Degree Dividend
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Central Maine Community College vs Washington County Community College: which has better ROI?

Public, Auburn ME · vs · Public, Calais ME

The verdict

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 $34,407 at Washington County Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCentral Maine Community CollegeWashington County Community College
Net price / yr$6,975$5,149
Total net cost$13,950$20,596
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,448$34,407
Median debt$12,000
Payback
20-year net return-$132,190-$299,656

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

Which is cheaper, Central Maine Community College or Washington County Community College?

Washington County Community College, at $5,149 a year after aid versus $6,975 — a gap of $1,826 a year, or $6,646 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 Washington County Community College graduates earn more?

Central Maine Community College graduates report a median $42,448 ten years after entry, $8,041 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 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.

Central Maine Community College vs Washington County Community College: frequently asked questions

Is Central Maine Community College or Washington County Community College a better value?
Central Maine 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, Central Maine Community College or Washington County Community College?
Washington County Community College: $5,149/yr net price after aid versus $6,975/yr at Central Maine Community College — a difference of $1,826 a year, or about $6,646 over four years.
Do Central Maine Community College or Washington County Community College graduates earn more?
Central Maine Community College graduates earn a median $42,448 ten years after entry, versus $34,407 at Washington County Community College — a $8,041 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.