Top 15 Art Schools in Maine and Their Fees (2025)

Maine, known for its stunning coastal scenery, historic charm, and vibrant creative communities, is also home to some of the best art schools in New England. From fine arts to digital design, sculpture, photography, and art education, students in Maine can pursue world-class programs that nurture creativity and prepare them for diverse artistic careers.

In this post, we explore the top 15 art schools in Maine, their unique programs, and tuition fees to help you choose the right one for your artistic journey.

Top 15 Art Schools in Maine and Their Fees

1. Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) – Portland

The Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is the state’s most prestigious and comprehensive art institution. Located in downtown Portland, MECA&D offers an inspiring environment surrounded by galleries, studios, and creative hubs. The college provides Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in painting, illustration, photography, graphic design, sculpture, and ceramics. Graduate programs include the MFA in Studio Art and MAT in Art Education.

Students at MECA&D benefit from small class sizes, access to professional artist mentors, and real-world opportunities through internships and exhibitions. The college’s “Salt Institute for Documentary Studies” is also a highlight, focusing on storytelling through photography and audio.

Tuition Fees: Around $42,000 per year (undergraduate); graduate programs vary from $25,000–$30,000 annually.

2. University of Maine – Orono

The University of Maine (UMaine) offers a dynamic Department of Art that combines studio practice with critical art history education. Students can major in Studio Art, Art Education, or Art History, choosing from concentrations like painting, printmaking, digital art, and 3D design.

UMaine’s art facilities include state-of-the-art studios and exhibition spaces such as the Lord Hall Gallery, where students showcase their work. The university’s broad liberal arts foundation ensures graduates are well-rounded thinkers and creators.

Tuition Fees: In-state students pay around $12,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay about $33,000 annually.

3. University of Southern Maine – Gorham

The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers a strong Art and Design program based on the Gorham campus. With programs in Studio Art, Art History, and Art Education, students explore both creative practice and theory.

USM emphasizes hands-on learning through gallery exhibitions, community art projects, and internships in the vibrant Portland art scene. The Art Gallery at Gorham showcases contemporary works and provides professional exhibition experience for students.

Tuition Fees: Approximately $9,000 per year for in-state students and $25,000 per year for out-of-state students.

4. Bowdoin College – Brunswick

Bowdoin College, one of Maine’s most respected liberal arts institutions, offers an exceptional Visual Arts Department that encourages creative exploration within a liberal arts framework. Students gain experience in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, digital media, and photography.

Bowdoin’s campus art facilities include cutting-edge studios and the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, which houses over 20,000 works of art. The program encourages critical thinking and innovation, preparing students for graduate study or creative careers.

Tuition Fees: Approximately $66,000 per year (including tuition and fees).

5. Bates College – Lewiston

At Bates College, art is seen as a central part of intellectual life. The Department of Art and Visual Culture blends studio practice with academic study. Students can specialize in Studio Art or Art History and Criticism, gaining a deep understanding of visual expression and its cultural significance.

The college’s Olin Arts Center houses modern studios and galleries where students and visiting artists collaborate. Bates encourages experimentation and interdisciplinary work, fostering creativity in a supportive environment.

Tuition Fees: Around $65,000 per year.

6. Colby College – Waterville

Colby College offers a comprehensive Art Department with programs in Studio Art and Art History. Students explore various media, from painting and sculpture to digital imaging and photography. The college’s partnership with the Colby College Museum of Art provides unparalleled access to a vast art collection and exhibition opportunities.

The curriculum promotes creativity and critical thought while maintaining strong ties to the liberal arts tradition. Students graduate with both artistic skill and intellectual depth.

Tuition Fees: Approximately $66,000 per year.

7. University of New England – Biddeford

The University of New England (UNE) integrates art with digital innovation. The Arts and Humanities Department offers courses in Art and Design Media, combining traditional art skills with technology-driven creativity. Students learn about design principles, digital imaging, video production, and visual storytelling.

UNE’s scenic coastal location adds inspiration, while small class sizes allow for personalized instruction. Students gain hands-on experience with design software and multimedia projects that prepare them for careers in creative industries.

Tuition Fees: Around $42,000 per year.

