Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Maine

The University of Maine's business program performs right where you'd expect a solid public university to land—middle of the pack nationally but above the state median, with notably low debt that makes it easier to stomach. At $27,000 in borrowing, graduates carry less debt than three-quarters of business programs nationwide, while starting salaries match national norms at $45,950.

What sets this apart from pricier Maine options is the debt picture. You're looking at 60 cents of debt for every dollar earned in year one, which is manageable territory for a business degree. Compare that favorable borrowing load to places like University of New England ($55,830 earnings) or Saint Joseph's, where debt levels might run higher. The 17% earnings bump to $53,668 by year four suggests decent career progression, though Maine Maritime's $98,743 median shows what's possible in more specialized business tracks like logistics management.

The real trade here is straightforward: UMaine won't launch your kid into the top tier of business earnings, but it won't saddle them with debt that hamstrings their twenties either. For families choosing between Maine schools based on in-state tuition, this represents a conservative play—reasonable outcomes at a price point that leaves room for graduate school or career pivots down the line.