Best Universities & Colleges in Maine for 2024

These are the 15 top schools, both online and traditional, located in the state of Maine. Scroll through the list below and get all the information you need about each institution.

Online Colleges in Maine

Compare all of the best distance education colleges located in Maine to pursue an online bachelors degree, associates, or online masters program degree. Including cost of tuition, degrees they offer, enrollment rates, faculty, famous alumni, and more.

Recommended Schools

  • Husson University Seal

    Husson University

    Bangor, Maine

    • 3,416 Total Students
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • 32% Enrollment Rate
    • 15 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 2,066 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Husson University is a private higher education institute. It is the only university found in Bangor, Maine. The university was established in 1898 under the name of Shaw School of Law in the second floor of a building in downtown Bangor. The university became more famous after the World War II. It was authorized in 1953 by the Maine Legislature under the name of Husson College. In 1997, Husson acquired New England School of Communications (NESCom). The school has semi-autonomous control over its admission, tuition, hiring and graduation. It got the university status in 2008 changing its name to the current one. The university is currently administered by a board of directors consisting of 13 members.

    The university states its mission is to prepare the students for their future career by providing educations based on science and humanities.

    Husson main campus is located in Bangor, Maine covering an area of 208 acres offering various prominent facilities as the Newman Gymnasium, the Winkin Sports Complex, Robert O’Donnell Commons, the Dickerman Dining Center, the Dyke Center for Family Business, the Wildey Communications Center, the Beardsley Meeting House, and W. Tom and Bonnie Sawyer Library, in addition to Peabody Hall which contains the Sawyer Library and the Ross Furman Student Center. The university also features the 500-seats Gracie Theatre where several famous people have performed as Richard Troxell, Bob Marley and Bangor Symphony Orchestra. The university has also two off-campus locations in Westbrook and Presque Isle on the campus of Northern Maine Community College. The Official colors for the university are deep green and gold while its mascot is called the Baldwin Eagle. Its athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III and the North Atlantic Conference.

    Husson is divided into 5 colleges including NESCom, granting bachelor, masters and doctor of pharmacy degrees. The university is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in addition to specialized accreditation for various programs.

    Husson School Facts

    • Years Estd.1898
    • NicknameEagles
    • MascotBaldwin Eagle
    • MottoCharacter & Humility
    • ColorsDeep Green & Gold
    • LocationMaine
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Husson Alumni

    • Paul LePage

      Politics & Law

      former governor of Maine

    • George Hasay

      Politics & Law

      Pennsylvania state legislator for the period between 1973 and 2006

    • Tarren Bragdon

      Social Advocacy & Service

      founder of think tank

    • Phil Harriman

      Politics & Law

      political commentator and former Maine state legislator

    • James R. Flynn

      Entertainment & Arts

      songwriter of country music


  • Maine Maritime Academy

    Castine, Maine

    Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine
    • 1,028 Total Students
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • 42% Enrollment Rate
    • 13 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 769 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Main Maritime Academy (MMA) is a public post-secondary and co-educational institute that is situated in the coastal town of Castine, Hancock County, Maine in the U.S. MMA aim is to provide students with unique hand-on educational services through providing them with   specific courses related to science, engineering, management and transportation along with some experience through international sea-time aboard trainings. A group of civic and educational leaders in Main State headed by Senator Ralph Leavitt of Portland suggested the idea of the establishment of MMA in 1930. MMA establishment idea came true on the 21st of March, 1941 by the 90th Maine Legislature and the first enrollment for students took place on October in the same year. MMA successfully passed a great challenge in 1943 through graduating its first class as a participation in re-constructing the U.S. Merchant Marine. This helped in providing the army with the required number of well-trained and qualified engineers mandatory for the Second World War. Out of 300 graduated engineering officers, three sacrificed their lives for the sake of their nation during the war in that year in addition to the large number of wounded ones. After the end of the war, MMA expanded its educational program to be three years then four-year BSc Science program on 1960. During the 1960s and 1970s, MMA was subjected to a multi-million dollar evolution approach led by Rear Admiral Edward Rodgers. As a consequence of that program, MMA was granted the full membership of New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

    MMA vision is to provide its students with distinguished marine related educational programs. In addition, it aims at providing them with the required skills, knowledge & ethics mandatory to serve the global community.

    MMA was ranked in 2015 by Money Magazine as the 31st best public educational institute in the United States. MMA is one of six maritime colleges in the United States and one of the only two which comprise a special unit for Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC).

