University of Maine at Fort Kent: 99.2% Acceptance Rate

99.2%Acceptance

$9,045Tuition

638Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$51,077Earnings

#22 in MainePublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Maine at Fort Kent

The University of Maine at Fort Kent draws students who want hands-on learning in Maine's great outdoors. This small public university enrolls just 638 students in the remote St. John Valley. The school has built its reputation around outdoor recreation programs and serving rural communities throughout northern Maine. Students come here for forestry, environmental studies, and education programs that take full advantage of the surrounding wilderness.

The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with reasonable debt loads. Students pay an average net price of $10,865 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $51,077 ten years out. Most students graduate with $20,160 in debt and monthly loan payments of $214. The 98.9% employment rate shows graduates find work, though the 39.80% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish or leave before completing their degrees.

Women make up 73.51% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in education and health programs. With just 84 total athletes across 7 varsity sports, this is not a place for big-time athletics. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in this tight-knit academic community.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Maine at Fort Kent operates as a regional public university focused on serving rural northern Maine communities. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide personalized attention to the 638 enrolled students. The school emphasizes hands-on learning through outdoor recreation programs that take advantage of its remote location near the Canadian border. Academic offerings center on practical fields like business, education, and nursing that prepare graduates for local employment opportunities. However, the 39.8% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face in completing degrees. The university maintains strong ties to the St. John Valley community and offers bilingual programs reflecting the area's French-Acadian heritage.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 54.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 38.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.8%
Retention Rate: 65.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,077
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$58,115
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$33,993
Social Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$31,038

View all 33 programs →

Campus Life

Fort Kent sits 200 miles north of Bangor in Maine's northernmost county, where winter temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow covers the ground for five months. Only 42% of students live in campus housing, reflecting the school's role serving local and regional students. The 73.51% female enrollment creates a distinctive campus active, largely driven by popular nursing and education programs.

Students embrace the outdoor lifestyle that defines northern Maine. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing dominate winter weekends, while hiking and fishing fill warmer months. The Bengals compete in seven varsity sports with 84 total athletes, creating tight-knit teams where everyone knows each other. Weekend social life centers around residence halls and local gatherings rather than big parties. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and the small 638-person enrollment ensures you'll recognize most faces on campus. Many students work part-time jobs in town, contributing to the 98.9% employment rate that reflects strong local connections and practical career preparation.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 268 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1878

Campus Safety (2023)

7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	2	2	0	0
Stalking	3	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: -5°–18°F
July Avg: 53°–75°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.1"
Annual Snowfall: 97.1"

Student Demographics

Three-quarters of students come from Maine, reflecting the university's mission to serve rural northern communities. Women make up nearly three-quarters of the enrollment, drawn largely to the school's strong nursing and education programs. The student body is predominantly white at 67%, though more diverse than many rural Maine institutions. About one in seven students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families from the region. With an acceptance rate above 99%, Fort Kent welcomes students who might struggle to access higher education elsewhere.

Men: 26.5%
Women: 73.5%
White: 67.1%
Black: 8.2%
Hispanic: 3.6%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 74.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 13.9%

Location

Fort Kent sits in Maine's far north, just three miles from the Canadian border in the St. John River Valley. The nearest major city, Bangor, lies 200 miles south. This remote location puts students in the heart of Maine's North Woods, surrounded by dense forests and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town of Fort Kent has about 4,000 residents and serves as a center for the region's logging and farming communities. With 74.73% of students from in-state, many come from rural Maine backgrounds. The area sees long, snowy winters that make it popular for Nordic skiing and snowmobiling. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare University of Maine at Fort Kent with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fort Kent, Maine 04743-1292

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,077
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,664
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 63.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $214/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,160

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Maine at Fort Kent?

University of Maine at Fort Kent accepts 99.24% of applicants, making admission virtually guaranteed for students who apply. The school serves as an accessible option for students in rural northern Maine and beyond who want a small college experience.

How much does University of Maine at Fort Kent cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Maine at Fort Kent is $10,865 per year. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,655 on average, making this one of Maine's most affordable public universities.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Maine at Fort Kent?

University of Maine at Fort Kent has a 19:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 638 students. This small size allows the university to focus on outdoor recreation programs and personalized attention in a rural setting.

What are the graduation rates at University of Maine at Fort Kent?

The six-year graduation rate at University of Maine at Fort Kent is 39.80%, with a four-year rate of 38.02%. Despite these challenges, graduates earn a median salary of $51,077 ten years after starting college, reflecting the school's focus on practical career preparation.

Where do students live at University of Maine at Fort Kent?

University of Maine at Fort Kent has housing capacity for 268 students on campus, with room and board costing $8,740 per year. The rural-remote location in northern Maine provides easy access to outdoor recreation and wilderness activities.

Does University of Maine at Fort Kent have good job placement rates?

University of Maine at Fort Kent boasts a 98.9% employment rate for graduates. The school's focus on serving rural communities and outdoor recreation programs helps prepare students for careers in these specialized fields throughout Maine and beyond.