Civil Engineering at University of Maine

University of Maine's civil engineering program lands graduates in solid starting positions at nearly $65,000, but the trajectory from there is essentially flat. While that debt load of $27,000 is reasonable—costing just 42 cents for every dollar earned in the first year—the concerning element is what happens next: earnings four years out have barely budged, increasing by less than $1,000. For a field where experience typically commands premium pay, this stagnation is unusual and suggests graduates may be hitting a ceiling in Maine's limited engineering market.

The national comparison tells an important story: this program ranks in just the 19th percentile for civil engineering earnings nationwide, falling about $5,000 short of the national median. However, as Maine's only civil engineering bachelor's program, students seeking an in-state option don't have alternatives for comparison. The highly accessible admission rate (96%) means most applicants will get in, which is helpful for students committed to staying in Maine, but that doesn't change the earning potential.

For families evaluating this program, the calculus depends heavily on geography. If your child plans to work in Maine after graduation, the $27,000 debt is manageable against starting pay. But if they're willing to relocate to markets with stronger civil engineering demand, they might find better-paying programs elsewhere that justify similar or even slightly higher debt loads. The lack of earnings growth should factor into any long-term financial planning.