Maine, known for its scenic coastlines, historic towns, and vibrant cultural history, is also home to some of the finest private colleges and universities in the United States. These institutions offer diverse academic programs, combining rigorous academics with a deep sense of community, history, and engagement with the natural world.
1. Bates College
History and Overview
Founded in 1855, Bates College is a private liberal arts college located in Lewiston, Maine. Established by abolitionists, Bates has a long tradition of progressive values, emphasizing inclusivity, community service, and academic excellence.
Academic Offerings
Bates offers a range of academic programs, with a strong liberal arts foundation. Some key areas include:
- Humanities: English, History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies.
- Social Sciences: Politics, Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology.
- Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Studies.
- Interdisciplinary Programs: American Cultural Studies, Environmental Studies, and Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Key Features
- Bates follows a test-optional admissions policy, making standardized tests an optional part of the application process.
- Emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research opportunities, and community-engaged learning.
- Strong commitment to sustainability, with eco-friendly campus initiatives and a focus on environmental education.
2. Bowdoin College
History and Overview
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, is one of the oldest private liberal arts colleges in the country. It has a prestigious reputation for academic rigor, particularly in the liberal arts and sciences.
Academic Offerings
Bowdoin offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines:
- Humanities: English, Art History, and Classics.
- Natural Sciences: Earth and Oceanographic Science, Neuroscience, and Mathematics.
- Social Sciences: Government and Legal Studies, Economics, and Education.
- Environmental Studies: A well-regarded program that integrates sciences, policy, and sustainability.
Key Features
- The Common Good: Bowdoin emphasizes a philosophy rooted in serving the “Common Good,” encouraging students to be socially responsible leaders.
- Arctic Studies: Bowdoin has a unique connection to Arctic exploration, offering a dedicated program in Arctic Studies.
- Outdoor Engagement: With access to Maine’s natural beauty, Bowdoin promotes outdoor activities, including a well-supported Outing Club for hiking, canoeing, and more.
3. Colby College
History and Overview
Founded in 1813, Colby College in Waterville, Maine, is another highly respected private liberal arts institution. Known for its rigorous academics and global focus, Colby has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence.
Academic Offerings
Colby College offers an extensive range of programs in the liberal arts, including:
- Humanities: Literature, Music, Art, and Theatre and Dance.
- Social Sciences: Economics, Anthropology, and Global Studies.
- Natural Sciences: Environmental Science, Biology, and Chemistry.
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Programs like African-American Studies, Latin American Studies, and Science, Technology, and Society.
Key Features
- Global Reach: Over 70% of Colby students study abroad during their time at the college, reflecting the institution’s commitment to global education.
- DavisConnects: Colby offers students opportunities to pursue internships, research, and global experiences, often funded by the college.
- A leader in environmental sustainability, Colby was one of the first colleges in the U.S. to achieve carbon neutrality.
4. University of New England
History and Overview
The University of New England (UNE), with campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine, as well as in Tangier, Morocco, was established in 1831. UNE is a private university known for its health sciences programs, with a strong commitment to innovation and community-based education.
Academic Offerings
UNE offers undergraduate and graduate programs, with special emphasis on health and sciences:
- Health Sciences: Programs in Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Pharmacy.
- Marine Science: Known for its Marine Science program, including hands-on research opportunities on the Maine coast.
- Dental Medicine: UNE is home to Maine’s only College of Dental Medicine.
- Osteopathic Medicine: The UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine is the only medical school in Maine.
Key Features
- UNE emphasizes interprofessional education, preparing students to work collaboratively in healthcare teams.
- A leader in online education, UNE offers several graduate programs online, especially in public health and social work.
- UNE has a global focus, with a unique campus in Morocco providing international study opportunities.
5. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
History and Overview
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, is a private Catholic liberal arts college located on the shores of Sebago Lake in Standish, Maine. The college offers both on-campus and online programs, combining strong academic programs with a focus on service and community.
Academic Offerings
Saint Joseph’s College offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs:
- Nursing and Health Sciences: Nursing, Radiologic Science, and Health Administration.
- Business: Degrees in Business Administration, Accounting, and Leadership.
- Education: Programs in Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education.
