# Maine higher education and college town rankings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maine-higher-education-and-college-town-rankings
> Updated: 2026-08-18T19:58:39.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Maine higher education institutions and their surrounding communities have received recognition in recent national rankings.

Initially, Forbes released annual rankings for colleges and universities, placing Bowdoin College in the top 40. Other Maine institutions included in the list were Colby College, Bates College, Maine Maritime Academy, and the College of the Atlantic.

Subsequently, House Beautiful highlighted Maine college towns as being among the most picturesque in the region. This ranking noted the aesthetic appeal of communities associated with the University of Maine system and private colleges such as Bates and Colby, citing their historic downtowns and scenic landscapes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Maine college towns highlighted in beauty rankings

House Beautiful has ranked the most beautiful college towns in America, naming Ames, Iowa, as the top spot. Maine's college towns, including those near Bates and Colby, are also highlighted for their beauty.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-college-towns-highlighted-in-beauty-rankings

### 2026-08-09: Maine colleges featured in Forbes national rankings

Several Maine colleges, including Bowdoin, Colby, and Bates, have secured prominent positions in the latest annual Forbes national university rankings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-colleges-featured-in-forbes-national-rankings

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Cite as: Maine higher education and college town rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maine-higher-education-and-college-town-rankings