The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state's largest driver of educational attainment and economic development. In the past two decades, the System has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through world-class research and development.Established in 1968, UMS unites the state's distinctive public universities including the R1 University of Maine and its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Augusta, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine School of Law, as well as the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center.The System serves more than 30,000 students annually and its tripartite education, research and service mission is made possible by the efforts of some 5,000 faculty and staff. Despite demographic declines in the state and region, over the last five years the System has increased the number of high school students annually earning free university credit by 32%, rapidly expanded high-quality online education, grown graduate enrollment by 22%, and launched innovative adult degree completion initiatives to advance economic mobility and meet state workforce needs. Maine's public universities continue to be a national leader in advancing college affordability and access and reducing student debt. Listed in-state tuition and fees at UMaine are the lowest of any New England flagship and Pell-eligible Maine students can attend four of the System's small universities without paying out-of-pocket for tuition and fees.