The cost of college in Maine — and what it pays back
Across the 27 Maine institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $17,180/yr, $274 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $44,433 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 10 of the 27 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$17,180
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$44,433
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
8.0 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
10/27
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Maine's 27 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong4
Solid1
Slow2
Weak20
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowdoin College | $14,398 | $82,735 | 1.7 yrs |
| Maine College of Health Professions | $26,312 | $79,840 | 1.7 yrs |
| Colby College | $17,180 | $80,490 | 2.1 yrs |
| Maine Maritime Academy | $23,414 | $89,964 | 2.3 yrs |
| Bates College | $29,351 | $69,498 | 5.6 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennebec Valley Community College | $3,910 | $36,035 | no payback |
| Washington County Community College | $5,149 | $34,407 | no payback |
| York County Community College | $5,875 | $44,873 | no payback |
| Central Maine Community College | $6,975 | $42,448 | no payback |
| University of Maine at Presque Isle | $7,035 | $40,956 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Maine?
The median net price across Maine colleges is $17,180/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Maine cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Maine net price of $17,180/yr runs about $274/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Maine college graduates earn?
A median $44,433 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Maine college pays for itself fastest?
Bowdoin College — about 1.7 years to clear its $57,592 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-maine page.