📰BIDDEFORD | Independent Study: UNE Generates More Than $53 Million in Annual Economic Activity for Biddeford

New analysis highlights the University’s role as a major employer, community partner, source of millions in direct municipal revenue, and regional economic engine

By Alan Bennett, Asst. Director of Communications, University of New England

September 9, 2026, A new independent economic analysis concludes that the University of New England generates more than $53 million in direct economic activity each year in Biddeford while contributing more than $3 million annually in direct municipal revenues, reinforcing the University’s role as one of the city’s most important economic and community institutions.

The independent study, conducted by FXM Associates, evaluated UNE’s direct economic and fiscal contributions to Biddeford using a deliberately conservative methodology that excluded indirect and induced multiplier effects commonly used in economic impact studies. The report found that UNE generates approximately $53.6 million in direct annual economic activity through employee payroll, local purchasing, student spending, and visitor spending. 

“UNE has long been proud to call Biddeford home,” said University of New England President James Herbert. “This independent study confirms what many people throughout southern Maine already know: the University is an essential economic partner, a major employer, and an institution that contributes every day to the vitality of Biddeford and the surrounding region. We are deeply committed to strengthening that partnership for generations to come.”

Among the report’s findings:

• $53.6 million in direct annual economic activity generated in Biddeford.

• More than $3 million annually in direct municipal revenue through property taxes and revenue sharing.

• More than 925 employees work on UNE’s Biddeford campus.

• 245 Biddeford residents are employed by UNE, receiving more than $10.7 million annually in salaries and benefits.

• Students spend an estimated $37.4 million annually at local restaurants, retailers, housing providers, and other businesses.

• Visitors attending university events contribute nearly $2 million annually to the local economy.

• UNE supports more than 180 documented community initiatives in Biddeford, including healthcare services, public transit, food assistance, educational partnerships, and volunteer programs. 

Read the full report

Unlike many economic impact reports, FXM Associates intentionally excluded broader multiplier effects that typically increase total impact estimates.

“The figures presented in this report represent a conservative baseline,” the report concludes, noting that it deliberately reports only direct economic effects to provide a careful and credible assessment of UNE’s contribution. 

The findings complement results from a recent independent public opinion survey conducted by Emerson College Polling and Consensus Strategies, which found that 81% of Biddeford residents rate UNE’s reputation as excellent or good. The survey also found that support for the University is strongest among residents most familiar with UNE, demonstrating the institution’s strong standing within the community.

“While we’re encouraged by the confidence residents have in the University, we also heard an important message through the survey,” Herbert said. “People want to know more about UNE, attend more of our programs, and engage more directly with the University. That is exactly the direction we are moving as we expand opportunities for community partnerships, educational programming, and public engagement.”

UNE has announced a series of initiatives designed to strengthen those connections, including expanded community programming, public events, and additional outreach activities.

“The University and the City have grown together for decades,” Herbert said. “Our students, faculty, professional staff, alumni, healthcare providers, researchers, and volunteers are woven into the fabric of this community. We remain committed to being not only an outstanding university, but also an outstanding neighbor.”

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, physician assistant program, and pharmacy school, in addition to a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts. Visit www.une.edu.

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