About the University of Maine System
Established in 1968, the University of Maine System is the state’s largest educational enterprise.
It has an annual enrollment of nearly 30,000 students and positively impacts the lives of hundreds of thousands of Mainers each year through its educational and cultural offerings as well as outreach and public service to individuals, businesses, organizations and policymakers.
The System has an estimated $1.5 billion total statewide economic impact each year, a return of $7.50 for every dollar of State appropriation. Two-thirds of its alumni—approximately 120,000 people—live in Maine.
The University of Maine System is accessible with seven universities—some with multiple campuses—located across the state, as well as a law school, an additional 31 course sites, and Cooperative Extension.
The University of Maine System Chancellor’s office is located in Estabrooke Hall on the University of Maine campus in Orono. System-wide services and governance employees work from campuses across the state.
Accreditation
The University of Maine System is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). This accreditation encompasses the System’s constituent universities and law school: the University of Maine and its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias; the University of Maine at Augusta; the University of Maine at Farmington; the University of Maine at Fort Kent; the University of Maine at Presque Isle; the University of Southern Maine; and the University of Maine School of Law. Learn more about University of Maine System accreditation.
Strategic Plan
In keeping with the University of Maine System’s commitment to the students of Maine’s Public Universities and the University of Maine School of Law, the University of Maine System is launching a comprehensive and system-wide strategic planning effort to ensure the effective coordination and assessment of strategic activities that fulfill our tripartite mission to benefit all University of Maine System students and the State of Maine. The process will recognize the ongoing strategic plans of universities, and articulate a five-year vision that leverages the advantages of Unified Accreditation to achieve a fiscally sustainable institution while maintaining the quality and impact for which our universities are known. The planning will coincide with the New England Commission of Higher Education’s Fall 2022 comprehensive evaluation of the System’s unified accreditation. Learn more about the University of Maine System Strategic Plan.
100+ Degrees
Degrees and certificates spanning a wide range of professional and personal interests from the seven University of Maine Campuses.
Onsite & Online
Study onsite, online or both. We have seven campuses across Maine, providing access to programs.
Affordable
Get credit for what you know and take advantage of our low tuition and numerous financial aid options.
Advanced Technology
Advanced, Interactive Technology allows you to gain the knowledge, the experience, and a nationally recognized degree to help you advance your career or start a new one.
University of Maine System News
University of Maine System enrollment growth outpaces Northeast, nation
A formal count of students confirmed that the affordability of Maine’s public universities, relevant new academic programs and direct admissions offers that are ‘impossible to pass up’ driving undergraduate, transfer, graduate and law enrollment increases ORONO, Maine — The University … Read More
New England Board of Higher Education honors Harold Alfond Foundation
BOSTON — Higher education leaders representing Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont met in Kennebunkport, Maine, this month to discuss strategies to improve higher education access and affordability for every New Englander who seeks it and alignment of higher … Read More
University of Maine System Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation selected by White House for National Science Board
ORONO, Maine — The White House today announced that President Biden intends to appoint University of Maine (UMaine) President and University of Maine System (UMS) Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Joan Ferrini-Mundy to serve on the prestigious National Science … Read More
News from Maine’s Public Universities
- UMF and USM receive grants to recruit educators, help alleviate Maine’s teacher shortage (External Site)
- Alfond Foundation providing $80 million for athletic facility upgrades (External Site)
- UMaine-led research team making new frozen foods from squid fins (External Site)
