it's known for much more. Maine is home to a fantastic system of schools in the University of Maine College System (where the majority of schools are ranked as the top schools in the entire northeastern region, and schooling is offered at an affordable price). Maine is also diverse. To this day the state is home to Native Americans, Franco-Americans (think Quebec, just a little south), and immigrants from all over the world. Maine is a destination state, and a state you can make a home in. It's also the backdrop and inspiration for many great novelists works — like John Irving and Elizabeth Strout, Stephen King, and Henry David Thoreau. When people call Maine home it tends to be a statement of pride steeped in centuries-old traditions.

In-state tuition is often applied to public schools offering online programs. Many online programs require some face-to-face time, or more numerous support services at their brick and mortar locations. Intensive study experiences, often on the weekends or in several week-long bouts, enable many online students to accelerate their time until graduation. Students looking at online education can drastically expand their educational options if they also look to hybrid degrees (degrees that can be taken partially, or mostly online). Finally, one of the most common stipulations in scholarships is that students be from a certain state or region, often more funds are available to students seeking degrees in-state.

The top public schools in Maine offer online programs of study at the associates through the doctoral level. The University of Maine offers 20 programs completely online including an impressive 13 masters degrees including an MBA, MSE and several M.Ed degree, engineering and more! The University of Maine at Augusta offers 19 online associate and bachelor’s degrees like a bachelor’s in computer information systems, Contemporary popular music and an Associate in Mental Health and Human Service. The University of Southern Maine offers 12 programs online for undergraduates and graduates in several business fields, liberal arts, and education. Presque Isle and Fort Kent — two other University of Maine colleges are some of the highest ranked colleges in the region and also offer programs for undergraduates at a great value and include career-ready fields like an associate in medical laboratory technology from Presque Isle, or an Associate in Criminal Justice at Fort Kent

There is one private school on our list offering online programs and that is Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Their online offerings are by far our most extensive in that there are 61 bachelor’s and master’s programs available completely online. Saint Joseph’s College provides degrees in many areas of business and has a few fast track programs such as the RN to BSN fast track and the RN to MSN fast track. Additionally, with 35 master’s degrees there is much to choose from including areas of health like health administration, nursing practice, a master in divinity and much more!

Becoming a Resident

Establishing residency is essential for securing that in-state tuition price. In many cases, paying out-of-state tuition can triple the costs of your education. The state of Maine has more stringent rules with regards to obtaining domicile than other states. As is the case with most states, “domicile” is defined as having lived independently (more than 50% of your sustainability is your own) or dependently (less than 50% of your sustainability is your own with your parents or guardian) for one full calendar year. For Maine, this means showing a little bit more “loyalty” to the state itself and proving without a shadow of a doubt that you are not simply residing in Maine to be a student. Though for the most part, in-state residency will be considered on a case-by-case basis, odds are tremendously in your favor if your year of domicile has occurred before your application into a school, you have not travelled and applied to schools outside of Maine during or after your year of domicile and can include verifiable paperwork that serves as evidence for your year in domicile. Many schools in the Maine public system offer fantastic prices and a great education. In fact, a number of public schools in the University of Maine system are ranked as the best in the region and offer prices far below the national average. Some exceptions include members of the Armed Forces, veterans of the United States Armed forces, dependents using a GI Bill, and those who qualify for a regional tuition reciprocity agreement.

In 2016-17 the average published tuition prices for Maine four-year universities was $7,231 for in-state tuition that’s about $2,100 below the national average for public schools. The highest value schools are also our top three picks for online options. The University of Maine-Fort Kent (UMFK) is one of the top public schools in the nation and the tuition rates are just over $6,500 for in-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition for UMFK is $$10,950. The University of Maine-Presque Isle (UMPI) is another top-ranked regional university offers its Maine residents tuition for $6,600 per year and Canadian/New England Regional resident $10,230. The pattern repeats for all other top public schools in the state. It may be worth what individuals save on room and board when studying online, typically about $30,000 for a four-year degree, and in many cases, more as the average student graduation rate for undergraduates is closer to six years!