8. College of the Atlantic – Bar Harbor

College of the Atlantic (COA) takes a unique, interdisciplinary approach to art education through its Human Ecology program, which allows students to combine art with environmental and social studies. Students explore visual arts, sculpture, performance, and multimedia with a focus on sustainability and cultural expression.

The college’s small size fosters individual mentorship and creative freedom. Its coastal Bar Harbor setting provides a stunning natural backdrop for artists inspired by nature and community engagement.

Tuition Fees: Approximately $45,000 per year.

9. Husson University – Bangor

Husson University offers a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Technology with a concentration in Graphic/Visual Design, perfect for students interested in digital art, media production, and visual communication. The program emphasizes both artistic creativity and technical proficiency.

Students learn web design, motion graphics, and digital illustration, preparing them for careers in advertising, marketing, and entertainment industries. Husson’s approach combines business acumen with artistic innovation.

Tuition Fees: Around $22,000 per year.

10. University of Maine at Augusta (UMA)

The University of Maine at Augusta offers diverse art-related programs, including Art, Graphic Design, and Architecture. The Art Department emphasizes hands-on studio work in drawing, ceramics, painting, and sculpture. UMA’s Katz Library Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions featuring student and faculty artwork.

UMA’s affordability and flexible schedules attract both traditional and nontraditional students. Graduates leave with practical portfolios and a strong sense of artistic identity.

Tuition Fees: Around $9,000 per year (in-state); $20,000 per year (out-of-state).

11. University of Maine at Farmington (UMF)

The University of Maine at Farmington provides a Visual Arts Program that emphasizes creativity, technique, and art history. Students can pursue Studio Art, New Media, or Art Education tracks, depending on their career goals.

UMF’s close-knit art community and access to professional galleries give students a strong sense of belonging and opportunity. Graduates often go on to become educators, designers, or professional artists.

Tuition Fees: Around $9,000 per year for Maine residents and $20,000 for out-of-state students.

12. New England School of Communications (NESCom) – Bangor

Part of Husson University, the New England School of Communications offers specialized programs in Video Production, Graphic/Visual Design, and Multimedia Communication. This school is perfect for students who want to merge art with technology and storytelling.

Students develop strong portfolios using industry-standard tools, preparing them for careers in film, digital media, and creative marketing. NESCom’s focus on hands-on projects gives it an edge in practical learning.

Tuition Fees: Approximately $22,000 per year.

13. Southern Maine Community College – South Portland

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) provides an affordable entry point into art and design education. Its Fine Arts Associate Degree program introduces students to drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture, while also teaching art appreciation and design fundamentals.

SMCC is ideal for students planning to transfer to a four-year program or start a career in creative arts. Its scenic coastal campus and supportive faculty make it a strong choice for aspiring artists on a budget.

Tuition Fees: Around $3,800 per year for in-state students; $6,600 per year for out-of-state students.

14. Maine Media College – Rockport

Maine Media College is a haven for photographers, filmmakers, and visual storytellers. It offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Media Arts, as well as professional workshops in photography, filmmaking, and book arts.

The college emphasizes hands-on, immersive learning led by renowned artists and media professionals. Students learn to express themselves visually while developing the technical mastery needed in today’s creative industries.

Tuition Fees: Around $27,000 per year for MFA students.

15. Haystack Mountain School of Crafts – Deer Isle

The Haystack Mountain School of Crafts is internationally known for its immersive summer workshops in ceramics, glass, metals, textiles, and woodworking. While it doesn’t offer formal degrees, it provides world-class craft education for artists at all levels.

Haystack’s programs attract artists from around the world seeking to refine their craft in a supportive, community-focused environment. The campus, perched on the rugged coast of Deer Isle, offers one of the most inspiring creative settings in America.

Tuition Fees: Workshop fees range from $1,000–$3,000 depending on program length and materials.

Conclusion

Maine’s art schools reflect the state’s deep appreciation for creativity, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking a prestigious fine arts degree or a hands-on craft experience, there’s an institution here to match your passion.

From the elite programs at MECA&D, Bowdoin, and Bates to the accessible opportunities at UMA and SMCC, Maine offers art students a blend of inspiration, skill development, and community that few states can rival.

If you’re planning to pursue art in the heart of New England, consider Maine—where creativity meets coastal charm.