University of Southern Maine vs. Elms College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME with College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern Maine is larger than Elms College based on total student enrollment (7,604 students vs. 1,268 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME (Small City setting); College of Our Lady of the Elms is in Chicopee, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Southern Maine is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern Maine 14:1; College of Our Lady of the Elms 11:1.

University of Southern Maine vs. Elms College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Southern Maine or Elms College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Southern Maine than Elms College ($14,028 vs. $19,870).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 21.3% lower than at College of Our Lady of the Elms ($12,280 vs. $15,605).
• College of Our Lady of the Elms is 284% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Southern Maine (about $32,041 more per year; $43,325.00 vs. $11,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55% higher at Elms College than at University of Southern Maine (about $15,381 more per year; $43,325.00 vs. $27,944.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Our Lady of the Elms than at University of Southern Maine (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Our Lady of the Elms students is 202.1% larger than aid received by University of Southern Maine students ($33,794 vs. $11,188).

University of Southern Maine vs. Elms College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Southern Maine or Elms College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Elms College and University of Southern Maine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Our Lady of the Elms (1240) is 120 points higher than at University of Southern Maine (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 990/1250; College of Our Lady of the Elms 1150/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Southern Maine - Required; Elms College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Elms College students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at University of Southern Maine (3.33).
• Elms College has a higher acceptance rate (85.3%) than University of Southern Maine (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at University of Southern Maine vs. 10.9% at Elms College.

University of Southern Maine vs. Elms College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Southern Maine and Elms College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• College of Our Lady of the Elms's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than University of Southern Maine's (33%).
• Graduates from College of Our Lady of the Elms earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than University of Southern Maine graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,300 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Elms College graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elms College graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More University of Southern Maine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elms College students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 61%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.