University of Maine at Farmington
University of Maine at Farmington — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Maine at Farmington at a Glance
The University of Maine at Farmington is a public liberal arts college in Farmington, Maine. It is part of the University of Maine System and a founding member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.
1864
162 years old
1,614
1,191 undergrad · 423 grad
Identity
Is University of Maine at Farmington Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, University of Maine at Farmington is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,433 — 17% below average — while paying $16,857/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 52% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 97% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $24,499 representing 55% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Maine at Farmington has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Maine at Farmington compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #44 of 69 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #4 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #5 | Haskell Indian Nations University | 90 | $3,134 | $37,043 |
| #6 | Bates Technical College | 86 | $6,292 | $50,051 |
| #44 | University of Maine at Farmington | 34 | $16,857 | $44,433 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Maine at Farmington's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in ME.
Best Programs at University of Maine at Farmington
The highest-earning program at University of Maine at Farmington is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $31,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $28,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate from University of Maine at Farmington earns $31,700, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $28,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduates carry $25,939 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,857/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,700 | $31,700 | $25,939 |
| Psychology, General | $28,900 | $28,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in ME
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Farmington, ME
- Student Body
- 1,140 students
- Admission Rate
- 97%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,857
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,433
- Median Student Debt
- $24,499