DEGREES

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Maine

Written By: Nurse.org Staff

Expert review by: Kathleen Gaines

MSN, RN, BA, CBC

17 Min Read Published May 10, 2024

Top 10 Maine Nursing Schools
Tuition Factors
Salary and Job Outlook
Next Steps
School Comparison Considerations
Getting a Maine License
Conclusion

A list of the top nursing programs in Maine including how to become a nurse and career outlooks

Anyone who wants to become a registered nurse (RN) has two pathways to earning their license: an associate degree in nursing (ADN or ASN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Both satisfy Maine's requirements for licensure and qualify students for the NCLEX-RN, the standardized test for nurses.

While an associate degree is easier to earn, many hospitals are pushing for nurses to have at least a BSN. What's more, BSN holders earn a much higher average salary than RNs with an associate degree.

Regardless of which you choose, any prospective nurse in Maine should start their career with a degree and become an RN.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

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Top 10 Nursing Schools in Maine

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors including,

Reputation
NCLEX pass rate
Tuition
Acceptance rate, when available
Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible

Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Maine nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.

1. Husson University

In-State Tuition

$20,150 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$20,150 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Based in the busy area of Bangor, Husson University combines over 100 years of experience in traditional education with experiential learning. Students use previous experience to work toward their degrees. The nursing program is offered through a partnership with Eastern Maine Medical Center, though degrees are still earned through Husson University.

Undergraduate students take the BSN, while graduate students can select either a family nurse practitioner program (with an MSN and post-master's certificate option) or a mental health nurse practitioner program. All students pay the same tuition rate, making this a good option for out-of-state students.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Percent Enrolled Online: 22%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $650
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $650

Contact Information:

Address: 1 College Circle, Bangor, ME
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 79%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $58,274

2. University of Maine at Fort Kent

In-State Tuition

$7,350 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$12,120 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is based near the Canadian border in St. John Valley. This prime location is perfect for students who enjoy exploring the great outdoors and mountain views. Of course, nursing students will spend a decent amount of their time working toward their degree.

Home to the second-largest undergraduate nursing program in Maine, UMFK offers three BSN options: a traditional BSN, an accelerated second-degree BSN, and an online RN-BSN. UMFK also offers Canadian students a significant tuition discount, making it a great option for international students.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Percent Enrolled Online: 40%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $245
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $404

Contact Information:

Address: 23 University Drive, Fort Kent, ME
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 59%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $58,115

3. University of Southern Maine

In-State Tuition

$8,064 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$22,680 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

The University of Southern Maine is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the state, with three campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston. As a result, USM graduated the most BSN students in Maine.

The traditional BSN program prepares students to take the NCLEX and begin one of the many graduate nursing programs offered by USM. Other undergraduate options include an online RN-BSN and an accelerated second-degree BSN. Nurses who already have an RN license in Maine can also choose the RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Percent Enrolled Online: 25%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $288
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $810

Contact Information:

Address: 96 Falmouth St, Portland, ME
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 67%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $57,422

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

In-State Tuition

$41,586 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$41,586 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Saint Joseph's College of Maine is a private Catholic liberal arts college based in Standish. Founded over 100 years ago by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph's currently teaches just 3,500 students, only 1,000 of whom study on campus. Online studies make up a large part of Saint Joseph's programs, including the nursing school.

Two of the three nursing options -- the MSN and the RN-BSN -- are offered online, while only the traditional BSN is available on campus. While the cost may be steep, the majority of students get a substantial financial aid package. In fact, 97.7% of students receive merit awards, 76.6% receive grant packages, and over 90% receive federal financial aid during the 2020-21 academic year.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Percent Enrolled Online: 53%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,130
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,130

Contact Information:

Address: 278 Whites Bridge Rd, Standish, ME
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 77%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $59,934

5. Purdue University Global*

In-State Tuition

$10,080 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$13,356 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Usually, global campuses don't offer on-campus programs. However, Purdue University Global has two locations in Maine, and nursing students can enroll in the ASN program. The ASN offers accelerated, 10-week courses and has a good NCLEX pass rate for grads.

If your goal is to earn a BSN, Purdue Global counts some of the ASN credits toward an online or on-campus RN-BSN. All undergraduate programs in New Hampshire have the same per-credit tuition rate ($315), so students can easily budget for whichever degree they plan on earning.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 100%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $280
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $371

Contact Information:

Address: 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100, West Lafayette, IN
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 17%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $73,792

Website*

6. University of Maine

In-State Tuition

$11,640 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$33,240 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

The University of Maine is the premier public research university in the state. The Princeton Review ranked it one of the greenest colleges, and its nearly 12,000 undergraduate students enjoy a location near nature.

