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Maine flag2025-26Rank #33

Maine College Cost 2025-26

$12,790 in-state, $32,860 out-of-state. Community college: $4,156.

By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26

$12,790
In-state
$51,160
4-year sticker
$32,860
Out-of-state
#33
National rank

Maine college cost breakdown

In-state tuition

$12,790

Out-of-state

$32,860

2-year in-district

$4,156

Estimated COA

$26,690

Maine's $12,790/yr in-state tuition ranks #33 nationally (lowest = #1) and exceeds the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).

Four-year sticker cost in Maine

Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.

In-state tuition (1 year)

Rank #33 nationally

$12,790

4-year sticker (tuition only)

No room/board

$51,160

Estimated COA (1 year)

Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)

$26,690

Out-of-state tuition (1 year)

Premium +$20,070

$32,860

Community college (1 year)

Public 2-year in-district

$4,156

Maine vs neighboring states

Geographic neighbors. Click for side-by-side comparison.

New Hampshire

Rank #50

In-state$18,000
Difference+$5,210

Compare Maine with another state

Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.

Compare any two states

Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.

States with similar in-state tuition

Alabama

$12,540

Missouri

$13,090

Kentucky

$12,460

Arizona

$13,150

South Carolina

$13,270

Washington

$12,260

Key takeaways — Maine college costs

  • Maine public 4-year in-state tuition averages $12,790/yr—rank #33 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $32,860/yr (rank #33), premium +$20,070.
  • Four-year sticker (tuition only): $51,160 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $26,690/yr × 4 ≈ $106,760.
  • Public 2-year in-district: $4,156/yr (US avg $4,150).
  • Maine is $840 above the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
  • Maine does not offer a state income tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions.
  • Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.

Maine college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college

Maine public 4-year institutions charge an average of $12,790 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #33 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $32,860/yr (rank #33), premium +$20,070.

Community college in Maine: Public 2-year in-district: $4,156/yr (US avg $4,150). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.

Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: Maine ≈ $26,690/yr in-state.

Four-year sticker cost in Maine

Four years of in-state tuition totals about $51,160 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $106,760.

Out-of-state students pay about $131,440 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $80,280 more than in-state over 4 years.

These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.

Maine 529 plan tax benefits

Maine does not offer a state income tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions. Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.

529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers (SECURE 2.0 Act).

Link your 529 savings goal to Maine tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.

Maine financial aid and scholarship programs

Maine may offer state grants, merit scholarships, or promise programs that reduce net cost below sticker price. Check the Maine higher education agency or state financial aid office for program details, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. State aid is typically limited to Maine residents attending in-state public institutions.

Who this Maine guide helps

  • Families comparing Maine tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
  • High school students in Maine evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
  • 529 savers setting contribution targets based on Maine public college costs.
  • Relocation researchers weighing college affordability across state lines.

When to use other tools

  • You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
  • You're comparing private college costs in Maine (this page covers public only).
  • You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
  • You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).

Maine college cost checklist

  • Note Maine in-state tuition: $12,790/yr (rank #33).
  • Out-of-state: $32,860/yr (premium +$20,070).
  • Community college: $4,156/yr (2-year in-district).
  • Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
  • Check Maine 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
  • Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
  • Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.

Maine college cost FAQs

Maine averages $12,790 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #33 nationally (lowest = #1).

Out-of-state tuition averages $32,860/yr in Maine (rank #33), a premium of $20,070 above in-state.

Public 2-year in-district tuition & fees average $4,156/yr in Maine (tuition only, no room/board). US average: $4,150.

Four years of in-state tuition totals about $51,160 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $26,690/yr × 4 ≈ $106,760.

Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. ME residents should check /529-calculator for Maine-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.

Maine may offer state grants, scholarships, or promise programs. Check the Maine higher education agency or state financial aid office for eligibility.

Maine ranks #33 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.

Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.

Most Maine public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a Maine driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.

Yes. Most Maine state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.