    MMA offers undergraduate degrees in 11 different marine related majors in addition to 2 two-year associate degrees.

    MMA School Facts

    • Years Estd.March 21, 1941
    • MascotMariners
    • LocationMaine
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

  • Unity College Seal

    Unity College

    Unity, Maine

    Unity College in Unity, Maine
    • 665 Total Students
    • 91% Acceptance Rate
    • 26% Enrollment Rate
    • 12 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 831 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    Unity College is a private college located in Unity, Maine. The college offers liberal arts programs that aim at sustaining environment and natural resources. It declares that its motto is “America’s Environmental College”. The college was established in 1965 by a group of business people who intended to overcome the economic problem in the neighboring city of Unity. Initially, it was called Unity Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The name of the college was changed in 1967 to its current name. In 1969, the college granted degrees for the first time to 24 students.

    Unity College was the first college to divest from fossil fuels. It is the initiator to make environment sustainability a national movement. The housing of the college meets the requirements of LEED silver standards to maximize energy saving. The college has a rural campus covering 240 acres. It has several prominent buildings and facilities including Wood Hall, Wyman Commons, Constable Hall, Burwell Building, Koons Hall and Dorothy Webb Quimby Library. Unity athletic teams compete in USCAA Division II as members of the Yankee Small College Conference. Their mascot is the ram while its official colors are green and white.

    The university has lots of interesting rankings. In 2011, it was ranked among the best 20 baccalaureate college by Washington Monthly Magazine and since 2012, the college was known as a college of distinction. Unity college ranked 5th for academics and 10th for food in the Sierra magazine’s recent list of “Cool Schools.”.  In 2016, Unity College was ranked the 15th best liberal arts college in the North, and No. 6 position this year in the “Best Value” category by U.S. News & World Report. The college offers 4 undergraduate programs and 4 master’s degree programs in addition to a 14-month Sustainable MBA. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Most of the students enrolled at the college are offered financial scholarships.

    Unity School Facts

    • LocationMaine
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

  • University of Maine Seal

    University of Maine

    Orono, Maine

    University of Maine in Orono, Maine
    • 10,922 Total Students
    • 91% Acceptance Rate
    • 20% Enrollment Rate
    • 16 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 11,044 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    UMaine is a public research higher education institute and is part of the University of Maine System. It was established under the Morrill Act of 1862 as the Maine State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, in 1865. It first opened its door in 1868. The institute made progress as it added various academic disciplines and awarded its first Masters degree in 1881.

    The present day university is a land, sea and space grant institution and adopted its present name in 1897 as University of Maine. Based in Orono, Maine the institute has always promoted excellence and innovation through its programs embedded in technology and advancement.

    At the campus, the students find exciting range of programs and activities which help them get involved around the campus, form new connections and learn new things. They take part in the Student Government working for the welfare of the campus and also student interests. There are also over 200 student organisations which provide a healthy environment for learning and a platform for student development. Students are further shaped through leadership development programs such as Black Bear Leaders, Dirigo Leadership Conference, participation in community engagement through alternative break activities and etc. The students also take part in Fraternity and Sorority Life. There is the Campus Activities Board which organizes events on campus such as the weekly movies, Halloween Party, the Winter Carnival and others. There is also the arts and creative culture on the campus promoted through creative performances, exhibits and museums. Students also get involved in physical fitness and recreation activities being provided with fitness trainings, aquatics, sports clubs ad well as outdoor adventures. There are also university athletic teams called ‘Black Bears’ competing at NCAA Division I. Its mascot is the ‘Black Bear’ and official colors are Dark Blue, Light Blue, and White.

    Academic programs at the university are 90 undergraduate majors and programs, 85 master’s degree and 35 doctoral programs. Its notable facilities are Hudson Museum, Collins Center for the Arts, Edgar Allan Cyrus Pavillion Theater, Hauck Auditorium, Stevens Hall, Hannibal Hamlin Hall, Raymond H. Fogler Library and others.