The University of Maine also started the state's first nursing program in 1939 with what's now the traditional BSN. The four-year BSN also has an honors program option for students who earn admission into the honors college. Tuition is charged per credit, and the undergraduate program has excellent outcomes.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Percent Enrolled Online: 22%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $388
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,108

Contact Information:

Address: 168 College Avenue, Orono, ME
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 75%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $61,218

7. University of New England

In-State Tuition

$42,650 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$42,650 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

The University of New England is Maine's largest private school. While students won't have access to in-state tuition since UNE is a private school, the average student receives $26,000 in financial aid. UNE is also the top provider of healthcare professionals in Maine, meaning graduates of the nursing program could have a relatively easy path to their first job. Nursing students choose between a BSN and an accelerated second-degree BSN.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Percent Enrolled Online: N/A

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,510
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,510

Contact Information:

Address: 11 Hills Beach Rd, Biddeford, ME
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 70%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

8. Central Maine Community College

In-State Tuition

$2,880 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$5,760 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

Central Maine Community College offers a variety of 1 to 2-year degrees that lead to high-growth and high-paying jobs. As a community college, CMCC doesn't offer any four-year degrees, so no BSN is available.

However, CMCC has an excellent ASN program that's only gotten better over the past few years. This program takes less than two years to complete and leads to RN licensure in Maine. Also, students can always earn a BSN through an online RN-BSN through another Maine school.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 32%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $96
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $192

Contact Information:

Address: 1250 Turner Street, Auburn, ME
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 55%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $50,022

9. Southern Maine Community College

In-State Tuition

$2,880 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$5,760 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

With roughly 6,000 students, Southern Maine Community College is more like a small university than a two-year community college. SMCC has two main campuses in Portland and Midcoast, plus various satellite campuses across the southern part of the state.

The associate nursing program leads to RN licensure and offers an upgrade option for current licensed practical nurses (LPNs). SMCC estimates that the program takes just over four semesters to complete, but students studying full-time and year-round can complete it in under two years.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 30%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $96
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $192

Contact Information:

Address: 2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 59%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $56,351

10. Maine College of Health Professionals

In-State Tuition

$14,558 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$14,558 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

As the name implies, the Maine College of Health Professionals offers degrees that lead to high-growth healthcare positions. MCHP boasts a 100% job placement rate for all recent grads. Students interested in nursing can enroll in the associate nursing program which leads to RN licensure. While there is a traditional ADN program that is the most popular at MCHP, there is also an ADN accelerated program. Afterward, if students want a BSN, they can enroll in MCHP's online RN-BSN. The path to a BSN isn't traditional, but students can complete all their education through MCHP.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Percent Enrolled Online: 19%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $332
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $332

Contact Information:

Address: 70 Middle Street, Lewiston, ME
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: N/A
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $55,383

4 Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition

Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each student depending on various factors, including:

Transfer credits
Completed competency exams
Amount of credits taken per year
Financial aid awards

Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.

Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),

Maine nurses earn an annual mean wage of $73,630, which is lower than the national average of $77,600.
Maine employs 14,380 RNs, a high number relative to the population.

While Maine pays a lower-than-average salary to RNs, the cost of living in Maine is lower than the national average. Where you work in Maine also impacts your potential income. Here are the mean salaries for a few regions in Maine:

Northeast Maine: $68,550
Bangor: $78,120
Southwest Maine: $72,150

The BLS also reports that Maine's location quotient is 1.12, meaning Maine employs more nurses per 1,000 workers than the national average. Maine also employs more nurses than nearby New Hampshire and Vermont.

Next Steps:

Once you've looked over the best nursing schools in Maine, you'll want to create a list of the nursing schools you'd like to apply to. But before you send in any applications, you should take the following steps:

Contact each school’s admissions office. Every school has an admissions office that helps applicants through the admissions process. Get in touch with each admissions office to determine everything you'll need for the application.

Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. Nursing schools usually have stricter requirements than the colleges they're a part of, so make sure you meet the requirements for both the college and the nursing school.

Submit your application(s). Once you've determined everything you need for your application, the final step is to gather your materials and send them in for each application. Make sure you submit your application before the deadline!

On your application, you'll likely be required to submit:

High school transcript (GPA)
ACT and/or SAT scores
College entrance essay(s)
Letter(s) of recommendation

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools:

Each school offers different benefits, so choosing the "best" school isn't as easy as it sounds. While one school may have a low tuition rate, another could have excellent career outcomes. So, compare each school and determine which is the best for your personal situation.

When comparing schools, take into consideration things like:

Total program cost, including in-state or out-of-state tuition and fees
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
Cost of living on-campus or in the area
School and nursing program acceptance rate
Difficulty of the program
Commute to school/hospital for clinicals
Program outcomes (NCLEX pass rate and job placement)
School accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation

Accrediting bodies verify the academic quality of schools and programs. In Maine, make sure that any school you apply to is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Also, only apply to nursing programs that have programmatic accreditation.

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are:

If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation. Furthermore, if you plan on attending a graduate or doctoral program, a prerequisite is a BSN from an accredited nursing program.

Getting a License in Maine

As a part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), an RN license earned in Maine easily transfers to other eNLC member states, and vice versa. eNLC membership also means that Maine has a relatively standardized approach to RN licensure.

To get a license in Maine, you'll need to:

Study at a state-approved nursing school
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
Pass a criminal background check and submit fingerprints
Apply through the Maine Board of Nursing.

Conclusion

While Maine isn't the largest or highest-paying state for RNs, it does employ more nurses than its two closest New England Neighbors. Most programs have a BSN option, though associate degrees tend to be less expensive and take less time. Also, an RN without a BSN can always complete an online RN-BSN program. Once nurses earn their RN license, they're free to work anywhere in Maine and can easily work in any other eNLC member state.