5 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Maine 2025

Enrollment in an online college in Maine doesn't need to be difficult or expensive. Our list discusses the most affordable online colleges in Maine.

If you're looking for cheap online colleges or traditional students, Maine offers a number of online learning options provided by some of the best colleges in the state. These accredited online colleges in Maine provide convenient learning options for professionals and individuals who may be revisiting their higher education or wanting to learn in a more flexible format.

Our guide to the cheapest online colleges in Maine will give you insight into some of the best distance education programs in the state to help you achieve your higher education goals.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Maine

The following inexpensive colleges are our top choices for affordable online schools in Maine. The schools below offer a range of degree programs across multiple disciplines, including online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral programs.

1. University of Maine

The University of Maine offers numerous online degree programs, which are often ranked highly for distance learning and online education within the state of Maine. Some of the bachelor's degrees and master's degrees that you can pursue include degrees in information systems, business administration management, political science, and social work.

Tuition costs $400 per credit hour for Maine residents and $500 per credit hour for non-residents. This college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

2. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Saint Joseph's College of Maine prides itself on its flexible, high-quality, and convenient distance learning offerings. The college offers online courses in five 10-week terms throughout the year, and students can choose from degrees in disciplines such as education, accounting, business administration, healthcare, social work, and nursing. It also offers online graduate degree and certificate programs.

Tuition at Saint Joseph's College of Maine is $390 per credit hour, and the college works with certain employers to offer tuition discounts. Financial aid is available, including merit scholarships and grants, and the college is accredited by NECHE.

3. University of Maine at Presque Isle

The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI), accredited by the NECHE, offers 22 different online bachelor's degree programs, a handful of master's degree programs, and some online graduate certificates. The college prides itself on affordability and flexible scheduling, making quality education convenient for adult learners and working professionals.

Tuition costs are flat-rated at $1,700 per session, and there are six sessions offered each year with coursework that spans eight weeks each. You can take as many courses as you wish in order to progress at a pace that makes sense to you during each session.

4. University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine is accredited by the NECHE. The college offers several online courses and many hybrid courses, which are a blend of on-campus and online learning. Over 80 different certificate and degree programs are available online, many of which pave the way to more advanced doctoral degrees or even a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Tuition costs for online programs are $343 per credit hour, and the University of Southern Maine prides itself on offering substantial financial aid packages and scholarships to students in need.

5. University of Maine at Machias

The University of Maine at Machias is part of the University of Maine system and offers online bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs. These online programs are tailored to meet the needs of working professionals and adult learners who need flexibility in their higher education. Degrees are available in topics such as psychology, business management, and rural education, and you can choose from a handful of fully online minors to support your degree.

This college is accredited by the NECHE, and tuition is $290 per credit hour for Maine residents. Scholarships and financial aid are available through this school.

Our Selection Criteria

When it comes to cheap online colleges in Maine, we strive to give you a selection of choices that meet your varying needs. Our selection criteria for affordable online colleges, backed by statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics, include the following:

Degree Choices: Variety is important when it comes to your higher education, and we've selected programs that offer bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, master's degrees, and even certificate programs.
Tuition Rates: Since the affordability of your degree is essential, we've selected colleges with reasonable tuition costs that help to make your higher education obtainable.
Accreditation: Accreditation for your online degree program is essential if you want to make sure your credentials and degrees are valid once you graduate. All of the online schools on our list are properly accredited.
Financial Aid: Your degree is made possible with the help of financial aid opportunities and the potential for scholarships. The colleges on our list all provide some sort of financial aid program to help offset the cost of your education.

How Much Does a Cheap College in Maine Cost?

Maine strives to make education as affordable as possible for residents. On average, a cheap full-time or part-time college in Maine costs between $290 and $350 per credit hour. Some students may also qualify for the Free College Scholarship, a program offered by the state of Maine to help cover the rest of a student's tuition after federal aid and merit aid have been applied.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

Making an online degree more affordable requires strategic planning and research. Prospective students should explore financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and loans.

Many institutions also offer tuition payment plans, allowing students to spread the cost over time. It's advisable to compare tuition rates across different colleges and consider the total cost, including any additional fees.

Some students may also qualify for employer tuition assistance, where employers contribute towards educational expenses.

Additionally, enrolling in a community college for the first two years before transferring to a four-year institution can significantly reduce costs.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:

FAQs About Online Programs at the Cheapest Colleges in Maine

Finding the cheapest colleges in Maine can come with some questions. We answer the most frequently asked questions about online degree programs in Maine below.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Maine?

The cheapest online college in Maine is the University of Maine at Machias. Tuition for this college's fully online degree programs is $290 per credit hour for Maine residents.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Maine?

The University of Maine is the easiest online college to get into in Maine. It has a rolling admissions process and an acceptance rate of 96%, which means there is a high chance you will be accepted if you meet basic admissions criteria.

Why Should I Go to Online School in Maine?

Attending online school in Maine is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to complete your degree, pursue higher education for the first time, or advance your career with additional degrees and certificates. Schools in Maine also offer numerous online degree programs, so you'll have a wide range of bachelor's programs and master's programs to choose from.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Maine?

In Maine, it is possible to qualify for free college in certain circumstances. In general, first-time students of on-campus community colleges in Maine may be eligible for free tuition if they meet specific residency and income requirements. Other online programs may offer discounted tuition based on student eligibility factors such as Maine residency and high school GPA.

Explore Accredited Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Finding cheap colleges in Maine that help you obtain your degree doesn't need to be a complicated process. Learn.org's list of accredited online bachelor's degree programs provided by online colleges in Maine gives you plenty of choices when it comes to pursuing your education. Contact each school to learn more about your chosen college.