Analysis
Similar criminal justice programs in Maine suggest first-year earnings around $42,000βa figure that places this field near the state median but well above the national benchmark of $37,800. For a bachelor's degree with an estimated debt load of $25,000, that produces a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary.
The challenge is context. With just six criminal justice programs in Maine and none at Fort Kent reporting actual outcomes, we're working with state-level estimates. What we do know: comparable programs at Husson and Thomas produce similar or better earnings, while Maine criminal justice graduates generally fare better than their national peers. The relatively low debt figureβunder both state and national mediansβhelps offset some uncertainty about career trajectory in this field.
For parents weighing this decision, the math suggests reasonable affordability if law enforcement or corrections work aligns with your child's goals. But given that we're extrapolating from peer programs rather than Fort Kent's actual track record, you'll want direct answers from the school about job placement rates and where recent graduates landed. The estimated numbers suggest viability; confirming them requires conversations the data can't provide.
Where University of Maine at Fort Kent Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maine
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maine (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,045 | $42,174* | β | $24,966* | β | |
| $22,194 | $46,523* | β | $27,178* | 0.58 | |
| $30,896 | $42,174* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.64 | |
| $8,618 | $38,588* | $44,794 | $36,010* | 0.93 | |
| National Median | β | $37,856* | β | $26,130* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Maine at Fort Kent, approximately 14% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in ME. Actual outcomes may vary.