Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Maine Maritime Academy

Maine Maritime Academy is best known for its maritime and engineering programs, but this liberal arts degree presents a different picture entirely. Based on comparable programs in Maine, graduates would face an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68—meaning roughly eight months of gross first-year income going toward student loans. While that's slightly better than the national median debt of $27,000, the estimated $36,800 starting salary places this program squarely at Maine's median for liberal arts degrees, without any particular advantage from MMA's specialized reputation or maritime industry connections.

The concern here is opportunity cost. Other Maine schools offering this degree—like University of Maine at Augusta, where graduates earn nearly $40,000—suggest better outcomes are possible at institutions where liberal arts is a core focus rather than a secondary offering. At a school where 25% of students receive Pell grants and the average SAT hits 1185, families are likely seeking strong economic returns. A general studies degree at a maritime academy doesn't leverage the institution's primary strengths in technical fields where employers actively recruit.

If your child is set on MMA, the maritime and engineering programs are where the school's value proposition lies. For a liberal arts education in Maine, consider whether a university with stronger humanities departments and comparable costs might deliver better career preparation and networking opportunities in fields where this degree typically leads.