List of the Best Nursing Schools in Maine

Maine's best nursing schoolsIf you want to become a nurse in Maine, there are plenty of colleges and universities around to help you do just that and we provide a list of some of the best nursing schools in Maine. You can go to school in big cities like Augusta, Ellsworth, Portland, and Rockland, or you could attend college online that offers an online associates degree in nursing if you would prefer that. Either way, you will end up with the education you need to start working as a nurse. Here is some more information to show you what nursing schools in Maine can do.

How to Become a Nurse in Maine

How to Become a Nurse: In order to be a nurse in Maine, you have to go through some sort of education program. There are multiple levels of education to consider, and some of them are more rewarding than others. Look for schools that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Make sure your school of choice has a degree that correlates with your career goals. Then all you have to do is get through a few years of schooling. Common nursing degrees in Maine include:

  • Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years

After you have completed your nursing programs in Maine, you must get a nursing license through the Maine Board of Nursing. Also, if you are looking for an excellent way to start a nursing career you can look into how to become a licensed practical nurse. You may also apply for individual certifications if you have specialized skills in this field. The more credentials you have, the easier it will be for you to find work.

Tuition for Maine Nursing Schools

The money you pay for tuition in Maine will depend on the type of school you go to, the type of degree you pursue, the type of courses you take, and more. If you are an out of state student coming to Maine for an education, you will likely pay more than someone already living in this state. Listed below are some tuition estimates to keep in mind. College Board)

  • Public Two Year College: $3,397 per year
  • Public Four Year University: $9,391 per year
  • Private Four Year University: $33,898 per year

Job Prospects for Maine Nurses

If you manage to get through your nursing degree, you will have a number of wonderful job opportunities available. Upper level positions like nurse practitioners and nurse educators are in particularly high demand because most people do not have the education they need to do those kinds of jobs. You may need to spend longer in school for those professions, but you will make much more money in the end. Here are some wage estimates to think about, courtesy of the BLS.

  • Nursing Assistant: $24,320 per year
  • Licensed Practical Nurse: $40,490 per year
  • Registered Nurse: $62,910 per year
  • Nurse Practitioner: $92,470 per year

Check out the many nursing colleges in Maine that are here to help you succeed.


Top Nursing Schools in Maine

University of Maine

The University of Maine was established in 1865 and is located in the city of Orono. This campus is the flagship campus for the University of Main System, and its students come from all over the state of Maine and currently 45 other states and 65 countries. The university is known for its rigorous course curriculum which emphasizes personal growth, critical thinking, and creativity that will aid students as they compete and excel in a challenging economy. The university is currently offering over 80 undergraduate courses, 70 master’s degrees, and around 35 doctoral programs.

  • Location: Orono, ME
  • Student Enrollment: 11,200
  • In-State Tuition: $279
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $888
  • Financial Aid: Yes
  • Scholarships: Yes
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • University of Maine Nursing Degree Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner

University of Maine – Fort Kent

University of Main, Fort Kent is one of the satellite campuses for the University of Main System. The campus is located in Fort Kent. The school offers students traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and an online RN to BSN program for non-traditional students, or traditional students who would prefer online experiences.

  • Location: Fort Kent, ME
  • Degree Level: Bachelor’s
  • In-State Tuition: $6,600
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $10,230
  • Financial Aid: Yes
  • Scholarships: Yes
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • University of Maine Fort Kent Nursing Degree Programs: BS/BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN

University of Maine at Augusta

University of Main, Augusta is another satellite campus for the University of Main System. The campus is located in Augusta. The university offers graduate and undergraduate programs on campus and online; although, the university will be phasing out its Associate of Science Nursing. The school is the third largest university in Maine.

  • Location: Augusta, ME
  • Type of School: Public
  • In-State Tuition: $217 / credit hour
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $525 / credit hour
  • Financial Aid: Yes
  • Scholarships: Yes
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • University of Maine of Augusta Nursing Degree Programs: Associate, BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN

Northern Maine Community College

Northern Maine Community College is located in Presque Isle, Maine, and is a two-year accredited college. The college offers more than 40 associate degree and certificate-level programs. Students will have the opportunity to obtain academic knowledge that will benefit them as they enter the workforce either locally, in-state, or out-of-state. The college’s nursing program cultivates necessary applicational knowledge to become a successful healthcare professional. Students can either jump start their nursing career through introductory courses, or by entering different levels if they are transferring and their transferring credits maintain approved protocols.

  • Location: Presque Isle, ME
  • Type of School: Public
  • Resident Tuition: $92 / credit hour
  • Non-Resident Tuition: $184 / credit hour
  • Financial Aid: Yes
  • Scholarships: Yes
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Northern Maine Community College Nursing Degree Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN

Main College of Health Professions

Main College of Health Professions was established in 1891, and is located in Lewiston, Maine. Students who enroll in their nursing program will attend class as well as taking care of patients; however, before students will have the opportunity to care for patients they will have to spend time in the nursing campus laboratory which will provide the student with essential knowledge and practice before helping real patients. Students will have the opportunity to gain the necessary skills for: maternity care, long-term care, pediatrics, surgery, critical care, and many others.

