Head-to-head · 2026
Bowdoin College vs University of Maine
Compare average net price ($14,398 at Bowdoin College; $17,510 at University of Maine), ROI score (14.37 vs 6.95), ten-year median earnings ($82,735 vs $48,653), and admissions selectivity (7.1% acceptance at Bowdoin College; 96.6% at University of Maine) using federal College Scorecard data. Bowdoin College has a 6-0 metric-level edge. Bowdoin College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Bowdoin College | University of Maine |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.37 ✓ | 6.95 |
| Avg net price | $14,398 ✓ | $17,510 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $82,735 ✓ | $48,653 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.1% ✓ | 96.6% |
| Graduation rate | 95.3% ✓ | 54.9% |
| Median debt | $18,500 ✓ | $25,000 |
| Enrollment | 1,873 | 8,496 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1520 | — |
| Metric advantages | 6 | 0 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Maine costs $3,112 more per year than Bowdoin College ($17,510 vs $14,398). Bowdoin College graduates report $34,082 higher median earnings after ten years ($82,735 vs $48,653). On EduGradify's model that puts Bowdoin College ahead on projected ROI (14.37 vs 6.95, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Bowdoin College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Bowdoin College is highly competitive at 7.1% acceptance versus 96.6% (accessible) at University of Maine.
Frequently asked
Bowdoin College vs University of Maine, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Bowdoin College or University of Maine the better value?
Bowdoin College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.37 vs 6.95), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Bowdoin College is cheaper — average net price $14,398 per year vs $17,510 at University of Maine. The annual difference of $3,112 adds up to about $12,448 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Bowdoin College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $82,735 vs $48,653 at University of Maine. The annual gap in the federal data is $34,082.
Which school is harder to get into?
Bowdoin College is more selective at 7.1% acceptance vs 96.6% at University of Maine.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Bowdoin College reports a A value grade; University of Maine reports C.