Economics at University of Southern Maine

Economics at the University of Southern Maine trails other Maine programs significantly—ranking in just the 10th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $49,173, compared to the state median of $71,187. That's a gap of over $22,000, putting USM grads closer to outcomes at University of Maine than to the state's selective liberal arts colleges. This underperformance is particularly notable given that Maine has only five economics programs, meaning USM sits at the bottom of a small pack.

The silver lining here is debt: at $12,996, graduates borrow roughly half the state median and less than 60% of the national benchmark. That low debt load creates a manageable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of pre-tax earnings. For families worried about crushing student debt, this accessibility matters.

However, the sample size is small—under 30 graduates—so these numbers could swing considerably year to year. What we can say: if your student wants economics in Maine and cost is the priority, USM delivers an affordable path. But if earnings potential matters most, the elite liberal arts colleges produce median salaries 50% higher. The choice depends on whether you're optimizing for minimal debt or maximum earning power right out of the gate.