    UMaine School Facts

    • Years Estd.1865
    • NicknameBlack Bears
    • MascotBlack Bear (Bananas the Bear)
    • MottoDirigo (Latin)
    • Motto Eng.I Guide
    • ColorsDark blue, Light blue, and White
    • LocationMaine
    • AthleticsNCAA Division I – America East, Hockey East, CAA
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous UMaine Alumni

    • Lawrence Bender

      Entertainment & Arts

      Film producer for Pulp Fiction and Good Will Hunting

    • Doris Twitchell Allen

      Education & Advocacy

      Children's International Summer Villages founder

    • John Baldacci

      Politics & Law

      Former Governor of Maine

    • Patricia M. Collins

      Politics & Law

      Two-term mayor of Caribou, Maine, and also a civic leader

    • Francis Clergue

      Business & Industry

      Businessman and industrialist

    • Patrice Oppliger

      Education & Advocacy

      Assistant Professor of Communication at Boston University College of Communication

    • Lore Alford Rogers

      Science & Medicine

      USDA dairy scientist and bacteriologist

    • Harold Beverage

      Science & Medicine

      Inventor; also Vice President of R&D at RCA Communications

    • John Tortorella

      Professional Sports

      NHL head coach for Columbus Blue Jackets


  • University of Maine at Augusta Seal

    University of Maine at Augusta

    Augusta, Maine

    University of Maine at Augusta in Augusta, Maine
    • 4,683 Total Students
    • 16 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • Yes Online Programs

    Part of the University of Maine System, UMA is a public higher education institution that was founded in year 1965. It was initially established only as a continuing education division to the University of Maine through the 102nd legislative act. A couple for years later it was transformed into a campus of the university, offering day as well as evening classes.

    By year 1971 its status was once again changed and this time was made into a separate campus under the university system. It is situated in Augusta, Maine, and since founding has upheld its tradition of offering world class education along with preparing its students for success and excellence in all fields of life.

    Besides academics, at University of Maine at Augusta students get involved around the campus through a variety of extracurricular activities. One of the most important student bodies is the Student Government Association at the university which works for maintaining student activities, voicing student concerns and regulating campus environment. There are also student run organisations offering various interests which serve as friendly learning spaces and also allow for socialising among the students in a healthy way. Through these activities not only students find growth and learning but also enjoy working in teams and also develop leadership qualities by leading their clubs/organisations. Throughout the year, the campus also holds many cultural and traditional activities including arts and creativity. The students enjoy museum trips, concerts, Halloween celebrations, and health activities such as yoga. The students also get involved in athletic participation at the USCAA Division II. There are also additional services offered for student support which include Effective Learning and Student Success program offering workshops, tutoring; academic advising helping students achieve their academic goals and choose the right field and also career advising which helps students plan their careers and find meaningful opportunities.

    Academic programs at UMA are 14 Associate degree programs, 19 baccalaureate, 5 post-baccalaureate and also 39 minors and 29 certificate programs. Its prominent facilities are Bennett D. Katz Library, Nottage Library, Randall Student Center and few others.

    UMA School Facts

    • Years Estd.1965
    • LocationMaine
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

  • University of Maine at Farmington Seal

    University of Maine at Farmington

    Farmington, Maine

    University of Maine at Farmington in Farmington, Maine
    • 2,016 Total Students
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • 33% Enrollment Rate
    • 14 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 1,614 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    UMF is a public liberal arts higher education institute and part of the University of Maine System. It traces its beginning to the year 1857 when a group of concerned citizens decided to set up an educational institute in the region. By 1863 with all their efforts, a state normal school was founded which grew into the present day university.

    Being the first public institute in the state, it was in 1968 when it merged into the system and was made into University of Maine at Farmington. Based in Farmington, Maine, the institute is also the founding member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.

    For the students a variety of fresh and exciting opportunities for growth and learning exist on the campus. There is diversity, arts, culture, tradition, recreation as well as fun and engaging student organisations. More than 55 student run groups work at the campus which promote healthy socialising and community building among the students as they collaborate and work with each other on a huge set of interest. There is the Center for Student Involvement which is the main hub for student activities and which organizes many annual events through the Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE) which serve as entertainment on campus. These include visual arts performances, dances, theatre, concerts, comedy shows, Pride Week Movie Night, Poetry Slam Nights, Zombies vs. Humans etc. There is also huge significance of recreation and outdoor adventure among the students as they take part in trips and excursions, training opportunities etc. Students also take part in athletics; the campus teams are called ‘Beavers’ and they compete at NCAA Division III. The official campus colors are Maroon and White.

    The academic programs offered at UMF consist of Bachelors degree with over 25 programs and 38 minors, four certificate, and four Pre professional programs, and two Masters degree programs. Its prominent facility is the Mantor Library.

