Degree Dividend
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University of Maine vs University of New England: which has better ROI?

Public, Orono ME · vs · Private nonprofit, Biddeford ME

The verdict

University of New England has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $152,428 in 20.2 years versus 239 years at University of Maine, on median earnings of $55,921 vs $48,653 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of MaineUniversity of New England
Net price / yr$17,510$38,107
Total net cost$70,040$152,428
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,653$55,921
Median debt$25,000$25,250
Payback239 yrs20.2 yrs
20-year net return-$64,180-$1,208

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

Which is cheaper, University of Maine or University of New England?

University of Maine, at $17,510 a year after aid versus $38,107 — a gap of $20,597 a year, or $82,388 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Maine or University of New England graduates earn more?

University of New England graduates report a median $55,921 ten years after entry, $7,268 more than the $48,653 at University of Maine. 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, University of Maine or University of New England?

University of Maine: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $25,250 at University of New England, a difference of $250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at University of New England, against 55% at University of Maine. 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.

University of Maine vs University of New England: frequently asked questions

Is University of Maine or University of New England a better value?
University of New England. It clears its $152,428 net cost in about 20.2 years versus 239 years at University of Maine, on median earnings of $55,921 vs $48,653 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Maine or University of New England?
University of Maine: $17,510/yr net price after aid versus $38,107/yr at University of New England — a difference of $20,597 a year, or about $82,388 over four years.
Do University of Maine or University of New England graduates earn more?
University of New England graduates earn a median $55,921 ten years after entry, versus $48,653 at University of Maine — a $7,268 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.