At $8,416/yr net price, Northern Maine Community College graduates earn $43,348/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,348/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,416 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,664 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,348/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,348/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,825 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,369/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,171/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,008/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,581/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,581/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $54,661 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,108 | $12,000 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,495 | $10,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $26,585 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $21,964 |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at Northern 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
Northern Maine Community College gives you a low-cost path with modest but real returns, and the payoff depends heavily on which program you pick. At $8,416 a year with median debt under $11,000, you're not taking on much risk on paper. But the median graduate earning around $43,000 a decade out tells you the upside is capped for most fields here.
The clear winners are Precision Metal Working and Registered Nursing, both associate programs landing above $53,000. Nursing carries about $12,000 in debt, which is easy to service on that salary. Electrical and Power Transmission Installers sits lower near $38,000 but still pays back its cost. The programs to think hard about are Accounting and Vehicle Maintenance, both under $32,000. That accounting associate barely clears the school's overall median, and if you want real accounting earnings you'll need a bachelor's degree this two-year school doesn't grant.
The biggest risk here is the 33% graduation rate. Two out of three of you won't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, the low net price stops protecting you. The trades and nursing pipelines only pay off if you complete them.
This school fits you if you want to work in metal fabrication, nursing, or electrical trades in northern Maine and stay local. The net price scaling matters: if your family earns under $30,000, you'll pay about $6,369 a year, while over $75,000 pushes past $15,000. If you're aiming at accounting or a career needing a four-year degree, treat this as a transfer stepping stone, not an endpoint, and price out where you'll finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Maine Community College worth the cost?
Northern Maine Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $8,416 annually and modest debt levels around $10,825. However, the 33% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $43,348 after 10 years are below national averages for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Northern Maine Community College?
Precision Metal Working leads with $54,661 in median earnings, followed by Nursing at $53,108. These technical programs significantly outperform the school average and justify the investment, while programs like Accounting ($30,771) offer weaker returns.
How much debt do Northern Maine Community College graduates typically have?
Graduates typically carry $10,825 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. The low debt combined with strong earnings in nursing and metal working makes those programs financially viable.
What is the graduation rate at Northern Maine Community College?
Only 33% of students graduate, meaning two-thirds don't complete their programs. This high dropout rate significantly reduces the school's value proposition and increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a credential.