UMaine grows incoming class for fall 2016 with innovative programs focused on affordability

The number of confirmed students for fall 2016 at the University of Maine is up 22 percent compared to this time last year, bringing the incoming class to 2,447 as of May 2.

The double-digit growth reflects a 3 percent increase in in-state students and a 52 percent increase in out-of-state students over last year, and is due to UMaine’s innovative scholarship initiatives focused on affordability, strategic investments in signature strengths and aggressive marketing.

UMaine received a record number of applicants for fall 2016 — more than 14,000 for the incoming class. As a result, for the first time in recent history, we instituted our first UMaine-wide waitlist.

The Flagship Match program offers academically qualified students from six states – Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania – the same option to pay what they would pay at their state’s flagship university. In addition, academically qualified students from other states receive significant, competitive merit scholarships to offset the cost of nonresident tuition and fees at UMaine.

The incoming class includes an increased number of out-of-state students from six states over last year, led by Massachusetts with an 81 percent increase, followed by New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Vermont.

“These new scholarship programs reaffirm UMaine’s commitment to making higher education affordable for Maine students, and bringing the best and the brightest into the state — future community leaders and members of tomorrow’s workforce,” said UMaine President Susan J. Hunter.

Diversity and academic excellence are key components to the success of The University of Maine’s student body, and we strive to offer an affordable solution for our applicants, said UMaine Provost Jeffrey Hecker. Attracting out-of-state students is critical to meet those goals and enrich the university experience for all UMaine students.

“We’re thrilled that the Flagship Match program was so well received and, as a result, we’ll be opening our doors to many new out-of-state students this fall,” said Hecker. “Students and their families recognized that UMaine is offering a world-class education at a fair price, and we’re excited to welcome them to campus.

Contact: Jennifer O’Leary, 207.515.3341