Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 suggests manageable financial outcomes for this social work program, though the lack of school-specific data means families are navigating with limited visibility. Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationally, graduates typically start around $37,300 annually with roughly $26,000 in debt—figures that align closely with what other Maine institutions report for their social work graduates. The University of Southern Maine's graduates earn about $40,700 in their first year, while University of Maine graduates start near $38,800, suggesting Presque Isle's program likely produces similar results given the consistency across Maine's social work programs.
Social work salaries tend to be modest but stable, and the estimated debt load here represents less than a year's earnings—a threshold many financial advisors consider reasonable. Maine's social work programs generally produce slightly better outcomes than the national median, with state graduates earning around $39,800 compared to $37,300 nationally. That regional advantage could benefit Presque Isle graduates, particularly since the region faces ongoing demand for social workers in rural communities.
The bottom line: This program's estimated financials suggest a workable investment for students committed to social work, with debt that appears manageable on typical entry-level salaries. However, parents should recognize they're making this decision without seeing actual outcomes from this specific campus. Before committing, contact the school directly to ask about graduate employment rates and whether they track alumni earnings—information that could either confirm these estimates or reveal important differences.
Where University of Maine at Presque Isle Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maine
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maine (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,990 | $37,297* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $10,920 | $40,692* | $43,568 | $22,610* | 0.56 | |
| $12,606 | $38,824* | $40,842 | $26,154* | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $37,296* | — | $26,362* | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 national median of 338 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.