At $7,489/yr net price, Central Maine Community College graduates earn $42,448/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,448/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,489 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,956 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,448/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,448/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,903/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,737/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,699/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,702/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,941/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,022 | $19,150 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $49,840 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,123 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $37,928 | $11,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $34,420 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | $9,378 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,228 | $12,800 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $28,598 | $18,250 |
The Risk Factor
27.6% of students at Central Maine Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Central Maine Community College offers solid financial returns for specific career tracks, but your success depends entirely on choosing the right program. The nursing program delivers the strongest ROI with graduates earning over $50,000 annually, easily justifying the $19,150 median debt load. Precision metalworking also pays well at nearly $50,000, making these technical programs your best financial bets.
The low graduation rate of 28% presents the biggest financial risk. Many students leave without completing their programs, potentially carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This makes program selection critical since you need to finish to see any return.
Vehicle maintenance and accounting programs show weaker returns relative to other options. Vehicle maintenance graduates earn under $38,000 with $11,500 in debt, while accounting majors top out around $35,000. Given Maine's job market, these fields may not provide the income growth needed to justify even community college costs.
The school works best for students committed to healthcare or skilled trades who can complete their programs. The relatively low net price of $7,489 keeps costs manageable, but only if you graduate. With just 34% of students receiving financial aid, most pay out of pocket or through loans.
Skip this school if you're unsure about your career direction or considering lower-paying programs. The combination of poor completion rates and limited earning potential in several majors creates financial risk. Focus on nursing or precision metalworking if you enroll, as these programs offer the clearest path to positive returns in Maine's regional economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Maine Community College worth the money?
Central Maine Community College offers decent value with low tuition at $7,489 per year and manageable debt of $12,000. However, the 27% graduation rate is concerning and average earnings of $42,448 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at Central Maine Community College?
Nursing programs at Central Maine Community College offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $50,000 annually. Precision metal working and electromechanical maintenance also provide solid returns at $49,840 and $42,123 respectively.
How much debt do Central Maine Community College graduates have?
Central Maine Community College graduates typically leave with $12,000 in debt, which is relatively low for higher education. The low cost helps keep borrowing manageable compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Central Maine Community College?
Only 27% of students graduate from Central Maine Community College within the typical timeframe. This low completion rate means many students may not see any return on their investment.