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503Students
34%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$35,639Earnings
Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Beal University

Beal University focuses on getting Maine students ready for immediate employment after college. This private career college serves 503 students in downtown Bangor with programs built around business, healthcare, and technology fields. The school attracts students who want hands-on training rather than traditional liberal arts education. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and career-focused.

The financial picture tells a challenging story. Students pay an average net price of $33,857 annually, which remains steep even for lower-income families who still pay around $33,500. Graduates earn a median of $35,639 ten years after starting college, creating a difficult math problem for many students. With median debt at $19,500 and monthly loan payments of $207, the return on investment requires careful consideration. Only 33.59% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.

Women make up 76.54% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract female students. The retention rate sits at just 50%, meaning half of first-year students don't return for sophomore year. However, the employment rate reaches 97.2%, showing that graduates who complete their programs find work quickly in Maine's job market.

Academics & Faculty

Beal University operates as a private career college focused on preparing students for immediate employment in business, healthcare, and technology fields. The school maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively close contact with instructors. However, only 34% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face completing their programs. The college draws entirely from Maine residents, with 77% of students being women. Students typically enter career-oriented programs designed for practical job skills rather than traditional academic disciplines. With 97% of graduates finding employment, the school emphasizes workforce readiness over theoretical learning. The 50% retention rate suggests many students struggle to persist through their programs despite the career focus.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Graduation Rate (4-year)
39.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
34.1%
Retention Rate
50.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,639

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $29,685

View all 27 programs →

Campus Life

Beal University sits in downtown Bangor, about two hours north of Portland, where winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from November through March. With just 503 students and a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll recognize most faces walking between classes in the compact urban campus. The school draws 100% of its students from Maine, creating a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know someone from your hometown.

Women make up 76.54% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong programs in healthcare and business administration. Most students commute from around central Maine rather than living on campus, giving the school a practical, get-to-work atmosphere. Weekends often mean heading home or picking up shifts at local jobs, since many students work while studying. The 97.2% employment rate shows this career-focused approach pays off. With 63.65% of students receiving Pell Grants and an average debt of $19,500, this is a place where students come to learn skills that translate directly into paychecks after graduation.
Setting
City-Small

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
6°–27°F
July Avg
57°–79°F
Annual Precipitation
41.9"
Annual Snowfall
66.1"

Student Demographics

Beal draws working-class Mainers seeking practical career training. About two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve lower-income families looking for economic mobility. The student body skews heavily female at over three-quarters, which aligns with the school's strong programs in healthcare and business administration. All students come from Maine, giving Beal a tight connection to local employers and community needs. This demographic mix creates a focused learning environment where students share similar backgrounds and career goals.
Men
23.5%
Women
76.5%
White
76.7%
Black
6.2%
Hispanic
3.2%
Asian
1.6%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
63.7%

Location

Beal University sits in Bangor, Maine, about 120 miles northeast of Portland. The school draws exclusively Maine residents, with 100% of its 503 students coming from in-state. Bangor serves as a regional center for central and northern Maine, offering more amenities than rural areas while maintaining a small-city feel. The Penobscot River runs through downtown, and the area provides access to Maine's outdoor recreation scene. The city balances urban conveniences with proximity to forests, lakes, and Acadia National Park to the southeast. Students get a taste of Maine's natural beauty without complete isolation. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare Beal University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Bangor, Maine 04401

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,639
Median Earnings (5 years)
$38,895
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$22,500
Loan Repayment Rate
33.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500

Frequently Asked Questions

How selective is admission at Beal University?

Beal University maintains a 50% retention rate, suggesting moderate selectivity for this career-focused institution. The school draws exclusively from Maine residents, creating a tight-knit community of 503 students. As a private career college, Beal prioritizes students ready for hands-on professional training over traditional academic metrics.

What does Beal University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $33,857 annually, with 63.65% receiving financial aid. The typical graduate leaves with $19,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $207. Despite the investment, only 33.59% successfully repay their loans within the standard timeframe.

What academic programs is Beal University known for?

Beal specializes in career-focused programs across business, healthcare, and technology fields. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in these professional training programs. With 76.54% female enrollment, the school particularly attracts women seeking practical career preparation.

What are the graduation rates at Beal University?

Only 34.10% of students graduate within six years, while 39.48% complete their degree in four years. These below-average completion rates reflect the challenges many career college students face balancing work and education. The high employment rate of 97.2% suggests those who do graduate find work quickly.

Where is Beal University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Bangor, Maine, a small city environment with all 503 students coming from in-state. The intimate size creates a close community where students know each other well. The urban setting provides internship and job opportunities while maintaining Maine's characteristic small-town feel.

How much do Beal University graduates earn after college?

Recent graduates earn a median of $39,101 in their first year, dropping to $35,639 after ten years. These earnings lag behind many four-year institutions, reflecting the career college focus on immediate employment over long-term earning potential. The consistent employment rate of 97.2% shows graduates find work, though often in entry-level positions.