Comprehensive education resources for Maine students, educators, and families. Explore colleges, universities, trade schools, K-12 districts, adult education, and career services throughout the state.
Maine's public higher education system with seven universities and nearly 30,000 students annually. Offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in numerous fields.
Key Facts:
Flagship campus in Orono
Multiple regional campuses statewide
90+ undergraduate programs
Strong STEM focus
Maine Community College System
Seven affordable community colleges across the state providing associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs.
Key Facts:
Free community college for class of 2022-2025
Affordable tuition rates
Career-focused programs
Transfer pathways to universities
🏫 Higher Education Institutions in Maine
University of Maine System (7 Universities)
University of Maine (Orono)
State flagship research university, land-grant institution. 90+ undergraduate majors across 5 colleges. Phone: (207) 581-1110
University of Maine at Augusta
Multiple campuses in Augusta and Bangor with 8 centers statewide. Specializes in online and distance learning, 41 degree programs with 28 available online.
University of Maine at Farmington
Founded 1864, Maine's first public higher education institution. Strong teacher education and liberal arts programs. Phone: (207) 778-7000
University of Maine at Fort Kent
Located in northern Maine. Established 1878. Regional university serving Maine's Northeast. Distance education options available. Phone: (207) 834-7500
University of Maine at Machias
Regional Maine campus in eastern part of state. Offers baccalaureate and associate degree programs. Fully online options available. Phone: (207) 255-1200
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Founded 1903 in Maine's northernmost region. Bachelor's, Associate's, and Competency-Based Education programs. First Master's degree program launched. YourPace program: $1,800/session. Phone: (207) 768-9400
University of Southern Maine
Campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston-Auburn. Offers baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral programs. 100% online master's and doctoral options available. Phone: (207) 780-4000
Maine Community College System (7 Colleges)
Central Maine Community College
Located in Auburn. Career-focused programs, workforce training, transfer opportunities. Phone: (207) 755-5100
Eastern Maine Community College
Bangor-based serving eastern Maine region. Healthcare, business, and skilled trades programs. Phone: (207) 974-5900
Kennebec Valley Community College
Campuses in Fairfield and Hinckley. Central Maine location serving multiple counties. Phone: (207) 453-5155
Northern Maine Community College
Presque Isle-based serving Maine's northern region. HVAC, manufacturing, healthcare, and business programs. Phone: (207) 768-2700
Southern Maine Community College
South Portland and Brunswick campuses serving greater Portland area. Largest MCCS enrollment, diverse program offerings. Phone: (207) 741-5500
Washington County Community College
Calais location serving downeast Maine. Rural Maine focus with accessible, affordable education. Phone: (207) 454-1092
York County Community College
Wells location serving southern Maine coast. Proximity to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Phone: (207) 646-0123
Selective Liberal Arts Colleges (The Maine Big Three)
Top RankedBowdoin College
Brunswick. Founded 1794. U.S. News ranking #5 nationally among liberal arts colleges. Highly selective, need-blind admissions. Phone: (207) 725-3000
Colby College
Waterville. Founded 1813. U.S. News ranking #25 among liberal arts colleges. Admission rate 6.8%, highly selective. Phone: (207) 859-4000
Bates College
Lewiston. Founded 1855. U.S. News ranking #26 among liberal arts colleges. Admission rate 13%. Consortium member with Bowdoin and Colby. Phone: (207) 786-6000
Other Private Colleges & Universities
Maine Maritime Academy
Castine. State maritime institution. Majority of graduates major in STEM. 90%+ job placement rate within 90 days. Unique marine engineering programs. Phone: (207) 326-2206
University of New England
Biddeford. Notable for College of Osteopathic Medicine (only medical school in Maine). Health professions focus. Phone: (207) 283-0171
Husson University
Bangor. Largest private university in Bangor region. Four colleges: Business, Health and Education, Science and Humanities, Pharmacy. Lowest-priced NECHE accredited private university in Maine. Phone: (207) 941-7000
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish. Pioneer in distance and online learning. Five 10-week terms annually with multiple start dates. STEM and education programs accredited. Phone: (207) 893-7000
College of the Atlantic
Bar Harbor. Unique ecology-focused liberal arts college. Located in Acadia National Park area. Phone: (207) 288-5015
Maine College of Art
Portland. Specialized art and design institution. BFA and continuing education programs. Phone: (207) 699-5000
📌 Maine Higher Education Facts: Maine has 29 accredited degree-granting institutions. The state's public education system includes the University of Maine System (7 universities), Maine Community College System (7 colleges), and Maine Maritime Academy. Additional private institutions provide specialized education in arts, marine studies, osteopathic medicine, and liberal arts.
