Students at the University of New England, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, achieve stronger earnings outcomes than peers at most similar institutions.
The university's specialized focus on health sciences creates reliable pathways to stable, well-compensated careers in growing healthcare fields.
The University of New England is a private nonprofit institution in Biddeford, Maine, that specializes in health sciences education and professional preparation. While the university serves a relatively selective student population with only 12% receiving Pell Grants, it delivers solid long-term earnings outcomes that place it above average nationally for return on investment.
UNE's strength lies in its focused mission around health professions. Graduates earn a median of $55,921 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes in nursing and dental programs. The university's specialized approach means students pay higher net prices—around $33,195 for low-income families and $31,278 for middle-income families—but those costs support intensive clinical training and professional preparation that leads to stable, well-compensated careers.
As a medium-sized private institution, UNE offers the personalized attention of a smaller college while maintaining the resources needed for health sciences education. The university's location in coastal Maine provides access to clinical sites and healthcare employers throughout New England, making it a practical choice for students who want to enter health professions in the region.
The University of New England's program portfolio centers on health sciences and professional preparation. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest successful program with 97 graduates and the highest earner, with graduates earning around $63,806 ten years out. This program combines substantial enrollment with strong individual outcomes, making it the economic engine of the institution.
Dental Assisting provides another pathway to solid earnings, with 42 graduates earning approximately $55,651 early in their careers. The broader Health Services program enrolls 86 students annually but shows more modest earnings around $31,236, likely reflecting the diversity of roles within allied health fields. Even Biology, typically a pre-professional track, produces 75 graduates earning about $34,420, suggesting many students use it as preparation for graduate health programs.
As a focused health sciences institution, UNE graduates a concentrated cohort each year into healthcare fields with established career pathways and licensing requirements. This specialization creates strong employer relationships and clear professional trajectories, though it also means students have fewer options if they decide to change career directions during their studies.
Graduates of the University of New England see solid long-term financial outcomes, particularly in health-related fields. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $55,921, placing the university above average nationally for earnings outcomes. While graduates don't significantly outperform earnings expectations compared with similar institutions, the consistent career-focused training leads to stable employment in growing healthcare sectors.
The strongest returns come from UNE's core health programs. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing the largest successful program with 97 graduates, earn around $63,806 ten years out and generate the highest aggregate return for the institution. Dental Assisting graduates earn approximately $55,651, while the broader Health Services program, though producing lower individual earnings around $31,236, enrolls 86 students annually. Even Biology majors, typically a pre-professional track, earn about $34,420, reflecting the university's focus on preparing students for healthcare careers rather than general liberal arts outcomes.
The university's concentrated focus on health sciences creates predictable career pathways with steady demand. Most graduates enter fields with clear licensing requirements and established salary ranges, which helps explain the consistent earnings outcomes across UNE's programs.
Affordability at the University of New England reflects the higher costs typical of private health sciences education. Low-income students pay about $33,195 per year, while middle-income families see annual costs around $31,278—both well above what most public universities charge. Even high-income families pay substantial amounts, with net prices reaching $40,310, placing UNE among the more expensive options nationally for most income levels.
Debt levels are significant but manageable given the career outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $25,250 in federal student loan debt, while families often contribute through Parent PLUS loans averaging $27,928. The combination means many students and families borrow substantial amounts to finance their education, but the specialized nature of health sciences training and the resulting career stability help justify these higher costs.
What makes UNE's pricing structure sustainable is the career-focused nature of its programs. Students aren't paying premium prices for a general education—they're investing in intensive clinical training, specialized facilities, and professional preparation that leads directly to licensed healthcare careers with predictable earning potential.
University Of New England Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
