University campus in Maine
Updated June 28, 2026

Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Maine, 2026 Rankings

Compare the top data analytics colleges in Maine. 4 accredited data analytics schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value, from University of Maine to Colby College.

#1 ProgramColby College
Avg Salary$94,320
Tuition From$12,000/yr
Job Growth+22%
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology

4

Programs ranked

IPEDS 2024

$94,320

Maine median data analytics salary

BLS OEWS 2024

64/100

Top program score

Hakia methodology

25%

U.S. job growth (2023–33)

BLS projections

Key Takeaways

Best data analytics degree programs: Colby College, Husson,

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2024

Tuition ranges from $8,316 to $63,790/year

U of Maine offers the most affordable option at $12,000/yr

IPEDS 2024

Data Analytics degree programs available: 2 master's in Maine

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2024

Major employers: IDEXX, WEX, Tyler Technologies, Covetrus

Tech hubs in Portland and Bangor

Hakia Research 2026

Data Analytics degree programs near 25+ cities across Maine

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2024

Updated June 28, 2026

How we ranked Maine Data Analytics programs

We rank 4 accredited data analytics 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.

Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology

Are Data Analytics Degree Programs in Maine Worth It?

Answer
$94,320
Yes. The best data analytics degree programs in Maine deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $94,320 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $26,328/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Data Analytics Degree Rankings in Maine

Compare the top-ranked Data Analytics programs in Maine by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.

Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Programs in Maine

2
Programs ranked
$42,497
Avg tuition/yr
91%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Maine ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 0 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Colby College, Husson, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Maine data analytics 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 $21,204 to $63,790 annually, with an average of $42,497/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 91%, with the highest reaching 91%. 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 data analytics degrees in Maine, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

🥇
Colby College
Waterville, MEPrivate
$63,790
Tuition/yr
91%
Grad rate
62.7
Hakia Score

Best Master's Data Analytics Programs in Maine

2
Programs ranked
$10,158
Avg tuition/yr
0%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Maine offers 2 master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Maine, U of Southern 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 $10,158/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 data analytics schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

Data Analytics Degree Costs & Tuition in Maine

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$26,328/year
Average out-of-state tuition$65,820/year
Community college tuition$6,582/year
4-year savings for residents$157,968
2+2 transfer pathway savings$39,492

Source: IPEDS 2024

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Analytics Students in Maine

State Aid Programs

Maine residents pursuing data analytics degrees have access to several financial aid resources designed to make higher education more affordable. The primary state-level aid program is the Maine State Grant, which provides need-based grants up to $1,500 per year for eligible Maine residents (Maine State Grant). This grant complements federal aid programs and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for undergraduate and graduate students alike. To apply for all federal and state aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state and federal aid, many Maine institutions offering data analytics programs provide institutional scholarships and financial packages. Students should explore options at schools like the University of Maine and University of Southern Maine, which offer competitive tuition rates and may have program-specific scholarships for data analytics majors. The University of Maine System institutions often provide additional funding opportunities for in-state students. Prospective students are encouraged to contact financial aid offices directly and review the (College Scorecard) for detailed aid information by institution. Additionally, exploring related programs in Data Science in Maine or Information Systems in Maine may reveal additional funding pathways within the state's higher education ecosystem.

Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator, Maine

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data analytics 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.

Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your return on investment for a data analytics degree

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+907%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,677,254

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$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

Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return4.9%

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

Data Analytics Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Maine metro areas

Portland$104K
Bangor$99K
Augusta$94K
View data table
CategoryValue
Portland$104K
Bangor$99K
Augusta$94K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Top Employers Hiring Data Analytics Graduates in Maine

Find data analytics jobs in Maine. These major employers across Maine metro areas are actively hiring data analytics degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Data Analytics Jobs in Portland

ME
WEX Inc.
fintech
IDEXX Laboratories
biotech
Tyler Technologies
govtech
MaineHealth
healthcare

Data Analytics Jobs in Bangor

ME
University of Maine
education
Jackson Laboratory
research

Transfer Pathways for Data Analytics Degrees in Maine

State Transfer System

Maine's community college system provides an affordable entry point into data analytics education, with 8 two-year institutions offering pathways to bachelor's and master's degrees. The state's structured transfer system, (Maine Transfer Pathways), facilitates seamless credit transfer from community colleges to four-year universities, ensuring that coursework completed at two-year institutions counts fully toward bachelor's degrees. This system is particularly valuable for students seeking to minimize costs while earning credentials. Community college tuition is significantly lower than four-year institution rates. Students can complete general education requirements and introductory analytics coursework at community colleges, then transfer to universities like University of Maine or University of Southern Maine to complete specialized analytics coursework and graduate-level study.

How Transfers Work

Articulation agreements between Maine's community colleges and universities streamline the transfer process, with explicit agreements detailing which credits transfer and how they apply toward degree requirements. The University of Maine System, through (Maine Transfer Pathways), coordinates these pathways to eliminate transfer confusion and credit loss. Students pursuing analytics should work with community college advisors to select transfer-friendly courses and confirm their pathway aligns with their target university's requirements. Additionally, Maine residents may qualify for the (Maine State Grant), a need-based financial aid program offering up to $1,500 annually. For those exploring four-year options directly, review rankings on the (National Best Bachelor's Programs) and (Most Affordable Programs) pages. Complementary related degrees available through transfer pathways include Data Science in Maine and Information Systems in Maine.

