College Costs in Portland, ME 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 7 colleges in Portland, Maine. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,016
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,200
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,110
per month
Colleges & Universities
7
institutions
Portland Overview
Population
68,408
Student Population
2,509 (3.7%)
Cost of Living Index
111 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
6%
College Cost Calculator for Portland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,224
Total After Financial Aid
$121,224
Annual Cost
$30,306
Annual After Aid
$30,306
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,224 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,376 |
| Total Interest | $43,953 |
| Total Loan Cost | $165,177 |
Universities in Portland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Maine | Public | $10,016 |
| Maine College of Art | Private | $38,200 |
| Southern Maine Community College | Community | $4,470 |
Portland has 7 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Portland vs. National Average
| Category | Portland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,016 | $10,940 | -$924 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,110 | $1,050 | +$60 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 100 | +11 |
Portland's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Portland
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,509 students
Portland has a total population of 68,408, with approximately 2,509 college students (3.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Portland offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Portland
$70,539
Starting Salary
6%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Portland earn a median starting salary of $70,539, which is $35,539 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,224 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,657 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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