15 Cheapest Universities in Maine for International Students

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In Maine, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Maine, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 16 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Maine, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Maine for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Maine ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Maine at Presque Isle 12,200 USD 67%
Unity College 14,100 USD 61%
University of Maine at Augusta 15,000 USD 59%
University of Maine at Machias 16,200 USD 55%
Husson University 20,200 USD 44%
University of Southern Maine 24,300 USD 33%
Maine Maritime Academy 27,000 USD 26%
Thomas College 29,000 USD 20%
University of Maine 34,100 USD 6%
Maine College of Art and Design 39,100 USD -8%
University of New England – USA 39,600 USD -9%
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine 41,600 USD -15%
College of the Atlantic 44,300 USD -23%
Bowdoin College 61,000 USD -69%
Bates College 78,300 USD -117%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 36,000 USD for universities in Maine.

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1. University of Maine at Presque Isle

The University of Maine at Presque Isle offers 22 bachelor’s degree programs and one master’s program. The school also has an optional online learning model to provide distance or online learning opportunities to students who need and prefer it. The way the school describes its education is exceptional, personalized, successful, affordable, opportunity-filled, and adventurous.

2. Unity College

Unity College is a private institution based in New Gloucester, Maine. It also has an additional campus in Unity and facilities in Moose River and Thorndike. The college believes that its most significant impact on creating a sustainable future is by making education flexible and accessible. Unity College has begun to widen its offerings and now operates both online-only and hybrid programs.

3. University of Maine at Augusta

The University of Maine at Augusta primarily offers undergraduate programs, either as on-campus or online studies. This includes majors, minors, associate, and certificate courses. The university also has a select number of graduate programs offered online only.

UMA is a member of the University of Maine System and is among the largest universities in Maine. It has two campuses: Augusta and Bangor. Augusta serves as its main location.

4. University of Maine at Machias

University of Maine at Machias (UMM) is a co-educational institution situated in the coastal part of Maine. This strategic location will surely give students a unique living experience throughout their stay at the university. In addition to its scenic environment, UMM offers top-quality academic programs at the undergraduate level, with Marine Biology and Education being top-rated programs currently popular among students. Moreover, students will be presented with numerous opportunities to aid in honing their talents and skills.

5. Husson University

Husson University provides undergrad, graduate, and certificate programs. Courses may be taught face-to-face in Bangor or through the online setup. Husson is ranked 299th in the country by US News. Fields covered by its programs range from business to health sciences.

6. University of Southern Maine

Located in the heart of Maine, the University of Southern Maine offers exciting education with its advanced equipment and vibrant campus spirit. The university welcomes international students, allowing them to maximize their potential even while away from home. It strives to continue delivering one-of-a-kind practical education in the coming years.

7. Maine Maritime Academy

Maine Maritime Academy was founded in 1941 with 991 currently enrolled students. The college prides itself on experts in the field of engineering, management, science, and technology. Different avenues for expressing student demands are also available such as a Student Government Organization, various student clubs and organizations, athletics and recreation programs, health and counseling services, dining services, as well as campus security, and bookstores. Their athletics programs also include performing varsity teams that compete regionally, specifically at the NCAA Division III level with 13 sports teams.

8. Thomas College

Thomas College is a private college in Waterville, Maine. It was established in 1894 as Keist Business College. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees including Accounting, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Sports Management, and Psychology. Thomas College is recognized as “Maine’s business school” due to its history and liberal arts curriculum.

9. University of Maine

A prestigious university nestled in the quaint state of New England is the University of Maine. This prestigious research university commands expertise on the studies of the earth, marine, and deep space sciences. The University of Maine offers over 100 degree programs to nearly 12,000 students, making it the largest university system in the state.

10. Maine College of Art and Design

Maine College of Art and Design (MECAD) is a private college in Portland, Maine. It is one of Maine’s oldest art colleges. MECAD offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 11 different fields, including Ceramics, Animation, Graphic Design, Painting, and Sculpture.

11. University of New England – USA

The University of New England was initially founded by Franciscan monks as a high school and junior college that eventually became a four-year liberal arts college, St. Francis College. St. Francis College and the College of Osteopathic Medicine combined to become the University of New England in 1978. From this, the New England University became the biggest private university in the State, with 3 campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine, Tangier, and Morocco.

12. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine was initially a women’s institution by the Sisters of Mercy in 1912. It has since become coeducational but is still Maine’s only Catholic college. Various programs are available at the college, either taught on-campus or online.

