Accounting at University of Maine at Augusta

UMaine Augusta's accounting program sits in an unusual position: its graduates start near the Maine median but earn below the national average for accounting majors, and then see earnings actually drop 11% by year four. The relatively low debt load ($29,500) provides some protection, but that backward earnings trajectory is atypical for an accounting degree, where professional advancement usually drives steady income growth.

Within Maine's limited accounting landscape, this program ranks at the 60th percentile—middle of the pack among seven options. But parents should note that Husson University graduates earn nearly $10,000 more right out of the gate, and even UMaine's flagship program slightly outperforms Augusta's campus. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few outliers could be skewing these numbers significantly, but the pattern still warrants scrutiny.

The value calculus here depends heavily on alternatives. If your child can commute to Augusta and minimize living costs, the low debt makes this manageable even with modest earnings. But if they're borrowing heavily or could access one of Maine's stronger accounting programs for similar cost, those options deliver better starting salaries and presumably better career trajectories. Before committing, dig into why earnings decline so notably—whether it's graduates leaving the field, regional job market limitations, or just statistical noise from the small cohort.