Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Maine 2025
Colby College
43 software engineering graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
Bowdoin College
28 software engineering graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
University of Maine
47 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Maine offers 10+ accredited software engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Colby College leads with 91% graduation rate
- 3.Maine software developers earn median $94,320 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Portland, Bangor, Augusta
- 5.Cost of living index: 108.1% of US average (above average)
Software Engineering Education in Maine: Overview
Maine offers 10 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 152 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Portland, Bangor, Augusta, with major employers including IDEXX, WEX, Tyler Technologies.
With a median software developer salary of $94,320 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 108.1% compared to the US average, Maine offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top software engineering programs in the state are led by Colby College, Bowdoin College, University of Maine, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Maine Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colby College | Waterville, ME | Private | $63,790 | 91% | 77.3 |
| 2 | Bowdoin College | Brunswick, ME | Private | $64,304 | 99% | 74.7 |
| 3 | University of Maine | Orono, ME | Public | $12,000 | — | 50.2 |
| 4 | University of Southern Maine | Portland, ME | Public | $8,316 | — | 41.8 |
| 5 | Husson University | Bangor, ME | Private | $21,204 | — | 35.2 |
| 6 | Thomas College | Waterville, ME | Private | $29,824 | — | 34.6 |
| 7 | Southern Maine Community College | South Portland, ME | Public | $2,880 | — | 32.2 |
| 8 | University of Maine at Presque Isle | Presque Isle, ME | Public | $7,650 | — | 29.5 |
| 9 | University of Maine at Farmington | Farmington, ME | Public | $8,910 | — | 29.3 |
| 10 | York County Community College | Wells, ME | Public | $2,880 | — | 27.3 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Maine: Side-by-Side
| School | Colby College | Bowdoin College | U of Maine | U of Southern Maine | Husson |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $63,790 | $64,304 | $12,000 | $8,316 | $21,204 |
| Graduation Rate | 91% | 99% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 43 | 28 | 47 | 12 | 4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 7% | 8% | 96% | 79% | 86% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 77.3/100 | 74.7/100 | 50.2/100 | 41.8/100 | 35.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Maine
Maine offers 8 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Colby College, Bowdoin College, University of Maine. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $66,024 in the Maine market.
A bachelor's in software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Maine
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Colby College | $63,790 | 91% | 43 | 77.3 |
| #2 Bowdoin College | $64,304 | 99% | 28 | 74.7 |
| #3 U of Maine | $12,000 | N/A% | 47 | 50.2 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Maine
For graduate study, Maine offers 1 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Maine. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Maine reaching $122,616 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best software engineering master's programs for more options beyond Maine.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Maine
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Maine | $12,000 | N/A% | 4 | 33.2 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Maine
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Maine are at Southern Maine Community College ($2,880/year), York County Community College ($2,880/year), University of Maine at Presque Isle ($7,650/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Maine's competitive tech salaries.
At Southern Maine Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $11,520 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $66,024, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Maine (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Southern Maine Community... | $2,880 | $11,520 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 York County Community... | $2,880 | $11,520 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 U of Maine at Presque Isle | $7,650 | $30,600 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Maine
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering programs in Maine, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Colby College
Waterville, ME • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $63,790 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 43 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 7%
- • Ranking Score: 77.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 43 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (43 graduates), state salary outcomes ($94,320), and selectivity (7% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,304 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 8%
- • Ranking Score: 74.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 28 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 74.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($94,320), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Maine
Orono, ME • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 47 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 50.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 47 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (47 graduates), state salary outcomes ($94,320), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,316 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 41.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 12 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($94,320), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Husson University
Bangor, ME • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $21,204 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 35.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 4 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 35.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($94,320), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Maine with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Maine with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Maine with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Maine with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Maine with strong job growth.
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Portland, Bangor, Augusta
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($94,320 median)
- You want to work at companies like IDEXX or WEX
- You prefer Maine's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Maine's 10)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Software Engineering in Maine FAQ
Based on 10 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Maine-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Maine salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.