UMaine system enrollment increases following slight decline

ORONO, Maine (AP) - Officials say enrollment in the University of Maine system has increased following a small decline last fall.

The Portland Press Herald reports UMaine officials said Thursday out-of-state enrollment is up 4.3 percent and in-state enrollment is up 2.1 percent. According to officials, in-state enrollment saw a 3.5 percent decrease last fall.

UMaine System Chancellor James Page stated the state’s universities are “keeping more Maine residents here at home and attracting record numbers of out-of-state students.”

The system has increased its recruiting efforts as it recovers from financial instability and shrinking enrollment.

Trustees approved a tuition hike in May. However, financial aid in the system has doubled in the past three years.

The system credits specialized programs like aviation and architecture for attracting out-of-state students.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com