    UMF School Facts

    • Years Estd.1864
    • NicknameBeavers
    • ColorsMaroon and white
    • LocationMaine
    • Athletics13 varsity teams
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous UMF Alumni

    • Sharon H. Abrams

      Education & Advocacy

      Executive director for Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers

    • Freelan Oscar Stanley

      Science & Medicine

      Inventor of the Stanley Steamer and builder of the Stanley Hotel

    • Charlotte Warren

      Politics & Law

      Maine state legislator and also former mayor of Hallowell, Maine

    • Otis Wells Johnson

      Politics & Law

      Wisconsin state legislator

    • Bob Marley

      Entertainment & Arts

      Comedian

    • Dr Thomas Kane

      Education & Advocacy

      Academic and Strategic Theorist

    • Steve Clifford

      Professional Sports

      Head coach of the Charlotte Hornets


  • University of Maine at Fort Kent Seal

    University of Maine at Fort Kent

    Fort Kent, Maine

    • 1,559 Total Students
    • 89% Acceptance Rate
    • 65% Enrollment Rate
    • 15 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 215 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    UMFK is a public university and a liberal arts institute that is part of the University of Maine System. The earliest rots of the present day university can be traces back to 1878 when the act establishing a normal school in the region was passed by the Governor Selden Connor. The school progressed from teacher training institute into a state college for teacher training.

    Eventually by 1970 it saw its transformation as University of Maine at Fort Kent after it expanded its curriculum by adding programs outside of teacher training. It is based in Fort Kent, Maine and is on the mission of improving quality of life through knowledge and intellect.

    Student life at the campus is dominated by opportunities for growth and learning through various extracurricular activities. There are more than 10 student run clubs and organisations which cover religious, recreation, academic, special interest and others. The students also enjoy being part of Honor Societies and the Fraternity and Sorority life at the campus. The student governing body at the campus is called the Student Senate and serves as student representation on campus. There is the Student Activities Office, the central place for all activity programming taking place at the campus. The office helps students organise events and activities. Such events help the students get to know each other, make lasting relationships as well as enjoy their time at the campus. Not only entertainment such as dances, comedy shows, music, performances or traditional events such as Super Bowl Party and more but there are also enrichment and growth activities such as leadership programs, community engagement and etc. Recreation and sports are also an important part as students not only stay physically fit but also enjoy the participation. There is athletic participation by the campus teams at USCAA. The campus colors are Green and Gold and the mascot is the ‘Bengal tiger’.

    The academic programs at UMFK consist of 10 Associate degree, 14 Bachelors degree programs, 19 minors and three Certificate programs. The notable facilities are Blake Library, Crocker Hall and Powell Hall.

    UMFK School Facts

    • Years Estd.1878
    • MascotBengal tiger
    • ColorsGreen and gold
    • LocationMaine
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

  • University of Maine at Machias

    Machias, Maine

    • 786 Total Students
    • 12 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • Yes Online Programs

    One of the member campuses of the University of Maine System, UMM is also a public higher education institute, the story of which began in 1909 when a campaign by the locals of the region began for setting up a teacher training institute.  Within the same year the school was approved for and began as Washington State Normal School.

    By 1952 it became a state college and it was in 1968 that it became part of the university system, officially becoming University of Maine at Machias in 1970. It is based in Machias, Maine, and has developed into a place for creativity, engaged learning, global perspectives and applied ideas.

    For the students an exciting and fun filled campus life awaits at UMM. For student involvement around the campus, the main activity units are the student run groups. There are more than 15 student clubs and organisations which offer variety of interests and also provide a good opportunity for those looking to learn team building and leadership skills by running any of these. There are also the Greek organisations. Another important group working to improve the campus life is the SAIL (Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership), the student programming board. The board is in charge of arranging and organising student activities and events which include traditional events such as Homecoming and Family Weekend, and also entertainment events like musical nights, talent programs, off campus trips, etc. For further representing student interests there is also the Student Senate which is again the opportunity to experience leadership and, community and public engagement. There are sports on campus forming an important part of campus life. Students take part in athletic competitions at NCAA Division III. The teams are called ‘Clippers’ and the official campus colors are Green and White.

    The academic programs offered at the campus are 11 undergraduate four-year programs, along with two two-year programs, and 28 minors. The notable facilities are Sennett Hall, Kimball Hall, Powers Hall, Merrill Library, Flaherty Center, Torrey Hall and Kilburn Commons.

    UMM School Facts

    • Years Estd.1909
    • NicknameClippers
    • ColorsGreen and White
    • LocationMaine
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

  • University of Maine at Presque Isle Seal

    University of Maine at Presque Isle

    Presque Isle, Maine

    • 1,289 Total Students
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • 18% Enrollment Rate
    • 15 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 1,442 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    UMPI is a member institute of the University of Maine System and is a public institute of higher education. The beginning of the present day university can be traced back to the founding of Aroostook State Normal School in year 1903 by the legislative act, following the need for a secondary education institute.