Why Pursue a Data Analytics Degree in Maine?

Industry & Workforce

Maine's data analytics education landscape offers compelling opportunities for students seeking careers in a rapidly growing field. According to (IPEDS), the state hosts 5 institutions offering data analytics programs, with 2 institutions providing master's-level education that produced 180 completions in 2023. The University of Maine leads the state, accounting for 176 of those completions, establishing itself as a premier destination for advanced analytics training. Whether you're pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree, Maine's programs combine accessible pricing with quality instruction from established universities.

Salary Outlook

Maine's major employment centers create strong career pathways for data analytics graduates. Cities including Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and South Portland host major employers such as MaineHealth, Hannaford, L.L.Bean, and IDEXX Laboratories, all organizations that depend heavily on data-driven decision-making. The state's average public in-state tuition of $9,067 for four-year institutions makes Maine programs significantly more affordable than many national alternatives. Top-ranked schools like University of Maine and University of Southern Maine offer programs at $12,000 and $8,316 respectively, with the latter ranking among the most affordable data analytics programs nationally. For detailed salary and employment data in Maine's tech sector, consult the (BLS State Data). Students should also explore related fields by reviewing Data Science in Maine and Machine Learning in Maine to understand the broader analytics ecosystem.

Data Analytics Program Availability in Maine

4 Programs
Maine offers 4 accredited data analytics programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Portland, Bangor, Augusta.

Source: IPEDS 2024

Data Analytics Job Market & Salary Data in Maine

Employment Outlook

Maine's data analytics job market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand across healthcare, retail, and technology sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maine employers are actively seeking skilled data professionals to support business intelligence, reporting, and strategic decision-making initiatives. The state's major metropolitan areas, particularly the Portland-South Portland and Bangor regions, serve as employment hubs where data analytics positions concentrate. Maine's relatively lower cost of living compared to northeastern competitors makes the state an attractive location for both employers and professionals seeking career advancement without the expense burden of larger tech centers.

Salaries by Metro

The University of Maine System is a key pipeline for data analytics talent, with the University of Maine alone producing 176 completions at the master's level according to IPEDS data. This substantial graduate output reflects employer demand and institutional investment in workforce development. Career opportunities span multiple sectors, from established healthcare networks to innovative retail operations. Prospective graduates should explore related fields to expand career pathways, including Data Science in Maine, Information Systems in Maine, and Database Management in Maine, which often share employers and skill requirements with data analytics positions.

Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)

New graduates and career changers

Senior (8+ yrs)

Technical leads and architects

Median Salary in Maine$61,308$136,764
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred

Online vs On-Campus Data Analytics Programs in Maine

Online Programs

0 available in Maine

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$23,695/yr$26,328/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)

Compare Data Analytics Programs in Other States

Data Analytics Degree Programs in Maine: FAQ

What are the best data analytics degree programs in Maine?
The best data analytics degree programs in Maine based on our methodology are: 1) Colby College (91% graduation rate), 2) Husson University, and 3) N/A. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Maine offers 4 total accredited programs across 2 public and 2 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 2 bachelor's programs.
How much do data analytics degree programs cost in Maine?
Data Analytics degree program costs in Maine vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $26,328/year, while private institutions average $57,922/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $6,582/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $105,312 at public schools to $231,686 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can data analytics degree graduates earn in Maine?
Data Analytics professionals in Maine earn a median salary of $94,320, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $61,308, while senior roles exceed $136,764. Salaries vary by metro area: Portland ($103,752), Bangor ($99,036) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online data analytics degree programs in Maine?
Yes, Maine offers 0 accredited online Data Analytics programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from various state universities. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire data analytics degree graduates in Maine?
Major Data Analytics employers in Maine include IDEXX, WEX, Tyler Technologies, Covetrus, MaineHealth. The Portland and Bangor metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Maine universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Maine's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a data analytics degree program worth it in Maine?
A data analytics degree program in Maine offers strong ROI with a $94,320 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $26,328/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($106,582), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do data analytics degree programs take in Maine?
Standard completion times for data analytics degree programs in Maine are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Maine community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Maine university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for data analytics degree students in Maine?
Maine data analytics degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Maine state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Maine's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.

Data Sources

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

Maine salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Taylor Rupe

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.

The research behind the rankings

In-depth Data Analytics program profiles in Maine

Hand-researched detail on the top-ranked programs: degree pathways, research labs, industry partners, career outcomes, and admissions. Tap any school to expand.

Best Bachelor's Data Analytics programs

#1Colby CollegeWaterville, ME

Why it stands out. Colby College situates data analytics within a liberal arts framework, producing graduates who combine technical skill with domain expertise, ethical reasoning, and the ability to drive decisions across business, policy, and scientific domains.

