Best Private Colleges in Maine
Maine, renowned for its rugged coastline, dense forests, and delightful lobster rolls, is also home to some exceptional private colleges. From institutions with deep-rooted traditions to those known for innovative curricula, Maine offers prospective students diverse academic opportunities. This guide dives into the crème de la crème of private colleges in the state.
Bowdoin College
Situated in the charming town of Brunswick, Bowdoin has been a hallmark of liberal arts education since 1794.
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Bowdoin provides a diverse liberal arts curriculum, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Tuition sits at roughly $55,300 annually. The college enrolls around 1,800 students, with an SAT range of 1360-1510.
Bates College
Nestled in Lewiston, Bates firmly commits to inclusivity and purposeful work.
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Bates’ holistic liberal arts and sciences program emphasizes engaged scholarship and hands-on research.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Annual tuition averages $53,900. Bates boasts an enrollment of about 1,800 students, with an SAT range of 1360-1490.
Colby College
In Waterville, Colby promotes a rigorous academic program intertwined with global outreach.
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The college offers an array of majors and minors, with particular emphasis on independent research and internships.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The tuition stands at approximately $57,200 per year. Colby enrolls nearly 2,000 students, with an SAT range of 1380-1510.
Husson University
Based in Bangor, Husson merges professional education with a liberal arts foundation.
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Husson excels in business, health, pharmacy, and communications programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Annual tuition averages $18,600. The university enrolls around 3,500 students; the typical SAT score range is 970-1180.
University of New England
With campuses in Biddeford and Portland, UNE offers a comprehensive education experience.
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Known for its health sciences programs, UNE also provides arts and sciences, business, and dental medicine courses.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Tuition stands at roughly $37,600 annually. UNE hosts around 8,000 students, with an SAT range of 1050-1230.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Positioned alongside Sebago Lake in Standish, this college integrates liberal arts with a Catholic tradition.
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Saint Joseph’s offers a blend of undergraduate and graduate programs, notably in health and education.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Annual tuition is approximately $35,600. The college enrolls about 2,400 students; the SAT range is 970-1160.
Thomas College
Located in Waterville, Thomas College is focused on career-driven education.
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The college is recognized for its business, education, and technology programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Tuition averages $28,600 annually. The college has around 1,700 students, with an SAT range of 930-1110.
Unity Environmental University
Situated in Unity, this university emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility.
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Unity offers programs in environmental writing, wildlife biology, sustainable agriculture, and more.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Annual tuition is about $29,500. The university enrolls nearly 700 students, with an SAT range not prominently published.
College of the Atlantic
Located in Bar Harbor, this college stands out with its unique approach to interdisciplinary education.
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Students graduate with a degree in Human Ecology, a program that integrates multiple disciplines.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Tuition sits at around $42,500 annually. The college hosts about 350 students. SAT scores aren’t prominently used for admissions.
Maine College of Art & Design
Situated in Portland, MECA&D emphasizes creativity and artistic growth.
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MECA&D offers programs in fine arts, graphic design, illustration, and more.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Annual tuition is roughly $34,400. The college enrolls around 500 students. SAT scores aren’t a primary admission criterion.
Best Private Colleges in Three Other States
Best Private Colleges in Vermont
Top institutions include Middlebury College, Bennington College, and Champlain College.
Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire
Dartmouth College, Saint Anselm College, and New England College lead the list.
Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts
Harvard University, MIT, and Williams College stand out among others.
How to Score Higher on the SAT
To ace the SAT, adopt a consistent study schedule, use high-quality resources, practice with actual SATs, understand your weaknesses, and consider a study group or tutoring. Remember, practice, perseverance, and strategy are critical.
Maine’s private colleges are gems in the higher education landscape, from the pristine coastal towns to the bustling urban centers. As you consider your choices, think about your goals, needs, and the kind of college experience you’re seeking. The Pine Tree State is sure to have a fitting institution for you.