🔧 Vocational & Trade Schools
Maine offers comprehensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) through 27 CTE centers statewide with 90+ unique programs and over 10,500 annual enrollments. Education is free for Maine high school students.
Program Types Available
Healthcare Programs
Certified Nursing Assistant
Dental Hygiene
Respiratory Therapy
Medical Assistant
Skilled Trades
HVAC/Refrigeration
Plumbing & Heating
Auto Technology
Auto Collision Repair
Machine Tool
Other Programs
Building Construction
Culinary Arts
Early Childhood Education
Cosmetology
Law Enforcement
Firefighting
Major Trade Schools
Northeast Technical Institute (NTI)
Maine's leading trade and career training school with campuses in Scarborough, Bangor, and Auburn. Programs: CDL trucking, HVAC/R, healthcare, and technology. Completion times: 6 months to 2 years. 95% graduation rate. Phone: (207) 885-6000
Lewiston Regional Technical Center
Maine CTE center offering hands-on career and technical education programs for high school students. Tuition-free for Maine students. Phone: (207) 784-2321
Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM)
Highly ranked for STEM education. Cross-registration with University of Maine at Presque Isle allows students to graduate with college credits. 10-15% graduate with Associates Degree annually. Phone: (207) 768-9552
Program Duration & Costs
Fast-track programs: 16-20 weeks
Certificate programs: Approximately 6 months
Associate degree programs: Typically 2 years
Cost: Free for Maine high school students through CTE centers; Northeast Technical Institute programs range from $3,000-$25,000
✅ CTE Fast Facts: 27 Maine CTE centers statewide serve 10,500+ students annually with 90+ unique programs. Hands-on, immersive learning at no cost to Maine high school students. Programs train graduates for in-demand careers in emergency services, healthcare, skilled trades, and legal services.
📚 K-12 Education
Maine K-12 System Overview
Enrollment Statistics (2023-24)
Total Students: 173,907
Schools: 569 total schools
School Districts: 192 districts
Teachers: 14,451 (1:12 ratio)
Distribution & Demographics
Public School: 84.3% of children
Charter School: 2,700+ students
Economically Disadvantaged: 45% of students
Spending Per Pupil: $17,671 (2024)
School District Types
School Administrative Districts (SADs)
52 SADs serve two or more participating cities, towns or plantations. These make up the majority of school districts in Maine. 184 cities and towns are served by SADs.
Incorporated & Community Districts
Incorporated school districts serve a single city or town. Community school districts combine cities, towns, or plantations for K-12 education.
Largest School Districts in Maine
Portland Public Schools
6,649 students. Maine's largest and most ethnically diverse school district. 18 primary and secondary schools. Phone: (207) 874-8200
Lewiston Public Schools
Second largest school district in Maine. Central Maine location serving diverse student population.
Windham School District
6 schools, 3,101 students. Greater Portland area.
South Portland School District
7 schools, 2,942 students. Southern Maine coastal region.
RSU 57 (Waterboro)
7 schools, 2,935 students. Southern Maine region.
STEM Education in Maine
Maine STEM Collaborative Goals: Graduates with essential knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Student aspiration to pursue STEM fields at post-secondary level.
Maine Center for Research in STEM Education (RiSE Center) - University of Maine conducts research into STEM education at all levels
Maine Girls Collaborative Project - Promotes girls' participation in STEM careers
Free College Courses: Maine Maritime Academy offers college STEM courses tuition-free to qualified high school juniors and seniors
School of Science and Mathematics: Ranked highly on Niche, cross-registration opportunities with UMaine at Presque Isle
School Performance & Accreditation
Maine Department of Education Rating System:
Emerging: Student groups have not met state expectations
Developing: Progress toward state expectations
Meeting: All eligible student groups have met or exceeded state expectations
Excelling: All eligible student groups have exceeded state expectations
Schools are annually issued Report Cards summarizing accountability metrics. All public schools use New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) accreditation standards.
