Biology at University of Southern Maine

University of Southern Maine's biology program punches well above its weight, with graduates earning $43,722 in their first year—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile statewide. These are the highest biology earnings in Maine, edging out even elite liberal arts schools like Colby College. More importantly, earnings jump to $55,424 by year four, suggesting graduates are successfully launching science careers rather than getting stuck in lab tech positions. At a school with a 79% admission rate, this combination of accessibility and outcomes is rare.

The $25,125 median debt is manageable given these earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 0.57—meaning most graduates should be able to pay off loans within a few years of graduation. This is particularly noteworthy compared to Maine's typical biology debt of $26,500, which usually comes with much lower earnings at other state schools. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual outcomes vary, but the pattern is consistent across enough students to be meaningful.

For Maine families looking at biology programs, this represents exceptional value. You're getting top-tier outcomes at public university prices, with graduates earning $9,000 more in their first year than the typical Maine biology major. The strong earnings trajectory suggests employers recognize the quality of training here, making this a smart choice for students serious about science careers.