How Maine Colleges Fared in WalletHub’s 2025 Rankings—And Who Took #1

Whether it's on the field, the court, or in the classroom, college is full of competition.

There’s nothing quite like bragging about how your school is better than the rest, which is why this time of year is always so fun. That’s because it’s ranking season—the time when all the college ranking articles start hitting the internet.

The latest list to drop comes from the financial experts over at WalletHub. The popular publication releases an annual ranking of colleges and universities across the country, featuring the top 500.

WalletHub evaluates many metrics, including cost, student selectivity, campus experience and safety, education and career outcomes, and faculty resources. Believe me when I say—this is a very detailed ranking.

How do Maine's Best Colleges Rank Against Nationally?

Maine performed relatively well in this year’s rankings, with several schools earning top spots—particularly in the liberal arts college category. Here’s a closer look:

40. Bowdoin College – Brunswick
The highest-ranked school in Maine, Bowdoin placed in the top 40 overall. Often referred to as one of the “Baby Ivies,” Bowdoin is recognized for its high graduation rate, strong job placement, and outstanding faculty recommendations. Its highest ranking was 6th in education outcomes.

READ MORE: Midcoast Maine’s Brunswick Named Top College Town in the State

49. Colby College – Waterville
This Central Maine “Little Ivy” earned high marks for its academic opportunities, campus facilities, and strong post-graduation salary outcomes. Its best ranking was 18th in campus experience.

83. Bates College – Lewiston
Bates rounds out Maine’s trio of elite liberal arts colleges. It's particularly noted for student development, innovative learning environments, and its unique “Short Term” spring semester, which focuses on immersive, experiential learning. Its top ranking came in campus experience, finishing 35th.

Only one other Maine school made the list—though just outside the top 500: the University of Southern Maine, which landed at 533rd. To be fair, the majority of schools in the top 500 are private and on the smaller side.

What are the Top Colleges in America?

As for the number one spot? That honor went to Princeton University. The Ivy League school edged out Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth to claim the top ranking.

It’s also worth noting that many other colleges across Maine offer an excellent education, including those in the community college system. There are plenty of great opportunities out there—make sure to take advantage of them.