👨🎓 Adult & Continuing Education
Maine Adult Education Overview
Program Statistics (2023-24)
Adult Education Programs: 70+ statewide
Annual Learners: 12,900+ (July 2023-June 2024)
High School Credentials Earned: 972
Certifications & Credentials: 2,600+
Program Focus Areas
Literacy & Adult Basic Education
High School Completion (GED/HSD)
English Language Acquisition (ESL)
Maine College Transitions
Career Preparation & Enrichment
Key Adult Education Resources
Maine Department of Education - Adult Education Division
Oversees 70+ regional adult education programs statewide. Provides information on local providers and available classes. Visit Website
Maine Adult Education Association (MAEA)
Professional organization supporting educators and adult education programs. Promotes quality adult education statewide. Visit Website
Maine Adult Education Class Search
Browse and search available adult education classes throughout Maine. Find local programs by region. Search Classes
Valley Unified Continuing Education
Example adult education program providing diverse class offerings and community education. Visit Website
Community College Continuing Education
Each of Maine's seven community colleges offers continuing and community education divisions with courses for every interest and need. Programs include workforce development, hobby education, and professional advancement.
💡 Flexibility: Adult education programs throughout Maine offer flexible scheduling, evening classes, weekend options, and online learning to accommodate working adults and families.
♿ Special Education Services
Maine Special Education Overview
Maine's Department of Education - Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education ensures free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for children with disabilities (ages 3-22) and early intervention services for infants and toddlers (birth-age 2).
Available Services & Programs
Child Development Services
Early Intervention: Birth through age 2
FAPE: Ages 3-5
Regional Sites: Statewide network
Federal & State Regulations: Compliance through network of providers
Resources & Support
Forms and IEP information
Assessments and testing resources
Special education programs database
Laws, regulations, and policies
Professional learning opportunities
Support Organizations & Resources
Maine Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education
MADSEC (Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities)
Professional organization providing resources, information, and support for special education administrators and educators. Visit Website
Maine Parent Federation
Family advocacy and support organization for parents of children with special needs. Phone: (207) 941-2089
Maine CITE (Center for Inclusive Technology and Education)
Promotes inclusive technology and education practices for students with disabilities.
Parent Rights & Information: Parents have rights in the special education process including evaluation, IEP development, and placement decisions. Resources and parent guides are available through the Maine Department of Education.
💻 Online & Distance Learning
University of Maine System Online Programs
UMaine Online
70+ online degrees and programs. 500+ online classes year-round. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, and more. Visit Website
University of Maine at Augusta (UMA)
41 degree programs with 28 available completely online. Top 100 ranking by U.S. News for Best Online Business Bachelor's and Veterans programs. Visit Website
University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI)
Online degrees in English, History, Psychology, Social Work, and more. YourPace program: $1,800 flat undergraduate tuition per session, $2,450 graduate per session. Visit Website
University of Southern Maine (USM)
Master's and Doctoral programs 100% online. Accelerated Master's programs with multiple start dates. Visit Website
Distance education options and fully online baccalaureate and associate degree programs available.
Private Institution Online Programs
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Pioneer in distance and online learning. Five 10-week terms per year starting January, March, May, August, and October. Most online programs offer flexible scheduling. Visit Website
✅ Online Learning Advantages: Maine's universities and colleges offer flexible, accredited online programs for working professionals, distance learners, and students needing scheduling flexibility. Multiple start dates, accelerated options, and financial benefits available.
💰 Scholarships & Financial Aid
Maine State Financial Aid Programs
Maine State Grant Program
Maximum Award (2025-26): $2,500
Eligibility: Need-based for Maine undergraduate students of all ages
Application Deadline: File FAFSA by May 1 for automatic consideration
Funded by state, administered by Finance Authority of Maine (FAME)
Free Community College Program
Eligibility: Maine students graduating high school in 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025
Benefit: Attend Maine community college tuition-free
Requirement: File FAFSA first
Community College Coverage: Nearly half of all degree-seeking students have tuition and fees covered by grant aid
Scholarship Resources
FAME Maine Scholarship Search
Comprehensive scholarship database and search tool. Start your Maine scholarship search here. Search Scholarships
Maine Community Foundation Scholarships
Multiple scholarship opportunities available statewide. Phone: 1-877-700-6800. Visit Website
College & University Scholarships
Individual Maine colleges and universities offer merit-based, need-based, and specialized scholarships. Contact financial aid offices directly.
FAME Maine Financial Aid Resources
Comprehensive information on Maine grants, tuition programs, and financing education. Visit Website
Financial Aid Facts
Scholarships are gift aid: No repayment required
FAFSA is key: File Free Application for Federal Student Aid to access all programs
Community college grants: Covers tuition and fees for nearly 50% of degree-seeking students
Multiple funding types: Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study available
🎯 Career Services & Job Placement
Maine Career Services Overview
Maine offers comprehensive career services, job training, and placement assistance through state career centers, educational institutions, and workforce development programs.
