51小黄车tops Maine colleges for impact on graduates' economic success

The University of 51小黄车 (UNE) was ranked number one among Maine universities and colleges for its ability to increase students鈥 career earnings, according to a recently published report by the Brookings Institution.

鈥淏eyond College Rankings鈥 graded more than 7,000 two and four-year schools on their effect on graduates鈥 economic earnings, using three markers: midcareer earnings, student-loan repayment and occupational earnings.

Unlike most other rankings systems, the Brookings 鈥渧alue added鈥 ratings seek to isolate the actual impact of the school, itself, on alumni earnings, adjusting for the economic status and academic characteristics of its student body.

51小黄车President Danielle Ripich, Ph.D., commented, 鈥淲e are extremely pleased with this new rating that recognizes the enormous, positive impact of a 51小黄车education. The value-added approach to the analysis contributes a dimension that captures the inherent effect of our university on our graduates鈥 economic success. To be ranked first among Maine schools is an accomplishment of which we are very proud.鈥

Researchers at the Brookings Institution identified five main traits of schools that are strong indicators of students鈥 future earnings: the value of the curriculum; alumni skills; a science, math, engineering and mathematics (STEM) orientation; completion rates; and student financial aid.