Maine's premier public liberal arts college, founded 1864, preparing educators and leaders in western Maine.
UMF offers over 60 academic programs across sciences, humanities, business, education, and other disciplines. The college emphasizes experiential learning through internships, field experiences, student teaching, and research opportunities. With an average class size of 17, students build meaningful relationships with faculty and take on leadership roles. The institution is particularly renowned for teacher preparation and education programs, housed in the LEED-Silver certified Theodora J. Kalikow Education Center.
The rural campus is located in downtown Farmington, surrounded by western Maine's mountains, rivers, forests, and trails. Students enjoy access to outdoor recreation, local restaurants, shops, live music, and art shows within walking distance. Facilities include Dearborn Gymnasium, a Fitness and Recreation Center with cardio equipment, weight room, courts, walking track, and 25-yard swimming pool. The college fields 12 NCAA Division III varsity teams plus skiing and snowboarding programs through USCSA.
UMF welcomes first-year students, transfer students, and adult learners through multiple pathways including Common App and ApplyMaine. The college offers degree completion programs for adult learners and flexible graduate and certificate programs. Transfer students benefit from accelerated transcript review, no application fee, and transfer-specific scholarships. International students are also welcomed to the diverse campus community.
UMF was named a Top Performer in Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2025) and recognized as a Top 20 College for Skiing & Winter Sports. The college was also named one of Phi Theta Kappa's Most Transfer-Friendly Colleges (2024). Career services include personalized career advising, internship placement at employers like Maine State Aquarium and Merrill Lynch, and lifelong alumni career support.