Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Lincoln University, PA & Fort Kent, ME
When students choose between University of Maine at Fort Kent and Lincoln University, they're comparing two small public universities with health program focus but vastly different institutional effectiveness. Both serve students seeking healthcare careers, but the data reveals a striking performance gap.
Fort Kent consistently exceeds expectations for graduate outcomes, while Lincoln underperforms demographic predictions. This isn't just about raw earnings — it's about which institution maximizes student potential.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$28,250
federal loans
$20,160
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$25,309
borrowed by parents
$11,138
borrowed by parents
Both schools emphasize health programs, but with different specializations. Fort Kent is heavily nursing-focused, with Registered Nursing producing 169 graduates annually — by far its largest program.
Lincoln offers a more diverse health portfolio: Human Services (61 graduates), Health Sciences (38), plus significant programs in Radio/Television (45) and Criminal Justice (29). Fort Kent's concentrated nursing focus appears to drive stronger career outcomes, while Lincoln's broader mix includes lower-earning fields that may depress median results.
For students prioritizing financial outcomes and willing to focus on nursing/health careers, Fort Kent delivers exceptional value — higher earnings at lower cost with institutional effectiveness that exceeds expectations. Lincoln offers broader program diversity and higher completion rates, making it better for students seeking variety or concerned about graduation risk.
The data strongly favors Fort Kent for career earning potential, but the right choice depends on your program interests, academic preparedness, and risk tolerance. If nursing is your goal and you're confident in completion, Fort Kent is the clear financial winner.
Key Takeaway
The numbers favor U of Maine, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
