Princeton Review, Fiske Guides, Forbes all list UMaine among nation’s best; university named to Green Honor Roll

The University of Maine is ranked among the top colleges and universities on a national scale, according to Princeton Review, Fiske Guide to Colleges and Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges.”

This recognition marks eight consecutive years for UMaine in Princeton Review and the Fiske Guide.  “The Princeton Review’s Best 376 Colleges: 2012 Edition” lists only about 15 percent of the U.S.’ 2,500 colleges and universities.  “The Fiske Guide to Colleges” includes slightly fewer, recognizing 330 institutions.

The Forbes list ranks the nation’s top 650 undergraduate colleges and universities.

“This is welcome recognition, which reflects positively on UMaine’s faculty, students and staff,” says UMaine President Paul Ferguson.  “These guidebooks provide independent verification of our belief that UMaine represents exceptional quality and value, on par with the great colleges and universities around the U.S. and beyond.”

UMaine is also one of just 16 colleges and universities listed in Princeton Review’s “Green Honor Roll.”  College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor is also on the Green Honor Roll.  Several of the nation’s leading research universities, including Virginia Tech, Oregon State, Arizona State and the University of Washington are also on that prestigious list, as are Harvard and Northeastern.

Recognizing schools for their commitment to sustainability, the Green Honor Roll lists only those 16 institutions that received the highest possible score on The Princeton Review green rating.  The guide lauds UMaine for its recycling programs, green-certified buildings and free shuttle bus service.  It also notes the fact that UMaine has a sustainability coordinator, a sustainability council and “Eco Reps” in its residence halls.

Compiled by former New York Times editor Edward Fiske, the Fiske Guide s a subjective presentation rather than a statistical one, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each institution in terms of academics, social life and overall quality of life.  The Princeton Review’s methodology includes an extensive survey of current students, used to assess the overall student experience. The Forbes list is created in collaboration with the Center for College Affordability and Productivity in Washington, D.C.

Updated Aug. 5, 2011
Contact: Joe Carr
(207) 581-3571