Students at Husson University benefit from substantial financial aid that makes private education accessible, with particularly strong support for low- and middle-income families.
The university's nursing and healthcare programs provide clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers that justify the educational investment.
Husson University is a medium-sized private nonprofit institution in Bangor, Maine, that focuses on career-oriented programs with particular strength in nursing and healthcare fields. While the university faces some challenges with overall completion rates and earnings outcomes compared to national averages, it provides a supportive environment for students seeking professional preparation in high-demand fields. The institution serves a meaningful population of first-generation college students (32%) and Pell Grant recipients (35%), demonstrating its commitment to access for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Husson's strongest outcomes emerge in its nursing programs, where graduates achieve significantly higher earnings than the university average. The Adult Health Nursing program, with 53 graduates earning a median of $58,274 ten years out, represents the institution's flagship offering and drives much of its positive return on investment. Business Administration, the largest program with 70 graduates, provides more moderate earnings outcomes but serves as a foundation for many students' career paths.
As a private college in Maine, Husson offers the benefits of smaller class sizes and more individualized attention than larger public institutions, while maintaining net prices that are often competitive with in-state public options for many families. The university's focus on practical, career-ready programs makes it particularly suitable for students who want direct pathways into professional fields rather than broad liberal arts exploration.
Husson University's program portfolio centers on career-focused fields with particularly strong outcomes in nursing and healthcare. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as the institution's flagship offering, graduating 53 students annually with median earnings of $58,274 ten years out. This program alone drives much of the university's positive return on investment and demonstrates the value of aligning education with high-demand career fields.
Business programs form another core component of Husson's offerings, with Business Administration serving as the largest program at 70 graduates annually. While these graduates earn a more modest $39,153 median salary, this represents solid preparation for entry-level business careers and provides a foundation for career advancement. Accounting Technology graduates achieve stronger outcomes at $46,673, reflecting the value of specialized business skills in the job market.
The contrast between high-performing programs like nursing and more modest outcomes in fields like Health Services ($28,598 median earnings) illustrates the importance of program selection at Husson. Students who align with the university's strongest programs can expect solid career preparation and competitive outcomes, while those in other fields should have realistic expectations about earning potential. The university's focus on practical, career-ready education serves students well when they choose programs that align with strong job markets.
Graduates of Husson University earn a median of $45,025 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below national averages for long-term earnings outcomes. However, this overall figure masks significant variation across programs, with nursing and healthcare fields delivering substantially stronger financial returns than the university average. The institution does show some earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $4,787 more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting that Husson provides meaningful value despite modest absolute earnings levels.
The university's strongest financial outcomes concentrate in its healthcare programs. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn a median of $58,274 ten years out, reflecting the strong job market and earning potential in nursing careers. Business Administration, while the largest program with 70 graduates, shows more moderate earnings at $39,153, though this represents solid entry-level outcomes for business careers. Accounting Technology graduates achieve $46,673 in median earnings, demonstrating the value of specialized business skills.
Program choice significantly impacts long-term financial outcomes at Husson. While some programs like Health Services show lower earnings at $28,598, the nursing and specialized business programs provide clear pathways to middle-class incomes. The university's career-focused approach means that students who align with high-demand fields like nursing can expect strong returns on their educational investment, while those in other areas may see more modest financial outcomes.
Affordability represents one of Husson University's relative strengths, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay a net price of $14,178 annually, which is competitive with many public institutions and represents substantial financial aid from the university's sticker price. Middle-income families see net costs of $16,854 per year, while higher-income families pay $25,766 annually, reflecting a progressive aid structure that provides the most support to those with the greatest financial need.
The university's private status allows for more flexible financial aid packaging, and many families find that the actual cost after aid is more manageable than initially expected. Husson's location in Maine also means that students avoid the higher living costs associated with more expensive metropolitan areas, helping to keep total educational expenses reasonable. The institution's focus on career preparation can help justify the investment, particularly for students entering high-demand fields like nursing where job security and earning potential are strong.
Debt levels at Husson require careful consideration, with typical graduates carrying $27,000 in federal student loans and families borrowing an average of $15,872 through Parent PLUS loans. While these amounts are manageable for graduates entering well-paying fields like nursing, students in lower-earning programs may find repayment more challenging. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate indicates that most graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, though this may reflect both strong career services support and the reality that struggling borrowers often use forbearance or deferment options.
Husson University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
