Best Online Colleges in Maine 2025

If you're interested in attending online colleges in Maine, you're not alone. Nearly 34% of students in the state are enrolled exclusively in online college programs. Perhaps you'd like to know more about the top online colleges in the state and some of the best online degrees they offer.

Keep reading as we explore top accredited online colleges for students in Maine. We'll also explore some popular online degrees in Maine and provide general information about what to expect when enrolling in online programs.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Maine

The best colleges online are both flexible and affordable, providing a convenient way for busy students to complete their education. Let's explore some of the top online colleges in Maine, including a look at some of their available programs, tuition rates, and more.

1. University of Maine

The University of Maine (UMaine) is located in Orono, though it also operates a secondary campus known as the University of Maine at Machias. Students at this school can earn several online undergraduate and graduate degrees, including:

• political science
• university studies
• small business management
• psychology and community studies
• rural education

As many as 98% of students attending this school receive financial aid. Online courses are taught by expert faculty and are a mix of synchronous and asynchronous to provide both flexibility and structure.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,606

Out-of-State: $35,346

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,026

Out-of-State: $30,528

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. University of Maine at Fort Kent

The University is Maine at Fort Kent is a public school belonging to the University of Maine System. It offers a handful of high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs online, including:

• nursing
• criminal justice
• self-designed
• human services
• allied health

All first-year students attending this school receive some form of financial aid. Flexible coursework makes it possible for students to learn at a pace and on a schedule that works for them.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,045

Out-of-State: $14,325

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $6,000

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 99%

Retention Rate: 65%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: NECHE

3. University of Maine at Augusta

The University of Maine at Augusta is another public institution belonging to the University of Maine System. Students at this school can pursue many online graduate and undergraduate programs, with areas of study including:

• mental health and human services
• computer information systems
• music technology
• education
• justice studies

About 95% of students receive financial aid at this school. Many of the degree programs provide concentrations and focus areas so students can personalize their education and tailor it to their career interests.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,618

Out-of-State: $21,548

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,010

Out-of-State: $10,566

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 63%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: NECHE

4. University of Maine at Presque Isle

The University of Maine at Presque Isle is another member of the University of Maine System. Students at this school can pursue several online degrees, certificates, and minors, mostly at the undergraduate level. Options include:

• art
• English
• engineering
• psychology
• law

Students receive financial aid in 93% of cases. Several of the online programs are available in the school's signature YourPace format, a competency-based learning method that allows students maximum flexibility in completing their education.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,990

Out-of-State: $14,270

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $12,900

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: NECHE

5. University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine is a public school located in Portland. It offers more than 80 online degree, degree completion, and certificate programs at graduate and undergraduate levels. Areas of study include:

• leadership studies
• marketing
• operations and supply chain management
• social and behavioral sciences
• special education

As many as 98% of students receive financial aid while attending this school. Due to its flexible study options and wide range of degrees available, it is one of the top online schools in Maine.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,920

Out-of-State: $27,104

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,010

Out-of-State: $24,300

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: NECHE

6. Husson University

Husson University is a private school in Bangor with a modest enrollment of around 3,000 students. Many of these students study online, completing a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates in areas such as:

• animal care and behavior
• financial planning
• nutrition and health
• accounting
• healthcare administration and public health

All students attending this school receive some form of financial aid during their academic careers. Tuition is affordable by private school standards, and the unique degree programs offer flexible courses to help students get their education on their terms.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $22,194

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $18,542

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 86%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: NECHE

Other Featured Online Schools

Online learning makes it possible to study at schools across the country without leaving home. With this in mind, let's look at some top online schools in other states that provide online degrees to students throughout the country, including those in Maine.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school enrolling the majority of its students online. Dozens of degrees and certificates are available at every program level, with options including:

• digital photography
• information technologies
• English and creative writing
• accounting
• anthropology

The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Affordable tuition rates, flexible eight-week courses, and a generous transfer policy combine to make this a top school for online learners regardless of their locations.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a fully online private school based in Utah. Students at this school can pursue various career-focused degrees and certificates, including:

• software engineering
• educational studies
• public health
• health information management
• cloud computing

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits this school. It uses a competency-based learning model, enabling students to progress at their own pace and test out of certain courses if they already know the material.

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private school in Virginia. It offers hundreds of academic programs both online and in-person, with options that include:

• Christian leadership
• addiction counseling
• civil engineering
• geography
• history

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Its eight-week course sessions, generous transfer policies, and wealth of online programs make it a popular choice for remote learners throughout the country.

