University campus in Maine
Updated June 28, 2026

Best Network Administration Degree Programs in Maine, 2026 Rankings

Compare the top network administration colleges in Maine. 10 accredited network administration schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value, from Southern Maine Community College to University of Maine at Augusta.

#1 ProgramU of Maine at Augusta
Avg Salary$94,320
Tuition From$2,880/yr
Job Growth+22%
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology

6

Programs ranked

IPEDS 2024

$94,320

Maine median network administration salary

BLS OEWS 2024

78.4/100

Top program score

Hakia methodology

5%

U.S. job growth (2023–33)

BLS projections

Key Takeaways

Best network administration degree programs: U of Maine at Augusta, Thomas College, U of Maine at Fort Kent

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2024

Tuition ranges from $2,880 to $29,824/year

Southern Maine Community ... offers the most affordable option at $2,880/yr

IPEDS 2024

Network Administration degree programs available: 6 associate's, 2 master's in Maine

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2024

2 online network administration degree programs in Maine

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2024

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

Network Administration 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 Network Administration programs

We rank 12 accredited network administration 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 Network Administration Degree Programs in Maine Worth It?

Answer
$94,320
Yes. The best network administration 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

Network Administration Degree Rankings in Maine

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

Best Associate's Network Administration Programs in Maine

6
Programs ranked
$2,880
Avg tuition/yr
37%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Maine offers 6 accredited associate's degree programs in network administration, 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 network administration schools in Maine, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their network administration degrees in Maine.

Show all 6 ranked programs
RankSchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateHakia Score
#6York County Community CollegeWells, MEPublic$2,88034%67.7

Network Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Maine

MetricValue
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 Network Administration Students in Maine

State Aid Programs

Maine residents pursuing network administration degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways, starting with the federal FAFSA process. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at Federal Student Aid to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Beyond federal aid, Maine offers the Maine State Grant, a need-based aid program that can provide up to $1,500 per year for eligible Maine residents enrolled in accredited institutions. This state-level support significantly reduces the financial burden, particularly for students attending public universities and community colleges across Maine.

Key Programs & Amounts

To maximize financial aid opportunities, students should research institutional scholarships offered by individual schools. The University of Maine System and community colleges throughout the state frequently offer merit-based and need-based scholarships specific to technology and IT programs. Many employers in Maine's major tech hubs, including MaineHealth, Hannaford, L.L.Bean, and IDEXX Laboratories, partner with local institutions to fund scholarships and tuition assistance programs. Students are encouraged to contact financial aid offices directly at their target institutions and explore the Maine State Grant program to understand their full aid package. For detailed guidance on federal aid options, visit Federal Student Aid. Additional resources for comparing aid packages across schools can be found through the College Scorecard, which provides transparency on costs and aid availability at participating institutions.

Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Maine

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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.

Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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

Network Administration 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 Network Administration Graduates in Maine

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

Network Administration Jobs in Portland

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

Network Administration Jobs in Bangor

ME
University of Maine
education
Jackson Laboratory
research

Transfer Pathways for Network Administration Degrees in Maine

State Transfer System

Maine's structured transfer system simplifies progression from community colleges to four-year universities. The Maine Transfer Pathways program, coordinated through the University of Maine System, establishes formal articulation agreements allowing students to earn associate's degrees at two-year institutions and seamlessly transfer credits toward bachelor's degrees. Maine operates 8 community colleges including Southern Maine Community College (27 completions), Eastern Maine Community College (18 completions), and Central Maine Community College (16 completions), all of which feed into the University of Maine System's four-year campuses. This pathway significantly reduces time-to-degree and cost for students entering through affordable community college options.

How Transfers Work

Students completing associate's degrees in Network Administration at any Maine community college can transfer directly to universities like University of Maine at Augusta ($7,560 in-state tuition), University of Southern Maine ($8,316 in-state tuition), or University of Maine ($12,000 in-state tuition) with guaranteed credit recognition. The Maine State Grant program provides need-based financial support up to $1,500 annually for resident students, further reducing transfer-to-bachelor's barriers (Federal Student Aid). Many employers recognize and value the structured community college-to-university pathway, particularly for professional development. For additional context on program quality and affordability, explore National Online Programs, Network Administration in New York, and institutional transfer guides to maximize credit efficiency and career readiness (Maine Transfer Pathways).

