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Accreditation

UMF Accreditation

The University of Maine at Farmington is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

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New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) Accreditation

The University of Maine at Farmington is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a nationally recognized accrediting body. This accreditation means UMF meets rigorous standards of quality in academics, resources, and integrity—assuring students and families that the education and support provided are of the highest standard. Accreditation applies to the entire institution, ensuring the value of a UMF degree now and in the future.

NECHE, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits over 220 institutions in New England and abroad. The University of Maine System has been accredited by NECHE since July 2020, covering all seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law. Accreditation assures students, families, and the public that UMS meets rigorous standards of quality, integrity, and institutional effectiveness. In October 2022, the University of Maine System, including UMF, underwent a comprehensive evaluation by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) which included public comments focused on the quality of the institution.

Council for the Accreditation of Education Programs (CAEP)

The University of Maine at Farmington teacher education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Programs (CAEP). CAEP is a professional accreditor that reviews educator preparation providers with programs leading to initial and advanced teacher certification/licensure.
Learn More About CAEP Accountability Measures

The CAEP Standards task educator preparation programs (EPP) to demonstrate two things:

  1. Evidence their graduates are competent and caring educators, and
  2. Capacity to collect reliable data and continuously use evidence to maintain and enhance the quality of the professional programs they offer.

In 2017, UMF became the first program in Maine to receive this higher and more rigorous standard of national accreditation. Following its successful site review in Fall 2025, UMF’s CAEP accreditation is effective until Fall 2031.

UMF has 9 Education Programs Leading to 16 Licensure Pathways: