University of Maine – Maine Business School (MBS)
Overview
The Maine Business School at the University of Maine offers an AACSB-accredited MBA program that blends traditional business education with a strong emphasis on leadership, innovation, and experiential learning. The program is designed to prepare students for management roles in diverse industries, with a particular focus on the unique economic needs of Maine. Students benefit from small class sizes, which fosters an intimate learning environment and close relationships with faculty and peers. The program also features a capstone consulting project that allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world business challenges.
MBS offers both a full-time MBA and an online MBA, allowing flexibility for working professionals and non-traditional students. The curriculum covers essential business topics such as finance, marketing, operations, and leadership, but also includes courses that focus on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and global business practices, all tailored to the local economy.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in BusinessWeek’s national list but recognized regionally for its strong ties to Maine’s industries and community engagement.
Number of Students
- Approximately 80 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 65%, making it moderately competitive.
Average GMAT Score
- 550, though the program also accepts GRE scores and provides GMAT waivers for students with relevant professional experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- L.L.Bean
- Unum
- WEX Inc.
- TD Bank
- MaineHealth
Average Starting Salaries
- $75,000 per year, with salary variation depending on industry and prior work experience.
Notable Alumni
- Stephen King: Famous author and philanthropist, though not directly from the MBA program, his ties to the university and state are notable.
- James Erwin: Attorney and partner at Pierce Atwood LLP.
- Joseph Baldacci: U.S. Representative for Maine’s 2nd congressional district.
Husson University – College of Business
Overview
Husson University offers a highly flexible MBA program that is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers or shift into new industries. The program is available both online and on-campus, making it a convenient option for students throughout Maine and beyond. Husson’s MBA is known for its affordability and practical, hands-on approach to business education. The curriculum is designed to emphasize leadership, ethics, and real-world application through case studies and project-based learning.
Students can choose from several concentrations, including Healthcare Management, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management, allowing them to tailor the degree to their career aspirations. In addition, Husson’s College of Business has a robust network of industry partnerships, ensuring that students have access to internships and job placements across Maine and New England.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked nationally by BusinessWeek but acknowledged for its strong professional networks in New England.
Number of Students
- Approximately 100 MBA students enrolled.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 70%, offering good accessibility to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- 510, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or high undergraduate GPAs.
Top Hiring Companies
- Northern Light Health
- Hannaford Supermarkets
- IDEXX Laboratories
- Eastern Maine Medical Center
- Bangor Savings Bank
Average Starting Salaries
- $65,000 per year, with variation depending on industry and concentration.
Notable Alumni
- John Baldacci: Former Governor of Maine and U.S. Representative.
- Wayne Newell: CEO of Cross Insurance.
- Robert Clark: Executive Director of Northern Maine Development Commission.
University of Southern Maine – School of Business
Overview
The School of Business at the University of Southern Maine (USM) is known for its high-quality, affordable MBA program that emphasizes practical experience and strong ties to the Maine business community. The program offers both full-time and part-time tracks, with many courses available in the evening to accommodate working professionals. USM’s MBA program integrates a rigorous core curriculum with elective options that allow students to specialize in areas such as Finance, Marketing, Accounting, or Business Analytics.
One of the unique features of the USM MBA is its focus on experiential learning. Students engage in internships, consulting projects, and case competitions that allow them to apply their skills in real-world business settings. The program also places a strong emphasis on community service and sustainability, preparing graduates to become responsible leaders who can drive economic and social progress in Maine and beyond.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked nationally, but consistently rated as one of the top regional programs for working professionals in Maine.
Number of Students
- Around 120 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Approximately 60%, making it a selective yet accessible program.
Average GMAT Score
- 530, though GRE scores are accepted, and GMAT waivers are offered for qualified applicants.
Top Hiring Companies
- L.L.Bean
- Hannaford Supermarkets
- MaineHealth
- WEX Inc.
- TD Bank
Average Starting Salaries
- $70,000 annually, with higher salaries typically offered in finance and consulting roles.
Notable Alumni
- Susan Collins: U.S. Senator from Maine.
- David Flanagan: Former CEO of Central Maine Power.
- Deb Neuman: President and CEO of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.
Thomas College – Lunder School of Business
Overview
Thomas College’s Lunder School of Business offers a focused, high-impact MBA program that is designed for students who want to quickly advance in their careers or switch industries. The program can be completed in as little as one year full-time, and part-time options are available for those who need more flexibility. The Lunder School of Business emphasizes leadership development, ethical decision-making, and hands-on learning, with a curriculum that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in areas such as finance, marketing, and organizational behavior.
The MBA program at Thomas College has a strong regional reputation, particularly among employers in Maine. Students benefit from the school’s strong ties to local businesses, which provide internship opportunities, job placements, and networking events. Graduates of the program are known for their problem-solving abilities and leadership skills, making them highly competitive in the job market.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not nationally ranked but recognized for its strong job placement rates in Maine and the surrounding region.
Number of Students
- Approximately 70 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 75%, offering a more accessible option for students looking for a practical and career-focused MBA.
Average GMAT Score
- 500, though GMAT is not required for all applicants.
Top Hiring Companies
- MaineGeneral Health
- Kennebec Savings Bank
- Colby College
- Cianbro Corporation
- Skowhegan Savings Bank
Average Starting Salaries
- $60,000 per year, with salary growth potential in leadership roles.
Notable Alumni
- Chris McCormick: Former CEO of L.L.Bean.
- Marianne Lynch: CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland.
- Heidi Lachance: Vice President of Finance at MaineGeneral Health.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine – Business Administration and Leadership Program
Overview
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers an MBA program that focuses on ethical leadership, sustainability, and social responsibility, making it ideal for students who are interested in values-based management. The program is offered fully online, providing flexibility for students who need to balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing their degree. The curriculum covers key business areas such as strategic planning, organizational leadership, and financial management, but also includes courses on sustainability, global business practices, and ethics.
Saint Joseph’s MBA is known for its strong community focus, with a curriculum that emphasizes service learning and engagement with local businesses and nonprofits. The program attracts students who are passionate about making a positive impact on their communities and the world, and graduates often go on to leadership roles in healthcare, education, and nonprofit management.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked by BusinessWeek but noted for its focus on ethical leadership and sustainability.
Number of Students
- Approximately 50 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 80%, making it one of the most accessible MBA programs in Maine.
Average GMAT Score
- GMAT is optional, and most applicants are evaluated based on their professional experience and academic background.
Top Hiring Companies
- MaineHealth
- Catholic Charities Maine
- Mercy Hospital
- St. Mary’s Health System
- Martin’s Point Health Care
Average Starting Salaries
- $58,000 per year, with salary growth expected as graduates move into leadership roles.
Notable Alumni
- Sister Mary Norberta: Former CEO of St. Joseph Healthcare.
- Peter Geaghan: Founder and CEO of Geaghan’s Pub & Craft Brewery.
- Ann Jurecic: Senior Executive at Mercy Hospital.