Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Programs in Maine 2025
Colby College
43 artificial intelligence graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
Bowdoin College
28 artificial intelligence graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
University of Maine
39 artificial intelligence graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Maine offers 9+ accredited artificial intelligence programs across public and private universities
- 2.Colby College leads with 91% graduation rate
- 3.Maine software developers earn median $94,320 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Portland, Bangor, Augusta
- 5.Cost of living index: 108.1% of US average (above average)
Artificial Intelligence Education in Maine: Overview
Maine offers 9 accredited artificial intelligence programs, producing approximately 140 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Portland, Bangor, Augusta, with major employers including IDEXX, WEX, Tyler Technologies.
With a median software developer salary of $94,320 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 108.1% compared to the US average, Maine offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top artificial intelligence programs in the state are led by Colby College, Bowdoin College, University of Maine, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Maine Artificial Intelligence Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colby College | Waterville, ME | Private | $63,790 | 91% | 77.3 |
| 2 | Bowdoin College | Brunswick, ME | Private | $64,304 | 99% | 74.7 |
| 3 | University of Maine | Orono, ME | Public | $12,000 | — | 48.1 |
| 4 | University of Southern Maine | Portland, ME | Public | $8,316 | — | 41.8 |
| 5 | Thomas College | Waterville, ME | Private | $29,824 | — | 34.6 |
| 6 | Southern Maine Community College | South Portland, ME | Public | $2,880 | — | 32.2 |
| 7 | University of Maine at Presque Isle | Presque Isle, ME | Public | $7,650 | — | 29.5 |
| 8 | University of Maine at Farmington | Farmington, ME | Public | $8,910 | — | 29.3 |
| 9 | York County Community College | Wells, ME | Public | $2,880 | — | 27.3 |
Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Programs in Maine: Side-by-Side
| School | Colby College | Bowdoin College | U of Maine | U of Southern Maine | Thomas College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $63,790 | $64,304 | $12,000 | $8,316 | $29,824 |
| Graduation Rate | 91% | 99% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 43 | 28 | 39 | 12 | 6 |
| Acceptance Rate | 7% | 8% | 96% | 79% | 97% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 77.3/100 | 74.7/100 | 48.1/100 | 41.8/100 | 34.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence in Maine
Maine offers 7 bachelor's-level artificial intelligence programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Colby College, Bowdoin College, University of Maine. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $66,024 in the Maine market.
A bachelor's in artificial intelligence typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's Programs in Maine
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Colby College | $63,790 | 91% | 43 | 77.3 |
| #2 Bowdoin College | $64,304 | 99% | 28 | 74.7 |
| #3 U of Maine | $12,000 | N/A% | 39 | 48.1 |
Top Artificial Intelligence Schools for Master's Degrees in Maine
For graduate study, Maine offers 1 master's-level artificial intelligence programs. Leading institutions include University of Maine. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Maine reaching $122,616 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best artificial intelligence master's programs for more options beyond Maine.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Master's Programs in Maine
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Maine | $12,000 | N/A% | 11 | 37.8 |
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Colleges in Maine
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable artificial intelligence programs in Maine are at Southern Maine Community College ($2,880/year), York County Community College ($2,880/year), University of Maine at Presque Isle ($7,650/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Maine's competitive tech salaries.
At Southern Maine Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $11,520 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $66,024, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Programs in Maine (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Southern Maine Community... | $2,880 | $11,520 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 York County Community... | $2,880 | $11,520 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 U of Maine at Presque Isle | $7,650 | $30,600 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Schools in Maine
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 artificial intelligence programs in Maine, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Colby College
Waterville, ME • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $63,790 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 43 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 7%
- • Ranking Score: 77.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 43 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (43 graduates), state salary outcomes ($94,320), and selectivity (7% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,304 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 8%
- • Ranking Score: 74.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 28 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 74.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($94,320), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Bowdoin's Computer Science program requires hands-on experience across theory, systems, and artificial intelligence with mandatory projects courses. Students can accelerate through the curriculum and are encouraged to participate in faculty research through independent studies and fellowship-funded summer research opportunities.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Maine
Orono, ME • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 39 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 48.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 39 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (39 graduates), state salary outcomes ($94,320), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Maine offers both undergraduate and graduate certificates in Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence that are available 100% online, making advanced AI education accessible with flexible scheduling.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
Program Details
- Credits: 12 credits
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,316 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 41.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 12 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($94,320), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
USM offers Maine's first information retrieval lab (AIIR Lab) with hands-on AI research opportunities, plus flexible accelerated pathways that can complete both bachelor's and master's degrees in as few as five years. The program combines strong industry partnerships with 200+ businesses and comprehensive AI curriculum covering machine learning, data analytics, and real-world applications.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •COS 280 Discrete Mathematics II
- •COS 285 Data Structures
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: WEX, Tyler Technologies, Cash Star, IDEXX Laboratories, Unum, TD Bank, Quantrix, Kepware, L.L. Bean, Sea Dogs
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- AACSB accreditation
- STEM-designated program
Thomas College
Waterville, ME • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $29,824 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 6 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 34.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 6 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 34.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (6 graduates), state salary outcomes ($94,320), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of St. Thomas offers a STEM-approved Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence with flexible learning options including evening classes both online and in-person, while Thomas College launched the first graduate-level AI course of its kind in the state as part of their Master of Science in Cybersecurity program.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Rankings & Recognition
- first graduate-level AI course of its kind offered in the state
Career Paths
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-2051Machine Learning Engineer opportunities in Maine with strong job growth.
AI Research Scientist
SOC 15-2051AI Research Scientist opportunities in Maine with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Maine with strong job growth.
NLP Engineer
SOC 15-2051NLP Engineer opportunities in Maine with strong job growth.
Computer Vision Engineer
SOC 15-2051Computer Vision Engineer opportunities in Maine with strong job growth.
Artificial Intelligence Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Portland, Bangor, Augusta
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($94,320 median)
- You want to work at companies like IDEXX or WEX
- You prefer Maine's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Maine's 9)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Artificial Intelligence in Maine FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Artificial Intelligence degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Maine-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Maine salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.