2024 Best Colleges for Physics in Maine

• Brunswick, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  721 reviews

Freshman: Choosing Bowdoin was the best decision of my life! They truly value the liberal arts model AND have great STEM programs. care deeply about the student experience. I would recommend it to absolutely any and every student who is looking for a school with incredible academics and amazing peers. The student body is incredibly intelligent and passionate, yet never competitive. Students are also really friendly and there is a true sense of community on campus: when something is wrong, students look after and take care of each other. Bowdoin works very hard to foster both personal and academic growth in its students—one of Bowdoin's most admirable and impactful qualities. I found the classes to be extremely enjoyable. Professors put tons of effort into teaching their classes and make it clear that they really care about you. Academics are challenging yet extremely rewarding. Yes, the food and dorms are actually as great as everyone says they are. Also financial aid is astonishingly generous.... Read 721 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $26,727

• SAT range 1360-1510

• Waterville, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  592 reviews

Freshman: It's definitely a tight knit community with a lot of niche activities. Because of the secluded nature of the campus, there are a lot of groups and clubs geared towards outdoorsy activities. Trips to hike or kayak or canoe or go ice-plunging are planned quite frequently, and there is no shortage of things to do if you know where to look and truly immerse yourself in the community. Most students here are progressive and very kind; I personally have felt that the academic culture is much more collaborative than competitive. Professors have been great so far and really do put in the time and effort to see us succeed. COOT is also a staple and a great opportunity for incoming students to get acquainted with each other and Maine. While Colby is definitely still a PWI, as an international student from Asia, I've found that there have been immense efforts to increase diversity in a meaningful way. Students of colour are definitely visible and vocal on campus, which I think is wonderful.... Read 592 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $17,912

• SAT range 1400-1530

• Lewiston, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  401 reviews

Junior: Bates is a quality institution with caring professors, a beautiful campus, and a collaborative student culture. Even within STEM majors, there's an attitude of students supporting one another through hard classes rather than trying to get ahead. The party scene slows down during the colder months, but it gets made up for during Short Term with some party or event to be found almost every day. It's easy to get close with professors to the point where you might find yourself invited to dinners in their homes! Classes, especially smaller ones where the content is heavily based on your professor's research, are consistently engaging. Overall I've really loved my time at Bates, although as a major in a smaller department (neuroscience) I've felt that students can be impacted negatively by deficits in resources. When small schools have small departments like this, losing just one or two professors can severely damage the major. However, I think it's a great choice as a liberal arts school.... Read 401 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 17%

• Net price $26,231

• SAT range 1385-1460

• Orono, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  2,154 reviews

Senior: UMaine is a beautiful campus. I am from the state, and it is a perfect school to transition into as an individual. I transferred from EMCC, so as expected a few credits didn't transfer over smoothly. Minus that hiccup I've had a great time back on campus after the pandemic. There are loads of clubs to join and ways to be involved as a student. I definitely recommend this school to people; we have a lot of people from out of state that attend here so it's also great to meet new friends from different places. The only real thing I'd like to see change would be advisor involvement in regard to financial aid and scholarships. It's something I myself and others have struggled with, as it is difficult to find and obtain them. Again, I love going to school here! Its a great environment to learn in.... Read 2,154 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $17,146

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Portland, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  795 reviews

Junior: My time at the University of Southern Maine (USM) was transformative, marked by a commendable commitment to diversity, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on community engagement. USM's vibrant and inclusive community provides a welcoming environment for students of diverse backgrounds. The faculty, experts in their fields, are approachable and foster meaningful interactions in small class sizes. The university's focus on practical learning experiences and community engagement enriches the overall educational journey. While USM excels in these areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Enhanced accessibility for students with disabilities and strengthened career services would further elevate the university's offerings. In conclusion, USM offers a well-rounded education, and my experience was both fulfilling and enriching. The university's commitment to growth positions it as a strong institution, and I am confident it will continue to evolve positively.... Read 795 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $9,793

• SAT range 980-1230