Academic Excellence
12:1
student to teacher ratio
90+
academic programs
18
Average class size
Undergraduate classes
- 95% of UNE undergrads are employed or in ongoing higher education within one year of graduating (based on 2016–2024 graduate surveys)
- We are Maine’s largest independent university
- We are the No. 1 provider of health care professionals in Maine
46% of our undergraduates engage in research with faculty
We have Maine’s only medical college and physician assistant program and northern New England’s only dental college
92% of our undergraduates participate in clinical rotation, fieldwork, or internship
Inspiring Locations
- We have 3 beautiful campuses in Maine and Morocco, plus online programs
- Our Biddeford, Maine campus offers more than 4,000 feet of scenic shoreline
- Portland has been ranked the top New England city to live in by U.S. News & World Report
There are 24 beaches within a 50-mile radius of our campuses
We have 363 acres of contiguous forest
Ram Island, our own private one-acre living laboratory right in Saco Bay
student life and community
- Our students provide more than 10,000 community service hours per year
- 23 club sport offerings
- More than 100 student clubs and organizations
21
NCAA teams
5x
our students study abroad 5x above the national average
25+
intramural sport opportunities
Financial Prudence
- Our students receive an average total aid package of $35,000
- Our tuition is 9% below the average tuition for private universities in New England
- We have an A2 rating from Moody’s Investor Services and an AA- credit rating with a stable financial outlook from Fitch Ratings.
- A- financial grade from Forbes, as part of its 2026 College Financial Grades ranking, reflecting a comprehensive assessment of institutional financial health.
$44 million awarded annually in institutional scholarships
Our student loan default rate is 0.6% — lower than the national average (2.3%)
Recognition We’ve Received
Title
Best Colleges: National
Source
U.S. News & World Report
Year
2026
Title
Best Colleges
Source
Princeton Review
Year
2026
Academic Quality
- Biology Explorer: Top 10 Best Marine Biology Colleges
- College Choice: Top 15 Best Marine Biology Degrees
- College Magazine: Top 10 Best Colleges For Marine Biology
- College Raptor
- Hidden Gem for academic rigor and student success
- Hidden Gem for Women in STEM
- Colleges of Distinction
- Best Colleges in the U.S.
- Best Private Colleges
- Best Colleges for Nursing
- Top Business Colleges
- Top Education Colleges
- Intelligent.com
- Best Online Universities and Colleges in Maine
- Best Colleges in Maine
- Best Online Master’s in Public Health Degree Programs
- Best Online Master’s Degrees in Social Work
- Nonprofit Colleges Online: Best Online Doctorates in Education Programs
- Princeton Review
- Best 382 Colleges
- Best Online Ed.D. Programs
- U.S. News & World Report
- Best Graduate Schools
- Best National Universities
- Best Nursing (B.S.N.) Programs
- Best Nursing-Anesthesia (CRNA) Schools
- Best Occupational Therapy Programs
- Best Pharmacy Schools
- Best Physical Therapy Programs
- Best Physician Assistant Schools
- Best Public Health Schools
- Best Social Work Schools
- Best Online Graduate Education Programs
- Wall Street Journal: Best Colleges in the U.S.
Return on Investment
- Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education Student Access and Earnings Classification: Lower Access, Higher Earnings
- Zippia: No. 1 in Maine for graduates getting jobs
- Moody’s Investor Services: A2 rating
- Fitch Ratings: AA- credit rating
- Forbes: A- financial grade
General
- Colleges of Distinction
- Top Equity and Inclusion Colleges
- Best Career Services Colleges
- The Princeton Review: Guide to Green Colleges
- International Age Friendly ¸ßÇå²»¿¨¸£Àû ¸ßÇå²»¿¨¸£Àû Network: Recognized as an Age-Friendly ¸ßÇå²»¿¨¸£Àû
- U.S. News & World Report
- Most Diverse Medical Schools
- Most Graduates Practicing in Primary care
- Top Performers on Social Mobility