Central Maine Community College vs University of Maine at Farmington: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Central Maine Community College comes closer — median earnings $42,448 against a $13,950 total, vs $44,433 at University of Maine at Farmington. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Central Maine Community College | University of Maine at Farmington |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $6,975 | $16,857 |
| Total net cost | $13,950 | $67,428 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,448 | $44,433 |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $24,499 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$132,190 | -$145,968 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Central Maine Community College or University of Maine at Farmington?
Central Maine Community College, at $6,975 a year after aid versus $16,857 — a gap of $9,882 a year, or $53,478 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Central Maine Community College or University of Maine at Farmington graduates earn more?
University of Maine at Farmington graduates report a median $44,433 ten years after entry, $1,985 more than the $42,448 at Central Maine 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 leaves students with less debt, Central Maine Community College or University of Maine at Farmington?
Central Maine Community College: its completers carry a median $12,000 in federal loans versus $24,499 at University of Maine at Farmington, a difference of $12,499. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
52% of students finish at University of Maine at Farmington, against 30% at Central Maine Community College. 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.