The University of Maine, founded in 1865, is the flagship campus of the University of Maine System. Located in Orono, Maine, the university is a comprehensive research institution offering more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a range of disciplines.
The university’s campus covers over 600 acres and includes state-of-the-art facilities for research, teaching, and learning. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, students have ample opportunity to work closely with faculty on cutting-edge research projects and hands-on learning experiences.
The university is known for its strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with a range of programs and initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability in the community. The university is home to the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, one of the world’s leading research facilities for composite materials, and has a range of research programs focused on renewable energy, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
The University of Maine is also known for its strong athletic programs, with 17 varsity sports teams competing in the America East Conference. The university’s ice hockey team, the Maine Black Bears, has won two national championships and has a strong following among students and alumni. With a range of extracurricular activities, including over 200 student organizations and clubs, the university offers students a vibrant and engaging campus community.

University of Maine (Wikipedia)
Do you want to know more about the University of Maine? Let’s take a look at these 34 interesting facts about the University of Maine.
- The University of Maine was founded in 1865 as the Maine State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts.
- The university’s original campus was located in Orono, Maine, on the site of a former military training camp.
- The university is the flagship campus of the University of Maine System, which also includes six other universities and 10 satellite campuses.
- The university’s mascot is Bananas the Black Bear.
- The university has over 10,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.
- The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
- The university is home to the Stephen E. King Chair in Literature, a position endowed by author Stephen King.
- The university’s library holds over 1.3 million volumes, including rare books and manuscripts.
- The university has a planetarium and an observatory for stargazing.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 24% since 2005.
- The university has a range of research programs focused on renewable energy, including wind, solar, and tidal power.
- The university’s School of Marine Sciences is one of the top marine science programs in the country.
- The university has a range of study abroad programs in countries such as Australia, China, and Spain.
- The university has a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering, including mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.
- The university has a strong commitment to community service and has over 20,000 hours of student volunteer work each year.
- The university is home to the Maine Center for Research in STEM Education, which focuses on improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
- The university has a range of athletic facilities, including an ice hockey rink, a football stadium, and a basketball arena.
- The university has a range of varsity sports teams, including basketball, football, ice hockey, soccer, and track and field.
- The university has won several national championships in ice hockey.
- The university’s marching band, the Pride of Maine, has over 100 members and performs at athletic events and parades.
- The university has a range of student-run media outlets, including a radio station and a newspaper.
- The university has a range of on-campus dining options, including a vegan and vegetarian cafe.
- The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and has a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting equity and inclusion.
- The university’s College of Education and Human Development is one of the top education programs in the country.
- The university has a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, including accounting, finance, and marketing.
- The university has a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in nursing, including a doctor of nursing practice program.
- The university has a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, including music, theater, and studio art.
- The university has a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, and political science.
- The university has a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the humanities, including English, history, and philosophy.
- The university has a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics.
- The university has a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the health sciences, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training.
- The university has a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in computer science and information technology.
- The university has a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in journalism and communication, including a highly regarded program in communication and media studies.
- The university’s Maine Bound Adventure Center offers a range of outdoor activities for students, including rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking.
The University of Maine is a vibrant and dynamic institution that offers students a wide range of opportunities for academic and personal growth. With a strong commitment to sustainability, community service, diversity and inclusion, and research, the university is a leader in higher education in the state of Maine and beyond. Whether you’re interested in engineering, education, the arts, or any other field of study, the University of Maine has the programs, facilities, and support systems you need to succeed. With a dedicated faculty, a diverse student body, and a range of extracurricular activities and programs, the university is an ideal place to pursue your academic and personal goals.