UMaine System increases overall enrollment, number of older students
Courtesy / University of Maine
Maine's public universities are attracting more students outside the traditional 18 to 24 age range, more out-of-state students and more students in general, according to the University of Maine System's spring 2019 enrollment report.
Maine’s public universities are attracting more students outside the traditional 18 to 24 age range, more out-of-state students and more students in general, according to the University of Maine System’s spring 2019 enrollment report.
The system’s 1.5% spring enrollment growth comes after 2.5% growth in the fall that was highest across New England’s four-year public higher education systems. Spring comparisons were not available.
The report, which was made public at the system’s annual spring conference in Machias, covers a range of highlights.
Attracting older students
Some 9,273 of the system’s 27,418 students in its seven universities — 33.9% — are over the age of 24. “The growth reflects the commitment and progress Maine’s public universities have made to help career-focused adult learners earn degrees and credentials valued by Maine employers,” the release said. “Expanded online learning options, program innovations, a public-private partnership with a global leader in technology-enabled education, service to veterans, adult degree completion scholarships, and focused student support are all part of the effort.”
The University of Maine System is a founding member of MaineSpark, a coalition of organizations with a shared commitment: by 2025 60% of Mainers will hold education and workforce credentials that position that Maine and its families for success.
The board received a report on the System’s Adult Degree Completion Implementation Plan that highlighted the flexibility and support required to help service adults across the state. Additional resources are an important component of the plan, and Gov. Janet Mills’ proposed biennial budget includes an additional $4 million to support adult degree completion initiatives.
Early college growth
Investments in early college programming and new partnerships that have grown to include collaborations with more than 100 Maine schools have increased the number of University of Maine System students under the age of 18 from 504 in the spring of 2015 to 1,366 students in the spring of 2019, a 171% five-year increase. Students under the age of 18 now make up 11% of the system’s student population. Over the course of the academic year, 3,500 students will participate in early college programming offered by the universities.
The University of Maine System has set a goal of enrolling 5,000 high school students in early college courses by 2022. Mills has proposed $3 million in additional support for early college programming and local school partnerships as part of her biennial budget request.
More online offerings
The system has had a 10.5% Increase in online credit hours, which are now 23.8% of all credit hours offered. Distance education continues to increase as the University of Maine System continues to make distance learning programs available. The University of Maine at Augusta, with a strong focus on non-traditional students, delivers 59.5% of its credit hours online.
The University of Maine System entered into a private-public partnership in the fall of 2018 with a global leader in technology-enabled education. The agreement is expected to leverage a multimillion-dollar investment and program innovations to expand access to online education. A new RN to BSN program, special education curriculum and instruction, English as a second language and competency-based programs in accounting and business administration will launch in the fall.
Out-of-state enrollment increases
Headcount in out-of-state enrollment increased in the spring 2019 semester to 4,900 students, an 8.4% increase over last spring, and a 46.8% five-year increase.
“These students will have a lifelong connection to Maine and many will begin their careers in the Maine workforce,” the release said.
The board of trustees at the annual meeting also reviewed reports and recommendations advancing the Declaration of Strategic Priorities adopted by the board at its December meeting. “The priorities were developed to sustain and expand the One University initiative and establish an efficient, cost-effective continuum of public education that provides lifelong access to flexible, relevant 21st century learning,” according to the release.
Presentations to the board included a Workforce Engagement Report, University of Maine System Research and Development Plan, Adult Degree Completion Implementation Plan and an Early College overview.
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