State Career Services
Maine CareerCenters
Statewide network providing free employment and training services. Computer access, WiFi, knowledgeable staff. Connects job seekers with training and employers with workers. Visit Website
Work Source Maine Virtual Career Center
Online career development and job search assistance. Visit Website
Maine JobLink
State job matching system connecting job seekers and employers. Visit Website
Greater Portland CareerCenter
Job training, hiring events, workshops, and employment services. Visit Website
Education Institution Career Services
Maine Maritime Academy
90%+ job placement rate within 90 days of graduation. MMA alumni recognized worldwide for leadership and integrity. Visit Website
Central Maine Community College
Career and job placement assistance for students and graduates. Full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employment opportunities. Visit Website
University of Maine at Fort Kent
Career services and student employment office supporting graduates. Visit Website
Career Development & Training
Services Available:
Resume writing and interview preparation
Job search assistance and employment matching
Skills training and professional development
Hiring events and job fairs
Employer outreach and recruitment
Workforce development partnerships
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Portland Public Schools is Maine's largest and most ethnically diverse school district with 6,649 students and 18 schools. Lewiston Public Schools is the second largest. Other large districts include Windham (3,101 students), South Portland (2,942 students), and RSU 57 (2,935 students). Maine has 192 total school districts serving 173,907 public school students across 569 schools.
Maine has 29 accredited, degree-granting institutions of higher learning. This includes the University of Maine System (7 universities with nearly 30,000 students), Maine Community College System (7 colleges), Maine Maritime Academy, and numerous private institutions like Bowdoin, Colby, Bates, Husson University, University of New England, and Saint Joseph's College of Maine.
Yes! Maine's Free Community College Program allows students who earned (or will earn) a high school diploma or equivalent in 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025 to attend Maine community college tuition-free. You must file the FAFSA first. Additionally, nearly half of all degree-seeking community college students have tuition and fees covered by grant aid.
Maine's 27 Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers offer 90+ unique programs with over 10,500 annual enrollments. Programs include healthcare (nursing assistant, dental hygiene, respiratory therapy), skilled trades (HVAC, plumbing, auto technology, machine tool), building construction, culinary arts, early childhood education, cosmetology, law enforcement, and firefighting. CTE education is free for Maine high school students. Northeast Technical Institute is Maine's leading private trade school with programs completed in 6 months to 2 years.
Maine offers multiple scholarship programs. The Maine State Grant Program provides up to $2,500 for need-based undergraduate students who file FAFSA by May 1. The FAME Maine Scholarship Search database helps students find additional scholarships. The Maine Community Foundation offers numerous scholarships statewide (1-877-700-6800). Individual colleges and universities also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. Scholarships are gift aid that do not require repayment.
Yes! Maine's universities and colleges offer extensive online programs. UMaine Online has 70+ online degrees with 500+ classes year-round. University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) offers 28 degree programs completely online and ranks in U.S. News top 100 for online programs. UMPI's YourPace program offers online degrees at flat-rate tuition ($1,800 undergraduate per session). University of Southern Maine offers master's and doctoral programs 100% online. Saint Joseph's College offers online programs with five 10-week terms annually.
Maine has 70+ regional adult education programs serving 12,900+ adult learners annually. Programs include literacy, adult basic education, high school completion (GED/HSD), English language acquisition, Maine College Transitions, and career preparation. In 2023-24, 972 adult students earned high school credentials and 2,600+ earned certifications in in-demand careers. All seven community colleges offer continuing and community education divisions. Search available classes at maineadulted.coursestorm.com.
Maine CareerCenters (mainecareercenter.com) provide free employment and training services statewide with computer access, WiFi, and knowledgeable staff. Work Source Maine (myworksourcemaine.gov) offers online career development. Maine JobLink (joblink.maine.gov) is the state's job matching system. Individual colleges and universities provide career services—Maine Maritime Academy has 90%+ job placement within 90 days. Community colleges offer career and job placement assistance to students and graduates.
Maine's Department of Education - Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education provides free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for children with disabilities (ages 3-22) and early intervention services for infants and toddlers (birth-age 2). Child Development Services operates through regional sites statewide. Resources include IEP information, assessments, special education programs, and forms. Support organizations include MADSEC, Maine Parent Federation, and Maine CITE. Parents have rights in the special education process.
Maine's top-ranked colleges are the "Maine Big Three" liberal arts institutions. Bowdoin College (Brunswick) ranks #5 nationally by U.S. News and is highly selective. Colby College (Waterville) ranks #25 nationally with 6.8% admission rate. Bates College (Lewiston) ranks #26 nationally with 13% admission rate. All three form the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin Consortium and consistently rank among the top liberal arts colleges nationally. Maine Maritime Academy is the state's leading STEM institution with 90%+ job placement.