Best Value Degrees in Maine (2026)

Top 100 of 159 programs in Maine · Updated 2026

The best college programs in Maine, ranked by overall value. We scored 159 programs across Maine schools on earnings, AI resilience, job demand, and tuition ROI. The top programs average $52,707/yr in graduate earnings.

Why UMA Nursing Owns the #1 Spot

The University of Maine at Augusta's #1 ranking isn't an accident; it's by design. As a commuter school focused on accessible education for working adults, UMA delivers its high-demand nursing program exactly where it's needed across the state. This model slashes student costs (just $34,472 for a 4-year degree), leading to a massive 22.0x ROI when graduates step into jobs earning over $82,000. UMA proves that top value comes from aligning an affordable program directly with a state's most critical workforce needs.

The Prestige Play: Why a $266K Degree Can Still Be a "Value"

It's jarring to see Colby College's $266,400 Economics degree on a "best value" list, especially with its modest 4.3x ROI. This isn't a mistake; it's a different definition of value. Unlike the public schools that win on low cost, elite private colleges like Colby and Bowdoin (#17) are a bet on prestige. Their graduates command high salaries ($76k+), but the immense upfront cost makes the raw ROI look weak. You're paying for access to an exclusive alumni network that opens doors in finance and consulting—a path very different from the high-ROI public school route.

AI Won't Steal Your Job, It Will Change Your Job Description

Don't panic when you see "Very High" AI risk (61%) for Computer Science at UMaine. For fields like CS, engineering, and accounting, AI is automating routine tasks, not eliminating professions. Junior-level coding and data analysis are being handed to algorithms, meaning you'll be expected to use AI as a tool to tackle more complex problems from day one. In nursing (43% risk), AI will handle charting and admin, freeing you for the hands-on patient care that can't be automated. Your value will come from strategic oversight and human judgment—skills AI can't replicate.

Maine's Public Universities Are the State's ROI Engines

The data is unambiguous: 15 of the top 20 best-value programs in Maine are at public universities. From nursing at UMA and UMFK to engineering at UMaine and USM, the state system is a powerhouse for delivering high-earning careers without crippling debt. These schools offer a direct, affordable pipeline into Maine's core industries, generating exceptional ROI figures (often 15-22x). For the vast majority of students seeking a clear path to a good job in Maine, the public university system is the smartest financial bet.

Programs in ME

159

Avg Earnings (Top 100)

$52,707/yr

Avg DW Score

57/100

#1 Program

Nursing

University of Maine at Augusta

Top Institutions

Leading the field for Best Degrees in Maine

The top four programs by DegreeOutlook Score. Full ranking of 100 programs below.

Rank #1 · DegreeOutlook Score 87

Nursing

University of Maine at Augusta · Augusta, ME · Public

University of Maine at Fort Kent · ME · #2

$71,551/yr · 22.9x ROI

Nursing

University of Maine · ME · #3

$77,737/yr · 14.3x ROI

Nursing

University of Southern Maine · ME · #4

$71,675/yr · 15.3x ROI

The Ranking Matrix

Top Programs in Maine

Top 100 programs by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any row for full analysis.