- Liberal Arts: English, Theology, and Political Science.
Key Features
- Strong emphasis on service and social justice, with many students participating in community service projects and service learning.
- Online Learning: Saint Joseph’s College has a robust online education platform, offering degrees and certificates to adult learners around the world.
- Located in a scenic natural environment, the college fosters a close-knit, inclusive community.
6. Thomas College
History and Overview
Founded in 1894 in Waterville, Maine, Thomas College is a private institution known for its focus on business, technology, and leadership. The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of industries.
Academic Offerings
Thomas College offers programs with a strong career-focused approach, including:
- Business: Programs in Finance, Accounting, and Marketing.
- Technology: Degrees in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, and Information Technology.
- Education: Programs in Elementary and Secondary Education.
- Criminal Justice: With a focus on law enforcement, corrections, and forensic psychology.
Key Features
- Guaranteed Job Program: Thomas College is known for its Guaranteed Job Program, where students who meet certain criteria are guaranteed a job within six months of graduation or they receive additional support from the college.
- Focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, with resources like the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation helping students develop business ideas and leadership skills.
- A strong sense of community, with small class sizes and personalized academic advising.
7. Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D)
History and Overview
Founded in 1882 and located in Portland, Maine, Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is a private, independent college focused on providing students with rigorous, studio-based education in the arts. It is one of the few colleges in Maine solely dedicated to the visual arts.
Academic Offerings
MECA&D offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs focused on art and design:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Programs in Painting, Sculpture, Photography, and Graphic Design.
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA): A low-residency MFA program that allows artists to pursue advanced studies while maintaining a professional career.
- Art Education: MECA&D offers a unique program combining art practice with education theory, preparing students to become art teachers.
- Certificate Programs: Post-baccalaureate certificate programs in areas such as Digital Media and Fashion Design.
Key Features
- MECA&D’s Artists at Work program connects students with real-world internships, job opportunities, and community engagement projects, ensuring they graduate with practical experience.
- The Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, part of MECA&D, offers a graduate certificate program in documentary storytelling through radio, podcasting, photography, and multimedia.
- Located in Portland, Maine, a thriving city for art and culture, students benefit from access to galleries, museums, and a dynamic arts scene.
8. College of the Atlantic
History and Overview
Founded in 1969 in Bar Harbor, Maine, College of the Atlantic (COA) is a unique institution offering only one degree: a Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology. This innovative college focuses on the interconnectedness of humans and their environments, encouraging interdisciplinary study and experiential learning.
Academic Offerings
COA’s single degree program, Human Ecology, allows students to design their own course of study, drawing from a wide variety of disciplines, including:
- Environmental Science: Ecology, Conservation Biology, and Climate Science.
- Arts and Humanities: Creative Writing, Visual Arts, and Philosophy.
- Social Sciences: Anthropology, Sociology, and Economics.
- Sustainability Studies: A key focus on developing sustainable solutions for global challenges.
Key Features
- COA has a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, with a goal to be carbon-neutral and zero-waste. It was the first college in the U.S. to divest from fossil fuels.
- Strong focus on experiential learning: Students often engage in fieldwork, research, and hands-on projects in the local environment, including the nearby Acadia National Park.
- Self-directed learning: COA’s flexible curriculum encourages students to take ownership of their education, with guidance from faculty and mentors.
9. Husson University
History and Overview
Founded in 1898 in Bangor, Maine, Husson University is a private university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, health, technology, and the liberal arts. Husson emphasizes practical, career-focused education.
Academic Offerings
Husson offers a diverse array of programs across several schools, including:
- Business and Management: Degrees in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, and Marketing.
- Health and Pharmacy: Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Pharmacy.
- Communications and Technology: Programs in Mass Communications, Graphic Design, and Web Design.
- Criminal Justice and Legal Studies: With programs in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Pre-Law.
Key Features
- Husson’s School of Pharmacy is one of only a few in Maine, preparing students for careers in pharmacy and healthcare.
- A strong emphasis on affordability, with competitive tuition rates and financial aid options to help make education accessible.
- Husson is known for its hands-on learning opportunities, with partnerships with local businesses and organizations providing internships, co-ops, and job placements.