University of Maine System

Propelling overall enrollment growth is a 40% year-over-year increase in the number of University of Maine at Presque Isle students taking advantage of the YourPace online degree and certificate programs.

A timeline has not yet been set for the project, touted as a "catalyst" for the Orono school and the future of health care in Maine.

UMaine is well positioned to start a public medical school, but $250 million in startup costs plus tens of millions for operations mean the project is not financially feasible.

The new contract provides for stipend increases, health insurance benefits and free tuition for the 900 workers represented by the union.

S&P Global Ratings upgraded the University of Maine System’s credit rating and revised its outlook from "negative" to "stable" for the first time since 2021.

Payroll alone for UMaine employees with home addresses in Maine totaled $384 million in FY25, compared to $363.7 million in FY24.

The new degrees target fields facing critical shortages at both the state and national levels, including early childhood education, human services, medical laboratory science and homeland security.

"When our public universities grow, so does Maine’s workforce and economy,” said the system’s chancellor.

Touted as a first-of-its-kind for adult learners, the degree will be offered by the University of Maine at Farmington and delivered through the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s existing online program called YourPace.

A pilot program approved by University of Maine System trustees targets adult learners who have not yet earned a degree and have been out of school for at least two years. The goal is to help employers meet workforce needs.