Mechanical Engineering at University of Maine

University of Maine's mechanical engineering program delivers solid fundamentals at an exceptionally affordable price. With just $27,000 in typical debt—well below both the national median ($24,755) and the state median ($31,366)—graduates enter the workforce with unusual financial flexibility. First-year earnings of nearly $70,000 may sit slightly below the national average, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in under a year of focused repayment.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Maine engineering programs, which matters for students planning to stay in-state where UMaine has strong industry connections. Steady 10% earnings growth to $76,807 by year four suggests graduates gain traction in their careers, even if they're not commanding top-tier salaries immediately. For context, Maine's other option—University of Southern Maine—produces similar outcomes, so the choice likely comes down to campus fit rather than financial trajectory.

The real value here is risk mitigation: with a 96% admission rate and manageable debt load, this program offers an accessible path into a stable engineering career without the financial burden that can accompany more selective programs. Your child won't graduate wealthy, but they'll graduate employed and solvent—which is more than many engineering programs can promise.