Why Pursue a Network Administration Degree in Maine?

Industry & Workforce

Maine offers strong educational pathways for aspiring network administrators, with 14 institutions across the state providing Network Administration programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Maine institutions awarded 71 associate's degrees, 33 bachelor's degrees, and 10 master's degrees in Network Administration, reflecting strong regional demand for IT infrastructure professionals. The state's higher education system, managed by the University of Maine System, ensures consistent program quality and accessibility across rural and urban areas.

Salary Outlook

Maine's major employment hubs, including Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston, host significant employers like MaineHealth, Hannaford, L.L.Bean, and IDEXX Laboratories, all requiring skilled network administrators for enterprise infrastructure. Public four-year institutions in Maine offer competitive in-state tuition averaging $9,067 annually, making quality IT education affordable for Maine residents (College Scorecard). Top-ranked programs like the University of Maine at Augusta lead the state with 29 completions, while Southern Maine Community College follows with 27 completions, ensuring diverse educational options. For career advancement and specialized knowledge, explore related fields such as Cloud Computing in Maine, Cybersecurity in Maine, and Information Technology in Maine to build comprehensive IT expertise.

Network Administration Program Availability in Maine

10 Programs
Maine offers 10 accredited network administration programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Portland, Bangor, Augusta.

Source: IPEDS 2024

Network Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Maine

Employment Outlook

Maine's network administration job market reflects steady demand across the state's diverse economic sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT professionals including network administrators remain essential to Maine's growing digital infrastructure. The state's major metropolitan areas. Portland-South Portland and Bangor, serve as primary employment hubs, with Portland-South Portland showing particularly strong growth in technology roles. Regional distribution across Southern Maine, Midcoast, Downeast, and Central Maine regions ensures opportunities exist beyond urban centers, making Maine an accessible market for network administration professionals seeking careers in both metropolitan and rural settings.

Salaries by Metro

Maine's network administration program landscape supports workforce development with 14 institutions offering credentials at various levels. Associate's programs dominate supply with 71 completions across 7 institutions, providing accessible entry points for career changers. Bachelor's programs at 5 institutions produced 33 completions, while 2 institutions offer master's degrees with 10 completions. This tiered pathway structure aligns with Maine's Maine Transfer Pathways initiative, which facilitates smooth transitions from community colleges to university programs. Top completers like Southern Maine Community College (27 completions) and University of Maine at Augusta (29 completions) anchor regional employment pipelines, directly supporting employer needs across the state's major cities and metro areas.

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 Network Administration 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 Network Administration Programs in Other States

Network Administration Degree Programs in Maine: FAQ

What are the best network administration degree programs in Maine?
The best network administration 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 network administration degree programs cost in Maine?
Network Administration 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 network administration degree graduates earn in Maine?
Network Administration 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 network administration degree programs in Maine?
Yes, Maine offers 2 accredited online Network Administration 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 network administration degree graduates in Maine?
Major Network Administration 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 network administration degree program worth it in Maine?
A network administration 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 network administration degree programs take in Maine?
Standard completion times for network administration 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 network administration degree students in Maine?
Maine network administration 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

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 Network Administration 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 Associate's Network Administration programs

#1Washington County Community CollegeCalais, ME

Why it stands out. Washington County Community College provides affordable Network Administration education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Hakia insight. Washington County's Calais location serves as a bridge to both Maine and Maritime Canada employment markets, positioning graduates for positions unavailable through strictly US-focused community college networks.

Washington County Community College offers Network Administration programs in Calais, ME. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

#2Northern Maine Community CollegePresque Isle, ME

Why it stands out. Northern Maine Community College provides affordable Network Administration education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Hakia insight. Northern Maine Community College's transfer pathways to four-year universities let students earn an affordable associate degree in Presque Isle, then complete a bachelor's remotely or on-campus without restarting.

