Median Earnings (1yr)
$52,876
46th percentile (60th in ME)
Median Debt
$24,520
5% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.46
Manageable
Sample Size
74
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Maine's finance program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack outcomes with notably less debt than many alternatives. Starting at $52,876, graduates earn slightly above Maine's median for finance programs (60th percentile statewide) while carrying just $24,520 in debt—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that's manageable by most standards. That debt load is essentially on par with both state and national benchmarks, making this one of the more affordable routes to a finance career in Maine.

The earnings trajectory shows steady progression, with graduates reaching $57,333 by year four. While these numbers place the program at the 46th percentile nationally—neither impressive nor concerning—context matters: Maine isn't a finance hub like New York or Charlotte, so these earnings reflect regional salary norms. For a family-accessible state flagship (96% admission rate, 22% Pell grant recipients), the program delivers predictable outcomes without the premium debt that often comes with private alternatives.

The calculation here is straightforward. If your child plans to stay in Maine or the Northeast more broadly, this program offers a legitimate finance credential at a reasonable cost. The earnings won't match what graduates from target schools in major financial centers command, but the debt burden won't follow them around for a decade either. For Maine residents paying in-state tuition, it's a sensible foundation for launching a finance career.

Where University of Maine Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

University of MaineOther finance and financial management services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Maine graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Maine graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 46th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Maine

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maine (6 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Maine$52,876$57,333$24,5200.46
University of Southern Maine$47,393—$20,5000.43
National Median$53,590—$23,3320.44

Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Maine

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maine schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Southern Maine
Portland
$10,920$47,393$20,500

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, approximately 22% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 74 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.