University of Maine: An Overview of Undergraduate Population and Statistics
The University of Maine (UMaine), a public land-grant research university located in Orono, stands as the flagship institution of the University of Maine System. Established in 1865, UMaine has evolved into the state's largest college or university, playing a pivotal role in Maine's educational and economic landscape. This article delves into the undergraduate population statistics and various aspects of UMaine, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective students, current students, alumni, and anyone interested in higher education in Maine.
General Information and History
With the motto "Dirigo" (Latin for "I direct"), UMaine operates as a public land-grant research university. It was founded in 1862 as a function of the Morrill Land-Grant Acts, it established curricula in Agriculture, Engineering, and electives by 1871. The Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station was founded as a division of the university in 1887. Gradually the university developed the Colleges of Life Sciences and Agriculture, later including the School of Forest Resources and the School of Human Development, Engineering and Science, and Arts and Sciences. Near the end of the 19th century, the university expanded its curriculum to place greater emphasis on liberal arts. In 1912, the Maine Cooperative Extension, which offers field educational programs for both adults and youths, was initiated. The School of Education was established in 1930 and received college status in 1958. The School of Business Administration was formed in 1958 and was granted college status in 1965. Women have been admitted into all curricula since 1872. The first master's degree was conferred in 1881; the first doctor's degree in 1960. In 1968, the school was renamed by the legislature over the objections of the faculty to the University of Maine at Orono, known informally as U.M.O. Its name was restored to the University of Maine in 1986. Accredited by NECHE, UMaine is a member of UArctic, Sea-grant, and Space-grant organizations. As of fall 2024, the university boasts a total student population of 10,878, with 8,442 undergraduates and 2,428 postgraduates. The president of the university is Joan Ferrini-Mundy, who was appointed in 2018. The senior administration governs cooperatively with the chancellor of the University of Maine system, Dannel Malloy.
Campus Environment
The University of Maine's campus is located in Orono, Maine, United States. The campus sits on a 660-acre (2.7 km2) area. The campus is essentially divided into three sections: northern, southern, and hilltop. The northern section includes many of the athletic facilities, including Alfond Arena for basketball and ice hockey, Morse Field at the Alfond Sports Stadium for football, track and field, Larry Mahaney Diamond for baseball, Kessock Field (softball), the Field Hockey Complex for field hockey, and the Mahaney athletic/recreational dome. The southern section of campus includes the Memorial Student Union, the Maynard F. Jordan Observatory, Lengyel Gymnasium and Athletic Field, the Buchanan Alumni House, and multiple administrative, residence, and academic halls. Collins Center for the Arts is on the southern part of campus. The Hilltop section of campus is populated largely with residence halls but also includes the 7-acre (2.8 ha) Lyle E. Littlefield Ornamental Gardens, as well as academic and recreational facilities. In 1978, the pre-1915 core of the campus, covering its earliest period of development, was listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
The University of Maine operates the "University Volunteer Ambulance Corps," an ambulance service fully licensed by the State of Maine. The service is operated by students and staff. UVAC's ambulances also provide aid to many surrounding towns and agencies. The service ensures a licensed Emergency Medical Technician is sent on every call. Greek life has existed at the University of Maine since 1874. The University of Maine was one of 16 colleges and universities listed in Princeton Review's "Green Honor Roll" of 2011. The campus has two dining halls, Hilltop and York, and the Bear's Den Café & Pub in Memorial Union. Founded in 1875, The Maine Campus is a weekly newspaper produced by students. It covers university and Town of Orono events. The Campus is a direct-funded student organization and is not under the purview of student government.
Enrollment and Demographics
UMaine remains the largest university in the System, with 10,870 students. The University of Maine System enrollment is increasing, early data show. According to newly released data from the University of Maine System, the increase at UMaine is driven largely by incoming students from Maine, which grew 20.9% from fall 2023 and 11.8% from 2020. At UMaine’s regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, the first-year class this fall was 25% larger than one year ago. Across all of the University of Maine System campuses, first-year enrollment increased 8.2% from fall 2023. The number of undergraduate transfers at UMaine increased by 10.8% from fall 2023, according to UMS data.
Read also: Scholarship Opportunities at UMaine
In 2023, University of Maine had a total enrollment of 11,760 students. The full-time enrollment at University of Maine is 8,079 students and the part-time enrollment is 3,681. This means that 68.7% of students enrolled at University of Maine are enrolled full-time.
The enrolled student population at University of Maine, both undergraduate and graduate, is 78.2% White, 4.35% Hispanic or Latino, 3.37% Two or More Races, 1.97% Black or African American, 1.73% Asian, 0.961% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.017% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. Students enrolled at University of Maine in full-time Undergraduate programs are most commonly White Male (42.4%), followed by White Female (41%) and Hispanic or Latino Female (2.41%).
UMaine ranks 492 out of 2,183 when it comes to geographic diversity. 42.88% of UMaine students come from out of state, and 1.7% come from out of the country.
Academics and Programs
The University of Maine offers more than 90 undergraduate major programs organized in five colleges: the College of Education and Human Development; the College of Engineering; the Honors College; the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. The University of Maine is also home to the Maine Business School, the largest business school in the state. UMaine also is home to one of the nation's oldest honors programs, now called the Honors College. The Honors College offers academically qualified students an opportunity for intensive, interdisciplinary study. Students are invited to become part of the Honors College during the admissions review process.
The UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center, founded in 1996 with support from the National Science Foundation, provides research, education, and economic development encompassing material sciences, manufacturing and engineering of composites and structures. Founded in 2018, the Multisensory Interactive Media Lab (MIM Lab) is moving into an era of 'Internet of Everything,' in which everything and everyone will be digitally embedded and connected. In the MIM Lab of the University of Maine, academic researchers develop novel enabling technologies to explore the immense potential for the communication of our experiences - shifting focus from the current age of information towards a new age of experience.
Read also: Out-of-State Costs at UMaine
Admissions and Financial Aid
University of Maine accepts the Common Application and has a test-blind admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $13,686; out-of-state tuition and fees are $37,836. Fifty-five percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $17,175.
University of Maine received 13,995 undergraduate applications in 2023, which represents a 6.83% annual growth. Out of those 13,995 applicants, 13,395 students were accepted for enrollment, representing a 95.7% acceptance rate. University of Maine has an overall enrollment yield of 13.9%, which represents the number of admitted students who ended up enrolling.
In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at University of Maine is $12,000, which is $19,004 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $18,237. In 2023, 79% of undergraduate students attending University of Maine received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 43% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.
Student Life and Activities
The University of Maine participates in the NCAA's Division I level, and is a member of the Coastal Athletic Association for football, Hockey East for ice hockey, and the America East Conference for all other sports. The school has won two national championships, both in men's ice hockey.
Founded in 1875, The Maine Campus is a weekly newspaper produced by students. It covers university and Town of Orono events. The Campus is a direct-funded student organization and is not under the purview of student government. The University of Maine participates in the NCAA's Division I level, and is a member of the Coastal Athletic Association for football, Hockey East for ice hockey, and the America East Conference for all other sports. The school has won two national championships, both in men's ice hockey. In 1993, they defeated Lake Superior State University 5-4 behind a third period hat trick by Jim Montgomery.
Read also: Undergraduate Programs at UNC
Rankings and Recognition
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, University of Maine is ranked No. #257 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #145 in Top Public Schools.
Economic Impact
The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development and its seven public universities and law school are the most affordable in New England. Over the past two decades, UMS has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through its world-class research and development activities.
tags: #umaine #undergraduate #population #statistics