How We Rank Schools

We use information from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard when creating our rank lists. The selection criteria is as follows:

• Accreditation: All of the institutions are regionally or nationally accredited online colleges.
• Reputation: Each school is known for its high academic standards and for providing high-quality online college programs.
• Accessibility: All of the programs feature affordable tuition and financial aid options, flexible coursework, generous transfer policies, and/or other factors that make education more accessible for students.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Maine

As with everything, distance education has both benefits and drawbacks. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common pros and cons.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Affordability: Online learners typically pay less for their degrees than their on-campus counterparts due to lower tuition rates and fewer fees or added expenses.
• Flexibility: Online education is highly flexible, often providing asynchronous coursework that allows students to study on their own schedules.
• Study from anywhere: Online students can study from any location where they have an internet connection.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Employer skepticism: Though most employers accept online-educated candidates, some still doubt whether online schools provide quality education and prefer to hire those who got their degrees in-person.
• Lack of structure: Flexible online programs tend to lack the structured, scheduled environment of in-person programs, making it difficult for some students to stay on track.
• Feeling isolated: Those studying online may feel isolated from their classmates and instructors, which may cause them to feel unsupported in their academic journeys.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Maine

When determining which school to attend, always make sure any college you are considering is accredited and has a good reputation. This will prove that your online degree meets national academic standards and ensures it will be accepted in the workforce.

Next, think about the majors a school offers, its cost and financial aid options, student resources, admission requirements, and transfer policies. Determine which of these factors are most important to you, then weigh each school against your list of priorities to see which one best aligns with your interests.

How Much Does an Online Degree Program in Maine Cost?

The cost of attending accredited colleges online can vary depending on whether you pay out-of-state or in-state tuition, attend a public or private school, and study at the undergraduate or graduate level. Among the schools in this article, average tuition costs range from around $6,000 to more than $35,000 a year.

It's worth noting that these numbers only reflect tuition. Additional expenses such as books, technology costs, and mandatory fees will likely raise the overall cost of your education even higher.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Maine More Affordable

It's clear that even affordable online degrees in Maine cost a pretty penny. Fortunately, a variety of resources are in place to help students cover their expenses and attend school on a budget.

Completing the FAFSA can help students earn federal aid like Pell Grants and work-study opportunities. Scholarships are available through schools and various organizations. Students with associate degrees or other college experience can transfer their credits to save time and money. And many schools waive application fees and provide payment plans. Learn more about each of these options below:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Maine Scholarships & Grants

Various scholarship and grant opportunities are available for Maine residents. Let's look at a few of the top options.

Maine State Grant Program

The Maine State Grant Program provides funds for students with financial aid to attend any public or private postsecondary school in the state that administers federal aid. Students must enroll at least part-time to be eligible for the grant. Students apply for this grant by completing the FAFSA.

Award Amount: $2,500

Deadline: August 31, 2025

Maine Community Foundation Scholarships

The Maine Community Foundation awards a variety of scholarships to help students from different groups and backgrounds pay for school. Students can search for scholarships by type, region, or special category and apply for the scholarships of their choosing by completing one online application form.

Award Amount: vVries

Deadline: Varies

Competitive Skills Scholarship Program

This state-funded program is for high school graduates who are at least 18 years old. Maine residents with financial need seeking education and planning careers in specific high-wage, high-demand fields are encouraged to apply. A list of eligible degree programs can be found on the scholarship website.

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year

Deadline: Information unavailable

Top Majors for Maine Graduates

A variety of degree programs are available online. Let's look at some of the most popular majors at Maine online colleges according to the NCES:

• Business administration: Business administration degrees prepare students to fill leadership positions in all facets of business. It is a common online master's degree but is available at all other program levels as well.
• Public administration: Public administration prepares students to work in leadership positions within government agencies and other public services. It is often available as an online bachelor's or master's degree.
• Liberal arts and sciences: Liberal arts and sciences degrees may also be known as liberal arts or liberal studies degrees. They provide a broad general education in many areas of study, helping students develop soft skills for many career paths. They are common associate and bachelor's programs.
• Accounting: Accounting degrees prepare students to work in fraud examination, taxation, auditing, and other related fields. These programs often lead to bachelor's and master's degrees.
• Nursing: Nursing degrees are often available online for registered nurses hoping to advance their education and careers. Online bachelor's degrees are most common, but master's and doctoral degrees may be available as well.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Maine

If you still have questions about getting your college degree online, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Maine?

Full-time students typically earn their bachelor's degree in about four years and a master's degree in an additional two years. However, accelerated online degrees in Maine can speed up the process significantly. Students can graduate with a bachelor's degree in as little as one to three years and a master's degree in a year or less.

Is Online College Right for Me?

Studying online isn't for everyone. If you prefer a structured learning environment where you work closely with classmates and instructors, a traditional on-campus degree program might be best for you. However, if you are self-motivated, willing to work alone, and don't mind setting your own schedule, you may find an online program to be highly beneficial.

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

The schools with the highest acceptance rates are generally the easiest ones to get into. Among the schools in this article, the University of Maine Augusta has a 100% acceptance rate, making it the easiest online school to get into in the state.

Are There Any Affordable Online MBA Programs in Maine?

Several schools in Maine offer business administration degrees, including some Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. The schools with the most affordable MBA programs in the state are the University of Maine and the University of Southern Maine, with total program tuition costs ranging from around $19,500 to $20,400.

Explore Bachelor's Degrees With Online Courses in Maine

If you're ready to explore online colleges in Maine, check out the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools today to learn more about their programs and to discover which one is right for you.