Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in Maine

Maine's English programs show dramatic cost differences, with public options like University of Maine at Presque Isle charging $10,028 versus Colby College at $23,939 net price. The earnings gap proves equally striking, ranging from Bowdoin's $22,771 to Colby's $41,193 despite both being elite liberal arts colleges. Maine's tourism industry and healthcare systems create opportunities for English graduates in marketing, communications, and technical writing. University of Southern Maine stands out with Portland's media connections, while Colby delivers the highest graduate earnings at over $41,000. The state's 13 programs serve different needs, from affordable rural campuses to competitive national institutions.

Programs

$10,028 – $37,109

Net Price Range

$28,593

Avg. Program Earnings

59.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 English Language and Literature, 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	$25,774	$10,920	46.3%	85.4%
2	University of Maine at Farmington Farmington, Maine	$14,873	$27,397	$10,989	52.8%	94.2%
3	Colby College Waterville, Maine	$23,939	$41,193	$66,600	90.2%	7.6%
4	University of Maine Orono, Maine	$18,045	$23,649	$12,606	56.4%	94.0%
5	Bowdoin College Brunswick, Maine	$20,786	$22,771	$64,910	95.6%	9.2%
6	Bates College Lewiston, Maine	$30,703	$30,771	$63,478	90.6%	13.7%
7	University of Maine at Augusta Augusta, Maine	$11,353		$8,618	23.3%
8	University of Maine at Fort Kent Fort Kent, Maine	$10,865		$9,045	39.8%	99.2%
9	University of Maine at Presque Isle Presque Isle, Maine	$10,028		$8,990	37.7%	97.0%
10	University of New England Biddeford, Maine	$37,109		$42,550	60.8%	96.3%
11	Saint Joseph's College of Maine Standish, Maine	$24,666		$42,834	68.5%	80.8%
12	Thomas College Waterville, Maine	$19,223		$30,896	51.4%	97.2%
13	Husson University Bangor, Maine	$20,798		$22,194	56.7%	91.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colby College worth the higher cost for English majors?

Colby graduates earn $41,193 annually, nearly double the state average for English majors. The 90.20% graduation rate and 7.61% acceptance rate indicate strong academic rigor and career preparation that justifies the $23,939 net cost.

How do Maine's public universities compare for English affordability?

University of Maine at Presque Isle offers the lowest net cost at $10,028, while University of Southern Maine costs $11,729 but provides Portland's job market access. Most public options stay under $15,000 annually with reasonable graduation rates between 37% and 56%.

Does Bowdoin's high graduation rate offset lower earnings?

Bowdoin achieves a 95.60% graduation rate, the highest among Maine's English programs, but graduates earn just $22,771. The $20,786 net cost may appeal to students prioritizing academic prestige over immediate earning potential.

Where do English graduates find work in Maine's economy?

Maine's tourism industry needs content creators and marketing professionals, while healthcare systems like MaineHealth require technical writers and communications specialists. Bath Iron Works also employs English graduates for documentation and training materials development.

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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.