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NCAA Division III Colleges in Maine

11 schools in Maine. See our methodology.

Maine Maritime Academy graduates command the highest starting salaries among the state's Division III colleges at $89,964, reflecting the Pine Tree State's deep maritime roots and connection to Bath Iron Works shipbuilding operations. This specialized institution in Castine accepts 57.65% of applicants while maintaining a 61.4% graduation rate, preparing students for careers in Maine's $1.2 billion marine economy. The state's elite liberal arts colleges occupy a different tier entirely. Bowdoin College in Brunswick achieves a 95.6% graduation rate with only 9.19% acceptance, while Colby College in Waterville proves even more selective at 7.61% admission. These institutions feed graduates into Maine's growing healthcare sector, anchored by MaineHealth's 22,000 employees. The University of Maine at Presque Isle offers the most affordable option at $10,028 net cost, serving students in Aroostook County where agriculture and forestry drive the local economy. With graduation rates spanning from 37.7% to 95.6% and net costs ranging from $10,028 to $37,109, Maine's Division III market reflects both the state's economic diversity and educational accessibility challenges in rural communities.
11
Schools
$21,367
Avg. Net Price
$60,274
Avg. Earnings
64.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division III Colleges in Maine

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 1,846 $20,786 95.6% 9.2%
2 2,282 $23,939 90.2% 7.6%
3 888 $21,185 61.4% 57.7%
4 1,753 $30,703 90.6% 13.7%
5 4,245 $11,729 46.3% 85.4%
6 930 $24,666 68.5% 80.8%
7 1,131 $14,873 52.8% 94.2%
8 2,395 $20,798 56.7% 91.3%
9 2,189 $37,109 60.8% 96.3%
10 1,362 $10,028 37.7% 97.0%
11 688 $19,223 51.4% 97.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Maine Maritime Academy unique among Division III colleges?

Maine Maritime Academy produces the highest-earning graduates at $89,964 annually, nearly $10,000 above Bowdoin College despite a 61.4% graduation rate. The academy's specialized maritime programs directly serve Maine's shipbuilding industry, including Bath Iron Works, and commercial fishing operations that generate over $500 million annually for the state economy.

How selective are Maine's top Division III liberal arts colleges?

Colby College accepts just 7.61% of applicants, making it more selective than Bowdoin at 9.19% and Bates at 13.74%. These three institutions maintain graduation rates above 90%, with Bowdoin leading at 95.6%. Combined, they enroll fewer than 6,000 students while serving as major employers in their respective communities.

Is attending college in Maine affordable for most students?

Net costs range dramatically from $10,028 at University of Maine at Presque Isle to $37,109 at University of New England. The University of Southern Maine offers quality education at $11,729, serving 4,245 students in Portland where healthcare and professional services provide abundant internship and career opportunities.

Does Maine's rural location affect college graduation rates?

Rural institutions show mixed results, with University of Maine at Presque Isle achieving a 37.7% graduation rate compared to 52.8% at Farmington. However, Saint Joseph's College maintains 68.5% graduation rates in rural Standish, suggesting institutional support matters more than location for student success.

Where do Division III graduates typically find employment in Maine?

MaineHealth employs over 22,000 people across the state, creating opportunities for liberal arts graduates in healthcare administration and patient services. Bath Iron Works, tourism operators, and emerging tech companies in Portland provide additional career paths, with graduates earning between $40,956 and $89,964 depending on their field.

Related

NCAA Division III Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Maine Cheapest Programs in Maine

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.