Education

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Maine is home to an impressive K-12 educational system, a comprehensive and modern state university system and several prestigious private institutions.

Maine is a national leader in K-12 education. In 1999, Maine was ranked the highest performing K-12 educational system in the U.S. by the National Education Goals Panel. In 2001, Maine was again ranked 1st for its 94.5% high school completion rate, over 9% higher than the national average of 85.7%.

The University of Maine System encompasses Maine’s seven universities, including the University of Maine and the University of Southern Maine. With a fall 2001 enrollment of almost 33,000 students, Maine’s state universities offer numerous, highly-ranked degree and advanced programs. These universities contain modern research laboratories and centers, including the University of Maine’s Center for Education and Research in Biotechnology.

Maine is also home to an extensive technical college system. The Maine Technical College System includes seven two-year colleges, which prepare students and mid-career professionals for careers and advanced training in business and technology. The system works closely with local industry to develop appropriate programs for a modern workforce.

Maine’s private colleges and universities include Bates College, Bowdoin College and Colby College, all ranked by the U.S. News & World Report in the top 25 liberal arts colleges.

Maine’s University of New England contains the state’s only medical school, the College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is recognized nationally for its programs in primary care, geriatrics and rural medicine.

For information about biotechnology and related science education in Maine, please refer to Education Resources.

• Comparative National Education Data
• Higher Education Resources
• K-12 Education Resources