2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Maine

1

Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME

Leading the list is Central Maine Community College, our #1 best value for general education in Maine. Located in the city of Auburn, Central Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,140, with out-of-state students paying around $7,020. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $14,700. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Central Maine Community College generally make around $43,934. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Southern Maine Community College
South Portland, ME

A rank of #2 makes Southern Maine Community College one of the best values for general education. Set in the city of South Portland, Southern Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,156, while out-of-state students pay about $7,036. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $12,987. General Education graduates of Southern Maine Community College earn a median of $28,061 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

University Of Maine
Orono, ME

University Of Maine is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Maine is a large public school located in the suburb of Orono. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Students borrow a median of $25,984 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $47,975. Set against $25,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.

4

Thomas College
Waterville, ME

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Thomas College earned it the #4 place for general education. Thomas College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Waterville. Students from in state pay about $31,824 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $26,530. General Education graduates of Thomas College earn a median of $50,554 early in their careers. Set against $26,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Thomas College admits about 96% of applicants.

5

Saint Josephs College Of Maine
Standish, ME

Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Standish, Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,420. General Education graduates carry a median of $26,625 in student loans. General Education graduates of Saint Josephs College Of Maine earn a median of $58,894 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,625 median debt. Saint Josephs College Of Maine admits about 84% of applicants.

6

University Of New England
Biddeford, ME

University Of New England came in at #6 for value in general education this year. University Of New England is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Biddeford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,210. Students borrow a median of $26,838 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of University Of New England earn a median of $57,478 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.