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Key Takeaways
Best data science 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
Data Science degree programs available: 2 associate's, 2 master's, 1 doctoral in Maine
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online data science 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
Data Science 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 Data Science programs
We rank 13 accredited data science 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 Data Science Degree Programs in Maine Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Maine
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Maine by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Science Programs in Maine
Program Landscape
Maine offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in data science, 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 data science schools in Maine, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data science degrees in Maine.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Maine
Program Landscape
Maine ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 4 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 data science 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 $27,000/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 data science degrees in Maine, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Husson University | Bangor, ME | Private | $21,204 | — | 33.0 |
| #7 | University of Maine at Presque Isle | Presque Isle, ME | Public | $7,650 | — | 30.8 |
| #8 | University of Maine at Farmington | Farmington, ME | Public | $8,910 | — | 30.6 |
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Maine
Program Landscape
Maine offers 2 master's degree programs in data science, 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 science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Data Science Programs in Maine
Program Landscape
Maine is home to 1 doctoral programs in data science, 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 data science 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.
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Maine
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $22,176/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $55,440/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,544/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $133,056 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $33,264 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Maine
State Aid Programs
Maine residents pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The Maine State Grant program provides need-based grants of up to $1,500 per year for eligible Maine residents, making it a valuable resource for students attending public and private institutions across the state. To apply for the Maine State Grant and other federal aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through (Federal Student Aid). This comprehensive application unlocks access to federal Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities in addition to state-specific funding. For detailed information about Maine's grant program, visit (Maine State Grant).
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, many Maine institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards to data science students. The University of Maine System, which includes several top data science programs, administers multiple funding opportunities through (University of Maine System). Private institutions like Bowdoin College and Colby College also offer need-based financial aid packages. Students should consult the College Scorecard at (College Scorecard) to compare net price estimates across Maine institutions and understand true out-of-pocket costs after all aid is applied. Starting early with financial aid planning and exploring all available resources can significantly reduce the burden of tuition costs for data science programs throughout Maine.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Maine
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science 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 Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
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
Data Science 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 Data Science Graduates in Maine
Find data science jobs in Maine. These major employers across Maine metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Portland
MEData Science Jobs in Bangor
METransfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Maine
State Transfer System
Maine's Maine Transfer Pathways system provides structured routes for community college students to seamlessly transition to four-year bachelor's programs (Maine Transfer Pathways). This coordinated articulation agreement system ensures that credits earned at 2-year institutions transfer directly and apply toward bachelor's degree requirements, eliminating lost credits and reducing time-to-degree. Students beginning at one of Maine's eight community colleges, including Southern Maine Community College, can complete 10 associate's degree completions in data science annually and transfer into the 8 bachelor's programs available across the state with their credentials fully recognized.
How Transfers Work
The transfer pathway approach makes data science education accessible and affordable. Students can start at institutions like Southern Maine Community College (tuition $2,880) before transferring to programs at University of Maine ($12,000), University of Southern Maine ($8,316), or other public universities. This strategy reduces overall educational costs while maintaining academic rigor. Additionally, Maine residents may access the Maine State Grant, a need-based financial aid program awarding up to $1,500/year, further reducing barriers to completion. Prospective transfer students should consult the Maine Transfer Pathways portal for specific course equivalencies, work with academic advisors on degree planning, and explore related programs in data analytics and computer science to maximize transfer credits and career-readiness.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Maine?
Industry & Workforce
Maine offers a compelling environment for data science education with 13 institutions providing programs across all degree levels, from associate's to doctoral studies (IPEDS). The state's data science programs produced 125 bachelor's degree completions in 2023, demonstrating strong academic output and industry demand. Leading institutions like the University of Maine, Colby College, and Bowdoin College have established themselves as premier destinations for aspiring data scientists, with the University of Maine alone accounting for 47 completions in recent years.
Salary Outlook
Beyond academics, Maine's strategic location in New England positions graduates near major tech hubs while maintaining affordable tuition options. Public four-year in-state tuition averages just $9,067, significantly below the national average and enabling students to graduate with manageable debt. Major employers including MaineHealth, IDEXX Laboratories, and L.L.Bean actively recruit data science talent across regions like Portland-South Portland and Bangor, creating strong job placement opportunities. Students can explore related fields through programs in data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to deepen their skill sets. For comparative context, explore how Maine's programs rank against leading programs in California, Texas, and New York.
Data Science Program Availability in Maine
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Maine
Employment Outlook
Maine's data science job market is growing steadily, with 13 institutions across the state offering data science programs at various degree levels (IPEDS). The state has produced 146 total completions in data science, with bachelor's degrees representing the largest share at 125 completions (IPEDS). Major metropolitan areas driving employment opportunities include Portland-South Portland and Bangor, where regional employers actively seek data science talent. For current salary benchmarks and occupational projections specific to Maine, consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Maine occupational data.
Salaries by Metro
The strongest concentration of data science programs exists in southern Maine and the midcoast regions, positioning graduates near key employment hubs. University of Maine leads the state with 47 completions, followed by Colby College with 43 completions, demonstrating significant institutional capacity in this field (IPEDS). Graduates can explore career pathways through related fields such as Data Analytics in Maine, Machine Learning in Maine, and Computer Science in Maine. For those considering comparable markets, review opportunities in Data Science in California, Data Science in Texas, and Data Science in New York.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Maine
Online Programs
1 available in Maine
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $15,500
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $46,900
- Total Programs
- 71
- Median Tuition
- $47,600
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
- Total Programs
- 120
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $11,400
Data Science Degree Programs in Maine: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Maine?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Maine?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Maine?
Are there online data science degree programs in Maine?
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Maine?
Is a data science degree program worth it in Maine?
How long do data science degree programs take in Maine?
What financial aid is available for data science 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.