At $11,353/yr net price, University of Maine at Augusta graduates earn $40,342/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,342/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,353 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,412 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,342/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,342/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,734 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,744/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,167/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,676/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,470/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,913/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. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $27,627 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $49,937 | $26,646 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,918 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,637 | $24,014 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $26,514 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $33,138 | $14,489 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $29,956 | $20,826 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $29,374 | $27,704 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,092 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $27,010 |
The Risk Factor
23.3% of students at University of Maine at Augusta 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
University of Maine at Augusta offers weak financial returns despite its low net price of $11,353 annually. The median graduate earns $40,342 ten years after enrollment, which barely justifies the investment when you factor in opportunity costs and the school's dismal 23% graduation rate.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at UMA, with graduates earning over $53,000 annually. Computer science also delivers solid returns at nearly $50,000, making these two programs the only reliable paths to financial success here. Business and accounting graduates struggle with earnings in the low $30,000s while carrying substantial debt loads above $24,000.
Your biggest risk at UMA is not graduating at all. With fewer than one in four students completing their degree and a retention rate of just 63%, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The school's regional location in central Maine limits job opportunities, particularly for business graduates who compete in a small market.
UMA works financially if you can secure admission to nursing or computer science and feel confident about completing your degree. The low sticker price makes it accessible, and only 32% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford the full cost. However, if you're considering business programs or struggle with academic persistence, you should look elsewhere for better graduation rates and career prospects.
For students committed to nursing or computer science who want to stay in Maine, UMA provides an affordable path to decent-paying careers. Everyone else faces poor odds of achieving positive returns on their investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Maine at Augusta worth the cost?
University of Maine at Augusta offers a low net price of $11,353 annually, but graduates earn only $40,342 ten years after enrollment. The 23% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree, making the investment risky despite the affordable tuition.
What are the best paying majors at University of Maine at Augusta?
Nursing programs at University of Maine at Augusta lead to the highest earnings at around $53,000 annually, followed by computer science at nearly $50,000. Business and accounting graduates typically earn in the low $30,000s, which barely exceeds the median debt of $22,734.
How much debt do University of Maine at Augusta graduates have?
University of Maine at Augusta graduates leave with a median debt of $22,734. While this debt level is manageable for nursing and computer science graduates, it represents a significant burden for business majors earning in the low $30,000s.
Does University of Maine at Augusta have a good graduation rate?
University of Maine at Augusta has a 23% graduation rate, meaning fewer than one in four students complete their degree. This low completion rate significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a credential.