About University of New England
The University of New England has built its reputation as a health sciences powerhouse since 1831, with standout programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, and marine sciences. This private institution enrolls 2,189 students in Biddeford, a mid-sized Maine suburb where coastal proximity enhances its marine biology offerings. The school operates with a clear mission: training future healthcare professionals through hands-on learning and clinical experience.
Students face a total cost of $60,790, but the average net price drops to $37,109 after aid. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,921 within 10 years, making the typical debt load of $25,250 manageable with monthly payments around $268. The investment pays off for most students, with a 97.8% employment rate showing strong job market demand for UNE graduates. Lower-income families pay around $33,000 annually, while wealthier families see less aid and pay closer to $40,000.
Women make up 68% of the student body, reflecting the gender composition typical of health science programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention crucial for rigorous pre-med and health coursework. Nearly 96% of applicants gain admission, but the 61% graduation rate suggests the academic demands separate serious students from those unprepared for healthcare training.
Students face a total cost of $60,790, but the average net price drops to $37,109 after aid. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,921 within 10 years, making the typical debt load of $25,250 manageable with monthly payments around $268. The investment pays off for most students, with a 97.8% employment rate showing strong job market demand for UNE graduates. Lower-income families pay around $33,000 annually, while wealthier families see less aid and pay closer to $40,000.
Women make up 68% of the student body, reflecting the gender composition typical of health science programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention crucial for rigorous pre-med and health coursework. Nearly 96% of applicants gain admission, but the 61% graduation rate suggests the academic demands separate serious students from those unprepared for healthcare training.
Academics & Faculty
University of New England operates as a specialized health sciences university where two-thirds of students are women drawn to its medical programs. The school's crown jewel is its College of Osteopathic Medicine, one of the oldest osteopathic medical schools in the country. Students also flock here for dentistry and the unique marine sciences program that takes advantage of Maine's coastal location. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means close mentorship in lab-intensive fields where hands-on learning matters most. However, the 60% graduation rate suggests the rigorous health sciences curriculum challenges many students. Nearly 98% of graduates find employment, reflecting strong job placement in healthcare fields where UNE has built solid regional connections.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 51.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.8%
- Retention Rate
- 74.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,921
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $182,280 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $126,504 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $124,217 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $102,919 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Doctoral | $86,550 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $70,344 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,024 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,922 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,806 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $59,097 |
Campus Life
The coastal Maine campus sits 20 minutes south of Portland, where ocean breezes mix with New England winters that demand serious winter gear from October through April. About 70% of the 2,189 students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other by name. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors become mentors, especially important given the demanding pre-health track that most students follow.
Weekends often involve trips to nearby Kennebunkport beaches or exploring Portland's food scene. The Nor'easters compete in 18 Division III sports, with about 23% of students playing varsity athletics. Study groups dominate evenings as students prep for medical school entrance exams. With 68% of students being women, the campus culture reflects the nurturing approach needed for future healthcare providers. The suburban setting keeps distractions minimal while students focus on rigorous coursework in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, and marine science programs that define this health sciences university.
Weekends often involve trips to nearby Kennebunkport beaches or exploring Portland's food scene. The Nor'easters compete in 18 Division III sports, with about 23% of students playing varsity athletics. Study groups dominate evenings as students prep for medical school entrance exams. With 68% of students being women, the campus culture reflects the nurturing approach needed for future healthcare providers. The suburban setting keeps distractions minimal while students focus on rigorous coursework in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, and marine science programs that define this health sciences university.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,534 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1831
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–32°F
- July Avg
- 57°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 48.9"
Student Demographics
Students at University of New England come from across the country, with 76% traveling from out-of-state to study health sciences in coastal Maine. The student body skews heavily female at 68%, reflecting the university's strong programs in nursing, dental hygiene, and other health professions that traditionally attract more women. With only 12% of students receiving Pell Grants, UNE primarily serves middle and upper-middle-class families willing to invest $60,790 annually in specialized health science education. The small enrollment of 2,189 creates an intimate learning environment focused on preparing future healthcare professionals.
- Men
- 31.6%
- Women
- 68.4%
- White
- 85.1%
- Black
- 1.6%
- Hispanic
- 3.9%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 23.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 11.9%
Location
The University of New England sits in Biddeford, Maine, about 15 miles south of Portland along the state's rocky coastline. The campus overlooks the Saco River and Atlantic Ocean in a midsize suburban setting that balances small-town charm with coastal access. Students can walk to nearby beaches and downtown Biddeford's historic textile mill district. The school draws 76.42% of its students from out of state, many attracted to Maine's outdoor recreation opportunities and the university's marine science programs that take advantage of the oceanfront location. Winter temperatures and Maine's rural character create a tight-knit campus community of 2,189 students. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare University of New England with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Biddeford, Maine 04005-9599
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,921
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,501
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 73.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $268/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of New England?
University of New England accepts 96.28% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The school primarily focuses on health sciences education and attracts students specifically interested in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, and marine sciences programs.
How much does University of New England cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $37,109 annually, down from the full tuition of $42,550. Only 11.89% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the student body comes primarily from middle and upper-income families.
What is University of New England known for academically?
The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and specializes in health sciences programs. Students can choose from strong programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, and marine sciences, reflecting the school's coastal Maine location and medical focus.
How successful are University of New England graduates in finding jobs?
Graduates achieve a 97.8% employment rate and earn a median salary of $55,921 ten years after graduation. The strong job outcomes reflect the demand for healthcare professionals and the university's specialized health sciences training.
Where do University of New England students live and what is campus life like?
The campus in suburban Biddeford houses 1,534 students in residence halls, serving most of the 2,189 total enrollment. With 511 student athletes competing in 18 NCAA Division III sports as the Nor'easters, the school maintains an active athletic culture despite its academic focus.
Is University of New England primarily for Maine residents?
Only 23.58% of students come from Maine, making it a regional draw rather than a local school. The student body is 68.43% female and 85.06% white, reflecting typical demographics for health sciences programs that attract students from across New England.
