Husson University
Husson University is a private nonprofit university in Bangor, ME ranked #1790 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 2,395 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 86.4%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.
Academically, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, 76.3% first-year retention, and 56.7% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $20,798, about $3,800 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.1%, roughly 135.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $41,554. That's about $2,134 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Husson University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Husson University graduates 56.7% of students within six years and keeps 76.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Husson University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $22,194 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,150 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,964 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,800 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $34,073 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 34.7% of Husson University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,178 to $25,766 depending on family income. Use Husson University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,654/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,766/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $41,554
- 10-Year Median Earnings $41,554
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.5%
- Employment Rate 11.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Husson University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Husson University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Husson University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Husson University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Husson University graduates earn $41,554 median, the -50.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 510-620
- SAT Math 490-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,395
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.3%
- Graduation Rate 56.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into Husson University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Husson University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 86.4%, Husson University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 86.4% acceptance rate, Husson University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1000 and 1220 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Husson University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 12.9%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 11.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 9.8%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 9.8%
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technician 7.2%
- Psychology, General 5.9%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 5.5%
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 5.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $75,573
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $71,338
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $64,934
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $63,669
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections $54,451
- 6. Psychology, General $50,768
- 7. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $50,628
- 8. Homeland Security $46,281
- 9. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $41,065
- 10. Hospitality Administration/Management $40,812
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $141,448
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $119,742
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $82,741
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $74,729
- 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $66,361
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $75,573—85% more than Hospitality Administration/Management ($40,812). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $141,448 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Husson University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 50 graduates)
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Legal Support Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 32 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 32 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (28 programs)▼
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Legal Support Services
- International Business
- Homeland Security
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Security Science and Technology
- Journalism
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Statistics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Psychology, Other
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Homeland Security
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (14 programs)▼
- Legal Support Services
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Design and Applied Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Homeland Security
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Finance and Financial Management Services
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,395
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.3%
- Female Students 60.7%
- Caucasian 82.8%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 0.8%
- Black 5.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 34.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Husson University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Husson University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Husson University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Husson University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 82.8% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 60.7% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Husson University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Husson University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Husson University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -50.1% ROI. Ranked #1790 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $20,798 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $41,554 median earnings. With 56.7% graduating within six years and 76.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Husson University's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1790 ranking, Husson University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $20,798 annually, Husson University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 76.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,559 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -50.1% ROI and $41,554 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,798+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Husson University ranks #1790 of 1971 institutions, with 1105 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 56.7% six-year graduation rate sits 5.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.3% first-year retention is 0.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -50.1% return on investment is 135.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $41,554 run about 5% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,798 is roughly $899 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 11.8% employment rate within three years sits 56.4 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,798 is about $899 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Husson University, a private nonprofit university in Bangor, ME, secures a C- grade in our latest review. It appears at #1790 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (D-), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 76.3% retention and 56.7% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -50.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,798 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $34,073.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,275 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 34.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $41,554 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 5% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 11.8%.
The ROI comes in near -50.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
86.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Husson University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Bangor, ME 04401-2929
- Website www.husson.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$24.2M