12 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 13 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*
Unity Environmental University 11,300 USD 74%
Husson University 22,800 USD 47%
Maine Maritime Academy 28,000 USD 34%
University of Southern Maine 31,100 USD - 34,500 USD 27%
Thomas College 31,600 USD 26%
University of Maine 36,900 USD 13%
Maine College of Art and Design 43,500 USD -3%
University of New England – USA 44,300 USD -5%
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine 45,500 USD -7%
Colby College 69,900 USD -65%
Bates College 70,200 USD -66%
Bowdoin College 71,100 USD -68%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 42,200 USD for universities in Maine.

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1. Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University (formerly 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Colby College

Colby College is a full-time undergraduate private institution that offers liberal arts programs. The university’s success story can be traced back to 1813. Its primary goal is to educate locals and produce a pool of skillful professionals who will help boost its economy. At present, the student body not only admits in-state students but warmly welcomes students from other states and students from foreign countries.

11. 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.

12. 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.

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*
Unity Environmental University 6,600 USD - 9,900 USD 63%
Husson University 7,416 USD - 13,900 USD 58%
University of New England – USA 13,100 USD - 44,700 USD 25%
University of Southern Maine 17,300 USD - 19,300 USD 2%
University of Maine 20,400 USD - 30,600 USD -16%
Maine College of Art and Design 25,700 USD -47%
Thomas College 31,600 USD -81%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 17,500 USD for universities in Maine.

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1. Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University (formerly 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Unity Environmental University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 6,600 USD to 9,900 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Husson University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Husson University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Husson University is 7,416 USD to 13,860 USD.

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.

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 13,080 USD to 44,620 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 17,220 USD.

5. University of Maine

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Maine 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 20,352 USD yearly.

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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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 Husson University offers Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Human Relations.

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!