2026 Best Value General Studies Schools in Maine

1

Kennebec Valley Community College
Fairfield, ME

For return on investment in general studies, no school beat Kennebec Valley Community College this year. Located in the town of Fairfield, Kennebec Valley Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $32,448. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME

A rank of #2 makes Central Maine Community College one of the best values for general studies. Located in the city of Auburn, Central Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,140, with out-of-state students paying around $7,020. Students borrow a median of $15,575 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Central Maine Community College generally make around $31,646. That is a strong return on a $15,575 median debt.

3

University Of Maine At Farmington
Farmington, ME

University Of Maine At Farmington is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Farmington, University Of Maine At Farmington is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,308, with out-of-state students paying around $23,878. General Studies graduates carry a median of $25,703 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $35,414. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Maine
Orono, ME

Students looking for strong value in general studies will find it at University Of Maine, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. General Studies graduates carry a median of $21,166 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $34,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%.

5

Husson University
Bangor, ME

Husson University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general studies schools. Located in the city of Bangor, Husson University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $23,304. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $36,809. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.