Colleges in Maine: Universities, Trade and Technical Schools

Maine Colleges Summary

The state of Maine offers students multiple ways to obtain a quality postsecondary education.

The University of Maine system is the largest organization of universities and colleges in Maine. It consists of seven institutions — many with multiple campus locations — and has an annual enrollment of more than 40,000 students. The University of Maine at Orona, founded in 1868, is the state's public research university and the largest college in the system.

The Maine Community College System serves almost 17,000 students in the state. It consists of seven two-year institutions with six additional off-campus educational centers that offer more than 300 degree programs and certificates. Each college offers online classes, and four colleges offer fully online degree programs. Many Maine students also pursue online degrees from colleges in other states through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.

There are 21 accredited private universities and colleges in Maine; six out-of-state colleges are approved to operate in Maine.

The state is home to the Maine Maritime Academy, a public college of engineering, transportation, management and science.

Education Initiatives in Maine

Bring College to ME is a statewide initiative to bring higher education to underserved parts of the state in order to boost college graduation rates. Programs offered include emergency medical services, early childhood education, and medical assisting.

The state's "Expanding Access, Increasing Participation" program also aims to increase college participation and degree completion by allowing students to enroll in college classes while they're still in high school.

Students can check the Maine Department of Education website for additional information.

Sources:

• About the Maine Maritime Academy, https://mainemaritime.edu/about-mma/
• About the System, University of Maine system, http://www.maine.edu/about-the-system/
• Early College Opportunities for Maine Students, Maine Department of Education, Accessed May 2018, http://www.maine.gov/doe/earlycollege/index.html
• MCCS Initiatives, Maine Community College System, Accessed May 2018, https://www.mccs.me.edu/about-mccs/system-info/mccs-initiatives/
• Spring 2017 enrollment, University of Maine System, Page 5, http://staticweb.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Spring-2017-Enrollment-Report-final-1-CORRECTED-FINAL.pdf?ca0c38