UNE tops Maine colleges for impact on graduates' economic success
The University of New England (UNE) was ranked number one among Maine universities and colleges for its ability to increase students’ career earnings, according to a recently published report by the Brookings Institution.
“Beyond College Rankings” graded more than 7,000 two and four-year schools on their effect on graduates’ economic earnings, using three markers: midcareer earnings, student-loan repayment and occupational earnings.
Unlike most other rankings systems, the Brookings “value added” ratings seek to isolate the actual impact of the school, itself, on alumni earnings, adjusting for the economic status and academic characteristics of its student body.
UNE President Danielle Ripich, Ph.D., commented, “We are extremely pleased with this new rating that recognizes the enormous, positive impact of a UNE education. The value-added approach to the analysis contributes a dimension that captures the inherent effect of our university on our graduates’ economic success. To be ranked first among Maine schools is an accomplishment of which we are very proud.”
Researchers at the Brookings Institution identified five main traits of schools that are strong indicators of students’ future earnings: the value of the curriculum; alumni skills; a science, math, engineering and mathematics (STEM) orientation; completion rates; and student financial aid.