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University of New England — ROI, Cost & Payback

Private nonprofit · Biddeford, ME · 2,135 students

The verdict

University of New England charges a net price of $38,107/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $152,428. Graduates earn a median $55,921 ten years after entry, $7,561/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 20.2 years — a 20-year net return of $-1,208, a weak return — the cost is hard to justify on earnings alone. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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University of New England's 20.2-year payback ranks #1,065 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 17% of them, and #8 of 27 in Maine.

Better ROI than 17% of US colleges#1,065 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$38,107
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$55,921
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
20.2 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
92%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
University of New England: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$38,107/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$152,428our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$55,921Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$7,561/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$25,250Scorecard, 2026
Payback20.2 yrsour math
20-year net return$-1,208our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

University of New England: frequently asked questions

Is University of New England worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. University of New England charges $38,107/yr after aid ($152,428 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $55,921 ten years out — $7,561/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 20.2 years and returns $-1,208 net over 20 years, a weak return — the cost is hard to justify on earnings alone.
How long does a University of New England degree take to pay off?
About 20.2 years. We divide the $152,428 four-year net cost by the $7,561/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does University of New England cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $38,107/yr — about $152,428 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does University of New England compare to other Maine colleges?
It ranks #8 of 27 Maine colleges we track by payback. Its $55,921 median earnings beat the national median of $43,552, and its $38,107 net price is above the national median of $16,906.