Students at the University of Maine at Augusta benefit from exceptionally affordable net prices that make higher education accessible regardless of family income level.
The university provides broad access for first-generation students and adult learners, though with modest long-term earnings expectations that reflect its community-focused mission.
The University of Maine at Augusta serves as an accessible entry point into higher education, particularly for non-traditional students and those seeking flexible degree pathways. With over half of students being first-generation college attendees and about 32% receiving Pell Grants, UMA provides broad access to higher education in central Maine. The institution focuses on practical, career-oriented programs including nursing, counseling, and general studies that prepare students for local and regional employment opportunities.
While UMA's long-term earnings outcomes are modest compared to research universities, with graduates earning a median of $40,342 ten years after enrollment, the institution serves an important role in Maine's educational landscape. The university's strength lies in its affordability rather than earnings maximization, with net prices that remain well below national averages across all income levels.
As a medium-sized public institution, UMA emphasizes accessibility and support for students who might not otherwise pursue higher education. The university's mission centers on providing educational opportunities for working adults, transfer students, and those seeking career advancement through targeted professional programs rather than competing on traditional metrics like research output or selective admissions.
The University of Maine at Augusta's program portfolio reflects its mission as a practical, career-focused institution serving central Maine's workforce needs. General Studies dominates enrollment with 143 graduates, offering flexible pathways for students with diverse career goals and earning median salaries of $29,956 ten years out. This program serves as both a completion option for transfer students and a foundation for those exploring multiple career directions.
Clinical Pastoral Counseling represents another significant program area, graduating 76 students annually who earn around $29,374 in median income. This program addresses local demand for healthcare support and social services, preparing graduates for roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and community organizations throughout Maine. While earnings are modest, these positions provide stable employment and meaningful community impact.
Adult Health Nursing stands out as the university's highest-earning program, with 23 graduates achieving median earnings of $53,358. This specialized healthcare program demonstrates UMA's ability to prepare students for in-demand professional roles, particularly important given Maine's aging population and healthcare workforce needs. The nursing program's success shows how targeted professional preparation can lead to stronger financial outcomes even within the university's broader modest-earnings profile.
Graduates of the University of Maine at Augusta see modest long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's focus on accessible education rather than earnings maximization. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $40,342, which places the university in the bottom quartile nationally for earnings outcomes. The earnings trajectory shows steady but limited growth, with six-year median earnings at $36,467 rising to the ten-year mark, indicating gradual career progression in primarily local and regional markets.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. General Studies, the university's largest program with 143 graduates, produces median earnings of $29,956 ten years out, reflecting its role as a flexible degree option for diverse career paths. Clinical Pastoral Counseling graduates 76 students annually with similar earnings around $29,374, serving local healthcare and social service sectors. The strongest financial outcomes come from Adult Health Nursing, where 23 graduates earn a median of $53,358, demonstrating the value of specialized healthcare credentials in Maine's job market.
The university's earnings performance falls below expectations when compared with similar institutions, reflecting both its open-access mission and the economic realities of central Maine's job market. Most graduates enter fields that prioritize service and community impact over maximum compensation, including education, healthcare support, and social services. While earnings are modest, they align with the cost of living in Maine and provide stable career foundations for students who might not otherwise access higher education.
The University of Maine at Augusta stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels, making higher education accessible to families throughout central Maine. Low-income students pay about $10,744 annually in net price, well below national averages for public institutions, while middle-income families see costs around $11,676 per year. Even high-income families pay just $14,913 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education affordable regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students, with typical graduates leaving with $22,734 in federal student loan debt. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $9,547, a relatively modest amount that reflects both the institution's low sticker price and families' ability to cover costs through other means. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates, despite modest earnings, are generally able to manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes UMA particularly sustainable financially is the alignment between its low costs and realistic earnings expectations. While graduates don't achieve the highest salaries, the modest debt levels mean that loan payments remain a manageable portion of post-graduation income. The combination of affordable net prices, reasonable borrowing levels, and stable employment outcomes creates a financial model that works for students seeking practical career preparation without excessive financial risk.
University Of Maine At Augusta Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