For on-campus programs, only undergraduate courses are available. These onsite programs cover diverse disciplines, including health, sciences, social work, and more. As for online programs, these are available for undergrad degrees, graduate degrees, and certificate courses.

13. College of the Atlantic

The College of the Atlantic (COA) is a premier liberal arts institution with a small yet diverse campus community. The school is especially known for its degree programs in human ecology. Aside from that, students are given the chance to choose which courses they want to take for the academic year. COA also has a number of facilities and student activities available to enrich students’ campus life.

14. Bowdoin College

Based on the US News rankings, the 6th best liberal arts college in the US is the non-profit Bowdoin College in Maine. It’s been providing quality undergraduate training and education since 1794, around 26 years before Maine was even established. Bowdoin College also helped found several athletic conferences and continues to value athletic spirit by supporting several varsity teams. Its admissions are also need-blind and test-optional.

15. Bates College

With around 2,000 students, Bates College is one of the smallest higher education institutions in the state of Maine in terms of the student population. It offers about 35 undergraduate programs, some of which are taught in partnership with other universities. So, students will spend two years in another institution. This college is known for having small-sized classes and two mandatory projects for all students: a seminar during the first year and a thesis during the last year. Bates College also has a research center, a museum, a center for arts, and more than 80 student organizations.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Maine for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Maine ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Husson University 6,576 USD - 8,184 USD 68%
Unity College 9,750 USD 52%
University of New England – USA 15,200 USD - 47,900 USD 25%
University of Southern Maine 18,800 USD 7%
Maine College of Art and Design 23,200 USD - 39,200 USD -14%
Thomas College 29,000 USD -43%
University of Maine 29,300 USD -45%
College of the Atlantic 29,600 USD -46%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 20,200 USD for universities in Maine.

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1. Husson University

Husson University provides undergrad, graduate, and certificate programs. Courses may be taught face-to-face in Bangor or through the online setup. Husson is ranked 299th in the country by US News. Fields covered by its programs range from business to health sciences.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Husson University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 6,576 USD to 8,184 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Unity College

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Unity College. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Unity College is 9,750 USD.

Unity College is a private institution based in New Gloucester, Maine. It also has an additional campus in Unity and facilities in Moose River and Thorndike. The college believes that its most significant impact on creating a sustainable future is by making education flexible and accessible. Unity College has begun to widen its offerings and now operates both online-only and hybrid programs.

3. University of New England – USA

The University of New England was initially founded by Franciscan monks as a high school and junior college that eventually became a four-year liberal arts college, St. Francis College. St. Francis College and the College of Osteopathic Medicine combined to become the University of New England in 1978. From this, the New England University became the biggest private university in the State, with 3 campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine, Tangier, and Morocco.

The tuition fee at University of New England – USA for incoming international master’s students is 15,150 USD to 47,860 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Southern Maine

Another affordable university to consider in Maine is University of Southern Maine.

Located in the heart of Maine, the University of Southern Maine offers exciting education with its advanced equipment and vibrant campus spirit. The university welcomes international students, allowing them to maximize their potential even while away from home. It strives to continue delivering one-of-a-kind practical education in the coming years.

The tuition fee in University of Southern Maine for master’s program for foreign students starts from 18,750 USD.

5. Maine College of Art and Design

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Maine College of Art and Design has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 23,120 USD yearly.

Maine College of Art and Design (MECAD) is a private college in Portland, Maine. It is one of Maine’s oldest art colleges. MECAD offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 11 different fields, including Ceramics, Animation, Graphic Design, Painting, and Sculpture.

6. Thomas College

Thomas College is a private college in Waterville, Maine. It was established in 1894 as Keist Business College. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees including Accounting, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Sports Management, and Psychology. Thomas College is recognized as “Maine’s business school” due to its history and liberal arts curriculum.

7. University of Maine

A prestigious university nestled in the quaint state of New England is the University of Maine. This prestigious research university commands expertise on the studies of the earth, marine, and deep space sciences. The University of Maine offers over 100 degree programs to nearly 12,000 students, making it the largest university system in the state.

8. College of the Atlantic

The College of the Atlantic (COA) is a premier liberal arts institution with a small yet diverse campus community. The school is especially known for its degree programs in human ecology. Aside from that, students are given the chance to choose which courses they want to take for the academic year. COA also has a number of facilities and student activities available to enrich students’ campus life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Maine?

Applying to cheap universities in Maine requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Maine?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Maine. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Maine is the Bates College, which offers Classical and Medieval Studies, European Studies , and French and Francophone Studies to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the College of the Atlantic offers Human Ecology.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Maine, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Maine as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Maine for international students was helpful!