Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Portland, ME (2026)
Portland, Maine has a population of about 68,505. The city’s median household income is $76,174 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 59.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Portland, with tuition ranging from $67,844 to $84,600 per year. In the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $84,680 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Portland
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Portland city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New England | Biddeford, ME | 16.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | Durham, NH | 49.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Colby College | Waterville, ME | 68.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Salem State University | Salem, MA | 86.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Tufts University | Medford, MA | 96.6 mi | $67,844 - $84,600 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Maine schools on the Maine liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Portland
Portland is part of the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area (BLS area code 38860). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Maine statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,520 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $60,373 |
| Management Analyst | $84,680 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $83,101 |
| Technical Writer | $73,210 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $71,845 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $48,300 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $47,399 |
| Editor | $47,750 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $46,860 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $65,040 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $63,827 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $69,620 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $68,322 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Portland at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,505 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $76,174 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 59.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 101.9 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Cumberland County | 929 workers, 147 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Portland-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- South Portland, ME – 3.3 mi away (25,577 pop)
- Biddeford, ME – 17.1 mi away (21,362 pop)
- Auburn, ME – 28.2 mi away (22,948 pop)
- Lewiston, ME – 29.1 mi away (58,664 pop)
- Sanford, ME – 30.0 mi away (29,139 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Portland, ME?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Portland. The closest is University of New England in Biddeford, ME (16.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Tufts University (96.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Portland?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Portland are: Management Analyst ($84,680), Technical Writer ($73,210), Human Resources Specialist ($69,620). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Maine statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in South Portland instead of Portland?
South Portland, ME is 3.3 miles from Portland and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Portland an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Portland’s median household income of $76,174 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Portland while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Maine public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.