Head-to-head · 2026
Southern Maine Community College vs University of Southern Maine
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Southern Maine Community College, 2 for University of Southern Maine — Southern Maine Community College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Southern Maine Community College | University of Southern Maine |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.39 ✓ | 9.19 |
| Avg net price | $11,086 ✓ | $13,596 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $41,661 | $49,958 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 79.2% |
| Graduation rate | 28.2% | 40.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,331 ✓ | $19,060 |
| Enrollment | 5,675 | 4,222 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1116 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Southern Maine costs $2,510 more per year than Southern Maine Community College ($13,596 vs $11,086). University of Southern Maine graduates report $8,297 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,958 vs $41,661). On EduGradify's model that puts Southern Maine Community College ahead on projected ROI (9.39 vs 9.19, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Southern 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; 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 Southern Maine, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Southern Maine Community College or University of Southern Maine the better value?
Southern Maine Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.39 vs 9.19), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southern Maine Community College is cheaper — average net price $11,086 per year vs $13,596 at University of Southern Maine. The annual difference of $2,510 adds up to about $10,040 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Southern Maine reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,958 vs $41,661 at Southern Maine Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,297.
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 Southern Maine reports B.