Median Earnings (1yr)
$61,991
48th percentile
Median Debt
$27,000
At national median

Analysis

University of Maine's mechanical engineering technology program delivers solidly middle-of-the-road outcomes at a reasonable price. Starting at $62,000, graduates earn essentially the national median for this degree, though within Maine, this represents the 60th percentileβ€”a meaningful distinction in a state where engineering technology options are limited. The $27,000 debt load translates to a 0.44 ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first year's salary, which is manageable by most standards.

The 7% earnings growth to $66,000 by year four is modest but steady, suggesting this isn't a fast-track career path but rather a stable technical role. For Maine families, this program offers a practical advantage: it's the only bachelor's-level mechanical engineering technology option in the state, eliminating the need to pay out-of-state tuition elsewhere. The 96% admission rate means most qualified students can access this path.

The value here is straightforward rather than exceptional. Your child won't graduate with outsized debt or underwhelming job prospects, but they also won't see explosive salary growth. For students interested in hands-on mechanical work who want to stay in Maine and value the state flagship's resources, this program offers a sensible route into the field without financial strain.

Where University of Maine Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Maine graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Maine$61,991$66,087+7%
Rochester Institute of Technology$69,261$82,078+19%
LeTourneau University$52,625$81,997+56%
Eastern Michigan University$49,799$80,179+61%
Indiana University-Indianapolis$66,816$80,150+20%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of MaineOrono$12,606$61,991$66,087$27,0000.44
California State University Maritime AcademyVallejo$7,672$98,661β€”$25,3590.26
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WorldwideDaytona Beach$11,665$93,433β€”β€”β€”
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach$42,304$93,433β€”β€”β€”
Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain$12,460$73,788$77,985$31,0000.42
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver$10,780$72,334$76,047$32,0000.44
National Medianβ€”$62,503β€”$27,0000.43

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.

$68,730/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.