The University of Maine at Presque Isle was featured in the recent Washington Monthly magazine 2019 college rankings, earning two spots—on the Top 50 Liberal Arts Colleges: Northeast list as well as the Top 50 Best Bang for the Buck ranking for the Northeast region.

According to Washington Monthly, the publication’s rankings credit schools that are doing right by taxpayers and the country—by promoting upward mobility, producing scholars and scholarship, and encouraging their students to be active citizens. As New York Times columnist Frank Bruni said, “Washington Monthly is judging institutions’ characters as much as their clout.”

Washington Monthly bases the Top 50 Liberal Arts Colleges rankings on four-year institutions that are almost exclusively offering bachelor’s degrees. These schools appear in the ranking based on their contribution to the public through social mobility, research, and service. UMPI was ranked #26 in the Liberal Arts Colleges category, Northeast division.

UMPI also appeared in the publication’s list, America’s Best Bang for the Buck Colleges, which ranks schools on how well they help non wealthy students receive marketable degrees at an affordable rate. This ranking, which Washington Monthly calls its “one-of-a-kind list,” showcases which colleges are doing a good job of fostering upward social mobility among their students. UMPI was ranked #50 in the Best Bang for the Buck category, Northeast division. Harvard College sits at the top of that list.

Since 2005, Washington Monthly has been ranking colleges based on what they do for the country. According to the publication’s website, they rank national universities, liberal arts colleges, baccalaureate colleges, and master’s universities in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and providing opportunities for public service. They also rank America’s Affordable Elite Colleges and Best Colleges for Adult Learners every year.

“These rankings are a testament to the great work done every day by faculty and staff in all departments at UMPI—from the classroom, to the residence halls, to student financials and records and support services, to our food service and athletics,” UMPI President Ray Rice said. “They speak loud and clear about our commitment to our students and our efforts to ensure they get a high quality and affordable education that leads to a great career.”