Business Administration, Management and Operations at Maine Maritime Academy

Maine Maritime Academy's business program produces first-year earnings that dwarf both state and national norms—graduates earn $98,743 compared to the Maine median of $45,388. That's more than double what typical Maine business graduates make and even surpasses the University of New England, the state's previous top earner, by nearly $43,000. Among Maine's 13 business programs, this ranks at the absolute top (95th percentile), though the sample size under 30 graduates means these numbers could shift with more data.

The $27,000 median debt sits right at the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.27—meaning graduates owe roughly three months' salary. This is exceptional for any business program. Maine Maritime's specialized maritime industry connections and rigorous training environment likely explain why their business graduates command premium salaries that more closely resemble engineering outcomes than typical business school results.

The caveat matters here: small programs can show volatile numbers year-to-year, and one graduating class of high-earners in maritime logistics or international shipping management could be driving these results. But even accounting for statistical noise, the gap is too large to dismiss. For families weighing this moderately selective program (61% admission rate, 1185 average SAT), the earnings trajectory suggests Maine Maritime turns business students into maritime industry professionals who earn accordingly—just verify that your student actually wants to work in shipping, ports, or marine commerce where these connections pay off.