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 launched a comprehensive and system-wide strategic plan to benefit all University of Maine System students and the State of Maine. The Plan has galvanized faculty, staff, students, and other constituents to strengthen the System while honoring the distinctiveness of each university and law school. The central goal of the Plan is to serve both the student and the State while leveraging unified accreditation as a tool to produce system-wide benefits.
Each university and law school will identify its strategic plan that aligns priorities with the UMS Strategic Plan. The UMS Strategic Plan will be communicated and assessed to allow faculty, staff, and administrators throughout the system to see the impact of their work in advancing the UMS mission. The body of the strategic plan is organized around five Commitments, each with a corresponding set of actions and goals outlined for achieving the commitment.
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
State-funded University of Maine System research and development generates record rate of return
Maine funds R&D activities at its public universities through the Maine Economic Improvement Fund, which in FY24 delivered a more than 6:1 direct rate of return, supported more than 1,400 student researchers and helped hundreds of small businesses innovate new … Read More
Joint statement from Maine public higher education leaders on Gov. Mills’ budget proposal
AUGUSTA, Maine — Leaders of the University of Maine System (UMS), the Maine Community College System (MCCS) and Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) are praising the commitment to public higher education in the biennial budget proposal released by Gov. Janet Mills today (External … Read More
University of Maine System Board of Trustees to meet in Portland on Jan. 13
PORTLAND, Maine — The Board of Trustees for the University of Maine System (UMS) will meet in Portland on Monday, Jan. 13 to advance partnerships and programming responsive to the needs of the state. The Trustees’ regular public meeting will … 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)
