Degree Dividend
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Husson University vs Maine College of Art & Design: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Bangor ME · vs · Private nonprofit, Portland ME

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Husson University comes closer — median earnings $45,025 against a $84,020 total, vs $40,778 at Maine College of Art & Design. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHusson UniversityMaine College of Art & Design
Net price / yr$21,005$38,338
Total net cost$84,020$153,352
Median earnings, 10 yrs$45,025$40,778
Median debt$27,000$27,000
Payback
20-year net return-$150,720-$304,992

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

Which is cheaper, Husson University or Maine College of Art & Design?

Husson University, at $21,005 a year after aid versus $38,338 — a gap of $17,333 a year, or $69,332 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Husson University or Maine College of Art & Design graduates earn more?

Husson University graduates report a median $45,025 ten years after entry, $4,247 more than the $40,778 at Maine College of Art & Design. 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, Husson University or Maine College of Art & Design?

Completers at both borrow a median $27,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

59% of students finish at Husson University, against 52% at Maine College of Art & Design. 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.

Husson University vs Maine College of Art & Design: frequently asked questions

Is Husson University or Maine College of Art & Design a better value?
Husson University 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, Husson University or Maine College of Art & Design?
Husson University: $21,005/yr net price after aid versus $38,338/yr at Maine College of Art & Design — a difference of $17,333 a year, or about $69,332 over four years.
Do Husson University or Maine College of Art & Design graduates earn more?
Husson University graduates earn a median $45,025 ten years after entry, versus $40,778 at Maine College of Art & Design — a $4,247 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.