Northern Maine Community College offers Network Administration programs in Presque Isle, ME. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

#3Eastern Maine Community CollegeBangor, ME

Hakia insight. EMCC's deliberate regional employer feedback loop means curriculum shifts when Bangor-area hospitals or manufacturers change their tech stack—graduates never arrive on day one using outdated tools.

At the associate's level, working directly with employers in Bangor and the surrounding region, EMCC's network administration program is designed around what regional hospitals, manufacturers, and state agencies actually need. You'll graduate with hands-on experience in network security, server management, and IT infrastructure—skills that translate immediately into positions at organizations like Eastern Maine Medical Center and local manufacturing facilities. The program balances theory with real-world problem-solving in equipped labs, and many students complete internships that turn into job offers before their final semester ends. Transfer to UMaine is straightforward for those pursuing a bachelor's, but the majority of graduates move into workforce roles.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in Network Administration · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: State of Maine IT, Bangor-area healthcare systems, Regional school districts, Local government IT departments, Financial services companies

#4Southern Maine Community CollegeSouth Portland, ME

Hakia insight. SMCC's partnership with Maine Medical Center and Central Maine Medical Center gives students direct visibility into healthcare networks that must maintain 99.99% uptime; that operational reality shapes every lab assignment.

At the associate's level, you'll get hands-on experience in SMCC's network labs where you configure real routers, switches, and servers—not simulations. The program emphasizes practical troubleshooting skills that employers in the Portland area actively recruit for, with many graduates landing help desk and junior network administrator roles within months of graduation. SMCC has strong relationships with local healthcare systems and financial institutions that hire their graduates, and the program's focus on both on-premises infrastructure and cloud fundamentals prepares you for the hybrid IT environments you'll actually encounter. The two-year pathway also feeds cleanly into University of Maine's bachelor's programs if you decide to advance.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in Network Administration · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: Maine Medical Center, Central Maine Medical Center, Local healthcare networks, Portland-area financial institutions, State of Maine IT departments

#5Central Maine Community CollegeAuburn, ME

Hakia insight. Central Maine's explicit emphasis on multi-site troubleshooting under real constraints addresses a skills gap: most programs teach single-site networking, but CMCC graduates can manage the distributed complexity that regional employers actually need.

At the associate's level, employers in the Auburn-Lewiston region specifically praise CMCC graduates for their ability to support multi-site networks and troubleshoot connectivity issues under real conditions—skills built through the program's emphasis on hands-on labs and industry-standard equipment. The program integrates security fundamentals and cloud access management earlier than many similar programs, reflecting what actual employers are seeing in job postings. You'll earn certifications that matter immediately (CompTIA A+ and Network+) while building the confidence to communicate technical problems to non-technical users. Graduates consistently report that the program's smaller cohort size meant better access to instructors and more personalized career guidance.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in Network Administration · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: Central Maine Medical Center, Auburn-Lewiston area manufacturers, Regional school districts, Local government IT, Regional healthcare networks

#6York County Community CollegeWells, ME

Hakia insight. YCCC's proximity to Portsmouth's cross-border tech corridor means students graduate with networking experience in both Maine and New Hampshire regulatory environments—a regional advantage that increases job mobility and salary negotiation power.

At the associate's level, with access to the southern Maine tech corridor and proximity to Portsmouth-area employers across state lines, YCCC's network program positions you in one of New England's hottest job markets for IT professionals. The program's advisory board includes hiring managers from regional firms, ensuring coursework stays aligned with what employers actually need—you won't spend time on outdated tech. You'll build hands-on skills across networking infrastructure, troubleshooting, and security fundamentals, with clear pathways into help desk and junior admin roles immediately after graduation. The smaller class sizes at YCCC mean you get real attention from instructors and stronger industry networking connections for your first job.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in Network Administration · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: York County healthcare systems, Southern Maine school districts, Local government IT departments, Regional financial institutions, Cross-border employers in New Hampshire