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University of Southern Maine vs University of Maine at Fort Kent: which has better ROI?

Public, Portland ME · vs · Public, Fort Kent ME

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Maine at Fort Kent has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $29,928 in 11 years versus 34 years at University of Southern Maine, on median earnings of $51,077 vs $49,958 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Southern MaineUniversity of Maine at Fort Kent
Net price / yr$13,596$7,482
Total net cost$54,384$29,928
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,958$51,077
Median debt$19,060$20,160
Payback34 yrs11 yrs
20-year net return-$22,424$24,412

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

Which is cheaper, University of Southern Maine or University of Maine at Fort Kent?

University of Maine at Fort Kent, at $7,482 a year after aid versus $13,596 — a gap of $6,114 a year, or $24,456 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 Southern Maine or University of Maine at Fort Kent graduates earn more?

University of Maine at Fort Kent graduates report a median $51,077 ten years after entry, $1,119 more than the $49,958 at University of Southern 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 Southern Maine or University of Maine at Fort Kent?

University of Southern Maine: its completers carry a median $19,060 in federal loans versus $20,160 at University of Maine at Fort Kent, a difference of $1,100. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

40% of students finish at University of Southern Maine, against 39% at University of Maine at Fort Kent. 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 Southern Maine vs University of Maine at Fort Kent: frequently asked questions

Is University of Southern Maine or University of Maine at Fort Kent a better value?
University of Maine at Fort Kent. It clears its $29,928 net cost in about 11 years versus 34 years at University of Southern Maine, on median earnings of $51,077 vs $49,958 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Southern Maine or University of Maine at Fort Kent?
University of Maine at Fort Kent: $7,482/yr net price after aid versus $13,596/yr at University of Southern Maine — a difference of $6,114 a year, or about $24,456 over four years.
Do University of Southern Maine or University of Maine at Fort Kent graduates earn more?
University of Maine at Fort Kent graduates earn a median $51,077 ten years after entry, versus $49,958 at University of Southern Maine — a $1,119 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.