At $24,666/yr net price, Saint Joseph's College of Maine graduates earn $59,045/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,045/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,666 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,664 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,045/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,045/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,105/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,805/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,494/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,369/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,452/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. | Master | $96,829 | $37,478 |
| Public Health. | Master | $64,990 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,934 | $27,000 |
| Education, General. | Master | $49,840 | $24,459 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,485 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,298 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
68.5% of students at Saint Joseph's College of Maine graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Saint Joseph's College of Maine delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in nursing but weaker prospects in business and education programs. The $24,666 annual net price positions this private college competitively against other Maine institutions, though your return depends heavily on program choice.
Nursing programs generate the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $96,829 in specialized roles and $59,934 in general nursing positions. These salaries easily justify the $37,478 and $27,000 debt loads respectively, especially given Maine's nursing shortage. Public health graduates also fare well at $64,990 annually.
Business administration presents concerning returns. With graduates earning just $40,485 against $27,000 in debt, you face a lengthy payback period that could strain your finances. Education majors earn $49,840, which works better given the lower $24,459 debt burden, though teaching salaries in rural Maine limit long-term earning potential.
The 68.5% graduation rate creates financial risk - nearly one-third of students accumulate debt without completing degrees. The 80.1% retention rate suggests academic struggles contribute to this attrition. You should carefully assess your academic preparedness before enrolling.
This college works best for nursing students who can leverage Maine's healthcare job market. The low 20.1% financial aid rate means most students pay close to full price, making this a better fit if your family can afford the costs without extensive borrowing. Students interested in business or education should compare returns at University of Maine campuses, which offer similar programs at lower costs with potentially better career networks in the state's limited job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Joseph's College of Maine worth the debt?
With median debt of $27,000 and average earnings of $59,045 after 10 years, graduates typically earn enough to manage their debt load reasonably well. However, this depends heavily on your major - nursing graduates earn significantly more than education or business majors.
What programs at Saint Joseph's College of Maine have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $60,000-$97,000 depending on specialization. Public health majors earn about $65,000, while education and business graduates face lower earning potential at $40,000-$50,000.
How does Saint Joseph's College of Maine's graduation rate affect its value?
The 68.5% graduation rate means about one in three students don't finish, which significantly reduces ROI for those who leave with debt but no degree. Students should carefully consider their academic preparation before enrolling.
Is Saint Joseph's College of Maine overpriced for what you get?
At $24,666 net price annually, the cost is reasonable for a private college, especially for nursing students who see strong earnings. For other majors with lower earning potential, the value proposition becomes questionable.