Despite increasing federal research funding uncertainty and flat appropriations in the State’s biennial budget, the flagship is maintaining admission and work opportunities for graduate students, including for teaching and research assistantships
ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine will honor all financial offers already made to graduate students for the 2025-26 academic year and is making some new offers, despite increasing funding uncertainty.
While other public and private universities across the nation have rescinded financial offers and even admission for graduate students, UMaine is maintaining access and opportunity because of its careful fiscal management and commitment to being a learner-centered R1 that prioritizes hands-on student engagement.
Maine’s flagship university had announced a pause in March on new graduate student financial offers, including teaching and research assistantships, so it could assess available funding to support those positions.
Since then, multiple federal research grants and contracts that support graduate student teaching and research positions have been terminated or paused and the federal government has indicated it intends to have a different relationship with research institutions. For example, multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy, have announced a reduction in the rate they reimburse universities to support essential research expenses, though courts have paused implementation.
Additionally, the recently enacted State biennial budget flat-funded the University of Maine System in FY26 and FY27, despite Governor Mills’ original proposal to increase appropriations for the operations of Maine’s public universities.
In mid-April, UMaine asked prospective students who had received an offer for financial assistance for the upcoming academic year but had not yet acted on it to do so by April 18, or the offer would be withdrawn. Based on the response and the identification of available funding, the university is making additional financial offers on a rolling basis and prioritizing positions that align with institutional operational needs, including supporting undergraduate student learning.
UMS is experiencing its highest-ever graduate enrollment this year, with 6,999 students pursuing master’s degrees and doctorates (External Site) across the System. Graduate enrollment in the System has increased 17.6% over the past five years, contributing to overall UMS enrollment stability while meeting state employer needs for more professionals with advanced degrees and advancing research-driven innovation that strengthens Maine’s economy and communities.
This year, UMaine enrolled 3,261 graduate students and 806 of them were appointed to paid assistantships. Maine’s flagship is the most affordable in New England, with its current in-state graduate credit hour cost about half the average of peers in the region.
About the University of Maine System
The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development and its seven public universities and law school are the most affordable in New England. Over the past two decades, UMS has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through its world-class research and development activities. For more information, visit www.maine.edu.
Media Contact:
Samantha Warren
Director of External Affairs, University of Maine System
207-632-0389 / samantha.warren@maine.edu