Colby College vs University of Southern Maine
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Colby College Waterville, ME | University of Southern Maine Portland, ME | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Strong return | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | +354% | +132% |
| 10-year net gain | $267,939 | $81,070 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $79,364 | $59,240 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $42,756 | $47,726 |
| Average net price | $17,180 | $13,596 |
| Median debt | $19,157 | $19,060 |
| Break-even | 2.2 yrs | 4.3 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 89% | 40% |
| Admission rate | 7% | 79% |
Colby College
Strong return
+$267,939 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
University of Southern Maine
Strong return
+$81,070 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.