Head-to-head · 2026
Northern Maine Community College vs University of Maine
Compare average net price ($7,181 at Northern Maine Community College; $17,510 at University of Maine), ROI score (15.09 vs 6.95), ten-year median earnings ($43,348 vs $48,653), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Northern Maine Community College; 96.6% at University of Maine) using federal College Scorecard data. Northern Maine Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Northern Maine Community 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 | Northern Maine Community College | University of Maine |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.09 ✓ | 6.95 |
| Avg net price | $7,181 ✓ | $17,510 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,348 | $48,653 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 96.6% |
| Graduation rate | 42.3% | 54.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,825 ✓ | $25,000 |
| Enrollment | 638 | 8,496 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Maine costs $10,329 more per year than Northern Maine Community College ($17,510 vs $7,181). University of Maine graduates report $5,305 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,653 vs $43,348). On EduGradify's model that puts Northern Maine Community College ahead on projected ROI (15.09 vs 6.95, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Northern Maine Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Maine reports 96.6% acceptance; Northern Maine Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Northern Maine Community College vs University of Maine, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Northern Maine Community College or University of Maine the better value?
Northern Maine Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.09 vs 6.95), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northern Maine Community College is cheaper — average net price $7,181 per year vs $17,510 at University of Maine. The annual difference of $10,329 adds up to about $41,316 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Maine reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,653 vs $43,348 at Northern Maine Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,305.
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. Northern Maine Community College reports a A value grade; University of Maine reports C.