Bowdoin College vs Southern Maine Community College
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Bowdoin College Brunswick, ME | Southern Maine Community College South Portland, ME | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Strong return | Poor return |
| 10-year ROI | +1,099% | -4% |
| 10-year net gain | $706,926 | $-1,087 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $122,126 | $47,485 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $75,867 | $41,389 |
| Average net price | $14,398 | $11,086 |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $10,331 |
| Break-even | 0.8 yrs | 10.4 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 95% | — |
| Admission rate | 7% | — |
Bowdoin College
Strong return
+$706,926 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Southern Maine Community College
Poor return
$-1,087 over 10 years
On these figures the cost and debt outweigh the earnings premium.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.