Princeton Review names UMaine among the best

The University of Maine is one of the 380 best colleges nationwide, and for a second consecutive year, the only public university in Maine to be profiled by Princeton Review in its annual guide.

UMaine’s inclusion in The Best 380 Colleges: 2016 Edition marks a decade of recognition by Princeton Review. This spring, UMaine also was named one of the Top 50 Green Colleges in the nation by Princeton Review, part of the sixth annual guide to the most environmentally responsible higher education institutions in the country.

According to Princeton Review, colleges are selected based on the quality of their academic programs. Profiles of the colleges and universities reflect the perspectives of 136,000 students surveyed on academics, campus life and the student body.

UMaine students told Princeton Review that the university’s strengths are in providing “a quality education, preparing us for the working world and helping to promote an environmentally friendly future.” They cited UMaine’s comprehensive academic offerings, extensive undergraduate research opportunities and world-class faculty who “genuinely care about the progress of their students.”

The Princeton Review is an education services company known for its tutoring, test-prep programs, books, admission services, and other resources for students. UMaine’s full profile is online.

More excerpts from the “Students Say” section of UMaine’s profile in The Best 380 Colleges: 2016 Edition are below:

Academics
Many students, particularly those for whom the Orono campus is “close to home,” love that the school’s “tuition is affordable” and “financial aid was fantastic.” But UMaine’s value doesn’t compromise academic quality: the university offers a “great engineering program,” a “wonderful music program,” “highly respected forestry and natural resource programs,” a great “marine science program and Semester by the Sea program,” and a host of other academic concentration opportunities. UMaine makes sustainability learning and practice a priority: It’s a “very ‘green’ school that both cares about its students and the environment.” The university’s “difficult professors” will “ensure you learn the material,” and provide students with a connection to “to highly recognized people in (their) field.” One student says: “The majority of the faculty members are brilliant and genuinely care about the progress of their students.” Another student extols, “I’ve had three of the greatest teachers I’ve ever had here already.” From the undergrads’ perspective, “The majority of my professors really enjoy what they teach, and I think that really has an impact on whether their students do well or not.” Faculty and staff are “supportive and helpful people that make me proud to be a Black Bear” who facilitate valuable undergrad research opportunities in any field. Students cited the “top-notch” campus resources, especially the Career Center, library and Counseling Center, helping ensure that “UMaine students are prepared to handle college life, as well as post-grad.” Students also appreciate the honors program, “which is a fantastic group of thinkers from all majors.” In all aspects of UMaine’s education, “I am encouraged to think for myself, and work on projects that I want to be a part of, in a wide range of subjects.” True to its motto, UMaine’s students call it the “College of our hearts, always.”

Campus Life
UMaine students love to join “clubs that take advantage of natural beauty that Maine has to offer” or hike “beautiful trails around Orono.” “Outdoor activities” like “skiing and walking” abound, and “Frisbee is a pretty big thing.” The campus is “very active and the people are very open and friendly.” People display some “health awareness,” appreciate the tobacco-free campus and transportation services, and find that the dorms are great. “Generally, everyone is really nice and neighborly,” there’s always something to do either on campus or off, and there’s a sense of community.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, 207.581.3745