Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of New England

University of New England's nursing graduates start strong with first-year earnings of nearly $78,000—placing them above both Maine's median and the national average for nursing programs. However, earnings slip to $71,590 by year four, an unusual trajectory in a field where experience typically commands higher pay. Among Maine's nine nursing programs, UNE lands squarely in the middle (60th percentile), trailing University of Maine at Augusta by about $11,000 in year-four earnings. The $27,000 debt load matches the national median and sits below Maine's typical $29,000, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35.

The earnings decline warrants attention. While new nurses often command premium pay in high-need specialties or settings, the drop suggests graduates may be moving into lower-paying roles or part-time positions as their careers progress. This pattern isn't necessarily a red flag—it could reflect career pivots into education, administration, or more lifestyle-friendly schedules—but it does mean the strong starting salary may not be the foundation for long-term earning growth.

For Maine families, UNE offers a reasonable path into nursing with manageable debt and competitive starting pay. Just understand that the initial salary advantage may not hold, and you're paying more for outcomes that fall in the middle of Maine's nursing program pack.