Computer Engineering at University of Maine

A $75,000 starting salary against an estimated $23,000 in debt creates a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio for computer engineering at UMaine—though it's worth understanding that debt figure comes from national patterns rather than this program's actual graduates. The school's open admission policy (96% acceptance) and the fact that outcomes data couldn't be published due to small graduate cohorts suggests this isn't a pipeline program churning out hundreds of engineers annually.

The earnings figure is actual and verifiable: UMaine computer engineering graduates earn about $3,700 less in their first year than the national median for this degree. That gap isn't dramatic in a field where starting salaries vary widely by employer and geography, but it does place the program in the bottom half nationally while ranking as the median for Maine (though as the only program in the state reporting, that's essentially meaningless). The estimated debt load appears reasonable given that computer engineering nationally carries a median of $24,500, and a sub-one-third debt ratio gives graduates breathing room.

The real question is whether a smaller program environment works for your child. Lower enrollment can mean more attention or fewer specialized resources and recruiting connections—outcomes for individual students will vary more than at larger programs. The financial picture based on comparable programs suggests solid value, but verify current placement rates and employer relationships directly with the department.