Students at Saint Joseph's College of Maine achieve above-average earnings outcomes, particularly those in nursing and health sciences programs where career preparation is strong and job prospects remain consistently solid.
The college's specialized focus and zero default rate demonstrate its ability to prepare graduates for stable, debt-manageable career paths.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine is a small private nonprofit institution in Standish that serves as a specialized career-focused college with particular strength in nursing and health sciences. While the college doesn't rank among the top tier nationally for overall value, it delivers above-average long-term earnings outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $59,045 ten years after enrollment, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally for earnings performance.
The college's mission centers on preparing students for specific professional fields, particularly healthcare, where program-level outcomes can be quite strong. Nearly one-third of students are first-generation college attendees, and about 20% receive Pell Grants, though the institution serves a relatively smaller share of low-income students compared to many colleges. As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Saint Joseph's provides meaningful access for some students while working to improve outcomes for those it serves.
What distinguishes Saint Joseph's is its focused approach to career preparation in specialized fields. The college's small size allows for personalized attention and direct faculty mentorship, which can be particularly valuable for students who thrive in intimate academic environments. For families willing to invest in a private college education, Saint Joseph's offers a pathway to stable career outcomes, especially in nursing and related health fields where job security and earning potential remain consistently strong.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine's program portfolio centers on healthcare and wellness fields, with nursing serving as the institution's flagship offering. The Adult Health Nursing program graduates 62 students annually with strong median earnings of $59,934, making it both the largest and highest-return program at the college. This concentration reflects the college's mission as a career-focused institution preparing students for stable, in-demand healthcare roles where job security and advancement opportunities remain consistently strong.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the college's second-largest program, graduating 23 students with more modest early earnings around $29,685. This field typically requires additional certifications, graduate study, or specialized training to maximize earning potential, which explains the lower initial returns. However, graduates often pursue careers in physical therapy, athletic training, or fitness management that can provide meaningful long-term growth with additional credentials.
The college's focused program mix means that student outcomes depend heavily on major selection and career planning. Those entering nursing benefit from direct pathways into stable healthcare careers with predictable advancement, while students in other fields may need to pursue additional education or specialized certifications to optimize their return on investment. The college's small scale allows for personalized career guidance and hands-on learning experiences that can enhance preparation for these varied professional paths.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine delivers solid long-term financial outcomes for graduates, with median earnings of $59,045 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the college in the 72nd percentile nationally, indicating above-average earning power compared with similar institutions. While graduates don't significantly outperform earnings expectations relative to their academic preparation, they do achieve stable financial outcomes that support career advancement over time.
The college's strongest returns come from its nursing program, which graduates 62 students annually with median earnings around $59,934 ten years out. This represents the institution's highest aggregate return program, combining substantial enrollment with competitive healthcare salaries. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, the college's largest program by footprint with 23 graduates, shows more modest early earnings at $29,685, reflecting the varied career paths and additional training often required in fitness and wellness fields.
Saint Joseph's focused program portfolio means that career outcomes depend heavily on major selection. Students in nursing and health sciences typically see strong, predictable earnings growth, while those in other fields may need to pursue additional credentials or graduate education to maximize their return on investment. The college's small scale allows for close faculty relationships and hands-on learning experiences that can enhance career preparation, particularly in clinical and practical training environments.
Affordability at Saint Joseph's College of Maine reflects typical private college pricing, with net costs that require careful family financial planning. Low-income students pay about $22,105 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $31,494 per year, and higher-income families pay approximately $38,452. These price points place the college in the 32nd percentile nationally for affordability, indicating costs that run higher than many public alternatives but remain within the range of similar private institutions.
Debt levels require attention, as typical graduates leave with $27,000 in federal student loan debt, and families often supplement with Parent PLUS loans averaging $20,250. The combination means many students and families carry total educational debt approaching $47,000, which demands careful consideration given the college's varied program outcomes. However, the institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally manage their repayment obligations successfully.
What helps make Saint Joseph's sustainable for many families is the college's strong loan repayment patterns. Borrowers pay down their balances faster than national averages, with the institution ranking in the 80th-95th percentiles for early repayment progress. This suggests that while upfront costs are substantial, graduates typically achieve sufficient earning power to handle their debt obligations and make meaningful progress toward financial independence.
Saint Joseph's College Of Maine Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
