Historically, in-state and out-of-state tuition for colleges and universities in Maine have been lower than any other New England state. Students can save money by choosing traditional or online nursing programs in Maine, but they should note that each state's licensure requirements vary.
The best nursing program in Maine for you should match your background and career goals. Students can complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program faster. However, earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or master of science in nursing (MSN) degree is more valuable if you plan to become a nurse practitioner (NP) later in your career.
The Best Nursing Schools in Maine
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list has not been updated for 2026.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Maine
Even though there are relatively few nursing schools in Maine, you still have a range of options. When making a decision, consider the following:
- Costs, including tuition and financial aid for nurses
- National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate, which can indicate how well a school prepares its students
- Clinical placement and assistance
- Program curriculum
- Program size
- Logistics of attending
Because nursing school accreditation is vital for a program's value, this guide only lists accredited nursing programs in Maine. Unaccredited programs may offer faster or cheaper courses, but the resulting credits or degree may not be beneficial for employment or when transferring to an accredited school.
Why Become a Nurse in Maine
Maine is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, meaning that when you graduate from a nursing school in Maine, you can apply for a multistate license. A multistate license is valid in any of the 37 participating NLC states.
If you decide to become a nurse educator, Maine offers a generous loan repayment program for nursing school faculty. In fact, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing member schools report that funding does not impact hiring nursing faculty as it does in most other states.
The NCLEX-RN pass rate was 92.3% in 2019, higher than the national pass rate of 88.2%.
Maine is famous for its scenic coastline, laid-back lifestyle, and outdoor recreation. The state also has one of the country's lowest crime rates.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Maine
The cost of living in Maine is higher than most other states, with a 115 cost-of-living index, compared to the national index of 100. The average annual RN salary is $71,040, compared to a national $80,010 salary, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The gap is narrower for NPs, with an average Maine NP salary of $111,580 compared to $114,510 nationally.
The number of RN jobs in Maine is projected to grow 6.5% between 2018 and 2028. The BLS projects an NP job growth rate of 20.6%. Attending nursing school in Maine can give you the advantage of having a close-knit local network.
Maine is a largely rural state, with only three metropolitan areas. All three are known for outdoor recreation and access to national parks, though Bangor is perhaps best known as the home of horror novelist Stephen King. Lewiston has a higher proportion of French speakers than any other state.
Learn more about RN salary in Maine here.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Average Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | $76,650 |
| Portland — South Portland, ME | $72,360 |
| Lewiston — Auburn, ME | $67,760 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Maine
To become a registered nurse, you need a nursing degree, a passing grade on the NCLEX, and a criminal background check for state nurse licensing. You must apply online for your Maine nursing license; the state board of nursing does not accept paper applications.
RN Requirements
To earn an RN license in Maine, you must graduate from an ADN or a BSN program, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and complete a criminal background check. To transfer from one nursing program to another, you must spend at least one year at the school you are transferring from.
The application fee is $75. You must also pay $52 for the criminal background check and $200 for the NCLEX-RN exam. You need to renew your license every two years and have at least 75 continuing education credits for nurses.
APRN Requirements
You must graduate from an MSN or doctor of nursing practice program, pass the applicable board certification, and have an active RN license to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in Maine.
The state board of nursing only accepts online applications. The application fee is $100, and the RN license verification fee is $30. You must also send proof of your board certification and official transcript.
Other requirements include two years of supervision under a physician or NP for new APRNs and recent credits or continuing hours in pharmacology to apply for prescriptive authority.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Maine
