English Language and Literature at University of Maine at Augusta

The $36,624 first-year earnings figure for this program—drawn from Maine's small pool of English programs—suggests outcomes roughly in line with the state median but considerably above the national benchmark of $29,967. However, this estimate doesn't reflect UMaine Augusta specifically, and the real range among Maine schools is substantial: Bowdoin graduates earn nearly $50,000 while University of Maine graduates start closer to $28,700. Where Augusta actually falls in that spectrum remains unclear.

The estimated debt load of $23,729 translates to a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about 8 months of their first-year salary. That's a reasonable burden compared to many humanities programs, assuming the earnings estimate holds. The concern is that if actual outcomes skew toward the lower end of Maine's range—closer to that $28,700 figure—the financial picture deteriorates quickly, particularly for the third of students here receiving Pell grants who may have fewer safety nets.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether Augusta's specific outcomes align more with the state's public universities (where earnings cluster in the low $30,000s) or fall below that benchmark. Without actual program data, you're making a $95,000 investment—four years of tuition, fees, and foregone earnings—based on peer performance rather than this school's track record. If your student is committed to English and values staying in Maine, the estimated numbers aren't alarming, but recognize you're operating with limited visibility on what Augusta graduates specifically achieve.