UMF recognized as “Best Value” and “Top Public School” by U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges

FARMINGTON, ME  (September 23, 2025)—Once again, the University of Maine at Farmington has been recognized for academic quality, affordability and improved career opportunities for students by the U.S. News & World Report  2026 Best Colleges.

UMF placed in the top 10 in four categories, including No. 4 Best Value, No. 5 Top Performer on Social Mobility, No. 6 Top Public School and No. 9 Top Regional College, within its Carnegie classification of Regional College, North. The rankings emphasize student outcomes, academic resources and a college’s continued reputation.

“The ‘Best Value’ recognition from U.S. News speaks to UMF’s academic quality, affordability, and its powerful sense of community that faculty, staff and students have created here in Farmington,” said UMF President Joseph McDonnell.

In keeping with the University’s focus on creating a vibrant academic community, UMF welcomed its largest incoming class in five years this fall and Farmington’s on campus housing retention is the highest in 20 years.

“We’re proud of what we do here at Farmington and that we stand out as a place where students feel connected, challenged and grow as professionals,” McDonnell added.

More on U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges

U.S. News states that “Best Value Schools” are above average academically and cost considerably less than many other schools when financial aid is taken into account. To be eligible to be included, schools need to be ranked in the top half of their U.S. overall 2026 Best Colleges category to ensure they are strong academically.

Other key factors in addition to academic quality, include the percentage of full-time undergraduates receiving need-based scholarships or grants, the percentage of those scholarships that students don’t need to pay back, and the average discount from the school’s total price that these students receive.

UMF’s Top Performer on Social Mobility ranking is an indication of Farmington’s success at helping economically disadvantaged students who receive federal Pell Grants achieve a college degree and graduate into well-paying jobs. This significant educational achievement by students shows the positive impact of access to a quality and affordable education with a life changing return on investment.

According to U.S. News, the purpose of its ranking is to provide a starting point for families comparing colleges. This year’s ranking evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success.

The top-ranked schools, “provided ample classroom resources for students and faculty; conferred bachelor’s degrees at high rates; and produced graduates who entered the workforce with manageable debt and worthwhile starting salaries,” as stated by U.S. News.

Data is based on the U.S. News statistical survey, the U.S. Dept. of Education data, the U.S. Dept. of Commerce and a global leader in information and analytics. Information is certified by a top academic official from each school.

More on University of Maine at Farmington

A nationally recognized regional public university, the University of Maine at Farmington is known for its commitment to teacher preparation, the creative arts, health and science, environmental studies, business and public service. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF provides a challenging but welcoming academic community—here in Farmington and online—that prepares students for enriching professional careers, engaged citizenship and an enduring love of learning.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

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