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 gives you a low-cost entry with a modest but real payoff. You leave with about $12,000 in median debt against $42,448 median earnings a decade out, and the yearly net price stays under $7,500. That math works because the cost is small, not because the earnings are high.
Your major decides almost everything here. Nursing pays the most at $50,022, but it also carries the heaviest debt on this list at $19,150, so the return is strong but not free. Precision Metal Working nearly matches nursing earnings with no debt figure attached, making it the cleaner bet. Electromechanical and instrumentation work lands close to the school median. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair pays less at $37,928 but comes with only $11,500 in debt, so the balance holds. Accounting sits at the bottom at $35,416, and at that level the associate degree earns you barely above the local service-wage floor.
The real risk at this school is finishing. The graduation rate is 27.6%, so most people who enroll do not complete. If you take on debt and leave without the credential, you carry the cost with none of the earnings gain that makes these programs pay off.
This school fits you if you want a trade or health credential and can commit to finishing. The hands-on associate programs in nursing, metalworking, and instrumentation give you a clear path to Maine jobs at a price you can repay quickly. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's-level career track, since the data here only covers two-year credentials.
On price, if your family earns under $30k you pay about $5,903 a year, while over $110k you pay $10,941. The gap is narrow, so higher earners get little discount, but the top price is still low compared to most colleges.
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.