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Rural Colleges in Maine

9 schools in Maine. See our methodology.

The Landing School in Arundel achieves a perfect 100% graduation rate while teaching yacht design and marine systems to just 43 students annually. This small maritime program exemplifies how Maine's rural colleges connect directly to the state's $2 billion marine economy. Nine rural institutions across the state serve 9,568 students with costs ranging from Washington County Community College's $3,994 net price to Saint Joseph's College's $24,666. Maine Maritime Academy graduates earn $89,964 on average, reflecting the academy's ties to Bath Iron Works and commercial shipping industries. These schools prepare students for careers in Maine's key sectors, from marine technology to healthcare, with acceptance rates reaching 99.2% at Fort Kent. The state's rural colleges balance accessibility with specialized training, particularly in environmental sciences and marine studies that align with Maine's coastal economy and tourism industry.
9
Schools
$16,911
Avg. Net Price
$51,539
Avg. Earnings
58.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Maine

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Fringe 43 $24,342 100.0%
2 Rural-Distant 888 $21,185 61.4%
3 Rural-Remote 397 $3,994 43.4%
4 Rural-Fringe 930 $24,666 68.5%
5 Rural-Remote 1,131 $14,873 52.8%
6 Rural-Remote 358 $24,028 69.2%
7 Rural-Distant 5,619 $18,217 57.0%
8 Rural-Remote 638 $10,865 39.8%
9 Rural-Fringe 1,362 $10,028 37.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Maine Maritime Academy graduates earn so much more than other rural college alumni?

Maine Maritime Academy graduates average $89,964 in earnings, nearly double the state's rural college average. The academy trains students for high-paying careers in marine engineering, navigation, and logistics that serve Maine's shipbuilding industry and global shipping companies.

How affordable are Maine's rural colleges compared to urban options?

Rural Maine colleges range from $3,994 to $24,666 in net costs, with public options like University of Maine at Presque Isle averaging $10,028. Washington County Community College offers the lowest costs at $3,994 while maintaining connections to local healthcare systems.

Is The Landing School's 100% graduation rate sustainable with such a small enrollment?

The Landing School maintains perfect graduation rates with 43 students through intensive, hands-on maritime training programs. This small scale allows for personalized instruction in boat building and marine systems, directly feeding Maine's yacht construction industry.

Does College of the Atlantic's unique approach affect student outcomes?

College of the Atlantic enrolls 358 students with a 69.2% graduation rate and selective 60.08% acceptance rate. The college's human ecology focus produces graduates earning $40,264, preparing them for Maine's environmental consulting and nonprofit sectors.

Where do University of Maine system rural campuses fit in the state's education market?

Three University of Maine rural campuses serve 3,131 students combined with acceptance rates above 94%. Fort Kent, Farmington, and Presque Isle provide accessible education with graduation rates ranging from 37.7% to 52.8%, supporting Maine's rural workforce development.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.