Portland, Maine is located in the South on the coast of Maine in Cumberland County and is the largest city in Maine with a population of 66,500. Originally called “Machigonne” or “great neck” by the Native Americans, this city is as you may have guessed, situated on the coast. The Old Port, a district in Portland with cobblestone streets and 19th century architecture as well as its fishing peers, is a popular tourist destination due to it boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. Off the coast, 25 minutes by ferry, you’ll find the Great Diamond Island — known for its hiking and biking trails, natural island beauty and marina. In fact, hiking and biking (or golf cart) will be your only options as no gas-powered vehicles are allowed. More island beauty adorns the coast of Portland including the Chebeague Island knowns for its rich sailing history, and several Greek Revival homes. Maybe not New York City, but Portland has its own share of museums, galleries and restaurants that adds to its already historical cultural richness. The Greater Portland Area is home to nearly 1/3 of the entire population of Maine — it seems to be where most Maineiacs call home.

Lewiston is a culturally diverse city home to 36,000 people and a former mill town that continues to be a visible pride point in the town’s aesthetic and heritage. Interior design exposes the brick and piping as a constant reminder and homage to its roots. The cultural diversity lies in the immigration of French-Canadians and also more recently Somalian populations. Somalian families have taken Lewiston under their wing and have been responsible for much of its revitalization since the mid-2000s. Now, Lewiston remains in tact and filled with vibrant festivals like the Greek Festival or the Great Falls Balloon Festival — a weekend long festival with the Great Falls and Androscoggin River as its backdrop that celebrates hot air balloons, food and entertainment. Balloon launches take place for 12 hours from 6am to 6pm. Lisbon street is the commercial center of Lewiston and features modern French cuisine, Indian cuisine, and a reemergence of shops as well as the Forage market. Bates College adds an additional cultural flavor as does the University of Southern Maine with locations like the Atrium Gallery, and the Bates College Museum of Art or the Captive Elements Art House. Lewiston is the second-largest city in Maine and also the most affordable city in the state. The convenience of its walkable downtown, availability of two universities and low cost of living make Lewiston a great place to call home.

Bangor, Maine, is located in the Highlands region of Maine. The Highlands are located in the center of the state and are home to some of Maine’s most breath-taking waterfalls, tallest peaks, largest lakes, winding slopes, and plenty of opportunities for moose-watching. Bangor proper is located along the Penobscot River and was established for its capabilities for lumber and shipbuilding. In fact, it was once known as the lumber capital of the world. The 31-foot-high statue of Paul Bunyan still stands there today. So what did all of that lumber do for the city of Bangor? Well, if you thought about architecture for starters, you’re right — in the form of stately homes like The Blake House as well as other 19th century gems. Bangor doesn’t stop there when honoring it’s long log tradition. Try stopping by the Logging Museum for authentic reconstruction of what life would have been like in a logging and milling community. The Native American history is still present here as well. The Penobscot tribe, one of the largest tribes among the Wabanaki still live on the Indian Island Reservation outside of the city, and you can even look at authentic artifacts at the museum on the island. Bangor is also home to The University of Maine which offers its own cultural and economical impact. Education and healthcare are among the top industries in Bangor and the cost of living is below the national average. With all of the surrounding natural beauty, rich heritage and inclusion of a top-notch public university, it’s no wonder people love to call Bangor home.

The Best Online Colleges in Maine

Monitoring the accreditation of a university you are interested in attending is incredibly important. Accreditation ensures your credits can transfer, that you can receive Federal financial aid, and most importantly, that certain standards of educational quality are during in place your schooling. The highest accreditation standard for most programs in the United States is provided by regional accreditation agencies. The regional accrediting agency for Missouri is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, one of six regional accrediting agencies responsible for accrediting schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Making sure that a University you're hoping to attend is regionally accredited — or accredited by a real and respected accrediting agency — is one of the most important choices you can make in ensuring the quality of your education.

Three Steps for Securing Financial Aid

Through the previous three steps most students find themselves offered some sort of federal grant, work study, private grant, scholarship, or stipend.

Great Maine Higher Education Resources