At $11,729/yr net price, University of Southern Maine graduates earn $49,958/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,958/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,729 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,916 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,958/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,958/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,060 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,226/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,330/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,828/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,704/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,346/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. | Master | $95,169 | $58,206 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,728 | $30,933 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,673 | $30,648 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,422 | $20,017 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $55,594 | $85,950 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $54,869 | $16,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $51,690 | $53,684 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $50,231 | $19,488 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $49,644 | $31,571 |
The Risk Factor
46.3% of students at University of Southern Maine 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 Southern Maine delivers solid ROI for specific career paths but falls short for many students. The low net price of $11,729 annually helps offset mediocre earnings outcomes, though the 46% graduation rate means you face real completion risk.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings winners, with registered nurses earning $95,169 annually despite carrying $58,206 in debt. Engineering majors also perform well, with electrical engineers earning $64,493 and mechanical engineers $61,728. Business administration graduates see respectable $58,673 salaries with manageable $30,648 debt loads.
The school's biggest financial weakness is its graduation rate. Nearly half of students never finish their degree, making this a poor choice if you're unsure about your major or lack strong academic preparation. The 76% retention rate suggests many students struggle in their first year.
You should consider USM if you're targeting nursing or engineering and want to avoid heavy debt loads at more expensive schools. The low sticker price makes it especially attractive for Maine residents. However, look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts majors or need extensive academic support services.
With only 26% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy is leveraging the already low in-state tuition rather than counting on significant financial aid packages. The school works best for focused, career-oriented students who know exactly what they want to study and can handle the academic demands independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Southern Maine worth the cost?
University of Southern Maine offers decent value with a low net price of $11,729 annually and modest debt loads averaging $19,060. However, the 46% graduation rate and $49,958 median earnings create risk for students who don't finish or choose lower-paying programs.
What are the best paying majors at University of Southern Maine?
Nursing programs lead earnings at University of Southern Maine, with some graduates earning $95,169 annually. Engineering majors also perform well, with electrical engineering graduates averaging $64,493 and mechanical engineering $61,728.
How much debt do University of Southern Maine graduates have?
University of Southern Maine graduates carry a median debt of $19,060, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low annual net price of $11,729 helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does University of Southern Maine have a good graduation rate?
University of Southern Maine's 46% graduation rate is concerning and below national averages. This means more than half of students don't finish their degrees, which significantly hurts the return on investment for those who leave without graduating.