At $11,638/yr net price, Southern Maine Community College graduates earn $41,661/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,661/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,638 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,552 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,661/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,661/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,331 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,441/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,885/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,767/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,659/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,949/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 | $56,351 | $13,500 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $53,775 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,856 | $14,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,644 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $44,170 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 | $11,377 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $42,235 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $35,274 | $9,414 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $33,993 | $13,549 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
21.2% of students at Southern 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
Southern Maine Community College offers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but your success depends heavily on picking a career-focused major. The school's low graduation rate of 21% creates significant risk that you won't complete your degree at all.
The nursing program delivers the strongest ROI with graduates earning $56,351 annually against manageable debt of $13,500. Fire protection and allied health programs also provide strong earning potential above $50,000. These healthcare and technical programs align well with Maine's job market needs and justify the investment.
Avoid programs without clear career paths. The earnings gap between top programs and weaker majors at community colleges can be dramatic, and you'll face the same graduation challenges regardless of your choice.
Your biggest financial risk is not finishing. With only one in five students graduating, SMCC requires strong self-motivation and clear goals. If you're uncertain about your commitment or academic preparation, consider whether you're ready for college-level work.
This school works best for career changers, working adults, and students with specific technical goals who want affordable training. The relatively low debt load of $10,331 for completers makes it accessible for most Maine families. However, students seeking a traditional college experience or uncertain about their direction should look elsewhere.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 25% of students, suggesting most pay out of pocket. Maine residents benefit from in-state tuition, but you should verify residency requirements and explore state grant programs that can reduce costs further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Maine Community College worth the cost?
Southern Maine Community College offers decent value for specific career programs like nursing and fire protection, which lead to starting salaries around $50,000-56,000. However, the 21% graduation rate is concerning and means many students leave without completing their program.
What are the best paying programs at Southern Maine Community College?
Nursing programs at Southern Maine Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $56,000 annually. Fire protection and electrical engineering technology also offer good prospects at $53,000-49,000 starting salaries.
How much debt do Southern Maine Community College graduates have?
Southern Maine Community College graduates typically leave with $10,331 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load makes the school a reasonable choice for students who actually complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Maine Community College?
Only 21% of students graduate from Southern Maine Community College within the expected timeframe. This low completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish their programs, which significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.