About the University of Maine System
Established in 1968, the University of Maine System is the state’s largest publicly funded educational partner, and Maine’s only public university system.
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 alumni network touches every Maine county, and spans across the globe.
The System has an estimated $1.5 billion total statewide economic impact each year. UMS serves the state of Maine, its constituents, and its economy through world-class research, teaching, and service to build new knowledge, create new technologies, and prepare students to find solutions to challenges in Maine and beyond.
Our Universities
![Spring scenes from around campus.](https://www.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2024/05/052119_AK_DSC_2294.jpg)
The University of Maine System is accessible with seven universities—teaching, research, and service across the state, online, as well as a law school, and Cooperative Extension.
Strategic Plan
![](https://www.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2024/05/shutterstock_2151163043.jpg)
The 2023-2028 UMS Strategic Plan is the first in nearly two decades following a process inclusive of more than 1,600 campus and community stakeholders.
![Rear view of graduate during commencement.](https://www.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2024/05/shutterstock_2268966413.jpg)
Maine’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development
1st in the nation for unified accreditation allowing UMS universities to more easily collaborate and combine resources to meet student and state needs.
30%+
Increase in Maine high school students earning free university credit.
Grew research impact (External Site) to an all-time high through UMaine, Maine’s only R1, land, sea and space grant university.