Why UNE

The University of New England stands out for providing a positive, high-quality educational experience that leads to outstanding career outcomes. Explore this section to learn about what makes us unique.

Return on Investment

A college education is one of life’s major investments, and we are proud that our students are consistently able to find rewarding careers as they go out in the world. Our record of post-graduate success is recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s national “Best Colleges 2024” list, in the 2024 edition of The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges guide, and by the Brookings Institution, who singled out UNE as Maine’s #1 college for increasing career earnings.

See Why UNE is a Sound Investment

Title
Best Colleges
Source
The Princeton Review
Year
2025

Sense of Purpose

At UNE, you’ll study alongside a supportive and tight-knit community of like-minded people who are driven by a desire to make meaningful impacts on the world around them. This sense of purpose is present in all of UNE’s programs. As you study at UNE, you will develop professionalism and expertise imbued with compassion and authenticity, preparing you to contribute positively and effectively in your chosen field.

Learn About UNE’s Mission-Driven Culture

Three U N E students standing by their project at the 2022 Innovation Showcase
U N E undergraduate students at the 2022 commencement ceremony
Group of U N E students sitting on a rock at the beach
A study abroad student walking through the Blue City in Morocco
A student snorkeling and holding up a starfish

Engaging Learning

UNE is committed to providing enriching experiences in and out of the classroom. Students enjoy hands-on experiential learning, including a renowned study-abroad program, numerous internships, and unparalleled opportunities to conduct research — in the lab and in the field. With support from our faculty and professional staff, these experiences inspire critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness, empowering students to thrive in future opportunities and make a lasting impact.

Learn more about Hands-on Learning at UNE

An Active, Welcoming Community

With more than 90 clubs and easy access to the beach, the mountains, and all that Portland has to offer, there are endless ways to both have fun and get involved. We’re a community that offers all the resources and facilities of a large university while still maintaining a close-knit, small-college campus vibe. Whether pursuing a passion or discovering a new interest, you’ll always find a place where you belong at UNE.

Meet Your Community at UNE

Marketplace of Ideas

UNE students engage in a lively, respectful marketplace of ideas, gaining the ability to assess and analyze issues from multiple points of view. Here, you’ll gain not only the knowledge of your chosen discipline but also lifelong skills such as critical thinking and professional competencies (such as how to collaborate and communicate effectively) that allow you to meet the challenges of our world — and to become an active leader in creating its future.

Explore the Marketplace of Ideas

Inspiring Locations

Each of UNE's three campuses offers state-of-the-art facilities in a uniquely beautiful, enriching location. Our Biddeford Campus includes 4,000 feet of stunning shoreline on the Maine coast; our Portland Campus for the Health Sciences is a one-of-a-kind integrated health professions hub in the heart of America's coolest small city; and our Tangier, Morocco, Campus features cutting-edge equipment  in a timeless cultural crossroads on the Mediterranean. And, UNE Online allows you to earn your degree from whatever inspiring location you choose.

Discover UNE’s Campuses