Unity Environmental University: 94.3% Acceptance Rate

94.3%Acceptance

$12,640Tuition

5,619Students

57%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,852Earnings

#20 in MainePrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University draws students passionate about sustainability and environmental science to its rural Maine campus. The school enrolls 5,619 students who come to study everything from renewable energy to wildlife conservation. With a 94% acceptance rate, Unity welcomes motivated students ready to tackle environmental challenges. The university has built its reputation around hands-on learning in fields like forestry, marine biology, and sustainable agriculture.

Students pay an average net price of $18,217 after financial aid, with 59% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $37,852 ten years after leaving school. The typical graduate leaves with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265. These earnings reflect the reality of environmental careers, which often prioritize mission over salary. The 68% loan repayment rate suggests most graduates manage their debt successfully.

Women make up 78% of the student body, reflecting the field's growing female leadership. The 42% retention rate indicates the school's rigorous programs aren't for everyone. Students who stay benefit from Unity's strong industry connections and 97% employment rate after graduation. The rural setting provides an ideal laboratory for environmental studies but demands students comfortable with small-town life.

Academics & Faculty

Unity Environmental University focuses entirely on environmental and sustainability education, making it one of the few specialized environmental universities in the country. The 36:1 student-faculty ratio means large class sizes and limited individual attention from professors. Students can choose from programs in sustainable agriculture, wildlife biology, environmental science, and conservation law enforcement. The university attracts students passionate about outdoor careers and environmental activism. However, the 54.64% four-year graduation rate and 42.03% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees. The school's hands-on approach includes field studies and internships that prepare graduates for careers in environmental consulting, park services, and sustainable business practices.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 36:1
Full-Time Faculty: 6.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 54.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 57.0%
Retention Rate: 42.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,852
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Natural Resources Management and Policy.	Bachelor	$36,668
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology.	Bachelor	$26,933
Zoology/Animal Biology.	Bachelor	$24,863
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management.	Bachelor	$24,499

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

Unity Environmental University sits on 225 acres of working forests and fields in rural Maine, about 25 miles north of Portland. Students here embrace the outdoors year-round, though you'll need serious winter gear for Maine's snowy months from December through March. Only about 10% of the 5,619 students live on campus, as housing capacity reaches just 575 beds. The rural setting means most students commute or live off-campus in nearby towns.

Weekends revolve around hands-on environmental work and outdoor activities. Students tend organic gardens, maintain hiking trails, and participate in sustainability projects that connect directly to their coursework. The campus operates more like a working farm than a traditional college, with students caring for livestock and managing renewable energy systems. Women make up 78% of the student body, creating a collaborative atmosphere focused on environmental justice and conservation. The 36:1 student-faculty ratio means large class sizes, but the shared mission of environmental stewardship bonds the community together around practical, real-world learning experiences.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 575 beds
Calendar System: Other
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–29°F
July Avg: 60°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.1"
Annual Snowfall: 84.0"

Student Demographics

Unity Environmental University draws students passionate about sustainability from across New England and beyond, with two-thirds coming from outside Maine. The student body is predominantly female, reflecting the environmental and education fields that many graduates enter. Nearly 60% receive Pell Grants, showing the school attracts first-generation college students and those from working-class families committed to environmental careers. The diverse mix includes significant representation from Hispanic and Black students. These demographics align with Unity's mission-driven approach, appealing to students who prioritize purpose over prestige in their educational choices.

Men: 21.9%
Women: 78.1%
White: 69.8%
Black: 5.7%
Hispanic: 12.4%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 33.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 59.3%

Location

Unity Environmental University sits in New Gloucester, Maine, about 25 miles north of Portland. The campus occupies 225 acres of Maine's rural countryside, where 33% of students come from in-state. New Gloucester is a small town of roughly 5,600 residents surrounded by forests and farmland typical of central Maine. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities that align with the university's environmental focus, from hiking trails to nearby lakes. The rural setting means students need cars to reach shopping and entertainment options in Portland or Lewiston. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, creating a true New England college experience. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare Unity Environmental University with similar schools in the region.

Address: New Gloucester, Maine 04260

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,852
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,695
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 68.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Unity Environmental University?

Unity Environmental University accepts 94.31% of applicants, making it highly accessible for prospective students. The school focuses on environmental and sustainability education, drawing students who are passionate about these fields rather than those seeking an exclusive academic environment.

How much does Unity Environmental University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,217 after aid, with 59.25% receiving financial assistance. The same tuition rate of $12,640 applies to both in-state and out-of-state students, reflecting the university's commitment to accessible environmental education.

Does Unity Environmental University have small class sizes?

The student-faculty ratio is 36:1, indicating larger class sizes than many private colleges. With 5,619 total students, Unity focuses on specialized environmental programs where hands-on fieldwork and practical experience often supplement traditional classroom learning.

What are the graduation rates at Unity Environmental University?

Unity has a 57% six-year graduation rate and 54.64% four-year graduation rate, with a retention rate of 42.03%. These rates reflect the university's focus on non-traditional students and working professionals pursuing environmental careers, many of whom take longer to complete degrees.

Where do Unity Environmental University students live on campus?

The university houses students in facilities with a capacity of 575, serving a small portion of the 5,619 total enrollment. Most students live off-campus in the rural New Gloucester, Maine setting, which provides direct access to natural environments for environmental studies.

Is Unity Environmental University predominantly female?

Women make up 78.11% of the student body while men comprise 21.89%, reflecting trends in environmental and sustainability fields. The university draws students passionate about conservation and environmental science, fields that have historically attracted more women than men.