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
The financial return at University of Maine at Farmington is weak, and the school's program mix explains why. This is a public school built around teacher education, and teaching salaries in Maine are low. The median graduate earns about $44,000 ten years out, but the largest programs pay well below that early on. If you graduate into a classroom, your starting earnings sit in the low $30,000s while you carry roughly $25,000 in debt. That debt-to-income gap is the core problem here.
Teacher Education and Special Education are the school's signature programs, and they are also its worst-paying, both landing near $32,000 with some of the highest debt loads on campus. Business/Managerial Economics does slightly better on debt but not on pay. Psychology and the rehabilitation therapy programs sit in the same range. There is no high-earning major listed here to offset the teaching-heavy roster, so you should not expect a degree from this school to move you into a high-income bracket.
The specific risk is finishing at all. Barely half of students graduate, and about one in five first-year students does not return. If you borrow the full amount and leave without a degree, you keep the debt and lose the teaching-salary payoff that was already thin.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $10,000-$12,000 a year, less than families earning over $75,000, who pay closer to $19,000-$20,500. If you qualify for the lower tiers and you are committed to teaching in Maine, the math can work. If you are paying the top tier or unsure you will finish, the return does not justify the price, and you should look elsewhere.
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.