Mathematics at University of Maine at Farmington

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests manageable financial positioning for this mathematics degree, but the gap between national benchmarks and what graduates in Maine actually earn demands attention. While peer programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $49,000, Maine's median for math bachelor's programs sits at $90,000—almost double. That's a significant premium for staying in-state after graduation, assuming UMF graduates can access those same opportunities.

The estimated $21,500 in debt aligns with national norms for mathematics programs and represents less than half of typical first-year earnings, which ordinarily signals reasonable value. However, Maine's small market for math graduates (only 9 programs statewide) means local outcomes vary dramatically by institution and employer connections. Bowdoin's $90,000 figure shows what's possible in the state, but UMF's open admission model and different student profile suggest caution in expecting similar placement outcomes.

For parents, the practical question is whether their student will compete for Maine's higher-paying math positions or face national salary expectations. If they're planning to teach secondary math or work in Maine's more limited private sector, understanding realistic local placement rates from UMF specifically becomes essential before committing, since these estimates can't reveal that crucial distinction.