Sort by

#	Program	DW Score	Earnings	AI Risk	ROI
1	Nursing University of Maine at Augusta · Augusta, ME	87 84–87	$82,845/yr	High	22.0x
2	Nursing University of Maine at Fort Kent · Fort Kent, ME	87 84–86	$71,551/yr	High	22.9x
3	Nursing University of Maine · Orono, ME	83 80–83	$77,737/yr	High	14.3x
4	Nursing University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	82 79–81	$71,675/yr	High	15.3x
5	Information Sciences University of Maine at Augusta · Augusta, ME	78 72–79	$49,843/yr	Very High	21.2x
6	Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Maine Maritime Academy · Castine, ME	75 72–75	$108,130/yr	High	20.6x
7	Nursing Husson University · Bangor, ME	75 73–75	$73,758/yr	High	7.5x
8	Nursing Saint Joseph's College of Maine · Standish, ME	74 71–74	$74,114/yr	High	4.1x
9	Electrical Engineering University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	74 71–75	$71,774/yr	Very High	22.6x
10	Accounting University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	74 71–75	$51,379/yr	Very High	14.1x
11	Economics Colby College · Waterville, ME	73 69–74	$76,401/yr	Very High	4.3x
12	Electrical Engineering University of Maine · Orono, ME	73 69–74	$77,037/yr	Very High	17.4x
13	Finance University of Maine · Orono, ME	73 71–75	$52,876/yr	Very High	12.2x
14	Business Administration Maine Maritime Academy · Castine, ME	73 69–74	$98,743/yr	High	15.7x
15	Nursing University of New England · Biddeford, ME	73 70–73	$77,895/yr	High	3.9x
16	Mechanical Engineering University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	73 70–74	$68,318/yr	Very High	19.8x
17	Economics Bowdoin College · Brunswick, ME	72 68–73	$75,867/yr	Very High	3.7x
18	Computer Science University of Maine · Orono, ME	72 65–73	$77,046/yr	Very High	14.3x
19	Chemical Engineering University of Maine · Orono, ME	72 69–73	$78,838/yr	High	16.6x
20	Mechanical Engineering University of Maine · Orono, ME	71 68–72	$69,687/yr	Very High	16.3x
21	International Business Maine Maritime Academy · Castine, ME	71 65–71	$66,982/yr	Very High	10.8x
22	Computer Science University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	71 64–72	$67,956/yr	Very High	14.6x
23	Economics Bates College · Lewiston, ME	69 66–70	$71,187/yr	Very High	3.3x
24	Mathematics Bowdoin College · Brunswick, ME	69 64–71	$90,213/yr	Very High	5.2x
25	Computer Engineering University of Maine · Orono, ME	69 62–70	$75,282/yr	Very High	13.9x
26	Civil Engineering University of Maine · Orono, ME	68 66–69	$64,785/yr	High	14.1x
27	Accounting University of Maine · Orono, ME	68 65–69	$48,256/yr	Very High	10.9x
28	Electrical Engineering Technology University of Maine · Orono, ME	67 65–68	$73,692/yr	High	18.8x
29	Marine Transportation Maine Maritime Academy · Castine, ME	67 67–66	$82,725/yr	Low	17.1x
30	Business Administration University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	67 61–68	$48,421/yr	High	12.6x
31	Accounting Husson University · Bangor, ME	67 64–69	$57,574/yr	Very High	6.3x
32	Mechanical Engineering Technology University of Maine · Orono, ME	66 65–66	$61,991/yr	Moderate	14.2x
33	Business Administration University of Maine · Orono, ME	66 60–67	$45,950/yr	High	11.5x
34	IT Management University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	66 60–68	$57,411/yr	Very High	12.1x
35	Accounting University of Maine at Augusta · Augusta, ME	65 62–67	$48,330/yr	Very High	12.9x
36	Construction Engineering Technologies University of Maine · Orono, ME	64 60–65	$65,540/yr	Very High	14.7x
37	Marketing University of Maine · Orono, ME	63 57–64	$50,655/yr	Very High	11.7x
38	Finance University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	62 60–63	$47,393/yr	Very High	9.8x
39	Accounting Thomas College · Waterville, ME	60 57–61	$47,356/yr	Very High	4.0x
40	Business Administration Husson University · Bangor, ME	60 54–61	$44,825/yr	High	6.2x
41	Criminal Justice University of Maine at Augusta · Augusta, ME	59 48–59	$38,588/yr	Moderate	14.4x
42	Business Administration University of Maine at Presque Isle · Presque Isle, ME	59 53–60	$43,902/yr	High	11.2x
43	Economics University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	59 55–60	$49,173/yr	Very High	10.3x
44	Industrial Production Technology University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	58 57–58	$58,538/yr	Moderate	12.6x
45	Marketing University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	58 52–59	$46,198/yr	Very High	11.7x
46	Natural Resources Management and Policy Unity Environmental University · New Gloucester, ME	58 55–59	$41,685/yr	High	10.7x
47	Business Administration University of Maine at Augusta · Augusta, ME	57 52–58	$41,325/yr	High	11.0x
48	Criminology University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	57 44–58	$47,726/yr	High	13.6x
49	Political Science Bowdoin College · Brunswick, ME	56 51–56	$60,626/yr	Very High	2.2x
50	Political Science Colby College · Waterville, ME	56 51–57	$54,353/yr	Very High	2.5x
51	Economics University of Maine · Orono, ME	56 53–57	$46,159/yr	Very High	8.2x
52	Business Administration University of New England · Biddeford, ME	56 50–56	$55,830/yr	High	2.3x
