Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at University of Maine at Augusta

University of Maine at Augusta's graduates in this field start slightly below the national average but outperform most other Maine programs—landing in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings around $39,000. The debt load of $33,250 is manageable relative to those earnings, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 that's lower than three-quarters of similar programs nationwide. For families concerned about borrowing, that's a real advantage.

The challenge here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually see their income decline by about 5% between year one and year four, dropping to $37,000. This pattern isn't unusual in social services fields where entry-level positions sometimes pay better than the career progression suggests they should. It likely reflects the realities of nonprofit funding cycles, credential requirements for advancement, or the need for additional degrees to move up. Parents should know that while starting salaries are respectable, this isn't a field where income automatically grows with experience at the bachelor's level.

For students committed to mental health and social services work—particularly those planning to stay in Maine—this program offers solid preparation without excessive debt. The key is entering with realistic salary expectations and potentially planning for graduate education if career advancement is a priority. The relatively low debt burden at least makes that next step more feasible than it would be from pricier programs.