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Southern Maine Community College
South Portland, MEPublic
$2,880
Tuition/yr
28%
Grad rate
72.5
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: U of Maine at Augusta, Thomas College, U of Maine at Fort Kent
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,880 to $29,824/year
Southern Maine Community ... offers the most affordable option at $2,880/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 6 associate's, 2 master's in Maine
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online information security degree programs in Maine
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Maine community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
6 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
Information Security 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 Information Security programs
We rank 12 accredited information security 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 methodologyAre Information Security Degree Programs in Maine Worth It?
Answer
$94,320
Yes. The best information security degree programs in Maine deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $94,320 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $6,987/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in Maine
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in Maine by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in Maine
3
Programs ranked
$4,520
Avg tuition/yr
28%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Maine offers 6 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Southern Maine Community ..., Eastern Maine Community C..., Central Maine Community C..., 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 information security schools in Maine, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Maine.
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in Maine
3
Programs ranked
$15,439
Avg tuition/yr
40%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Maine ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Maine at Augusta, Thomas College, U of Maine at Fort Kent, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Maine information security 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 $7,560 to $29,824 annually, with an average of $13,149/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 0%, with the highest reaching -Infinity%. 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 information security degrees in Maine, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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$30,718
Tuition/yr
54%
Grad rate
63.7
Hakia Score
Best Master's Information Security Programs in Maine
2
Programs ranked
$19,259
Avg tuition/yr
41%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Maine offers 2 master's degree programs in information security, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Maine at Augusta, Thomas College, 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 $18,692/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 information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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$30,718
Tuition/yr
54%
Grad rate
60.6
Hakia Score
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Maine
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $6,987/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $17,468/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,747/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $41,924 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $10,480 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Maine
State Aid Programs
Maine residents pursuing information security degrees have access to several state and federal financial aid options designed to reduce the burden of education costs. The Maine State Grant program provides need-based grants of up to $1,500 per year for eligible Maine residents enrolled in accredited institutions. This grant complements federal aid programs and can be a significant source of support, particularly for students attending community colleges or public universities within the state. To apply for the Maine State Grant and explore federal financial aid options, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through Federal Student Aid, which determines eligibility for both federal and state assistance.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, Maine students can leverage federal student loans, Pell Grants, and work-study programs through the Federal Student Aid platform. Many institutions also offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid to offset tuition costs. The University of Maine System, which includes several information security program providers, administers additional scholarship opportunities for in-state students. Students should visit individual school financial aid offices and consult the College Scorecard to compare net price calculators and understand total cost of attendance across Maine's 15 institutions offering information security programs. Early planning and completion of financial aid applications can maximize awards and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, Maine
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security 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.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information security 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
Information Security Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Maine metro areas
Portland$104K
Bangor$99K
Augusta$94K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Portland | $104K |
| Bangor | $99K |
| Augusta | $94K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in Maine
Find information security jobs in Maine. These major employers across Maine metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Portland
MEWEX Inc.
fintech
IDEXX Laboratories
biotech
Tyler Technologies
govtech
MaineHealth
healthcare
Information Security Jobs in Bangor
MEUniversity of Maine
education
Jackson Laboratory
research
Transfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Maine
State Transfer System
Maine's structured transfer system provides seamless educational pathways for students beginning at community colleges and advancing to four-year universities. The Maine Transfer Pathways program (Maine Transfer Pathways) offers articulation agreements that guarantee credit transfer and streamline progress toward bachelor's degrees. Students completing associate's degree programs at any of Maine's 7 information security programs at community colleges like Southern Maine Community College (27 completions), Eastern Maine Community College (18 completions), and Central Maine Community College (16 completions) can transfer directly into bachelor's programs without losing academic credits. This system significantly reduces time-to-degree and overall educational costs for Maine residents.
