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Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: Colby College, Bowdoin College, U of Maine
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,880 to $64,304/year
Southern Maine Community ... offers the most affordable option at $2,880/yr
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 2 associate's, 1 master's, 1 doctoral in Maine
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online computer engineering degree programs in Maine
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Maine community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: IDEXX, WEX, Tyler Technologies, Covetrus
Tech hubs in Portland and Bangor
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Engineering degree programs near 25+ cities across Maine
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Maine Computer Engineering programs
We rank 11 accredited computer engineering programs in Maine using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Maine Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in Maine
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in Maine by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Engineering Programs in Maine
Program Landscape
Maine offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in computer engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Southern Maine Community ..., York County Community Col..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Maine offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $2,880/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $51,876 in Maine.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Maine's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Portland, Bangor, Augusta areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like IDEXX, WEX, Tyler Technologies hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer engineering schools in Maine, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer engineering degrees in Maine.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in Maine
Program Landscape
Maine ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 7 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Colby College, Bowdoin College, U of Maine, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Maine computer engineering programs earn a median salary of $80,172, 18% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Portland, Bangor, Augusta metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including IDEXX, WEX, Tyler Technologies.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,650 to $64,304 annually, with an average of $27,828/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 95%, with the highest reaching 99%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Maine's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer engineering degrees in Maine, these top-ranked computer engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Maine at Presque Isle | Presque Isle, ME | Public | $7,650 | — | 30.7 |
| #7 | University of Maine at Farmington | Farmington, ME | Public | $8,910 | — | 30.5 |
Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in Maine
Program Landscape
Maine offers 1 master's degree programs in computer engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Maine, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Maine earn a median salary of $94,320, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Portland, Bangor, Augusta creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with IDEXX, WEX, Tyler Technologies actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $12,000/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Maine's computer engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Programs in Maine
Program Landscape
Maine is home to 1 doctoral programs in computer engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Maine are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Maine PhD holders earning a median of $117,900, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Portland, Bangor, Augusta region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like IDEXX, WEX, Tyler Technologies.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Maine programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer engineering degrees in Maine, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Maine
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $22,284/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $55,710/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,571/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $133,704 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $33,426 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in Maine
State Aid Programs
Maine residents pursuing computer engineering degrees have access to several financial aid options designed to make higher education more affordable. The primary state-level support comes through the Maine State Grant program, which provides need-based grants of up to $1,500 per year for eligible Maine residents (Maine State Grant). This grant works in conjunction with federal aid programs to help offset tuition costs across Maine's 12 institutions offering computer engineering programs. To apply for both state and federal aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond need-based grants, many Maine institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages. Community colleges like Southern Maine Community College, which charges $2,880 in tuition for its associate's program, provide an affordable entry point for students who may later transfer to a four-year institution through the Maine Transfer Pathways system (Maine Transfer Pathways). This structured transfer route allows students to complete prerequisite coursework at lower cost before advancing to bachelor's degree programs. Students should explore scholarship opportunities directly through their chosen institution and verify that programs are ABET-accredited, as accreditation status may affect financial aid eligibility and employer recognition (ABET Accreditation).
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Maine
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree in Maine. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Engineering Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Maine metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Portland | $104K |
| Bangor | $99K |
| Augusta | $94K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Engineering Graduates in Maine
Find computer engineering jobs in Maine. These major employers across Maine metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering Jobs in Portland
MEComputer Engineering Jobs in Bangor
METransfer Pathways for Computer Engineering Degrees in Maine
State Transfer System
Maine's structured Maine Transfer Pathways system facilitates seamless transitions from community colleges to four-year universities, making computer engineering education accessible and affordable. The state operates 2 associate's degree programs producing 10 completions in 2023, with Southern Maine Community College serving as the largest producer (9 completions). These programs provide foundational coursework in calculus, physics, programming, and digital systems that articulate directly into bachelor's degree programs at institutions like the University of Maine (65 completions, $12,000 tuition) and University of Southern Maine (20 completions, $8,316 tuition). Structured pathways eliminate duplicate coursework and reduce time-to-degree, allowing students to save significantly on tuition before transferring.