Hakia insight. Colby College's liberal arts approach to analytics—paired with Maine's position as a climate and environmental data hotbed—produces graduates who can lead analytics projects in sustainability, conservation, and climate policy, sectors where generalist analytical thinking outcompetes narrow technical training.

At the bachelor's level, colby College's approach to data analytics is rooted in liberal arts philosophy—students develop analytical skills within a broader intellectual context that emphasizes ethical reasoning, domain expertise, and cross-disciplinary thinking. Rather than a siloed technical program, analytics education at Colby integrates quantitative methods across economics, environmental science, government, and psychology, meaning students build domain knowledge alongside statistical competency. The college's location in Maine and its strong environmental science reputation create natural research opportunities in climate data analysis, ecological modeling, and environmental policy analytics—areas where Colby students have published and presented at conferences. Faculty in mathematics and computer science guide students through machine learning, statistical inference, and data visualization, but always anchored to real problems: analyzing public health datasets, modeling economic trends, or interpreting environmental monitoring systems. Colby's emphasis on independent research and senior capstone projects means analytics students don't simply learn tools—they lead original investigations that combine data work with substantive inquiry. The residential, close-knit community fosters mentorship between faculty and students, and Colby's extensive alumni network spans technology, finance, consulting, and non-profit sectors, providing internship and career pathways beyond the immediate Northeast. Graduates leave with not just technical portfolios but demonstrated ability to ask good questions of data and communicate findings to diverse audiences.

Programs offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics · 4 years · on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics · 4 years · online

Location advantage: Maine location enables environmental data analysis and climate research partnerships Proximity to Northeast academic and financial services hubs

#2Husson UniversityBangor, ME

Hakia insight. Husson University's 96% employment rate within one year reflects not just job placement but mandatory internships and capstone projects that force students into real-world problem-solving before graduation, compressing the typical six-month post-degree learning curve into the curriculum itself.

At the bachelor's level, the Data Analytics program offers hands-on experience through required internships and capstone projects, with 96% of graduates employed or in graduate school within one year. Students gain practical skills in data mining, classification, prediction, and data visualization while working with partner institutions including businesses, research labs, nonprofits, and governmental agencies.

Programs offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics · 4 years · on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics · 4 years · online

Best Master's Data Analytics programs

#1University of MaineOrono, ME

Why it stands out. Thesis vs. non-thesis track options available. Many courses offered online (marked with asterisk in curriculum)

Hakia insight. University of Maine's Master of Data Science and Engineering offers thesis vs. coursework tracks alongside online delivery, but its real advantage is the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station—giving students access to decades of ecological datasets and U.S. Forest Service partnerships that create genuinely novel research opportunities.

The Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering at University of Maine offers flexible pathways for working professionals through both thesis and coursework-focused tracks. The program features five thematic areas (Data Collection, Representation, Analytics, Visualization, and Security) plus five domain specializations (Spatial Informatics, Bioinformatics, Business, Social/Behavioral Data Science, and Engineering Analytics). Many courses are available online and marked as suitable for part-time study. Students complete foundation courses in statistics, programming, and systems, followed by a required practicum and theme/domain coursework. The thesis option includes research methodology courses (SIE 501, SIE 502, INT 601). Graduate assistantships are available through the College of Engineering and Computing. The program emphasizes real-world applications through case study-based learning and domain specialization options aligned with industry needs. Specific salary advancement data and employer partnership details are not provided in the curriculum materials.

Programs offered

  • Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering · 1-2 years · on-campus

Research labs & institutes

  • Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station — Agricultural and forest data analytics

Industry partners

U.S. Forest ServiceNational Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis

Location advantage: Access to U.S. Forest Service research and datasets Connection to Maine's forest products and sustainable agriculture industries Proximity to environmental monitoring organizations

#2University of Southern MainePortland, ME

Why it stands out. Flexible blended and online delivery with day and evening class options for working professionals. Certificate credits (15 hours) apply toward master's degree, enabling accelerated pathway

Hakia insight. University of Southern Maine's 15-credit certificate-to-degree pathway lets working professionals test the program's rigor and teaching quality before committing to a full master's, a rare de-risking structure that reduces financial exposure for career-changers uncertain about their fit for analytics.

The University of Southern Maine's Master's in Data Analytics is designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in data science. The program offers flexible blended and online delivery with both day and evening class options to accommodate full-time employment. Students gain advanced technical skills in data mining, statistics, machine learning, and database processing using industry-standard software (SAS, MATLAB, Minitab, Mathematica). The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with real-world problem-solving. Graduate assistantships and employer tuition partnerships support affordability. Credits earned through the certificate program (15 credit hours) can be applied toward the master's degree, enabling accelerated completion. The program prepares professionals for rapidly growing regional and national demand for qualified data scientists, with strong outcomes in analytics, communication, and cross-functional team collaboration skills.

Programs offered

  • Master of Science in Data Analytics · 1-2 years · on-campus

Location advantage: Access to Portland-area healthcare and financial services companies Proximity to government agencies in Maine's capital region