University of Maine at Farmington: A Hub of Innovation and Discovery

The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), a public liberal arts college nestled in the scenic foothills of Maine’s western mountains, stands as a beacon of innovation, discovery, and career preparation. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1864, UMF offers a unique blend of academic rigor, hands-on experience, and affordability.

A Legacy of Excellence

UMF's roots trace back to 1864 when it was established as the state's first publicly funded normal school. The institution quickly gained recognition for its commitment to providing a high-quality education, with many early graduates drawn to its liberal arts offerings. Notable alumni include the Stanley brothers, renowned for their pioneering work on the Stanley Steamer automobile, and John Frank Stevens, the chief engineer of the Panama Canal. In 2016, the University of Maine at Farmington Education Center was named in honor of its longtime president Theodora J. Kalikow, who served from 1994 to 2012. Now called the Theodora J.

Academic Programs

Today, UMF boasts more than 60 academic programs, each designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for purposeful lives and lasting careers. The University of Maine at Farmington, you’ll learn from expert and caring faculty, become career-ready with internships and research, and form lifelong bonds in our diverse and welcoming community. Academic programs including:

Actuarial Science
Art & Design
Business
Communication
Creative Writing
Design
Economics
Education
Engineering
Finance/Accounting
Government/Political Science
Health & Human Services
Health Science
Liberal Arts
Music
Nursing
Outdoor Recreation Business Administration
Performing Arts
Science
Social Science
Technology
Visual Arts

At UMF, the emphasis is on experiential learning. "At UMF, you’ll learn it - and do it." Students have ample opportunities to apply their knowledge through internships at top employers, research in the lab and in the field, job shadowing, and theater performances.

Campus Life and Location

The University of Maine at Farmington is more than a school. It's a place where you go to learn more than what's in the textbook. It's where you go to learn what you want to do with your life. Long considered the jewel of the University of Maine System, the University of Maine at Farmington is Maine's nationally recognized public liberal arts college, offering quality programs in teacher education, human services and arts & sciences. It's the affordable public equivalent of a small, private liberal arts college - a special place where students receive individual attention and where ideas are exchanged and concepts explored in highly personalized settings: in classes, workshops, labs, studios and more.

Farmington is a small, residential campus peacefully nestled in the spectacular lakes & mountains region of western Maine, near Sugarloaf and Sunday River and smack in the middle of the best skiing, hiking, kayaking and rafting in the northeast.

UMF's location in western Maine provides students with unparalleled access to outdoor activities. With nearby ski areas (including one right in Farmington!) to world-class hiking, kayaking, and camping opportunities, it’s hard to top UMF when it comes to outdoor activities. Ski resorts, pristine lakes and rivers, and the Appalachian Trail are a short drive from campus.

Affordability and Value

UMF is committed to providing an affordable education. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $11,658; out-of-state tuition and fees are $24,798. Seventy-one percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $13,698. On top of lower in-state tuition, Maine residents can be awarded up to $12,000 in merit scholarships over 4 years.

Athletics

The UMaine Farmington Beavers compete in the NCAA Division III North Atlantic Conference. UMaine Farmington has 12 NCAA varsity teams, including men's teams in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, and soccer; and women's teams in basketball, cross country, field hockey, soccer, softball, and lacrosse.

Key Facts and Figures

Setting: Rural
Campus Size: 55 acres
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,677 (fall 2024)
Acceptance Rate: 96.72%
Graduation Rate: 55%
In-State Tuition and Fees: $11,658
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $24,798

Admissions

Applying to the University of Maine at Farmington is FREE - always. University of Maine at Farmington accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

First-Year Applicants: First Year applicants to the University of Maine at Farmington have completed high school or earned a HiSet or GED, including students who have earned college credits while in high school. Students who have attended another college after high school as non-degree or non-matriculated students and have earned fewer than 12 credits are also considered First Year applicants.

Transfer Applicants: Transfer applicants to the University of Maine at Farmington have matriculated (enrolled as degree seeking students) at another college or university or completed 12 or more credits of non-degree work. Transfer applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each college attended, in addition to a final high school transcript.

Rankings and Recognition

In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, University of Maine at Farmington is ranked No. #9 in Regional Colleges North. It's also ranked No. #4 in Best Value Schools. In 2023, UMF was named a “Top Green College” nationally by The Princeton Review. There’s a reason The Washington Post named Farmington the “Collegiest” town in Maine.

A Vibrant Community

Just try crossing campus without someone greeting you by name! At the University of Maine at Farmington, you’ll make your own discoveries and innovations. Put what you learn to the test outside of the classroom. And unearth your adventurous side among the rugged, natural beauty of western Maine. You’ll have an unforgettable experience in what The Washington Post recently named the “Collegiest Town in Maine.” No matter your major, you’ll acquire in-demand career skills and experience through internships, research, and other real-world learning opportunities. Today, you’ll find our graduates working for top employers like L.L.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

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