Affordable Online Degrees for Maine Residents
Affordable learning wherever you are.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in Maine
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
If you’re searching for affordable online degrees in Maine, it makes sense to start with familiar colleges and universities. But a school’s location matters less when you’re learning online. What’s important is finding a quality education that fits your budget, your schedule and your goals.
American College of Education (ACE) gives working professionals another option. As a fully online college, we make career-focused education more accessible through affordable tuition and flexible courses designed to fit into your life.
Our high student satisfaction¹ reflects an experience built around what students need to succeed, from knowledgeable faculty and practical coursework to the freedom to learn on your schedule. That’s the ACE difference, and we’re proud to offer it to Maine residents.
Why Choose ACE?
There’s no perfect time to go back to school, especially as a professional working full-time. ACE makes it possible to start sooner and learn on your terms with affordable tuition, flexible online coursework and ample support throughout your educational journey.
How ACE Compares
Maine offers respected higher education options like the University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, Husson University and Thomas College. But when you’re comparing online programs, there’s value in looking beyond familiar names and considering how each institution is built to serve online students.
ACE has been fully online from the start. Our courses, academic resources and student experience are intentionally designed for professionals balancing education with work and life. Add 11 start dates each year and affordable tuition, and you have greater freedom to begin and complete your education on terms that work for you. Compare your options below and see what makes ACE different.
| ACE | University of Maine | University of Southern Maine | Husson University | Thomas College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 11 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-6 starts | 2-6 starts | 2-6 starts |
| Student to faculty ratio | 11:13 | 15:14 | 14:14 | 15:14 | 20:14 |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0005 (total program cost) | $10,6624 (average annual in-state cost) | $9,9184 (average annual in-state cost) | $8,5864 (average annual cost) | $31,8244 (average annual cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Most of the time | Sometimes | Sometimes | Never |
Published tuition and fee figures for comparison institutions reflect annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown.
Our Commitment to Affordable Tuition
A quality degree doesn’t need to come with an overwhelming price tag. We keep your tuition affordable so more of your investment can go toward building your future instead of paying for the cost of getting there. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without student loan debt.6
Our Unique Academic Experience
ACE builds its curriculum specifically for online learning, with coursework designed to connect what you’re studying to the challenges, practices and opportunities shaping today’s workplaces. Our academic team regularly reviews programs to keep them current, while experienced faculty bring professional expertise into the classroom. The result is an education that helps you build knowledge you can put to work well before graduation.
Your experience also includes:
- Uniform course design: A consistent structure across courses means you can quickly find what you need and focus your time on learning
- Fully asynchronous learning: Aside from the hands-on experiences required in some programs, you aren’t required to attend scheduled live classes, allowing you to choose when you complete your coursework
- Comprehensive support: From our writing center and robust digital library to complimentary monthly tutoring, resources are available to help you keep moving forward
How ACE Supports Aspiring Maine Teachers
ACE offers online teaching degrees for Maine residents that help aspiring educators develop practical instructional skills, understand effective assessment techniques and build the knowledge needed to create meaningful learning experiences.
Because your coursework is online and largely asynchronous, you can prepare for a new career in education while continuing to manage the responsibilities already on your plate. With ACE, you can complete an initial licensure certificate or master’s degree and then take steps toward earning a teaching certificate in Maine, but you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of any additional requirements.
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Whether you’re looking to become an educator, grow your expertise or advance into administration, ACE equips you with the research, strategies, pedagogies and skills you need.
Business
Dive into today’s business landscape and discover how to address its challenges with relevant skills, practices and technologies that are designed to make a difference.
Healthcare
Healthcare administrators and public health professionals are a driving force in ensuring quality patient care. ACE prepares you to succeed in non-clinical healthcare roles.
Nursing
Nurses looking to become leaders or educators should look no further than ACE to support their career goals with innovative and applicable practices that lead to positive patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in Maine?
Yes! ACE is approved to enroll students in Maine and other SARA participating states through its home-state authorization in Indiana. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that online Maine colleges might not?
ACE combines three things working professionals value: affordability, flexibility and quality. Our fully online programs2 are designed around busy schedules, while career-relevant coursework helps you develop skills you can apply in the workplace. Plus, with every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
How can an ACE degree help me get a Maine teaching certificate?
ACE initial licensure programs combine foundational teaching knowledge with practical preparation in instructional methods, assessment and educational technology. You’ll develop skills designed to prepare you for the classroom while working toward the next steps required for teacher certification in Maine.
1Student Right to Know. Accessed Aug. 10, 2026.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3Internal research conducted in March 2026
4CollegeTuitionCompare: University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, Husson University, Thomas College. Accessed Aug. 10, 2026.
5This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
6Internal research completed in November 2025