About University of Maine
The average student pays $18,045 annually after financial aid, making this one of New England's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $48,653 ten years after leaving, carrying typical debt loads of $25,000. Monthly loan payments average $265, which most graduates can handle given the 96% employment rate. In-state students get an especially good deal at $12,606 in tuition.
The 56% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's working-class student body, where many balance jobs with studies. Nearly 22% receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves first-generation college students well. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, especially important in specialized programs like forestry and ocean engineering.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.4%
- Retention Rate
- 77.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,653
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,737 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,509 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $68,499 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,775 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,218 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,673 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,464 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $45,808 |
Campus Life
The 56% in-state student body creates a tight-knit Maine community where everyone knows someone who knows Stephen King, the university's most famous graduate. Students embrace the harsh winters with outdoor activities like skiing and ice fishing, while the campus comes alive during hockey season when Black Bears fans pack the rink. The 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, especially important during those long winter months when cabin fever sets in. Weekends often revolve around outdoor adventures in the surrounding forests or trips to nearby Acadia National Park. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate the social scene like at larger universities.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 3,634 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1865
Campus Safety (2023)
63 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 11°–28°F
- July Avg
- 59°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 71.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 51.9%
- Women
- 48.1%
- White
- 83.0%
- Black
- 1.8%
- Hispanic
- 4.7%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 56.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.0%
Location
- Address
- Orono, Maine 04469
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,653
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,355
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Maine?
University of Maine accepts 93.96% of applicants, making it very accessible to Maine students and those seeking a research university experience. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070-1330 on the SAT, reflecting the school's commitment to serving a broad range of academic abilities.
How much does University of Maine cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,045 annually at University of Maine. In-state students benefit with tuition at just $12,606, while the university keeps costs manageable even for families earning under $30,000 who pay only $13,800 net.
What academic programs is University of Maine known for?
University of Maine stands out for engineering, forestry, and marine sciences as Maine's flagship research institution. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get solid access to professors while benefiting from the research opportunities that come with Division I status and substantial athletic programs.
What are the graduation rates at University of Maine?
University of Maine graduates 56.4% of students within six years, with graduates earning a median of $48,653 ten years after graduation. The 77% retention rate shows most students stick around, though the university continues working to improve completion rates.
Where do University of Maine students live and what is campus life like?
The Orono campus houses 3,634 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community feel in this small suburban setting. As the Black Bears, students rally around 13 Division I varsity sports and 449 student-athletes competing in the America East Conference.
Is University of Maine where Stephen King went to college?
Yes, horror master Stephen King graduated from University of Maine, along with Nobel Peace Prize winner Bernard Lown and former U.S. Senator George Mitchell. The university's strong liberal arts foundation, combined with its research focus, has produced notable graduates across literature, politics, and science since its founding in 1865.
