Analysis
Maine Maritime Academy's Engineering Technologies program commands earnings that place it in the 95th percentile nationally—graduates typically start at $98,488 and reach $104,327 within four years. That's nearly 50% above the national median for this degree, with relatively modest debt of $27,000 (lower than three-quarters of comparable programs). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means graduates owe roughly three months' salary, making this one of the stronger financial outcomes you'll find in engineering technology.
The state percentile ranking of 60th reflects an unusual situation: Maine Maritime is the only school in Maine offering this bachelor's degree, so that figure simply represents how it compares to itself across different years. What matters more is the national comparison, where this program substantially outperforms peers. The combination of Maine Maritime's specialized maritime and technical focus, strong industry connections, and hands-on training appears to translate directly into premium starting salaries.
For a family comfortable with Maine Maritime's distinctive environment—a regimented, career-focused program with an admission rate around 61%—this represents exceptional value. Your child would graduate with below-average debt and earnings that immediately support loan repayment, while entering industries that value practical technical training over pedigree.
Where Maine Maritime Academy Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Maine Maritime Academy graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine Maritime Academy | $98,488 | $104,327 | +6% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $66,669 | $78,595 | +18% |
| East Carolina University | $72,022 | $78,175 | +9% |
| Old Dominion University | $70,620 | $75,927 | +8% |
| North Carolina A & T State University | $62,689 | $73,718 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Maine Maritime AcademyCastine | $14,746 | $98,488 | $104,327 | $27,000 | 0.27 |
 California State University Maritime AcademyVallejo | $7,672 | $115,589 | — | $27,000 | 0.23 |
 Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach | $3,106 | $73,572 | $55,610 | $23,319 | 0.32 |
 East Carolina UniversityGreenville | $7,361 | $72,022 | $78,175 | $22,115 | 0.31 |
 Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk | $12,262 | $70,620 | $75,927 | $25,000 | 0.35 |
 Bowling Green State University-FirelandsHuron | $6,206 | $66,669 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $66,626 | — | $25,000 | 0.38 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Maine Maritime Academy, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.