UNE earns 12th consecutive placement on The Princeton Review’s best colleges list
The University of New England has once again been named among the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, marking the 12th consecutive year UNE has earned a place in the educational services company’s flagship college guide.
UNE is one of 392 institutions featured in “The Best Colleges for 2027,” representing about 14% of the nearly 2,800 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The Princeton Review selects colleges for the guide primarily based on its assessment of their academic offerings, informed by data from college administrators and feedback from students, parents, educators, and college counselors.
The Princeton Review also independently surveys students about their academic and campus experiences. For the 2027 edition, the company surveyed 172,000 students nationwide through a 98-question survey covering academics, administrative services, financial aid, campus life, and other aspects of the college experience.
In its profile of UNE, The Princeton Review describes students as “academically focused and engaged with their career paths” and highlights a student body whose members “care about the well-being of others and the planet.”
Students praised UNE’s professors, who possess “deep knowledge about the subjects they teach,” and are easily accessible outside the classroom; the University’s modern learning facilities; and an abundance of resources that support student success. They also cited UNE’s emphasis on hands-on learning, including opportunities engage in coastal research right from the University’s own shoreline, immersive lab experiences, and internships across academic programs.
The guide specifically highlights UNE’s marine and environmental programs and the opportunities afforded by the University’s 363-acre research forest, Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center, and research station on Ram Island. Students also cited the opportunity for students across majors to study abroad at UNE’s campus in Tangier, Morocco.
UNE President James Herbert said the University’s 12th consecutive appearance in The Princeton Review reflects the kind of educational experience UNE strives to provide: one that connects rigorous academics with practical experience, professional preparation, and a strong sense of purpose.
“Our students come to UNE ready to build meaningful careers and make a difference in the communities they will serve, and our responsibility is to give them every opportunity to do that,” Herbert said. “Through hands-on research, internships, interdisciplinary learning, and close relationships with faculty, we help students turn what they learn into skills they can carry directly into their professions. It is especially meaningful to see those qualities reflected in what our own students say about their UNE experience.”
Students also emphasized the close-knit nature of the UNE community, describing their peers as supportive and welcoming. One student described the community as “very accepting and supportive,” while another said UNE “feels like home.”
The Princeton Review profile further highlights UNE’s active student experience and scenic coastal setting, including access to forests, fields, trails, and a private beach. Students cited the wide variety of clubs, activities, intramural sports, and outdoor recreation available to them, as well as traditions that foster school spirit and connection.
Herbert noted the recognition comes as UNE continues making strategic investments designed to expand opportunities for students and respond to Maine and New England’s evolving workforce needs.
Recent investments include the Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences on UNE’s Portland Campus for the Health Sciences; continued growth of UNE’s research enterprise; expanded facilities supporting marine and environmental science, innovation, and entrepreneurship; new partnerships supporting business and sustainability education; and a $5 million gift to name the David Evans Shaw Institute of Public and Planetary Health.
Beyond its Princeton Review recognition, UNE has also recently earned national notice for its sustainable stewardship of natural and financial resources.
In June, the University earned a silver rating for its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, whose rating system is regarded as the leading framework for assessing sustainability in higher education.
UNE also continues to receive honors for its financial prudence, with Forbes in June awarding the University an A- financial grade, placing it among the top 20% of institutions nationally for financial strength, stability, and sustainability. And, in May, Fitch Ratings’ upgraded UNE’s issuer default rating from A+ to AA-, denoting “very high” credit quality, with a stable outlook.