Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Maine at Farmington

Similar liberal arts programs at Maine public universities suggest first-year earnings around $37,000—right at the national median for these degrees. With estimated debt of roughly $25,000, the ratio of 0.68 means graduates would owe about eight months of their first-year salary, a manageable burden compared to many bachelor's programs. The real question is whether these humanities-focused degrees provide enough career direction to justify even moderate debt.

The challenge with general liberal arts programs is that outcomes vary wildly based on what students do with the degree. Some graduates parlay strong writing and analytical skills into solid careers; others struggle to find professional footing. The estimated earnings here mirror what similar programs produce statewide, but notice the range among Maine schools: University of Maine at Augusta's comparable program shows $40,000 while Southern Maine sits at $30,000. That $10,000 spread suggests individual program quality and career services matter significantly.

For families comfortable with the uncertainty inherent in a general studies degree, the debt load here shouldn't be crushing. But this assumes your student has a clear plan—graduate school, a specific career path, or developed skills that employers value. Without that direction, even $25,000 in debt for a degree that employers may view as unfocused becomes harder to justify when more targeted programs cost the same.