Marine Sciences at University of Maine

University of Maine's Marine Sciences program ranks among the nation's elite for graduate earnings—95th percentile nationally—but achieves this through the highest debt load of any marine sciences program in the country. With $27,000 in median debt versus a national median of $22,400, graduates are paying a premium for access to Maine's coastal research opportunities and industry connections.

The tradeoff becomes clearer when you consider that first-year earnings of $29,243, while strong relative to other marine sciences programs, barely exceed the debt burden (0.92 ratio). This suggests a longer payback period than you'd see at programs where graduates earn similar amounts but borrow less. With only two marine sciences programs in Maine, students seeking in-state tuition for this specialized field have limited alternatives, which may explain the higher borrowing despite the school's 96% admission rate.

For families who can minimize borrowing through savings or scholarships, this program's strong earnings outcomes make it worthwhile. But if your child will be taking on the full $27,000 median debt, understand they'll likely spend several years after graduation in modest-paying entry positions before the degree's value fully materializes. The program delivers results, but it asks graduates to invest more upfront than nearly any other marine sciences bachelor's program in America.