Online Schools In Maine

Six of Maine’s 10 highest-paying, in-demand jobs require a bachelor’s degree, based on state projections for 2022–2032. To take advantage of new opportunities in this changing economy, you should consider attending an online college in Maine.

This page provides an overview of these programs, including information on cost of attendance, admission requirements, and transferring credits. It also includes a ranking of the most affordable online schools in Maine.

Keep reading to learn more about the best online schools in Maine.

To compile our ranking of Maine’s top affordable online colleges, we looked at several factors related to cost, including tuition, financial aid opportunities, and discounts available to regional students. We also considered the quality of these institutions, reviewing data on graduation rates, student-teacher ratios, and the availability of student services. Finally, all schools on this ranking hold either regional or national accreditation.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 54.9% of Maine students study exclusively online. While students choose online education for many reasons, the flexibility and convenience of distance learning appeals to working professionals and single parents in particular.

Other students may attend an online college in Maine to change career paths. These programs allow you to earn a degree in a growing industry without needing to leave your current job.

Residents of Maine can receive significant tuition discounts when attending a public college or university in the state. For example, the University of Maine (UM) charged $424 per credit to state residents pursuing an undergraduate degree for the 2025-2026 academic year, while non-residents seeking their bachelor’s online paid $515 per credit. However, online students at UM must pay a $25 per-credit fee for online courses.

To qualify for in-state tuition, you must prove legal residency in Maine for a period of no fewer than 12 months prior to your enrollment.

Students living in other New England states may qualify for tuition discounts in Maine through the New England Board of Higher Education’s (NEBHE) Tuition Break Program.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

The cost of attending either a community college or four-year public institution in Maine closely compares to the national average, though students in Maine can pay a great deal less than those studying in more expensive New England states like Massachusetts or Connecticut.

Out-of-state residents who take online courses in Maine typically pay less than students who choose to pursue a degree on campus. You can also save money by attending a public rather than private university or by earning an associate degree at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution.

Attending an online college in Maine as an out-of-state student can help you save money on tuition, particularly if you choose a program that participates in NEBHE’s Tuition Break Program.

Non-residents may also choose to study in Maine to specialize in a particular area. For example, the University of Maine boasts a highly ranked wildlife ecology program, a program that may not be available to you locally.

Before enrolling in a program, make sure to confirm that your institution holds authorization to confer online degrees to students in your state.

Maine participates in the New England Regional Student Program (RSP), a compact that allows students living in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont to receive tuition discounts when attending a program in another New England state.

Roughly 900 undergraduate and graduate programs at more than 80 institutions participate in the RSP, also known as the Tuition Break Program. In the 2016-17 academic year alone, some 9,000 New England students saved about $63 million in tuition through the program. The average student saves about $8,500 annually.

To more easily confer online degrees to students in other states, Maine joined the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). All of the institutions in the public university system of Maine hold authorization through NC-SARA, as do many private schools like Saint Joseph’s College and Husson University.

Forty-nine states participate in NC-SARA, meaning you can automatically earn an online degree in Maine if you live in one of these states. California does not participate in NC-SARA, though larger institutions may hold individual reciprocity agreements with the state. You should contact your school directly for more information.

Tuition rates are ultimately program- and institution-based. Ask someone from a prospective program about what rates apply to you specifically as a potential member of a specific program.

Below, you can find answers to some of the questions most commonly asked by students considering an online college in Maine. While much of this information applies generally across schools, you should check with your individual program if you have more specific questions.

In addition to federal financial aid opportunities, you should also research state grants and private scholarships to help pay for your online degree in Maine. State and private scholarship programs often seek to support students preparing to enter a specific field, such as education or medicine. Others select their recipients on the basis of financial need or academic merit. Below, you can read about five scholarships available to students attending online universities in Maine.

The Alfond Leaders Program provides student loan repayment assistance to individuals who live in Maine and work in a STEM field. While you do not need to attend school in Maine to qualify for this assistance, you must continue to live and work in the state in order to participate in the program.

Scholarship Amount: Up to $60,000

The State of Maine Grant Program offers up to $1,500 per year to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Maine. To qualify, you must be enrolled at least half-time at an accredited institution. In addition, your EFC cannot exceed $4,500. The program provides grant funding directly to your college or university.

Scholarship Amount: Up to $1,500

The children and spouses of public servants who died in the line of duty, including firefighters, law enforcement officials, and emergency services personnel, may qualify for a tuition waiver at a public university through this program. Children must be under 21 years old at the time of their parent’s death, though spouses of fallen servants can receive support at any age.

Scholarship Amount: Up to the full cost of tuition

Educators for Maine seeks to draw more talented individuals into the fields of teaching and child care. To qualify for this forgivable loan program, you must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 during your high school or undergraduate studies. The program selects recipients on the basis of financial need, academic excellence, and commitment to their chosen profession.

Scholarship Amount: Up to $3,000

The Maine Medical Education Foundation offers forgivable student loans to deserving medical students. To receive an award, you must live in Maine, earn admission at a qualifying medical school, and hold membership in both the American Medical Association and the Maine Medical Association. You must also pursue a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.

Scholarship Amount: Up to the full cost of tuition