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University of Maine vs Thomas College

University of Maine is a public university in Orono, ME, and Thomas College is a private college in Waterville, ME. Thomas College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 97% at University of Maine. University of Maine is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,510 a year against $18,885 at Thomas College. About 56% of students graduate at University of Maine, compared with 53% at Thomas College. Ten years after enrolling, University of Maine alumni earn a median of about $48,653, against $44,991 for Thomas College.

University of Maine

Orono, ME · Public

Thomas College

Waterville, ME · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Orono, ME
Waterville, ME
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,496
647
Acceptance rate
97%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1330
870–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
22–30
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,510
$18,885
Full cost / yr
$27,328
$47,198
In-state tuition
$13,326
$31,824
Out-of-state tuition
$36,756
$31,824
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,642
$12,655
$30k - $48k
$13,280
$11,904
$48k - $75k
$14,631
$16,227
$75k - $110k
$18,508
$18,145
Over $110k
$22,018
$26,770
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
53%
Freshman retention
83%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,124
$40,495
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,653
$44,991
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
18%
First-generation students
23%
38%
International students
2%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Maine or Thomas College harder to get into?
Thomas College is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 97% at University of Maine. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Maine or Thomas College?
University of Maine is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,510 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,885 at Thomas College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Maine and Thomas College?
Before aid, University of Maine costs about $27,328 a year and Thomas College about $47,198. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Maine or Thomas College?
University of Maine. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,642 there, against about $12,655 at Thomas College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Maine or Thomas College?
University of Maine is the larger of the two, with about 8,496 undergraduates against 647 at Thomas College.
Does University of Maine or Thomas College have a better graduation rate?
University of Maine has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 53% at Thomas College.
Do graduates of University of Maine or Thomas College earn more?
University of Maine alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,653 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,991 for Thomas College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Maine and Thomas College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Maine is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Thomas College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Maine and Thomas College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1330 at University of Maine and 870–1100 at Thomas College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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