At $14,873/yr net price, University of Maine at Farmington graduates earn $44,433/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,433/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,873 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,492 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,433/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,433/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,499 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,043/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,482/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,501/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,002/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,505/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,882 | $25,844 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $32,284 | $27,000 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $21,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Bachelor | $30,047 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $23,125 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $27,397 | |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $20,687 |
The Risk Factor
52.8% of students at University of Maine at Farmington 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
University of Maine at Farmington delivers poor financial returns with median earnings of $44,433 ten years after graduation against $24,499 in typical debt. The 52.8% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degrees, making this a high-risk investment.
Your major choice matters enormously here. Education programs dominate the top earners list, but even the highest-paying teaching track yields just $32,882 annually with $25,844 in debt. Business economics graduates earn $30,771 with lower debt at $21,500, making it the strongest financial play. Psychology majors face particularly poor prospects at $29,685 with debt exceeding $23,000.
The school's rural Maine location limits job opportunities, especially for non-education majors. Most graduates will need to relocate for better-paying positions, adding moving costs and career uncertainty. The 78.7% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic demands or realize the poor career prospects early.
You should consider UMF only if you want to teach in rural Maine and can minimize borrowing. The $14,873 net price is reasonable, but only if you graduate and find work quickly. Students seeking higher earnings should look elsewhere, particularly those interested in business, psychology, or rehabilitation fields where other schools offer better regional job networks and higher starting salaries.
With just 32.5% of students receiving aid, merit scholarship opportunities appear limited. Your best financial strategy is completing your degree quickly and keeping total borrowing under $20,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Maine at Farmington worth the cost for the salary you'll earn?
With graduates earning $44,433 after 10 years and typical debt of $24,499, UMF offers a reasonable return on investment. The relatively low net price of $14,873 per year helps keep debt manageable compared to many other colleges.
What are the best paying programs at University of Maine at Farmington?
Teacher education programs lead UMF's offerings with graduates earning around $32,882, followed by special education at $32,284. However, all top programs at UMF produce below-average salaries, with most graduates earning in the low $30,000s.
How much student debt do University of Maine at Farmington graduates typically have?
UMF graduates carry a median debt of $24,499, which is manageable given the school's low cost. With a 52.8% graduation rate, about half of students complete their degrees, though this completion rate is below the national average.
Should I choose University of Maine at Farmington if I want to be a teacher?
UMF is designed for future teachers and education professionals, with strong programs in this field. While teacher salaries are modest at around $32,882, the school's low cost and focus on education make it a solid choice for those committed to teaching careers.