Head-to-head · 2026
Southern Maine Community College vs University of Maine at Presque Isle
Compare average net price ($11,086 at Southern Maine Community College; $7,035 at University of Maine at Presque Isle), ROI score (9.39 vs 14.55), ten-year median earnings ($41,661 vs $40,956), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Southern Maine Community College; 99.9% at University of Maine at Presque Isle) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Maine at Presque Isle has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. University of Maine at Presque Isle 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 | Southern Maine Community College | University of Maine at Presque Isle |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.39 | 14.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,086 | $7,035 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $41,661 ✓ | $40,956 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 99.9% |
| Graduation rate | 28.2% | 51.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,331 ✓ | $16,000 |
| Enrollment | 5,675 | 1,913 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Southern Maine Community College costs $4,051 more per year than University of Maine at Presque Isle ($11,086 vs $7,035). Southern Maine Community College graduates report $705 higher median earnings after ten years ($41,661 vs $40,956). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Maine at Presque Isle ahead on projected ROI (14.55 vs 9.39, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Maine at Presque Isle) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Maine at Presque Isle reports 99.9% acceptance; Southern Maine Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Southern Maine Community College vs University of Maine at Presque Isle, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Southern Maine Community College or University of Maine at Presque Isle the better value?
University of Maine at Presque Isle has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.55 vs 9.39), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Maine at Presque Isle is cheaper — average net price $7,035 per year vs $11,086 at Southern Maine Community College. The annual difference of $4,051 adds up to about $16,204 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Southern Maine Community College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $41,661 vs $40,956 at University of Maine at Presque Isle. The annual gap in the federal data is $705.
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. Southern Maine Community College reports a B value grade; University of Maine at Presque Isle reports A.