University of Maine at Presque Isle: 97.0% Acceptance Rate

97.0%Acceptance

$8,990Tuition

1,362Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,956Earnings

#24 in MainePublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Maine at Presque Isle

This small public university serves as the educational anchor for northern Maine's Aroostook County. The University of Maine at Presque Isle enrolls 1,362 students in a rural setting that feels more like a close-knit community than a typical college campus. The school has built a reputation for flexible online degree programs that attract working adults and students who need scheduling freedom. With a 97% acceptance rate, UMPI welcomes nearly everyone who applies. The institution focuses on practical programs that serve the region's agricultural and business needs.

Students pay an average net price of $10,028 after financial aid, making this one of Maine's most affordable four-year options. Graduates earn a median of $40,956 ten years after starting college, while typical student debt sits at just $16,000. The low debt load helps explain why 53% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $7,458 annually.

The 28:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the school's resource constraints, but 73% of first-year students return for sophomore year. Only 34% graduate within four years, though many students attend part-time while working. The Owls compete in 12 NCAA Division III sports with 139 total athletes.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Maine at Presque Isle operates as a regional public university serving northern Maine's Aroostook County with flexible academic options. The school maintains a 28:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes and less individualized attention than typical small colleges. Only 33% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the university's role serving many first-generation and working students who often attend part-time. UMPI has gained recognition for its competency-based online degree programs, allowing students to accelerate through coursework based on demonstrated skills rather than seat time. The university emphasizes practical programs aligned with regional workforce needs, including business, education, and health sciences that serve Maine's rural communities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 33.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.7%
Retention Rate: 72.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,956
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$35,060
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$28,236
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$25,194

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

Presque Isle sits in the heart of Aroostook County potato country, roughly 300 miles from Portland and even farther from Boston. Winters here mean serious snow and temperatures that regularly drop below zero, so pack your heaviest coat. With housing capacity for just 178 students and total enrollment of 1,362, only about 13% of students live on campus. Most commute from surrounding rural communities.

The 28:1 student-faculty ratio reflects UMPI's focus on flexible, accessible education rather than traditional campus life. Many of the university's 1,362 students are working adults or returning learners taking advantage of online programs. Weekend activities center around the small town of Presque Isle, population 9,000, where students might catch an Owls athletic event or explore the outdoors. The 139 student-athletes across 12 varsity sports provide some campus energy, but this isn't a rah-rah college atmosphere. UMPI serves as an educational lifeline for northern Maine, prioritizing practical degree programs over campus traditions.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 178 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1903

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Fondling	1	1	0	0
Rape	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 2°–21°F
July Avg: 55°–77°F
Annual Precipitation: 35.8"
Annual Snowfall: 89.6"

Student Demographics

The University of Maine at Presque Isle draws primarily local students, with nearly 80% coming from in-state. This reflects the university's role as a vital educational resource for rural northern Maine communities. The student body is more diverse than many rural institutions, with students of color comprising about 22% of enrollment. Women slightly outnumber men, consistent with national trends in higher education. One in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families from Aroostook County and surrounding regions who need affordable, accessible higher education close to home.

Men: 43.4%
Women: 56.6%
White: 60.0%
Black: 9.8%
Hispanic: 10.0%
Asian: 1.9%
In-State Students: 79.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.6%

Location

Presque Isle sits in far northern Maine, about 300 miles from Portland and just 10 miles from the Canadian border. The rural-fringe setting reflects its position as the largest city in sparsely populated Aroostook County, known for its potato farms and vast forests. With 79.33% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from this agricultural region where it serves as the primary higher education option. The area experiences long, snowy winters and offers outdoor recreation opportunities like snowmobiling and hiking. Despite the remote location, the 1,362-student campus provides a tight-knit community atmosphere in Maine's northernmost county. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare University of Maine at Presque Isle with similar schools in the region.

Address: Presque Isle, Maine 04769-2888

Normal School Buildings, Presque Isle, ME

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,956
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,929
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 53.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $170/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Maine at Presque Isle?

The University of Maine at Presque Isle accepts 96.99% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students seeking higher education. This open-access approach reflects the university's mission as a regional educational center serving northern Maine and Aroostook County.

How much does University of Maine at Presque Isle cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,028 annually after financial aid, with in-state tuition at $8,990. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,458 net, making this one of Maine's most affordable public university options.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Maine at Presque Isle?

The university maintains a 28:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,362 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention while the school focuses heavily on flexible online degree programs to serve working adults across the region.

What are the graduation rates at University of Maine at Presque Isle?

Only 33.44% of students graduate within four years, with a six-year rate of 37.70%. Despite these lower completion rates, graduates earn a median salary of $40,956 ten years after enrollment and maintain a strong 94.1% employment rate.

Does University of Maine at Presque Isle have on-campus housing?

The university offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 178 students, reflecting its role as a commuter-focused institution. Room and board costs $10,300 annually, though most of the 79.33% in-state student body lives off-campus in the rural Presque Isle area.

What sports does University of Maine at Presque Isle offer?

The Owls compete in NCAA Division III with 12 varsity sports and 139 total athletes in the North Atlantic Conference. The university offers no athletic scholarships, focusing instead on providing competitive opportunities for student-athletes in this small rural setting.