Communication and Media Studies at University of Maine

University of Maine's communication program delivers something increasingly rare in this field: genuine earnings growth. Starting at $37,192, graduates see their income jump 40% to over $52,000 within four years—a trajectory that outpaces most media studies programs, where earnings often stagnate in the low-to-mid $30,000s. Among Maine's four communication programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, and it beats the national median by about $2,200 in year one.

The debt load of $26,057 is manageable given the earnings path, creating a first-year ratio of 0.70—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. While that initial salary isn't eye-popping, the strong growth suggests graduates are moving into more senior roles or pivoting effectively within Maine's media landscape. This is particularly relevant in a state where career advancement can be challenging in creative fields.

For families concerned about the typical communication studies outcome—low pay with limited upward mobility—this program offers a more promising alternative. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings growth makes it a reasonable bet for students committed to media careers, especially those planning to stay in the region where UMaine's network is strongest.