2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in Maine

• Biddeford, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  1,132 reviews

Freshman: I visited UNE at the end of summer of 2022 and spring of 2023. It was beautiful both times (to say the least). The building are gorgeous and the classrooms I was able to tour looked like a place I belong. The whole time i was there I kept thinking, "I can definitely see myself staying here for the next few years". Another reason that UNE stood out to me is the staff and student. All of them seemed excited and happy to talk to me, with no exceptions. I'm so excited to start in the fall!... Read 1,132 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $36,261

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Orono, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  2,153 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 2,153 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $17,146

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Fort Kent, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  123 reviews

Freshman: My experience in this college during my freshman year has been excellent so far. What I enjoy about this college is the safety, this is one of the safest places I have ever been, people here leave their houses open and the keys in their cars and nothing never happens. Another aspect I enjoy about UMFK is how welcoming is the campus with new students. Since the beginning, I've felt really welcome. The staff here will help you in everything you need and facilitate you all the process of adaptation to the college. As a freshman and international student who had never lived away from home, this was extremely significant for me. Also, in this campus you can find a lot of diversity. International students are more than half of the students on campus. You can find students from every continent. This benefits you a lot personally because you get to appreciate different cultures and learn about them. The different types of people you will meet is amazing, definitely my favorite aspect.... Read 123 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,547

• SAT range 880-1070

• Portland, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  794 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 794 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $9,793

• SAT range 980-1230

• New Gloucester, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  303 reviews

Junior: Unity College has been the best decision I have made in a long time. I am 49 years old and I really struggled after the death of my daughter and the health issues I faced afterwards. I chose to apply to Unity thinking that I have so much experience and real-life knowledge and I could still use that even though my body has failed me. And what I found at Unity encompasses so much more than a GPA, which I carry a 3.68 by the way. I found confidence, a welcoming community that supports me every day, and that I can still be relevant after all I have survived. Unity College has clear, concise content with relevant learning materials, and an easy-to-navigate website. I have been inspired by Unity to extend my college education and, although it is with another institution, I give all that credit to Unity. I would absolutely recommend Unity to college to anyone who wants to be in the environmental field, and because of my experience, I would recommend college to everyone!... Read 303 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $13,983

• SAT range —

• South Portland, ME•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  388 reviews

Senior: SMCC provided me just what I was hoping for. The beautiful campus, encouraging professors in the Marine Science center and tons of research opportunities! I was seriously connected with local marine science people so much and was able to begin my marine science career in a solid base. The marine science teachers are the best!... Read 388 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,245

• SAT range —

• Augusta, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  294 reviews

Senior: My overall experience at UMA has been positive. My professors have been knowledgeable, flexible and encouraging. The courses have been challenging but worthwhile--often they were even fun! My only real complaint is that many of the upper level courses in some of the majors are not available online or asynchronously, which can make it very difficult due to the pandemic and for working adults especially to attend class, participate in discussions et cetera safely.... Read 294 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,619

• SAT range —

• Auburn, ME•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  258 reviews

Sophomore: At Central Maine Community College, you will find amazing and helpful professors, staff, and faculty that want to see you succeed. Everything you need to get you through your everyday life can be found here, academic programs, housing, dining commons, quiet study spaces, a good community, and lots of support. At CMCC, we are a small but mighty population of people that help each other get through the hardships of college and the challenges you may face. There are many programs of study offered at CM that help students of all ages reach their academic and career goals. I live on campus, which has been one of the most helpful things I have found. Being in the college environment everyday helps you stay focused on what you need and want to achieve. For Maine residents, tuition for all of the community colleges is free for the classes of 2020-2025. Because the campus is small, as well as the amount of students attending, everyone knows everyone else, and it is a very friendly space.... Read 258 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,396

• SAT range —

• Standish, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  279 reviews

Freshman: I'm not apart of the community yet, as I'll be attending in the fall on 2023. I knew immediately Saint Josephs was for me, as they were always so curious, kind, and welcoming. I toured the school 3 times, and every time was just a little different each time. You always saw something different no matter what, even if you had been multiple times. The environment is calm and friendly, and all the staff and people apart of SJC have been so caring, always reaching out and answering any questions you may have about your experience. The student body itself is so welcoming and kind, always welcoming new people with open arms and offering friendship whenever they can. The incoming freshman at SJC have been so kind, and open to meeting all the new people that could be popping in. I'm happy I chose the school when I did and truly can't picture myself in another environment.... Read 279 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $30,044

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Presque Isle, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  126 reviews

Alum: In addition to their on-campus offerings, the University of Maine at Presque Isle is now now an online institution. They value real-world experience and permit you to take more classes at once than would be practical in person so that you can use your expertise to demonstrate competency. It is excellent to see a state university embracing asynchronous learning, allowing those with established careers and subject matter expertise to pursue a degree. The YourPace crew is exceptional and goes above and beyond. The YourPace student conflict enables students to simulate college-level social engagement.... Read 126 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,190

• SAT range —

• Bangor, ME•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  246 reviews

Senior: Overall as someone who works and goes to school full-time Eastern Maine Community College has supported me in reaching my educational goals. With their help, I am able to not only obtain my associate's degree in human services but later transfer those credits to my local university to reach my bachelor's. I am super grateful and cannot wait to keep pursuing my dream career of being a Clinician for the hospital where I currently work.... Read 246 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,843

• SAT range —

• Wells, ME•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: I am part time student, as I am single parent with a full time job. The flexibility of in person and online classes is perfect for me. What I needed for classes to finish my liberal arts degree was always available, I never had to skip a semester to finish my degree. The professors are top notch and always available with answer any questions you may have.... Read 85 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,071

• SAT range —

• Calais, ME•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  66 reviews

Freshman: I go online, I liked that my professors are kind and understanding. The four classes I've taken have all been wonderful so far.... Read 66 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,124

• SAT range —

• Augusta, ME•

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Sophomore: So far love almost everything about UMA online. I just wish that when I went on vacation that it felt more like spring break, professors would often still count that as one of the weeks if covering a unit that was meant to take two weeks in total. I also wish that all professors started and ended units on the same general timeline, like Monday - Sunday or Tuesday - Monday its weird having each class's week start at a different point.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —