UMaine retains esteemed R1 status

The University of Maine was ranked among the nation’s top research universities for the second time when the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education reaffirmed UMaine’s status as an R1 university last month.

“As Maine’s only R1 institution, UMaine plays a significant role in the health and economic well-being of our state and its people,” said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “Our faculty, staff and students are deeply involved in solving problems and creating opportunities that will better the lives of people in Maine and beyond. Their scholarship and research directly and indirectly benefit the full range of Maine’s economic sectors — from heritage industries such as farming, fishing, forestry and manufacturing to small-business innovation and development, transportation, technology, biomedical fields, healthcare and more.”  

UMaine is one of just 187 universities nationwide to earn the prestigious R1 designation, recognizing the highest level of research activity. The achievement highlights the university’s growing research expenditures as well as the number of research doctoral degrees awarded each year. 

“Our R1 status is not just a ranking — it reflects UMaine’s deep commitment to addressing critical issues and advancing knowledge,” said Kody Varahramyan, the university’s vice president for research and dean of its Graduate School. “The R1 classification represents the top tier of achievement for research institutions across the United States, with fewer than 7% of the nation’s 2,690 four-year colleges and universities holding the distinction. Since first earning R1 status in 2022.” 

Read the full story on the UMaine News website.