Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Maine
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Maine3 schools
3 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Maine.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofitHonor Roll#1 in Maine
- Net price $14,398 a year
- 95% graduate
- 2
Colby College
Waterville, ME · Private nonprofitHonor RollExceptional: Compass grade A+
- Net price $17,180 a year
- 89% graduate
- 3
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowdoin College | $14,398 | $18,500 | $82,735 | 95% |
| Colby College | $17,180 | $19,157 | $80,490 | 89% |
| University of Maine | $17,510 | $25,000 | $48,653 | 55% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.