Rankings / By State
Best Education Colleges in Maine
- 12
- Schools
- $45,839
- Avg. Earnings
- 43%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,017
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,628
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 12 schools run from $36,035 to $59,045, a 1.6× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Kennebec Valley Community College delivers the most for the money: roughly $36,035 in median earnings against $3,910 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Kennebec Valley Community College is the lowest-cost school here at $3,910 a year in net price.
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Saint Joseph's College of Maine graduates 67% of its students, versus a 43% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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York County Community College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.20× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 University of Maine at Farmington ($44,433 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Saint Joseph's College of Maine ($59,045), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Kennebec Valley Community College costs $3,910 a year and University of New England costs $38,107. Yet their graduates earn $36,035 and $55,921, nowhere near the $34,197 price gap.
- On value, Kennebec Valley Community College beats Saint Joseph's College of Maine: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Kennebec Valley Community College and Saint Joseph's College of Maine. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $45K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Maine at Farmington #1 overall | $44,433 ▼ -3% vs avg | $16,857 | 52% | 70 |
| 2 Thomas College #2 overall | $44,991 ▼ -2% vs avg | $18,885 | 53% | 69 |
| 3 University of New England #3 overall | $55,921 ▲ +22% vs avg | $38,107 | 65% | 63 |
| $49,958 ▲ +9% vs avg | $13,596 | 43% | 61 | |
| $48,653 ▲ +6% vs avg | $17,510 | 56% | 60 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Education Colleges in Maine
This analysis ranks 12 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $45,839 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 43% and an average net price of $15,017.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Kennebec Valley Community College — Net Price: $3,910 | Graduation Rate: 44%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Saint Joseph's College of Maine — 67% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Saint Joseph's College of Maine — Median alumni earnings: $59,045
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$44,653
Median earnings (10yr)
44%
Median graduation rate
$12,341
Median net price
2.0%
Avg. mobility rate
Education programs feed a workforce defined by paradox: chronic teacher shortages and high social value on one side, modest pay and high attrition on the other. These are licensure-gated, mission-driven careers. The programs that matter most reliably move graduates into classrooms and keep them there.
The median graduation rate across these 12 schools is 44%. Median graduate earnings reach $44,653 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $12,341 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $20,897. Some 27% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.0%.
What we’re seeing: districts compete hard for credentialed teachers, but the pay ceiling makes affordability decisive. With median earnings near $44,653 and a typical net price of $12,341, value in this field is driven as much by low cost as by salary.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Maine at Farmington lands at #1 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (59/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $44,433 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,857 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Thomas College lands at #2 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $44,991 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,885 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of New England lands at #3 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (32/100). Graduates earn a median $55,921 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,107 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Southern Maine lands at #4 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,958 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,596 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of Maine lands at #5 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (64/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,653 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,510 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Saint Joseph's College of Maine lands at #6 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (76/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $59,045 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,555 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Eastern Maine Community College lands at #7 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $41,704 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,928 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
York County Community College lands at #8 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (35/100). Graduates earn a median $44,873 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,875 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Kennebec Valley Community College lands at #9 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $36,035 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,910 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Southern Maine Community College lands at #10 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $41,661 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,086 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Central Maine Community College lands at #11 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (40/100). Graduates earn a median $42,448 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,975 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of Maine at Augusta lands at #12 with a 53/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $40,342 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,924 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 12 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right education college in Maine can shape a student's career and future. With 11 schools to consider, students and families are weighing factors like earnings potential and graduation rates to find the best fit. The average earnings for graduates across these programs stand at $45,862, a solid figure that highlights the value of a degree in education.
The key metrics that set apart the strongest schools include graduate earnings, completion rates, and the level of debt students incur. This list ranks education programs based on these outcomes, emphasizing the importance of not just graduating but also finding gainful employment after college. Higher earnings and lower debt can make a significant difference in a graduate's life.
For example, the University of Maine at Orono shows strong earnings at $48,653 with a graduation rate of 56%, while the University of Maine at Presque Isle offers lower earnings at $40,956 and a 45% graduation rate. This contrast highlights a tradeoff between financial outcomes and completion rates, which is crucial for students as they consider their options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Examining the data reveals a noteworthy pattern: the University of Maine at Orono outperforms the University of Maine at Presque Isle in both earnings and graduation rates. While Orono graduates earn an average of $48,653 and graduate 56% of students, Presque Isle’s earnings fall to $40,956 with a lower graduation rate of 45%. This discrepancy suggests that not all programs yield the same return on investment, emphasizing the importance of selecting a college that aligns with career aspirations.
After reviewing the 11 schools on this list, it's essential to weigh these data points against personal priorities. Consider factors such as location, program specialization, and campus atmosphere. A school with a lower net price may seem appealing, but if it lacks strong job placement rates, it could impact long-term financial stability. Students should create a checklist of what matters most to them and use this data as a guide.
The stakes are high. Investing in education is a crucial step toward a stable future. Families should remember that the choice of college can influence job prospects and financial outcomes for years to come. With the right information, we can make informed decisions that pave the way for a secure and fulfilling life post-graduation.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Education Colleges in Maine: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Education Colleges in Maine ranking? +
University of Maine at Farmington in Farmington, ME ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Education Colleges in Maine ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $44,433 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 52% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Saint Joseph's College of Maine posts the highest median earnings on this list: $59,045 ten years after enrollment, well above the $45,839 average across the 12 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Kennebec Valley Community College leads: graduates earn a median $36,035 against net price of about $3,910 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Saint Joseph's College of Maine has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 67%, compared with a 43% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $15,017 a year across the 12 ranked schools with cost data. Kennebec Valley Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $3,910. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Education Colleges in Maine ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 12 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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