    By 1965 it outgrew its original purpose and became a state college. With further improvements, it transformed into a university by year 1971 and hence received its present name. The institute has since founding been contributing to uplifting of its students and communities through intellectual and technological integration.

    The campus life is equally filled with opportunities that encourage students to develop and explore different fields and various interests. Students find more than 30 student run organisations and clubs covering cultural, social, academic, special interests and many others. Students also find themselves enjoying many entertaining as well as learning activities and events such as theatre productions, comedy performances, capella groups but also lectures and distinguished speakers. There is also active campus media including the radio and the newspaper which provide ample opportunity or the students to work on their skills and be recognised for their work. Students also have a campus center, the main space for student activity which also has the ‘Owl’s Net’, the gaming place for the students. Besides extracurricular activities students are facilitated with their academic and career journey through extra help and tutoring, counselling services for personal or academic problems, and also career services to ensure successful goal achievement. Students are also interested in physical fitness and sports while also competing at NCAA Division II through its athletic teams called ‘Owls’. The mascot is ‘Hootie the Owl’ and the official colors are Blue and Gold.

    Academic programs at UMPI are 7 Associate and 22 Bachelor degree, 18 concentrations, 35 minors, and 5 Certificate programs. Its notable facilities are Pullen-Folsom Hall, Wieden Hall and Houlton Center.

    UMPI School Facts

    • Years Estd.1903
    • NicknameOwls
    • MascotSnowy Owl
    • MottoNorth of Ordinary
    • ColorsBlue and Gold
    • LocationMaine
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous UMPI Alumni

    • Mabel Desmond

      Politics & Law

      Served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives, from 1994 to 2002

    • John Lisnik

      Politics & Law

      Served in the Maine House of Representatives

    • John Tuttle

      Politics & Law

      Served in the Maine House of Representatives

    • James "Chico" Hernandez

      Professional Sports

      USA National Champion and also FIAS World Cup Vice-Champion in Sombo wrestling


  • University of Southern Maine Seal

    University of Southern Maine

    Portland, Maine

    University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine
    • 7,739 Total Students
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • 24% Enrollment Rate
    • 16 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 3,402 Total Applicants
    • Yes Online Programs

    USM is a public institute of higher education which was founded in 1878 and was called Gorham Normal School. As it progressed, it turned into a state teachers training institute and with further widening of its academic programs, it evolved into Gorham State College. Its transition as a university happened in 1970 when it merged with the then Portland Junior College.

    It was renamed as University of Southern Maine in 1978 and grew into a multi-campus institute, with its branches in Maine: Portland, Gorham and Lewiston. As of today, it is a comprehensive university, part of the University of Maine System, offering diverse disciplines and quality education.

    With the learning-centric environment at the university, students find to their benefit many activities and initiatives helping them to make the most of their time on campus. Students enjoy taking part in 50+ student organizations offering them a diverse range of interest and fields. There is also the Greek Life which further promotes student engagement. The Student Government on campus also encourages student participation in learning to represent student interests and gain practical leadership experience. There are also other student-run organizations offering leadership positions such as student senate, events board, campus activities board, leadership development board, radio station and more. Students also get involved in community development projects and also service learning activities. There is also the encouragement to take part in the spiritual and religious activities offered on the campus. But not just these activities, students also enjoy celebrating campus traditions which include Husky Fest, Greek Week, Husky Day of Service (DOS) and more. Support network and programs for students exist in the form of multicultural center, health and wellness center, counseling, recreation and fitness activities. There are also campus athletic teams called Huskies which are part of NCAA Division II. The campus mascot is ‘Champ the Husky’.

    Academic programs at USM consist of 120+ majors and concentrations, 90+ minors, 35+ Master and four Doctoral programs. It also offers undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. The notable facilities are Robie Andrews Hall, Glickman Library, Phillipi Hall, Masterton Hall, Upton Hall and Hastings Hall.

