Computer Science at University of Southern Maine

With fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these numbers need careful interpretation, but University of Southern Maine's Computer Science program shows a manageable debt burden paired with below-average earnings. At $68,000, first-year salaries trail both the state median ($72,500) and national average ($70,950), placing graduates near the 40th percentile among Maine CS programs. The University of Maine, for comparison, sees graduates earning $77,000—about $9,000 more annually. That gap matters over a career, though USM's lower debt load ($20,387 versus $23,298 statewide) partially offsets the earnings disadvantage.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 is quite reasonable for computer science, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in four months of gross income. This accessibility—combined with USM's 79% admission rate—makes the program viable for students who might not gain entry to more competitive options. However, families should recognize they're trading some earning potential for easier admission and lower debt. The small sample size means actual outcomes could vary significantly, and a single cohort's experience may not predict future results. If your student has the credentials for University of Maine or other higher-performing programs, the earnings premium likely justifies exploring those options first.