Degree Dividend
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Beal University vs Washington County Community College: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Bangor ME · vs · Public, Calais ME

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Washington County Community College comes closer — median earnings $34,407 against a $20,596 total, vs $35,639 at Beal University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBeal UniversityWashington County Community College
Net price / yr$40,109$5,149
Total net cost$80,218$20,596
Median earnings, 10 yrs$35,639$34,407
Median debt$19,500
Payback
20-year net return-$334,638-$299,656

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Beal University or Washington County Community College?

Washington County Community College, at $5,149 a year after aid versus $40,109 — a gap of $34,960 a year, or $59,622 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Beal University or Washington County Community College graduates earn more?

Beal University graduates report a median $35,639 ten years after entry, $1,232 more than the $34,407 at Washington County Community College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at Washington County Community College, against 36% at Beal University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Beal University vs Washington County Community College: frequently asked questions

Is Beal University or Washington County Community College a better value?
Washington County Community College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Beal University or Washington County Community College?
Washington County Community College: $5,149/yr net price after aid versus $40,109/yr at Beal University — a difference of $34,960 a year, or about $59,622 over four years.
Do Beal University or Washington County Community College graduates earn more?
Beal University graduates earn a median $35,639 ten years after entry, versus $34,407 at Washington County Community College — a $1,232 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.