University of Maine: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Orono, Maine · Public · Open access · CDS 2024-2025
Or open University of Maine in College Search to compare programs, costs and outcomes side by side.
University of Maine is a public university in Orono, Maine that admits about 97% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $17,510 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Business Administration, Management and Operations, Mechanical Engineering and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 55% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 2.4 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
University of Maine is a public institution located in Orono, Maine. For the most recent reporting cycle, University of Maine admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 97%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT of 1190 and an ACT composite around 26. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $17,510 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for University of Maine?
59% of enrolled students at University of Maine had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.49, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What does University of Maine weight in admissions?
University of Maine reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2024-2025). What the weights mean
- • Rigor of secondary school record
- • Class rank
- • Academic GPA
- • Application essay
- • Recommendations
SAT and ACT scores University of Maine typically admits
Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | 1060 |
| 50th percentile | 1190 |
| 75th percentile | 1280 |
| % submitting SAT | 16% |
| 25th percentile | 21 |
| 50th percentile | 26 |
| 75th percentile | 30 |
| % submitting ACT | 2% |
- • Test-blind: University of Maine does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions, even if submitted.
- • Policy detail: Not considered
Where admitted students ranked in their high school class
Class rank distribution gives parents a clear sense of how academically dominant a typical admitted student was within their own high school cohort — often a more meaningful signal than absolute GPA.
| Top 10% of class | 18% |
| Top 25% of class | 43% |
| Top 50% of class | 76% |
| % submitting class rank | 49% |
How much does University of Maine actually cost?
Published tuition is $13,326 for in-state students and $36,756 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $13,410 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $17,510 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 23% of students receive Pell Grants.
| In-state tuition | — |
| Room and board | — |
| Average net price (after aid) | $17,510 |
| Application fee | — |
Application deadlines and early decision data for University of Maine
| Notification date | Rolling beginning Oct 1 |
| Reply deadline | May 1 or within 2 weeks if notified thereafter |
| Rolling admissions | Yes |
Will my child graduate from University of Maine?
These predict outcomes at University of Maine better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates
Most popular majors at University of Maine
The most popular undergraduate programs at University of Maine, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Business Administration, Management and Operations, Mechanical Engineering and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Across all programs, University of Maine confers roughly 732 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Business Administration, Management and Operations program report a median income of about $62,799 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 118 | $62,799 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 111 | $87,105 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 94 | $77,342 |
| Psychology, General | 90 | $44,274 |
| Marketing | 87 | $64,199 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 78 | $42,684 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 77 | $50,136 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 77 | $66,565 |
Is University of Maine safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), University of Maine disclosed 20 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 2.4 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 0 violent offenses and 17 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
What is campus life like at University of Maine?
About 42% of undergraduates at University of Maine live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.
Other colleges in Maine parents ask about
Colleges that admit at a similar rate
Next steps for University of Maine
Common questions parents ask about University of Maine
What GPA do I need for University of Maine?
59% of enrolled students at University of Maine had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.49, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What SAT or ACT score does University of Maine typically admit?
University of Maine is test-blind: SAT and ACT scores are not considered in admission decisions, even if you submit them. There is no score range because scores are not read.
How much does University of Maine actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Maine after grants and scholarships is $17,510 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $13,326 and $36,756 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is University of Maine realistic for my child?
University of Maine admits 97% of applicants, so the transcript and course rigour carry the decision, with no published score band to place against. Then check the $17,510 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Maine?
University of Maine accepts about 97% of applicants out of roughly 14,044 who apply each year. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.
Is University of Maine test-optional?
University of Maine is test-blind: it does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions, even if you submit them.
What is the graduation rate at University of Maine?
About 55% of students at University of Maine graduate within six years. 83% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.
What does University of Maine look for in applicants?
University of Maine rates course rigor, class rank and GPA as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.
Is University of Maine a public or private school, and where is it located?
University of Maine is a public institution located in Orono, Maine.
What are the most popular majors at University of Maine?
The largest undergraduate majors at University of Maine by annual graduates are Business Administration, Management and Operations, Mechanical Engineering and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. The school awards about 732 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is University of Maine safe? What is its campus crime rate?
University of Maine reported 20 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 2.4 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
What is campus life like at University of Maine?
At University of Maine, 42% of undergraduates live on campus, according to its most recent Common Data Set.
Sources: the 2024-2025 Common Data Set submitted by University of Maine, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers