2024 Top Party Schools in Maine

• Orono, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  2,141 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 2,141 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $17,146

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Brunswick, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  719 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 719 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $26,727

• SAT range 1360-1510

• Lewiston, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  399 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 399 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 17%

• Net price $26,231

• SAT range 1385-1460

• Waterville, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  558 reviews

Freshman: Colby is a really great school, and all that I was looking for academically. While the workload for some of my classes took a little bit of transitioning towards, I feel like I am being challenged while also learning a lot. The school gives great financial aid and funding, which is a huge advantage too. Personally, I like the smaller campus size. It's easy to navigate and get around, but there's still a pretty wide expanse so you don't feel suffocated. However, because it is a small campus, there isn't much to do outside of events being held. Downtown is also pretty barren, and there's nothing to do. The shuttle is a bit limited, and only goes downtown and to Walmart. Having a car would be very nice here! If you love nature and the outdoors, it's perfect here. There is a lack of diversity, but also more diversity than I was expecting from a college in the middle of nowhere Maine.... Read 558 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $17,912

• SAT range 1400-1530

• Standish, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  277 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 277 reviews

• grade C

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $30,044

• SAT range 1020-1230

• New Gloucester, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  298 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 298 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $13,983

• SAT range —

• Presque Isle, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.27 out of 5  125 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 125 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,190

• SAT range —

• Bangor, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  972 reviews

Freshman: Academics: academic programs are vast, instructive, hands on, and intensive. Very immersive, very helpful. There are small class sizes and the teachers care about helping the students. Extracurriculars: there are a handful of clubs offered on campus, and each one, typically, is student run and has student officers elected to ensure that everyone is involved and enthusiastic. Certain clubs have equipment or environments provided (EG, E-Sports, Theatre). Housing: housing isn’t bad, there are dorms, suites, and townhouses. There’s also apartments nearby if off-campus is more your style. Typically 2 per dorm, 4 per suite or town house. Community: The community is great, everyone is friendly and because of the population size, you get a chance to really know your teammates and housemates, if you put in the effort. Administration: So far (first year), I have had no problems. Semester evals are required, and teachers are great. Misc: food is EXCELLENT! definitely recommend.... Read 972 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $20,197

• SAT range 960-1140

• Castine, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.17 out of 5  173 reviews

Sophomore: There are a wide variety of opportunities available, including sailing a historical vessel, running research projects, operating CNC machinery, and learning to weld. In my freshman year in Marine Biology and Small Vessel Operations, I have gone on cruise to collect data for years-long studies, steered many of the school's vessels, and resurrected a club. Many of the degree programs lead to high-level licenses in engineering and sailing. As I was informed before I arrived on campus for the first day of classes, the academic programs are rigorous, but there is still time to take advantage of on and off campus activities, including student government, through which we successfully challenged a planned change in the tuition billing structure, which would have increased the cost of attendance for the vast majority of the student body. The one major thing I would like to change on campus is the prevalence of anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes among students and some faculty. I am working to change this.... Read 173 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $21,421

• SAT range 1000-1160

• Waterville, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  280 reviews

Freshman: Thomas College is an outstanding school and community. The campus is exceptional, with new facility's and hundreds of unique features- students are sure to find a favorite spot on campus. The school has a significant home away from home feel. Staff and students all know each other on a personal level and are sure to meet you with a bright smile. Located in Waterville Maine, Thomas resides on a peaceful street located right in town. Although Thomas has endless activities on campus, you can always walk into town to find more to do. Living in a small city Thomas offers twenty four hour security to ensure campus feels safe for all. Campus life is amazing for students. Another great feature at Thomas College is the dining hall, you will never go hungry at Thomas! With thousands of food options to choose from: American, wood fired pizza, Asian, Italian, soups & salads, and much more. Thomas College is an outstanding home for anyone to choose!... Read 280 reviews

• grade C

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $22,031

• SAT range —

• Portland, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  791 reviews

Freshman: Being away from home for the first time can be intimidating, but USM was an amazing experience for that Freshman transition year. All my teachers, my advisor and counselors were all very friendly and helpful. I didn't feel overwhelmed by my courses at all. The food selections were top notch. Res life was great, although three to a room could definitely be tight at times! Overall, great 1st year experience and very glad I chose USM over the other 9 colleges I applied and got into.... Read 791 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $9,793

• SAT range 980-1230

• Farmington, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  421 reviews

Alum: I loved my experience at UMF in the early childhood special education program! It was a small cohort, so I really got to know my peers well over the four years and developed excellent rapport with the faculty as well. Farmington has a great small town feel, is very safe, but still offers enough entertainment during the week with Augusta and Portland being within a reasonable distance for weekend adventures. The best aspect of my program was that I started my practicum experiences my sophomore year. Most teacher prep programs don't send students into the field until their junior, or in some cases, senior year. Starting early allowed me to really pinpoint how I wanted to be involved in education. UMF worked hard to listen to its students and genuinely took its students perspective into account when making changes for safety, diversity, equity, and community engagement. If I could spend another 4 years here, I would!... Read 421 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $14,386

• SAT range —

• Biddeford, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  1,131 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 1,131 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $36,261

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Augusta, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  293 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 293 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,619

• SAT range —

• Portland, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  175 reviews

Freshman: Maine College of Art and Design is located in Portland Maine where there is a multitude of activities in the area to satisfy anyone's desire for entertainment. The food in the area is considered to be top-notch and some restaurants have gotten prestigious awards for their food. If you like walking around cities, this city has the beauty of old buildings and it is on the ocean bay so you can see many sailboats and islands in the city shopping center. Hospitals are not far away also and there are wonderful doctors and health spas in the area, They are also extremely diversified to help anyone that is sick and they are convenient to access from anywhere in town. Also, if you like to do yoga or exercise there are many great workout gyms. Also, there is a wonderful farmers' market in the park on weekends to get organic vegetables from and many wonderful supermarkets that have many available gluten-free and vegan options. All in all, a wonderful place to live.... Read 175 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $34,956

• SAT range —

• Bar Harbor, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  124 reviews

Freshman: The environment at COA is so warm and welcoming. In all my classes, I have been delighted to find that all my teachers are incredibly passionate about the topics that they teach about, and their main goal is to get students engaged. All my teachers, as well as the other staff that I have gotten to know, have been lovely people. Most of the courses I have taken have been incredibly interesting and engaging. The campus is so beautiful, the town is lovely, and it's so amazing living next to the ocean and Acadia National Park. The other experiences at the college have been amazing, including going out to an island to count gull nests, studying woodpeckers out in a school-owned section of a forest near by, and plenty of other wonderful opportunities.... Read 124 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $19,142

• SAT range —

• Fort Kent, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  122 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 122 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,547

• SAT range 880-1070

• Machias, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.29 out of 5  118 reviews

Junior: I am a transfer student with an AAS-T in environmental conservation. Fall will be my first semester at UMM and so far everyone I’ve spoken to has been pleasant and helpful. They have been working hard to figure out how the classes I’ve already taken will fit into their program and setting up a specialized pathway through the GIS program just for me. I am live in Washington State and am taking classes in Maine, so all of my UMM classes will be online. I am super excited to start this Fall!... Read 118 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,824

• SAT range 820-1050