How Transfers Work
The Maine Transfer Pathways framework establishes formal articulation agreements ensuring that credits earned at community colleges like Southern Maine Community College ($2,880 tuition) count fully toward bachelor's degrees at four-year institutions. Students can complete general education and core technical requirements affordably, then transition seamlessly into upper-level computer engineering coursework. This pathway is particularly valuable for working professionals and students from rural regions across Downeast, Central Maine, and other underserved areas. The University of Maine System coordinates these pathways, providing advising support and guaranteed admission for qualifying students. For additional information on program structures and financial aid, visit Federal Student Aid and explore Computer Science in Maine or Software Engineering in Maine to understand related transfer opportunities.
Why Pursue a Computer Engineering Degree in Maine?
Industry & Workforce
Maine offers a strong computer engineering education landscape with 12 institutions providing programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 141 bachelor's degree completions in computer engineering during 2023, demonstrating strong undergraduate enrollment and completion rates. Top-ranked programs like Colby College and Bowdoin College consistently attract talented students, while the University of Maine serves as the state's leading producer with 65 completions. Whether you're seeking an affordable public education or an elite liberal arts experience, Maine's computer engineering programs span diverse institutional types and price points.
Salary Outlook
The state's geographic advantages position graduates near major tech employers and growing innovation hubs. Portland and the Portland-South Portland metro area serve as regional technology centers, while employers like IDEXX Laboratories, MaineHealth, and L.L.Bean increasingly demand computer engineering talent. Affordability is another compelling reason to study here: public four-year institutions average just $9,067 in in-state tuition, compared to $21,909 out-of-state (IPEDS). Additionally, Maine residents can access the Maine State Grant, offering need-based aid up to $1,500 annually (Maine State Grant). For more context on regional opportunities, explore Computer Engineering in Massachusetts or Computer Science in Maine to compare programs.
Computer Engineering Program Availability in Maine
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Maine
Employment Outlook
Maine's computer engineering job market is supported by a diverse economic landscape across the state's major metropolitan areas. The Portland-South Portland metro area and the Bangor region represent the primary hubs for technology employment, with significant opportunities in both urban centers and surrounding regions. According to the (Bureau of Labor Statistics), Maine's technology sector continues to grow, though at a measured pace compared to national averages. Recent graduates from Maine's 12 institutions offering computer engineering programs find employment across multiple industries, from healthcare technology to retail innovation.
Salaries by Metro
The state's educational pipeline demonstrates steady workforce development, with 141 bachelor's degree completions annually, supplemented by 10 associate's degree completions and advanced degrees from 2 master's programs (IPEDS Data). Major employers in cities like Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and South Portland actively recruit graduates with computer engineering expertise. Maine's public universities offer particularly affordable pathways into the field, with average public in-state tuition at $9,067 for four-year institutions, making computer engineering education accessible to more students. Career advancement opportunities extend across the state's regions, from Southern Maine and the Midcoast to Downeast and Central Maine, providing diverse workplace environments for professionals at all career stages.
High-Growth Sectors
For comprehensive national salary and employment trend data, prospective students should consult the (Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Outlook) and compare Maine's opportunities with programs nationally at the (Best Computer Engineering Programs) resource. Students interested in related technical fields might also explore (Computer Science in Maine) or (Software Engineering in Maine) programs for expanded career pathways.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Engineering Programs in Maine
Online Programs
3 available in Maine
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $15,500
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $45,100
- Total Programs
- 74
- Median Tuition
- $44,200
- Total Programs
- 187
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 129
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 36
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Maine: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in Maine?
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in Maine?
What salary can computer engineering degree graduates earn in Maine?
Are there online computer engineering degree programs in Maine?
What companies hire computer engineering degree graduates in Maine?
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in Maine?
How long do computer engineering degree programs take in Maine?
What financial aid is available for computer engineering degree students in Maine?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Maine salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.