Skip to content

University of Southern Maine vs Thomas College

University of Southern Maine is a public university in Portland, ME. Thomas College is a private college in Waterville, ME. University of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants and Thomas College about 96%, making University of Southern Maine the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,596 a year at University of Southern Maine after aid, and about $18,885 at Thomas College. About 53% of students graduate at Thomas College, compared with 43% at University of Southern Maine. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern Maine alumni earn a median of about $49,958, against $44,991 for Thomas College.

University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME · Public

Thomas College

Waterville, ME · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Portland, ME
Waterville, ME
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,222
647
Acceptance rate
79%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1250
870–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
24–28
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,596
$18,885
Full cost / yr
$23,717
$47,198
In-state tuition
$11,284
$31,824
Out-of-state tuition
$27,944
$31,824
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,999
$12,655
$30k - $48k
$10,847
$11,904
$48k - $75k
$12,550
$16,227
$75k - $110k
$16,750
$18,145
Over $110k
$19,180
$26,770
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
53%
Freshman retention
74%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,107
$40,495
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,958
$44,991
Median debt at graduation
$19,060
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
18%
First-generation students
33%
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 Southern Maine or Thomas College harder to get into?
University of Southern Maine is harder to get into. It admits about 79% of applicants, compared with 96% at Thomas College. 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 Southern Maine or Thomas College?
University of Southern Maine is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,596 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 Southern Maine and Thomas College?
Before aid, University of Southern Maine costs about $23,717 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 Southern Maine or Thomas College?
University of Southern Maine. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,999 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 Southern Maine or Thomas College?
University of Southern Maine is the larger of the two, with about 4,222 undergraduates against 647 at Thomas College.
Does University of Southern Maine or Thomas College have a better graduation rate?
Thomas College has the higher graduation rate, at about 53% against 43% at University of Southern Maine.
Do graduates of University of Southern Maine or Thomas College earn more?
University of Southern Maine alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,958 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,991 for Thomas College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Southern Maine and Thomas College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Southern 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 Southern Maine and Thomas College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1250 at University of Southern 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?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school