The University of Southern Maine stands out for its exceptional affordability, keeping costs manageable for families across all income levels while maintaining a perfect track record of graduate loan repayment.
This combination of accessible pricing and financial responsibility makes USM a reliable choice for cost-conscious students seeking solid career preparation.
The University of Southern Maine delivers solid value as a mid-sized public institution, though it faces some challenges in overall earnings outcomes. Located in Portland, the university serves about 26% Pell Grant recipients and 33% first-generation students, providing meaningful access to higher education in Maine. While graduates earn a median of $49,958 ten years after enrollment, this falls somewhat below what similar students achieve at peer institutions nationwide.
The university's strength lies in its affordability profile, ranking in the top 25% nationally for keeping costs manageable across income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,226 annually, while middle-income families see net prices around $10,828 — both well below typical public university rates. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $17,346 per year.
USM's program portfolio centers on practical, career-focused fields like nursing, business administration, and financial services. The nursing program stands out as both the largest and highest-returning major, graduating 147 students annually with median earnings of $57,422. As a regional public university, USM provides accessible pathways into Maine's healthcare, business, and public service sectors, though students should understand that earnings outcomes vary significantly by field of study.
The University of Southern Maine's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional public university serving Maine's workforce needs. Adult Health Nursing dominates both in scale and financial returns, graduating 147 students annually with strong median earnings of $57,422. This program represents USM's clearest pathway to above-average earnings and reflects the strong demand for healthcare professionals in Maine and New England.
Business programs show mixed results. Business Administration and Management enrolls 121 students with median earnings of $43,160, while the smaller Banking and Financial Support Services program produces higher earnings of $54,869 for its 31 graduates. This suggests that specialized business programs may offer better financial outcomes than general business degrees.
The contrast with liberal arts outcomes is stark. Social Sciences majors, representing 70 graduates, earn just $28,236 median income — highlighting the financial trade-offs students face when choosing between career-focused and general education programs. For students prioritizing financial outcomes, USM's data clearly points toward nursing, specialized business programs, and other professional fields as the most reliable paths to middle-class earnings in the regional job market.
University of Southern Maine graduates earn a median of $49,958 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the 60th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. However, graduates tend to earn somewhat less than similar students at other institutions, reflecting challenges in the regional job market and program mix. The university performs better in six-year earnings at $47,107, suggesting that early career progression may be more gradual than at peer institutions.
Program choice significantly impacts financial outcomes at USM. Adult Health Nursing leads both in scale and earnings, with 147 graduates earning a median of $57,422 — well above the institutional average. Business Administration and Management, the second-largest program with 121 graduates, produces more modest earnings of $43,160, while Banking and Financial Support Services graduates earn $54,869 despite smaller enrollment of 31 students. The contrast is stark with Social Sciences majors, who earn just $28,236 median income, highlighting the importance of program selection for long-term financial success.
The university's location in Maine presents both opportunities and constraints for graduate earnings. While the state offers a lower cost of living that can stretch earnings further, the regional job market may limit salary growth compared to larger metropolitan areas. Students planning to remain in Maine after graduation may find their earnings provide solid purchasing power, while those seeking higher-salary markets may need to consider relocation as part of their career strategy.
The University of Southern Maine excels in affordability, ranking in the top 25% nationally for keeping costs manageable across all income levels. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $7,226 per year, significantly below the national average for public universities. Middle-income families see annual costs around $10,828, while even high-income students pay a reasonable $17,346 — making USM accessible to families across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels remain moderate and manageable for most graduates. Typical students leave with $19,060 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's affordable pricing structure. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,833, reflecting families' ability to keep student debt relatively low through a combination of grants, work, and modest family contributions. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
USM's affordability advantage becomes particularly clear when compared to private institutions or out-of-state public options. The combination of low net prices and moderate debt levels creates a sustainable financial model for most students. With loan repayment rates around 74%, the majority of borrowers are successfully paying down their balances, though the pace is somewhat slower than at institutions with higher graduate earnings. This reflects the trade-off between affordability and earning potential that characterizes many regional public universities.
University Of Southern Maine Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
