Best Value Biology Colleges in Maine

University of Maine at Presque Isle offers the state's most affordable biology education at just $10,028 net cost, while Bowdoin College graduates earn $39,009 annually despite charging $64,910 in tuition. The 13 biology programs in Maine span from under $11,000 to over $37,000, creating stark choices for students. Maine's thriving marine research sector, anchored by organizations like the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and Jackson Laboratory, provides strong career pathways for biology graduates throughout the state's coastal communities and research institutions.

Programs

$10,028 – $37,109

Net Price Range

$32,799

Avg. Program Earnings

57.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Southern Maine Portland, Maine	$11,729	$34,526	$10,920	46.3%	85.4%
2	Bowdoin College Brunswick, Maine	$20,786	$39,009	$64,910	95.6%	9.2%
3	University of Maine Orono, Maine	$18,045	$28,381	$12,606	56.4%	94.0%
4	Husson University Bangor, Maine	$20,798	$29,685	$22,194	56.7%	91.3%
5	Colby College Waterville, Maine	$23,939	$30,771	$66,600	90.2%	7.6%
6	University of New England Biddeford, Maine	$37,109	$34,420	$42,550	60.8%	96.3%
7	Bates College Lewiston, Maine	$30,703		$63,478	90.6%	13.7%
8	Beal University Bangor, Maine	$33,857			34.1%
9	University of Maine at Augusta Augusta, Maine	$11,353		$8,618	23.3%
10	University of Maine at Farmington Farmington, Maine	$14,873		$10,989	52.8%	94.2%
11	University of Maine at Fort Kent Fort Kent, Maine	$10,865		$9,045	39.8%	99.2%
12	University of Maine at Presque Isle Presque Isle, Maine	$10,028		$8,990	37.7%	97.0%
13	Saint Joseph's College of Maine Standish, Maine	$24,666		$42,834	68.5%	80.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bowdoin College worth its $64,910 price tag for biology students?

Bowdoin biology graduates earn $39,009 annually, the highest in Maine, with a remarkable 95.60% graduation rate. The college accepts only 9.19% of applicants, creating an elite academic environment that translates to strong post-graduation outcomes.

How much can students save by choosing public universities over private colleges?

Public options like University of Maine at Presque Isle cost $10,028 compared to private schools averaging over $20,000. University of Southern Maine offers the best public value at $11,729 net cost with graduates earning $34,526, competitive with many private alternatives.

Where do biology graduates typically find employment in Maine?

Maine's biology graduates often work in the state's marine research facilities, healthcare systems like MaineHealth, and environmental consulting firms. The state's focus on ocean sciences and sustainable fisheries creates unique opportunities for marine biology specializations.

Is the University of Maine at Orono competitive despite its 93.96% acceptance rate?

UMaine Orono charges $18,045 net cost and maintains a 56.40% graduation rate, placing it solidly in the middle tier. While highly accessible, graduates face the lowest earning potential at $28,381 among major Maine biology programs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.