Best Nursing Programs in Maine (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 161 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Maine. The fastest listed completion time is 18 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 94.0% first-time pass rate. RNs in Maine earn $74,690/year on average (BLS).
161
Programs
40
Schools
18 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
94.0%
Avg NCLEX (5)
97
Online / Hybrid
$75K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Maine nursing programs at a glance
- 161 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Maine (0 LPN, 4 ADN, 7 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 18 months (MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 98.77% (Southern Maine Community College).
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve Maine students (3 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Maine: $74,690 (BLS) · 4.1% projected job growth through 2032.
Maine nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 161 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 40 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 4 ADN · 7 BSN · 67 MSN · 22 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State University — 18 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 94.0% average across 5 programs with published data · high: 98.77% (Southern Maine Community College) |
| Delivery formats | 93 online · 4 hybrid · 3 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $74,690/yr (BLS) · 4.1% projected growth through 2032 |
BSN Programs in Maine
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Showing 100 of 161 programs from our directory for Maine.
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How to choose a nursing program in Maine
Maine is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (161 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Maine ($74,690/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in Maine is projected to grow 4.1% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Maine means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Maine directory, the fastest listed completion time is 18 months. We track 161 accredited nursing programs in Maine — including 11 entry-level RN pathways. Maine is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Maine is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near New Hampshire.
Key takeaways
- Screen Maine programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Maine.
- Maine is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Maine lists 11 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in Maine spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve Maine students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $74,690 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Maine
Programs by Degree Type
67
MSN Programs
22
DNP Programs
7
BSN Programs
4
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Maine
40 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Eastern Maine Community College | 1 | ADN | 92.0% | View |
| Central Maine Community College | 1 | ADN | 96.4% | View |
| Southern Maine Community College | 1 | ADN | 98.8% | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Maine?
There are 161 accredited nursing programs available in Maine across 40 schools — including 0 LPN, 4 ADN, 7 BSN, 67 MSN, and 22 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Maine?
Nursing program tuition in Maine starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Maine?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Maine can be completed in 18 months (MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Maine?
Registered nurses in Maine earn an average of $74,690 per year ($36/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Maine is projected to grow 4.1% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Maine?
Yes. There are 97 online and hybrid nursing programs (93 fully online, 4 hybrid) available to Maine residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Maine.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Maine?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Southern Maine Community College leads at 98.77% first-time pass rate (Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)). Average across 5 programs with data: 94.0%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Maine?
To practice nursing in Maine, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Maine Board of Nursing. Maine is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years.
Is there a nursing shortage in Maine?
Yes. Like most states, Maine is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 4.1% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Maine?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Maine vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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