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Leading the list is Bowdoin College, our #1 college for Student Athletes. Based in Brunswick, ME, Bowdoin College is a private not-for-profit institution.
by our College Data Analytics TeamChoosing a college as a student athlete means weighing both the classroom and the competition. Our ranking highlights 10 schools for Student Athletes by academic-athletic quality, using our 2026 methodology.
So you can compare your options, 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:
Leading the list is Bowdoin College, our #1 college for Student Athletes. Based in Brunswick, ME, Bowdoin College is a private not-for-profit institution.
Bates College came in at #2 on this year's ranking for Student Athletes. Based in Lewiston, ME, Bates College is a private not-for-profit institution.
Colby College earned the #3 place for student athletes. Located in Waterville, ME, Colby College is a private not-for-profit institution.
University of Maine ranked #4 among the best colleges for Student Athletes. Located in Orono, ME, University of Maine is a public institution.
Maine Maritime Academy came in at #5 on this year's ranking for Student Athletes. Based in Castine, ME, Maine Maritime Academy is a public institution.
University of New England did well this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Biddeford, ME, University of New England is a private not-for-profit institution.
Husson University placed #7 among the best colleges for Student Athletes. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bangor, ME.
Thomas College landed the #8 spot this year. Based in Waterville, ME, Thomas College is a private not-for-profit institution.
University of Southern Maine landed the #9 spot this year. Located in Portland, ME, University of Southern Maine is a public institution.
University of Maine at Presque Isle ranked #10 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes. Located in Presque Isle, ME, University of Maine at Presque Isle is a public institution.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked colleges only.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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.