AROOSTOOK COUNTY — Northern Maine Community College joined the top of a prestigious list when the website PayScale.com ranked it the best community college in Maine by salary potential.
Payscale’s college salary report has data on the best colleges in Maine. Alumni salary data provide information on how graduates of these schools fare in the workplace, and what they can expect to earn.
The median salary for NMCC alumni with 10-plus years’ experience is $59,500 and the median salary for alumni with up to five years’ experience is $39,900.
“Students, faculty and staff have always known that the quality education from NMCC is an excellent value. It is great to be recognized by PayScale as the best two-year college in the state of Maine,” said Wendy Bradstreet, NMCC director of admissions and outreach.
In general, public community colleges produce the highest earners, according to research conducted by PayScale.com.
“If you are looking for an affordable education, community colleges are usually the most affordable way to get a college education whether you want an associate’s degree or want to transfer to a four-year school,” added Bradstreet.
Information used in PayScale’s College Salary Report is collected when users provide data about their jobs, compensation, employer, demographics and educational background. In return, PayScale provides them with a detailed compensation report that compares their compensation to others like them.
Not only is the earning potential higher for NMCC graduates, they are in the workplace. Based on The College’s own 2016 student survey, 96 percent are employed or continuing their education six months after graduation. Also of note, 77 percent are working in Aroostook County, said Bradstreet.
