University of Maine at Augusta
The Vibe Check
The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) offers a grounded, non-traditional campus experience that feels welcoming and deeply connected to Maine's working communities. It's a place where adult learners, career-changers, and recent high school graduates learn side-by-side in a supportive, commuter-focused environment. The vibe is practical and unpretentious, with a strong sense of community among students and faculty.
Academics & Majors
UMA excels in career-focused programs, particularly in Health Professions, Business, and Computer Science, designed to meet the needs of Maine's workforce. The college is also notably the only public university in New England with a Library Science program. Teaching quality is a priority, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention from faculty who are focused on student success rather than just research.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Augusta
Student life in Augusta revolves around the campus, with opportunities to join clubs, attend sporting events, and participate in student government. For fun, students often head downtown to explore local cafes and shops or enjoy the outdoors along the Kennebec River Rail Trail. Being the state capital, there are also unique internship and cultural opportunities, though the nightlife is much quieter than in a larger college town.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($40,342):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The Augusta campus is considered very safe, with a dedicated campus security team and low crime rates typical of a small city in Maine. The surrounding area is quiet and residential, though students should always practice standard urban safety awareness.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Very affordable tuition, especially for in-state students
- ✓ Strong programs in niche fields like Library Science and Marine Biology
- ✓ Flexible learning options including online, hybrid, and evening classes
- ✓ Low student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation and retention rates can indicate student support challenges
- ✗ Limited campus life and social scene for a traditional college experience
- ✗ Location in Augusta is less vibrant than larger college towns like Orono or Portland
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UMA is known for its practical, career-focused education and is the only public university in New England to offer a Bachelor's degree in Library Science. It has strong programs in Health Professions (including Nursing), Business, and Computer Science, and is recognized for its accessibility and affordability for non-traditional students.
No, University of Maine at Augusta has an open-enrollment policy, making it accessible to most applicants. While there are no specific SAT/ACT score requirements or low acceptance rates, applicants are still required to submit high school transcripts. The focus is on providing educational opportunities to a broad range of students, including adult learners and those seeking career changes.
Campus life at UMA is commuter-focused and more subdued than at a traditional residential college. The student body is diverse in age, with many adult learners attending part-time. While there are student clubs, sports, and events, social life often revolves around academic and career-related activities. The campus provides a supportive environment with resources like the campus library and student center.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Suburban
- Undergrad 5,754
- In-State Tuition $8,618
- Out-of-State $21,548
- Zip Code 04330
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an in-state tuition of under $9,000 and an average net price of around $11,353, UMA presents a strong financial value, especially for Maine residents. The 10-year median earnings of $40,342 are solid for a public university in rural New England, and the low cost of attendance minimizes student debt. For out-of-state students, the value is less pronounced, but still competitive compared to many private institutions.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.