Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Maine at Augusta

University of Maine at Augusta's business program graduates earn about $4,000 less than the typical Maine business graduate and $4,400 below the national median—placing it in the 40th percentile statewide. That's nearly $15,000 less annually than what business majors earn at the flagship University of Maine just an hour north. While the debt load of $28,741 is relatively manageable with a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70, the earning potential doesn't match what families might expect from a business degree.

The modest 7% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates reach their ceiling quickly, with fourth-year earnings still trailing state and national averages by similar margins. For context, Maine Maritime's business graduates earn more than double what UMA graduates make, though that's an admittedly specialized comparison. More telling is that even regional competitors like University of Southern Maine show notably stronger outcomes.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: you're taking on near-average debt for below-average earnings. If staying local is essential and UMA offers the right scheduling flexibility or support services, it can work—especially with that manageable debt load. But if your student can commute to Orono or Portland, the flagship or USM would likely deliver significantly better returns on the same investment.