    USM School Facts

    • Years Estd.1878
    • NicknameHuskies
    • MascotChamp the Husky
    • MottoConnecting You with Tomorrow
    • LocationMaine
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous USM Alumni

    • Richard A. Bennett

      Politics & Law

      Chairman of the Maine Republican Party

    • Kate Chappell

      Business & Industry

      Founder of Tom's of Maine

    • Ellen F. Golden

      Business & Industry

      Director, Women's Business Center, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., Wiscasset, Maine

    • Lois Lowry

      Entertainment & Arts

      Novelist

    • Raymond C. Stevens

      Science & Medicine

      Research Scientist

    • Eleanor Espling

      Politics & Law

      Maine House of Representatives, 2010–present

    • Alan Casavant

      Politics & Law

      Mayor of Biddeford, Maine, 2012–present

    • John Currier

      Social Advocacy & Service

      28th Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard



All Top Colleges in Maine

  • Bates College Seal

    Bates College

    Lewiston, Maine

    Bates College in Lewiston, Maine
    • 1,792 Total Students
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • 42% Enrollment Rate
    • 10 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 5,651 Total Applicants
    • No Online Programs

    Bates since its beginning has always remained a higher education institute which has been nonsectarian as well as coeducational. It was founded in 1855 by Oren B. Cheney, who was a minister by profession. He believed in the idea of having an education institute which serves people on non discriminatory basis. He started Maine State Seminary and after having secured some funds from Benjamin E. Bates, it developed into a college. It was then named after its benefactor as an honor to his deed.

    With strong leadership over the years, Bates College gradually grew into a modern day residential college, serving to the needs and contributing to the growth of the communities and based in Lewiston, Maine. It takes pride in its tradition of being the first educational college when it began its journey in New England.

    Life at Bates is about ‘engaged liberal arts’. Students don’t just study but they also practice liberal arts. The campus is a mixture of all sorts of activities, with the idea of adding purpose to every ting that is being learnt. Community engagement is the core of the campus life. Students are required to score 70,000 hours of community service throughout their four years of study. There is active community engagement where students take up issues and voice them in their own ways; working through public forums also. Besides, the fun side of Bates is explored through the thriving arts culture. There are visual arts, literary art, and music and theatre performances by the students. Also held is a Dance Festival. Athletics is also an important part of student life; the teams participate at the NCAA Division III. The campus color is Garnet.

    The Academic programs at Bates consist of Bachelor degree programs offering 36 majors and 25 minors. It also offers dual degree programs with three other institutes. Its distinctive facility is the Harward Center which serves as the hub for student activities and Olin Arts Center.

    Bates School Facts

    • Years Estd.March 16, 1855 (1855-03-16)[a]
    • NicknameBobcats
    • MottoAmore Ac Studio (Latin)
    • Motto Eng.With Ardor and Devotion by Charles Sumner
    • ColorsGarnet
    • LocationMaine
    • AthleticsDivision III – NESCAC Division I – America East Division I – CSA Division I – EISA
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Bates Alumni

    • Brian McGrory

      Politics & Law

      Currently working as Editor of the Boston Globe; former White House Correspondent

    • Pamela Alexander

      Entertainment & Arts

      Poet and professor at Oberlin College; also a winner of the 1985 Yale Poet Award

    • Stacy Kabat

      Entertainment & Arts

      Filmmaker and an Academy Award winner for the documentary 'Defending Our Lives'

    • William R. Miller

      Business & Industry

      Chief Design Officer appointed to steel magnate Andrew Carnegie; works include the Carnegie Library; Carnegie Library at Colby College, the Gerald Hotel and others

    • Frank Haven Hall

      Science & Medicine

      Inventor of the modern typewriter and revolutionized the Braille typography

    • Robert Goodlatte

      Politics & Law

      U.S. Representative from Virginia (1993–current); also Chairman of the Judiciary Committee

    • Robert F. Kennedy

      Politics & Law

      64th Attorney General of the United States from 1961–1964

    • John Abbot

      Politics & Law

      U.S. Minister to Columbia

    • Scott Bierman

      Education & Advocacy

      President of Beloit College from 2009 to present

    • John Preston Davis

      Social Advocacy & Service

      Author, intellectual; and National Negro Congress activist

    • Bruce Kupper

      Business & Industry

      Founder and also Co-President of Black Twig Communications


  • Bowdoin College Seal

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick, Maine

    Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine
    • 1,799 Total Students
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • 50% Enrollment Rate
    • 9 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 6,790 Total Applicants
    • No Online Programs

    Today a Private liberal arts college, Bowdoin began when the Massachusetts State Legislature chartered it in 1794. Real development at the institute happened in the 19th century when Maine was made into an independent institute where it is located in Brunswick. It was named Bowdoin, in the honor of James Bowdoin, Massachusetts governor whose son also became one the biggest benefactors to the institute.

