Sociology at University of Maine

University of Maine's sociology program produces first-year earnings of $30,283—well below both the national median ($34,102) and especially disappointing compared to Maine's state median of $42,170. That's a $12,000 gap versus the typical Maine sociology graduate, placing this program in just the 25th percentile statewide. When Bowdoin graduates earn nearly $48,000 and even the typical Maine program hits $42,000, UMaine's outcomes lag considerably.

The debt load of $26,175 creates a manageable 0.86 debt-to-earnings ratio on paper, but that ratio only looks acceptable because earnings are so low. The real concern is graduating with above-average debt (compared to other Maine sociology programs at $19,392) while earning significantly below-average income. You're getting the worst of both worlds—more debt, less earning power—in a field that already pays modestly.

One important caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances may skew these numbers. However, even accounting for statistical noise, the gap between this program and other Maine options is substantial enough to warrant serious consideration of alternatives. If sociology is the goal and staying in Maine matters, you'd likely see better returns elsewhere in the state system or at Maine's liberal arts colleges.