Analysis
Drawing on outcomes from comparable English programs across Maine, this bachelor's degree appears positioned in the middle tier of state offerings. The estimated $36,624 first-year salary matches the state median and exceeds the national benchmark by over $6,000—suggesting Maine's relatively small job market may actually favor liberal arts graduates in certain sectors. With estimated debt around $23,700, graduates would face annual loan payments of roughly $2,650, consuming about 7% of gross earnings.
The challenge is that these estimates mask significant program-to-program variation. Maine's top-performing English programs at Bowdoin and Bates produce substantially higher early earnings, while others fall below $30,000. Without this specific program's actual outcomes, it's difficult to know whether Presque Isle's rural location and strong community ties translate into solid job placement, or whether graduates struggle more than the state average suggests.
For families considering this program, the debt load appears manageable based on peer outcomes, but the real question is opportunity cost. If your student is choosing between this and other Maine public options, the University of Southern Maine or University of Maine campuses offer more direct comparison points with reported data. The value proposition here depends heavily on factors the estimates can't capture: program quality, faculty mentorship, and whether the rural campus setting aligns with your student's career goals.
Where University of Maine at Presque Isle Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maine
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maine (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,990 | $36,624* | — | $23,729* | — | |
| $64,910 | $49,421* | — | —* | — | |
| $63,478 | $40,233* | $58,988 | —* | — | |
| $10,920 | $33,014* | $41,643 | $25,000* | 0.76 | |
| $12,606 | $28,727* | $43,716 | $23,250* | 0.81 | |
| National Median | — | $29,967* | — | $24,529* | 0.82 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with english language and literature graduates
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 Presque Isle, approximately 26% 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 4 similar programs in ME. Actual outcomes may vary.