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Our analysis found Bowdoin College to be the best college for Student Athletes (Division III) in Maine. Bowdoin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Brunswick, ME.
by our College Data Analytics TeamFor student athletes, the right college balances academics with athletics. Our ranking highlights 9 colleges for Student Athletes (Division III) by academic-athletic quality, using our 2026 methodology.
To help you decide, College Factual evaluates each program using a blend of academic-athletic outcomes (NCAA Academic Progress Rate and Graduation Success Rate), athletic financial resources (team revenue, expenses, and aid per athlete from the EADA survey), and overall school quality, drawing on NCAA, U.S. Department of Education EADA, and IPEDS data. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
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Here are the top-ranked colleges for student athletes:
Our analysis found Bowdoin College to be the best college for Student Athletes (Division III) in Maine. Bowdoin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Brunswick, ME.
Bates College ranked #2 among the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division III). Located in Lewiston, ME, Bates College is a private not-for-profit institution.
Colby College is one of the top schools for Student Athletes (Division III), at #3. Colby College is a private not-for-profit school based in Waterville, ME.
Maine Maritime Academy came in at #4 on this year's ranking for Student Athletes (Division III). Maine Maritime Academy is a public school based in Castine, ME.
University of New England came in at #5 on this year's ranking for Student Athletes (Division III). This private not-for-profit school is set in Biddeford, ME.
Husson University landed the #6 spot this year. Based in Bangor, ME, Husson University is a private not-for-profit institution.
Thomas College ranked #7 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes (Division III). Located in Waterville, ME, Thomas College is a private not-for-profit institution.
University of Southern Maine came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Located in Portland, ME, University of Southern Maine is a public institution.
University of Maine at Presque Isle did well this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Presque Isle, ME.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked colleges only.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of academic-athletic outcomes (NCAA Academic Progress Rate and Graduation Success Rate), athletic financial resources (team revenue, expenses, and athletic aid from the federal EADA survey), and overall school quality. The current methodology measures academic-athletic quality and does not include team win/loss performance.
References
Read more about our data sources and methodologies.