Standish, MEprivate nonprofitwww.sjcme.edu/
Admit rate has ranged 81%–87% over the last 5 years. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine is a small, values-driven liberal arts college where the scenic lakeside campus fosters tight-knit community bonds. With an 83.5% acceptance rate and a focus on 'whole student' development, it attracts those seeking personalized attention alongside strong nursing, business, and science programs. The school punches above its weight with a 69% graduation rate—well above national averages—and graduates who earn $36,427 median salaries early in their careers.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Saint Joseph's maintains a moderately selective admissions process with an 83.5% acceptance rate (1,691 admitted from 2,025 applicants in 2024). Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. since at least 2024, it reports middle-50% SAT ranges of 960-1150 and ACT ranges of 18-23, though these are not emphasized in current marketing. The CollegeData profile classifies its entrance difficulty as 'moderately difficult,' with a focus on Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. rather than cutoffs. Notably, the school does not have an open admissions policy, requiring more than just a high school diploma or GED for entry. Contact options include dedicated phone lines for traditional (800-338-7057) and online admissions (800-752-4723).
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
The curriculum blends career-ready training with liberal arts foundations, emphasizing 'values-based learning' that addresses students' 'social, emotional, and [intellectual]' growth. Signature programs include:
Undergraduate offerings span traditional disciplines, while online programs cater to working adults in fields like Radiologic Science and Health Information Management. Small class sizes and hands-on learning define the academic experience, with particular praise for nursing faculty's accessibility.
Life at Saint Joe's orbits around its tight-knit, dorm-centric community on the shores of Sebago Lake. The college promotes a 'family-like environment' (per Appily reviews) with:
Students describe an inclusive vibe where it's easy to connect—whether through lakeside bonfires, campus ministry, or club leadership. The 'whole student' philosophy extends to wellness initiatives and community-building events like summer visit days featuring dorm and dining hall previews.
The college outperforms its regional peers with a 69% four-year graduation rate—placing it in the top 30% nationally. Alumni outcomes include:
These metrics suggest the school effectively supports students through to degree completion, particularly given its moderately selective admissions profile. Career preparation leans heavily on experiential learning and personalized advising.
With a $59,504 total cost of attendance, Saint Joseph's offers substantial aid to offset expenses:
The school provides Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculators to estimate need-based grants and merit scholarships. While not a 'best buy,' its aid policies make it competitive among private New England colleges—especially for those qualifying for both institutional and federal assistance.
Saint Joseph's carves a niche by marrying career-focused programs with intimate, values-driven community—all on a stunning lakeside campus. Its 69% graduation rate defies the selectivity curve, suggesting strong student support systems. The college shines for:
It's ideal for students seeking personalized attention without sacrificing professional preparation—or access to kayaking between classes.