Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the United States, Maine is known for lobsters and clam bakes, and it’s the home of writer Stephen King. Maine is also home to outstanding colleges and universities.

These 2022 best colleges and universities may make you reconsider your choices for higher education.

Bowdoin College – This small, private college is the third-best liberal arts school in the United States. In addition to providing an excellent education, the college also offers plenty of rich college experiences. This school is home to the Peucinian Society, of which alumni Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was a member. Bowdoin is a best-value school and is respected for its undergraduate teaching. Annual tuition is approximately $53,922.

Maine Maritime Academy –  This college offers independent and regimental programs of study. Students enrolled in the regimental program train as midshipmen, but there is no requirement for military service. Most students complete academy cruise training consisting of at least four ports of call. This school is a best-value college, and it has a respected engineering program. Annual tuition at MMA is approximately $13,478.

University of Maine – Farmington – This institute of higher education offers a rigorous liberal arts education in a residential setting that encourages students to focus on their studies. The school also teaches community service and prides itself on hiring inspirational faculty to help students learn and grow. This college was the first school of higher education in Maine. The university is a best-value school, recognized as a great school for veterans, and is #4 among top public schools. Annual tuition here is approximately $9,616.

Colby College – Colby ranks at an impressive #18 among liberal arts colleges in the nation. Many students here attend the college to major in environmental studies; attractions include a nearby peat bog and environmental preserve. This college offers fifty majors, and two-thirds of the students study abroad at programs in France, Spain, and Russia. The annual tuition and fees run approximately $55,210.

Bates College – This private, liberal arts school is #22 in the nation among similar schools. The college provides students with a well-rounded education designed to prepare them for their careers, and many students participate in the school’s program for studying abroad. Students can take advantage of many outdoor activities, including canoeing and skiing. Most students live on campus in one of many Victorian homes located on the 133 acres of the school. Tuition here averages $53,794 a year.

These five colleges and universities represent not only some of the best in Maine but the region and the nation as well.

Click here to learn more about the ranking methodology that we used to compile this list.

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