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 gives you a solid financial return for a public school, with a net price under $12,000 a year and median debt around $19,000. Your median debt sits below one year's earnings for a typical graduate, which keeps repayment manageable. The catch is the 46% graduation rate. If you leave without a degree, you carry the debt without the earnings that make it worth taking on.
The payoff depends heavily on your major. Electrical engineering and mechanical engineering lead the pack, and both clear $60,000. Nursing pays well too and comes with modest debt, making it one of the safer bets here. Finance graduates land near $55,000 while borrowing the least of any top program, so the debt-to-earnings math works in your favor there. Mechanical engineering is the outlier on debt, running above $30,000, so weigh that against the higher salary before committing.
The risk is concentration. The programs that pay off are technical and licensed fields. Outside engineering, nursing, and finance, the earnings picture is unlisted, and Maine's regional job market is smaller than a metro like Boston, so plan on where you'll work after graduating.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30,000 in family income, you pay about $7,200 a year, and the $30,000 to $48,000 tier stays close behind. Above $110,000, the price jumps past $17,000, roughly two and a half times the lowest tier.
This school fits you if you're a Maine resident heading into engineering, nursing, or finance and want low debt. If you're chasing a non-technical major or paying the top price tier from out of state, look harder at whether the earnings justify the cost.
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.