  • Location: Lewiston, ME
  • Resident Tuition: $292 / credit hour
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Main College of Health Professions Nursing Programs: Associate

Central Maine Community College

Central Maine Community College first began as a technical institution until its name was changed in 2003 to Central Maine Community College as it now offers degrees in the arts and sciences. Their associates nursing program is to aid students who desire to become a registered nurse.

  • Location: Auburn, ME
  • Student Enrollment: 3,000
  • Resident Tuition: $92 / credit hour
  • Non-Resident Tuition: $184 / credit hour
  • Financial Aid: Yes
  • Scholarships: Yes
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Central Maine Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN

Eastern Maine Community College

Eastern Maine Community College is located in Bangor, Maine, and currently offers more than 30 one-two year degree programs. Students also have the opportunity to choose short term specialized training for specific courses encompassing business, industry, and community. Course programs are developed and organized through direction cooperation with experts in the related fields of technology and business.

  • Location: Bangor, ME
  • Resident Tuition: $92 / credit hour
  • Non-Resident Tuition: $184 / credit hour
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Degree Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN

Husson College

Husson College is located in Bangor, Maine. Students are offered excellent academic learning opportunities. This is achieved by the college’s support for: outstanding teaching, contributions of a scholarly level to one’s discipline of study, the graduate and undergraduate level programs are challenging, relevant, and promote critical thinking, ethical behavior, and a desire for life-long learning.

  • Location: Bangor, ME
  • Student Enrollment: 2,800
  • Tuition: $385+ / credit hour (depending on program)
  • Financial Aid: Yes
  • Scholarships: Yes
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Degree Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner

Kennebec Valley Community College

Kennebec Valley Community College is located in Fairfield, Maine, and due to its dedicated faculty, staff, and administration students receive excellence in teaching that prepares students for an enriched life as they achieve their personal goals. As evidence for this dedication, Aspen Institute has cited Kennebec Valley Community College as one of the top community colleges in our nation. The college feels this recognition is a direct result from their partnership with Maine’s business communities that give students the opportunity to learn essentials skill and critical thinking before entering the workforce in their chosen profession.

  • Location: Fairfield, ME
  • Resident Tuition: $92 / credit hour
  • Non-Resident Tuition: $184 / credit hour
  • Financial Aid: Yes
  • Scholarships: Yes
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • Kennebec Valley Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN to ADN

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Saint Joseph’s College is located in Standish, Maine, and is a Roman Catholic liberal arts college for men and women of all faiths. The college was first established in 1912 by the Sister’s of Mercy. The college strongly fosters academic excellence via their dedication to the pursuit of truth, encompassing a dialogue between faith and reason. Saint Joseph’s College also encourages their student to increase critical thinking skills by exploring the arts and sciences, while maintaining ethical and meaningful lives.

    • Location: Standish, ME

$33,600

  • On-Campus Tuition: $33,600 / four-year program
  • Student Enrollment: 2,730
  • Financial Aid: Yes
  • Scholarships: Yes
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • Saint Joseph’s College Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner

Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College is located in South Portland, Maine. SMCC is one of your more diverse community colleges and is currently the largest and oldest community college in Maine. The school offers over 40 degrees from its two campuses and 7 satellite locations. Southern Maine Community College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. SMCC was reaccredited by NEASC in 2008.

  • Location: South Portland, ME
  • Student Enrollment: 6,000+
  • Resident Tuition: $2,760 (full-time)
  • Non-Resident Tuition: $5,520 (full-time)
  • Financial Aid: Yes
  • Scholarships: Yes
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • Southern Maine Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN, BS in Nursing

University of New England

The University of New England is located in Portland, Maine, and is the largest private university in Maine. The university is a non-profit institution offering innovative educational opportunities. Students at UNE are able to engage in the wealth of research and scholarship due to the university’s ability to attract internationally recognized scholars in all their programs: life sciences, business, education, social sciences, and health sciences.

This can be read from their site, “We are home to Maine’s only medical and dental schools — part of our comprehensive health education mission built on a pioneering interprofessional approach that also includes pharmacy, nursing and an array of allied health professions. UNE offers a uniquely cosmopolitan, interdisciplinary academic environment with an emphasis on global engagement and hands-on learning experiences. As a community, we are committed to creating the future by nurturing well-rounded scholars and professionals who can adapt, prosper and lead in a rapidly evolving world.” (Source) http://www.une.edu/about/

  • Location: Portland, ME
  • Tuition: $670 / credit hour
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • University of New England Nursing Programs: Associate, RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, Nurse Anesthetist

University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine’s main campus in in Portland. The other two campuses are: Gorham campus and Lewiston campus. The university was established in 1878 as a response to offering more educational opportunities to accountants and has grown tremendously since opening its doors for higher academic learning.

  • Location: Portland, ME
  • In-State Tuition: $253/ credit hour
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $665 / credit hour
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • University of Southern Maine Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner