Class of 2012–Largest in History–Arrives at UMaine
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571
ORONO — Some 700 student, faculty and staff volunteers were on hand this morning at the University of Maine to welcome the university’s largest-ever first-year class. In keeping with UMaine tradition, arriving students and their families are met by “Maine Hello” volunteers who assist in the move-in process.
While the numbers will change slightly over the next several days, there are an estimated 2,173 students in the Class of 2012, an increase of 201 over the class that enrolled last year. Seventy-seven percent of the new first-year students are Maine residents. Most of the year-to-year increase is attributable to an estimated 34 percent increase in first-year students from outside Maine.
UMaine projects a total fall enrollment of slightly more than 12,000 students. This fall marks 11 consecutive years of enrollment increases, and the total student population will be the largest in UMaine history, approximately 1.9 percent larger than last year’s.
“The choice of a place to pursue higher education is a major life decision, and we are gratified that so many students are choosing UMaine,” says UMaine President Robert Kennedy. “UMaine has a unique statewide mission, the centerpiece of which is providing a high-quality, high-value comprehensive experience for our students. This core strength amplifies UMaine’s ability to serve our state and to have a positive impact beyond Maine’s borders.”
Despite the larger number of first-year students, the primary indicators of academic preparedness remain unchanged from last year. The average SAT score is 1079 and 22 percent of the new first-year students were in the top ten percent of their high school class.
Students from 47 states and 47 countries will be part of the UMaine community this fall.
Enrollment numbers are preliminary until Oct. 15, the University of Maine System’s official enrollment reporting date.
Editors note: historical first-year and total enrollment comparisons reflect adjustments to discount those students who enrolled at University College of Bangor when it was affiliated with UMaine for several years, ending in 1995. Please contact Joe Carr (581-3571) if you would like more details.