At $19,223/yr net price, Thomas College graduates earn $44,991/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,991/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,223 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,892 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,991/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,991/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,911/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,423/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,595/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,590/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,441/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,883 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
51.4% of students at Thomas College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Thomas College gives you a modest financial return that carries real risk. At $44,991 median earnings ten years out, you clear the cost of living in Maine but not by much, and a 51.40% graduation rate means roughly half of you leave without the degree that justified the price. That combination is the core problem: the payoff is only okay if you finish, and finishing is far from guaranteed.
The debt load is manageable in isolation. A median around $24,000 tracks close to a single year's earnings, which is the rough line for debt you can service. But that math assumes you graduate and land work near the median. If you drop out after two years, you carry loan balances without the credential, and that is the most likely way this school hurts you financially.
Net price barely moves across income until you cross $75k. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $14,500 a year. Above $110k, you pay $24,441, close to the sticker difference of $10,000 a year. The middle tier, $48-75k, pays $16,595, so the aid stays meaningful until upper-middle incomes, where it thins out fast.
Thomas fits you if you are committed to a business, accounting, or education track and plan to work in central Maine, where the school's local reputation carries weight and you can live on median earnings. It fits you less if you are unsure you will finish or if you would need to leave the region to earn back the cost. A 79% retention rate says one in five of you leave after the first year, so be honest about your odds before borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thomas College worth the cost compared to other Maine schools?
Thomas College graduates earn $44,991 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $19,223 annually and median debt of $24,250, the financial return is modest but manageable for most students.
What programs at Thomas College have the best job prospects?
Business Administration and Management graduates from Thomas College earn around $49,883, which is above the school's overall graduate average. These programs represent the college's strongest career outcomes and best return on investment.
How much debt do Thomas College students typically graduate with?
Thomas College students graduate with a median debt of $24,250, which is reasonable compared to national averages. However, with a 51% graduation rate, nearly half of students leave without completing their degree while potentially carrying debt.
Does Thomas College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Thomas College's net price of $19,223 suggests decent financial aid for many students. The relatively low debt levels indicate the school tries to keep costs manageable, though outcomes vary significantly by program.