53	Health and Medical Administrative Services Saint Joseph's College of Maine · Standish, ME	56 50–56	$53,881/yr	High	2.1x
54	Biology University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	56 53–57	$43,722/yr	High	13.6x
55	Allied Health Professions Saint Joseph's College of Maine · Standish, ME	55 54–54	$74,266/yr	Moderate	3.3x
56	Criminal Justice Husson University · Bangor, ME	53 43–53	$46,523/yr	Moderate	5.1x
57	Political Science University of Maine · Orono, ME	52 49–53	$38,235/yr	Very High	10.8x
58	Business Administration Thomas College · Waterville, ME	52 46–53	$42,478/yr	High	3.5x
59	Business Economics University of Maine at Farmington · Farmington, ME	51 49–53	$48,263/yr	Very High	10.0x
60	Biomedical Engineering University of Maine · Orono, ME	51 49–52	$59,864/yr	High	10.9x
61	Teacher Education University of New England · Biddeford, ME	51 57–52	$44,396/yr	High	1.6x
62	Business Administration Saint Joseph's College of Maine · Standish, ME	50 44–51	$53,238/yr	High	1.9x
63	Social Work University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	50 57–50	$40,692/yr	Moderate	10.7x
64	Teacher Education University of Maine at Farmington · Farmington, ME	49 59–50	$38,835/yr	High	8.8x
65	Teacher Education Husson University · Bangor, ME	49 58–50	$40,485/yr	High	3.6x
66	Mental Health Services University of Maine at Augusta · Augusta, ME	48 53–48	$39,109/yr	Moderate	11.1x
67	Subject-Area Teaching University of Maine · Orono, ME	48 59–49	$35,764/yr	High	8.9x
68	Subject-Area Teaching Saint Joseph's College of Maine · Standish, ME	48 53–49	$41,584/yr	High	1.4x
69	Teacher Education University of Maine · Orono, ME	47 58–48	$38,924/yr	High	7.5x
70	Dental Services University of New England · Biddeford, ME	47 46–47	$59,851/yr	Moderate	2.6x
71	Teacher Education Saint Joseph's College of Maine · Standish, ME	47 55–48	$41,392/yr	High	1.4x
72	Political Science University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	47 45–47	$28,589/yr	Very High	13.2x
73	Hospitality Management Husson University · Bangor, ME	47 38–47	$40,812/yr	High	3.6x
74	Radio, Television, and Digital Communication University of Maine · Orono, ME	46 42–46	$37,386/yr	High	9.2x
75	Biology University of Maine · Orono, ME	46 45–46	$34,029/yr	High	11.5x
76	Allied Health Professions University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	46 52–47	$37,585/yr	Moderate	10.6x
77	Research and Experimental Psychology Bates College · Lewiston, ME	45 41–46	$47,376/yr	High	0.9x
78	Teacher Education Thomas College · Waterville, ME	45 56–46	$38,994/yr	High	2.2x
79	Natural Resources & Conservation Research University of Maine · Orono, ME	44 40–44	$39,297/yr	High	10.4x
80	Marketing Saint Joseph's College of Maine · Standish, ME	44 38–45	$44,151/yr	Very High	1.6x
81	Subject-Area Teaching University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	44 56–45	$34,843/yr	High	7.0x
82	History University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	44 42–44	$36,876/yr	High	9.1x
83	Criminal Justice Thomas College · Waterville, ME	44 34–44	$42,174/yr	Moderate	2.7x
84	Business Administration University of Maine at Farmington · Farmington, ME	43 40–43	$29,685/yr	High	5.8x
85	Communication and Media Studies University of Maine · Orono, ME	43 36–44	$37,192/yr	High	10.1x
86	Food Science and Technology University of Maine · Orono, ME	42 39–42	$36,255/yr	Moderate	8.2x
87	Political Science Bates College · Lewiston, ME	41 37–42	$41,055/yr	Very High	1.7x
88	Veterinary Technology University of Maine at Augusta · Augusta, ME	41 40–41	$39,275/yr	Moderate	10.4x
89	Liberal Arts & Humanities University of Maine at Augusta · Augusta, ME	41 45–42	$39,982/yr	Low	13.4x
90	Clinical Psychology Thomas College · Waterville, ME	41 41–42	$35,065/yr	High	1.8x
91	Sociology Bowdoin College · Brunswick, ME	40 36–41	$47,749/yr	High	0.8x
92	Animal Sciences University of Maine · Orono, ME	40 37–41	$37,823/yr	High	8.8x
93	Social Work University of Maine · Orono, ME	40 50–41	$38,824/yr	Moderate	7.6x
94	Communication and Media Studies University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	40 33–40	$35,920/yr	High	10.3x
95	Hospitality Management University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME	40 34–41	$29,924/yr	High	5.9x
96	Health & Physical Education Husson University · Bangor, ME	40 37–40	$37,993/yr	Moderate	3.3x
97	Biology Colby College · Waterville, ME	38 34–38	$43,597/yr	High	0.6x
98	Forestry University of Maine · Orono, ME	38 37–39	$43,901/yr	Moderate	7.7x
99	Biology University of New England · Biddeford, ME	38 37–39	$34,910/yr	High	3.1x
100	Health & Physical Education University of New England · Biddeford, ME	38 37–39	$31,749/yr	Moderate	3.1x

FAQ

Frequently asked

What is the best college program in Maine?

By DegreeOutlook Score, Nursing at University of Maine at Augusta ranks #1 in Maine with a score of 87/100 and graduate earnings of $82,845/yr.

How many college programs are in Maine?

Our database includes 159 programs across Maine colleges with reported earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education.