    Bowdoin College has age old history and a legacy in providing with its community as well the entire country with exceptional leaders. Its alumni include Franklin Pierce, U.S. President who advocated for land rights and enforced the Fugitive Slave Act; and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Nathaniel Hawthorne, the literary thinkers who founded the Bowdoin Cadets, a militia company.

    At the college, the campus life is dedicated to learning both inside classrooms and outside classrooms. There are over a hundred student led groups and clubs that are solely dedicated to bringing interaction amongst students on various interest levels. These also hold activities which involve faculty as well as its community. There are specific activities aimed at developing and promoting the leader inside each of its students; there are volunteering activities during the spring breaks and also the Bowdoin Outing Club, which is only given to the students to lead the outing trips after they have attended lectures and demonstrated their leadership competency through fieldwork. Athletics is also an option for those students looking for physical activities; Bowdoin’s teams participate at the NCAA Division III. Its official colors are Black and White and its mascot is the ’Polar Bear’.

    Bowdoin offers undergraduate degree programs and there are more than 40 majors to choose from. Its prestigious facilities include Robert H. and Blythe Bickel Edwards Center for Art and Dance, Harvey Dow Gibson Hall of Music, Harvey Dow Gibson Hall of Music and many others.

    Bowdoin School Facts

    • Years Estd.June 24, 1794
    • MascotPolar bear
    • MottoUt Aquila Versus Coelum (Latin)
    • Motto Eng.As an eagle towards the sky
    • ColorsBlack and White
    • LocationMaine
    • AthleticsNCAA Division III – NESCAC
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Bowdoin Alumni

    • Franklin Pierce

      Politics & Law

      President of the United States

    • Peter Buck

      Business & Industry

      Co-founder of the Subway sandwich chain

    • Reed Hastings

      Business & Industry

      Founded Netflix; also CEO of Netflix

    • Anthony Doerr

      Entertainment & Arts

      Novelist and a Pulitzer Prize winner

    • Joan Benoit Samuelson

      Professional Sports

      Olympic gold medalist

    • Thomas Brackett Reed

      Politics & Law

      Former U.S. Speaker of the House


  • Colby College Seal

    Colby College

    Waterville, Maine

    Colby College in Waterville, Maine
    • 1,857 Total Students
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • 30% Enrollment Rate
    • 10 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 7,593 Total Applicants
    • No Online Programs

    Colby is a private liberal arts college that is considered as the 12th oldest independent liberal arts college. It traces its origins to the year 1813 when it was chartered as Maine Literary and Theological Institution, however within some time, its charter was amended, and the religious tests and criteria were dropped by the institute. By 1821 it was restructured as Waterville College. By 1871 it was made coeducational, admitting women.

    Colby College is based in Waterville, Maine and has the distinction of being the institute that has been ahead of its time. In 1833, its students arranged anti-slavery society, the first to have been formed on the collegiate level. It was also among the four early institutes which had achieved carbon neutrality.

    Life at Colby is where students and faculty collaborate over academics and other learning opportunities. Outside classrooms, students find an array of student clubs ranging from academic, language, sports, international, racial and many other. Students involve with each other over interests as well as issues. There are also strong religious and spiritual traditions on campus, where communities inter faith gatherings and activities are encouraged. There is strong emphasis on outdoor education which takes place in the form of trips and recreational clubs. Students are also provided extra support in their academic journeys through extra tutoring available on campus. There is also counselling service for students to better tackle their personal or any other academic related issues. Students also opt for civic engagement by working towards economic, social, environmental or other causes. The college also has athletic teams which take part in NCAA Division III. Its mascot is ‘Mules’ and campus colors are Blue and Gray.

    Academic programs at Colby include undergraduate programs with 58 majors and 32 minors. There is also the option for self designed major. Its prestigious facilities include Pugh Center, Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, Farnham Writers’ Center, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Lorimer Chapel and Foss Woodman Hall.

    Colby School Facts

    • Years Estd.1813
    • MascotWhite Mule
    • MottoLux Mentis Scientia (Latin)
    • Motto Eng.Knowledge [is] the Light of the Mind
    • ColorsColby Blue and Priscilla Gray
    • LocationMaine
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous Colby Alumni

    • Martin Brewer Anderson

      Education & Advocacy

      President of the University of Rochester from 1853 to 1888

    • Charles Branch Wilson

      Science & Medicine

      Scientist and marine biologist

    • Alan Taylor (historian)