How Transfers Work
The community college pathway is particularly attractive given affordability, with associate's degree tuition at $2,880 annually at Southern Maine Community College, Eastern Maine Community College, and Central Maine Community College. After completing an associate's degree, students can transfer to bachelor's programs at institutions like the University of Maine at Augusta (#5 Most Affordable, $7,560 tuition), University of Southern Maine (#4 Bachelor's, $8,316 tuition), or the University of Maine (#3 Bachelor's, $12,000 tuition). Additional financial support is available through the Maine State Grant, which provides need-based assistance up to $1,500/year for eligible Maine residents (Maine State Grant). For comprehensive transfer planning, students should consult their institution's transfer office and explore related fields such as network administration and cloud computing for additional career pathway opportunities.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Maine?
Industry & Workforce
Maine offers a strong ecosystem for information security education with 15 institutions across the state delivering specialized programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). Students can choose from 7 associate's programs, 6 bachelor's degree options, and 2 master's programs, providing flexible pathways regardless of educational background. The state's commitment to cybersecurity education is evident in the consistent enrollment and completion rates, with institutions like the University of Maine at Augusta leading the charge with 29 completions in recent years. These programs prepare graduates for careers in one of the fastest-growing sectors in technology.
Salary Outlook
Maine's tech corridor, centered in Portland and the surrounding metropolitan area, hosts major employers including MaineHealth, IDEXX Laboratories, and L.L.Bean, all increasingly focused on information security and data protection. Students benefit from competitive affordability, with public four-year institution tuition averaging just $9,067 for in-state students compared to the national landscape (BLS State Data). Top-ranked schools like the University of Maine (#3 Bachelor's, $12,000 tuition) and University of Southern Maine (#4 Bachelor's, $8,316 tuition) combine quality education with financial accessibility. For additional context on related fields, explore cybersecurity in Maine and network administration programs to understand broader career opportunities in the state's information technology sector.
Information Security Program Availability in Maine
10 Programs
Maine offers 10 accredited information security programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Portland, Bangor, Augusta.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Maine
Employment Outlook
Maine's information security job market is supported by a growing technology sector across the state's major metropolitan areas. The Portland-South Portland metro area and Bangor region represent the strongest employment hubs for cybersecurity and information security professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maine's tech sector continues to expand with increased demand for security specialists across various industries. The state's strategic location and emerging tech infrastructure create competitive opportunities for graduates with information security credentials from Maine institutions.
Salaries by Metro
Educational pathways in Maine align well with job market demand. With 15 institutions offering information security programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels (IPEDS Data), Maine provides accessible entry points into the field. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is approximately $9,067, making Maine programs particularly affordable compared to national averages. Career prospects extend beyond state borders, with Maine graduates competitive for positions at technology firms nationwide. For current salary data and detailed occupational information, consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics and explore best cybersecurity programs nationally for comparative market insights.
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 Information Security Programs in Maine
Online Programs
2 available in Maine
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$6,288/yr$6,987/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 Information Security Programs in Other States
Best Information Security Degree Programs in New Hampshire
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $15,500
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 20
- Median Tuition
- $44,500
Best Information Security Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $4,300
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 48
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
Best Information Security Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 57
- Median Tuition
- $17,800
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 23
- Median Tuition
- $15,000
Information Security Degree Programs in Maine: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in Maine?
The best information security degree programs in Maine based on our methodology are: 1) University of Maine at Augusta (highly ranked), 2) Thomas College, and 3) University of Maine at Fort Kent. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Maine offers 10 total accredited programs across 9 public and 1 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 4 bachelor's programs.
How much do information security degree programs cost in Maine?
Information Security degree program costs in Maine vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $6,987/year, while private institutions average $15,371/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $1,747/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $27,948 at public schools to $61,486 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 information security degree graduates earn in Maine?
Information Security 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 information security degree programs in Maine?
Yes, Maine offers 2 accredited online Information Security 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 Northern Maine Community College and Washington County Community College. 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 information security degree graduates in Maine?
Major Information Security 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 an information security degree program worth it in Maine?
An information security degree program in Maine offers strong ROI with a $94,320 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $6,987/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 information security degree programs take in Maine?
Standard completion times for information security 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 information security degree students in Maine?
Maine information security 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.
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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.