Forbes awards UNE “A-” financial grade, recognizing strong fiscal health and institutional stability
The University of New England has earned an A- financial grade from Forbes, placing Maine’s largest independent university among the top 20% of distinguished institutions recognized nationally for financial strength, stability, and long-term sustainability.
The grade, awarded as part of Forbes’ 2026 College Financial Grades ranking, reflects a comprehensive assessment of institutional financial health. UNE received a 3.77 grade point average on a four-point scale, placing the University among a select group recognized for exceptional financial strength amid a challenging environment for higher education.
The acknowledgment is the latest in a series of positive external assessments of UNE’s financial position and strategic direction.
In May, Fitch Ratings upgraded UNE’s issuer default rating from “A+” to “AA-” with a stable outlook, citing the University’s strong operating performance, enrollment growth, and leadership in workforce-aligned education. Last year, Moody’s Investors Service affirmed UNE’s “A2” credit rating with a stable outlook, noting the University’s “very solid” operating performance and distinctive academic offerings.
“Continued distinction from independent organizations reflects years of thoughtful planning, disciplined stewardship, and sustained investment in our academic priorities,” said UNE President James Herbert. “In a period of demographic and economic pressures across higher education, we have remained focused on aligning resources with our mission, expanding student opportunity, and investing in programs that meet workforce needs. This recognition reflects that consistency and positions UNE well for the future.”
The Forbes distinction comes amid a period of sustained growth and investment for the University.
A year after opening the Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences on UNE’s Portland Campus for the Health Sciences, the University continues to expand its role as Maine’s leading provider of health professionals, increasing enrollment at Maine’s medical school by 21% and graduating an additional 35 physicians annually to help address critical workforce shortages. UNE also recently celebrated the first graduating class of its College of Business, launched in 2023 to support workforce development and economic growth through experiential learning, industry partnerships, and innovative academic programming.
UNE’s financial strength has coincided with continued national accolades for student success, educational quality, and measurable returns for students and families.
In October, The Wall Street Journal named UNE to its 2026 “Best Colleges in the U.S.” list, citing the University’s strong performance in experiential learning, career development opportunities, and learning facilities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education recently reported that UNE graduates earn nearly $20,000 more annually than regional peers who did not attend college. The Princeton Review has also recognized UNE as one of the nation's best colleges for the 11th consecutive year, placing it among just 15% of four-year institutions nationwide.
Jim Irwin, the University’s senior vice president of Finance and Administration and chief financial officer, said these distinctions reinforce UNE’s position as a financially strong institution committed to student success, workforce development, and innovation in higher education.
“Independent assessments such as the Forbes financial grade provide a useful benchmark for evaluating institutional strength and sustainability,” Irwin said. “This result reflects years of prudent financial management, strong operating performance, and a deliberate approach to aligning resources with our academic priorities. That foundation is critical to maintaining long-term stability and supporting continued investment in the University’s mission.”