      Education & Advocacy

      Scholar in early Colonial America history; also Pulitzer Prize winner

    • Rocco Landesman

      Education & Advocacy

      Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts

    • Frank R. Wallace

      Business & Industry

      Owner of Integrated Management Associates

    • Edson Mitchell

      Business & Industry

      Director at Deutsche Bank

    • Gregory White Smith

      Entertainment & Arts

      Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Jackson Pollock: An American Saga

    • Percival Bonney

      Politics & Law

      Maine Superior Court Judge from 1878 to1906


  • College of the Atlantic Seal

    College of the Atlantic

    Bar Harbor, Maine

    • 348 Total Students
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • 27% Enrollment Rate
    • 10 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 400 Total Applicants
    • No Online Programs

    COA is a private liberal arts college that was founded in the year 1969 by a small band of residents of the region. The Mount Desert Island attracted tourism and its location and other favourable factors convinced Father James Gower, priest and activist and Les Brewer, a local businessman to start a college and so the institute was chartered. The college held its first class in the year 1972 with only 32 students.

    College of the Atlantic is located in Bar Harbor in Maine and has applied ‘human ecological’ perspective to its education since the very beginning. It brings an educational experience that promotes investigation and exploration of the social and natural environments, to use the knowledge to improve the relationship with human communities.

    At COS, individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities come together as a single unit and collaboratively along with the faculty engage in a healthy learning exchange. Instead of a Student Government; students, faculty and staff work together to enhance student life at the campus. There are committees for different purposes such as academic affairs, admissions and others, who give students the chance to vote for their desired members from the faculty. There is Student Life committee which plans orientation and also works for student concerns and the Student Activities Committee which plans and organises activities. These include theatre productions, dance performances, open mic, yoga sessions, recreational adventures and others. There are also 28 student clubs and organisations that students can be part of. The college also has its special annual events which consist of Family Weekend and Community Show (talents show for families and communities), Earth Day, Fandango (fundraiser event), Tug of War/Peace (between faculty/staff and the students) and more.

    Academic programs consist of undergraduate programs with 18 areas of study and the students design their own majors. The graduate program it offers is Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Human Ecology. The prominent facilities around the campus include George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History, Diana Davis Spencer Hatchery, Ethel H. Blum Gallery, Peggy Rockefeller Farms and Thorndike Library.

    COA School Facts

    • Years Estd.1969
    • LocationMaine
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

    Famous COA Alumni

    • Chellie Pingree

      Politics & Law

      Former head of Common Cause, and US House of Representatives for Maine

    • Nell Newman

      Science & Medicine

      Environmentalist and Founder of Newman's Own Organics

    • Amy Goodman

      Social Advocacy & Service

      Journalist


  • Thomas College Seal

    Thomas College

    Waterville, Maine

    • 1,367 Total Students
    • 92% Acceptance Rate
    • 25% Enrollment Rate
    • 19 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
    • 1,079 Total Applicants
    • No Online Programs

    Thomas College is a private higher education institute located in Waterville, Maine. The college was established in 1894 as a nonsectarian, co-educational college offering career training. It was initially named Keist Business College and was located in the Edith Building on Main Street in Waterville. In 1896, the name of the college was changed to Morgan Business after it was purchased by William Morgan. In 1911, the college ownership was transferred to John L. Thomas Sr. Accordingly; the college name was changed to Morgan-Thomas Business College. The name was changed again in 1950 to Thomas Junior College. Six years later, the college relocated to the former home of John Ware on Silver Street. In 1962, the college finally its current name one year before receiving approval from the Maine State Legislature to grant bachelor degrees. In 1964, the college opens its library which is named Mariner Library in honor of the former chairman of the college board of trustees. In 1976, Thomas College was granted the right to offer master degree programs. In the same year, the college purchased its first computer In 1983, the college started its internship program to help the students start their career. In 1994, the college signed to the internet and became in the following year the local internet providers for the Central Maine region through a partnership with Maine InternetWorks. In 1999, the college initiated its Guaranteed Job Program. In 2007, the college expanded by purchasing 50 acres near the Kennebec River.

    Currently, Thomas campus covers 120 acres with most of the students living on campus in 10 residential halls. Prominent buildings on campus include Ayotte Center, Harold Alfond Academic Center, and George and Marty Spann Student Commons. The college has 16 intercollegiate teams competing in NCAA Division III  as members of the North Atlantic Conference.

    The college offers 30 undergraduate programs. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

    Thomas School Facts

    • Years Estd.1894
    • MascotTerrier
    • MottoThose we Serve are the Foundation of Our Future
    • ColorsRed and Black
    • LocationMaine
    • Athleticswww.thomasathletics.com
    • Religious AffiliationNot applicable

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