Head-to-head · 2026
Bowdoin College vs University of Southern Maine
Compare average net price ($14,398 at Bowdoin College; $13,596 at University of Southern Maine), ROI score (14.37 vs 9.19), ten-year median earnings ($82,735 vs $49,958), and admissions selectivity (7.1% acceptance at Bowdoin College; 79.2% at University of Southern Maine) using federal College Scorecard data. Bowdoin College has a 6-1 metric-level edge. Bowdoin College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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 Southern Maine |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.37 ✓ | 9.19 |
| Avg net price | $14,398 | $13,596 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $82,735 ✓ | $49,958 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.1% ✓ | 79.2% |
| Graduation rate | 95.3% ✓ | 40.4% |
| Median debt | $18,500 ✓ | $19,060 |
| Enrollment | 1,873 | 4,222 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1520 ✓ | 1116 |
| Metric advantages | 6 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Bowdoin College costs $802 more per year than University of Southern Maine ($14,398 vs $13,596). Bowdoin College graduates report $32,777 higher median earnings after ten years ($82,735 vs $49,958). On EduGradify's model that puts Bowdoin College ahead on projected ROI (14.37 vs 9.19, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Bowdoin College) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Bowdoin College is highly competitive at 7.1% acceptance versus 79.2% (accessible) at University of Southern Maine.
Frequently asked
Bowdoin College vs University of Southern Maine, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Bowdoin College or University of Southern Maine the better value?
Bowdoin College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.37 vs 9.19), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Southern Maine is cheaper — average net price $13,596 per year vs $14,398 at Bowdoin College. The annual difference of $802 adds up to about $3,208 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Bowdoin College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $82,735 vs $49,958 at University of Southern Maine. The annual gap in the federal data is $32,777.
Which school is harder to get into?
Bowdoin College is more selective at 7.1% acceptance vs 79.2% at University of Southern 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 Southern Maine reports B.