Maine College Endowments See Big Gains in 2025

Several schools in the state outperformed the national average, with the University of New England and University of Maine growing their investments over 19%.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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While colleges and universities faced unprecedented challenges in 2025 related to research funding and pressure from the Trump administration, it was a surprisingly good year for endowments, and some of the highest growth rates in the nation happened in Maine. Endowments grew at all but one of New England's 55 schools according to an annual analysis, and several based in Maine topped the list, reporting as high as 30% growth compared to a national average of about 8.4%.

Why it matters

Endowments are collections of donated funds that a college or university permanently invests to support specific programs or its larger mission in perpetuity. The growth in Maine's college endowments, especially at the state's largest research universities like the University of New England and University of Maine, will help provide financial stability and the ability to support students amid an otherwise tumultuous period in higher education.

The details

The University of New England saw over 30% growth in its endowment due to a high rate of return on investment, shifting short-term investments into the endowment, and an increase in fundraising. The University of Maine Foundation, which manages the endowment for the state's public flagship university, reported more than 19% growth, attributed to high investment returns and increased fundraising efforts. Other Maine schools like Husson University and Bowdoin College also saw significant endowment growth, topping the chart for the New England region.

  • In 2025, college and university endowments across New England saw significant growth.
  • The University of New England's endowment grew over 30% in 2025.
  • The University of Maine Foundation's endowment grew over 19% in 2025.

The players

University of New England

A private university in Biddeford, Maine that is home to the state's only medical and dental schools.

University of Maine Foundation

The organization that manages the endowment for the University of Maine, the state's public flagship university.

Jim Irwin

The senior vice president of finance and administration at the University of New England.

Jeff Mills

The president and CEO of the University of Maine Foundation.

Husson University

A private university in Bangor, Maine that saw nearly 14% growth in its endowment in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We want to make sure the university is capable of thriving in these times, and we're doing everything we can from a financial planning perspective to make sure that that's the case.”

— Jim Irwin, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, University of New England (centralmaine.com)

“It's a real team effort, from the chancellor of the system, to the president of the university, to our foundation staff, our investment committee of volunteers at the foundation, and our investment returns working with Prime Buchholz.”

— Jeff Mills, President and CEO, University of Maine Foundation (centralmaine.com)

What’s next

The University of New England is working to find more favorable lenders for medical and dental students in light of new federal caps on student loan borrowing.

The takeaway

The strong growth in Maine's college endowments, especially at the state's largest research universities, will help provide financial stability and the ability to support students amid broader challenges facing the higher education sector.