Head-to-head · 2026
Northern Maine Community College vs University of Southern Maine
Compare average net price ($7,181 at Northern Maine Community College; $13,596 at University of Southern Maine), ROI score (15.09 vs 9.19), ten-year median earnings ($43,348 vs $49,958), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Northern Maine Community College; 79.2% at University of Southern Maine) using federal College Scorecard data. Northern Maine Community College has a 4-1 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 Southern Maine |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.09 ✓ | 9.19 |
| Avg net price | $7,181 ✓ | $13,596 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,348 | $49,958 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 79.2% |
| Graduation rate | 42.3% ✓ | 40.4% |
| Median debt | $10,825 ✓ | $19,060 |
| Enrollment | 638 | 4,222 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1116 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Southern Maine costs $6,415 more per year than Northern Maine Community College ($13,596 vs $7,181). University of Southern Maine graduates report $6,610 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,958 vs $43,348). On EduGradify's model that puts Northern Maine Community College ahead on projected ROI (15.09 vs 9.19, 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 Southern Maine reports 79.2% 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 Southern Maine, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Northern Maine Community College or University of Southern Maine the better value?
Northern Maine Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.09 vs 9.19), 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 $13,596 at University of Southern Maine. The annual difference of $6,415 adds up to about $25,660 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Southern Maine reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,958 vs $43,348 at Northern Maine Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $6,610.
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 Southern Maine reports B.