Finance and Financial Management Services at University of Southern Maine

University of Southern Maine's finance program lands squarely in the middle for Maine but lags considerably behind national standards. Graduates earn $47,393 in their first year—below both the state median ($50,134) and well below the national median ($53,590), placing this program in just the 20th percentile nationally. Within Maine's small finance market, it ranks 40th percentile, meaning half of the state's programs produce better outcomes. The University of Maine, for instance, delivers starting salaries $5,500 higher.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $20,500, borrowers here take on less than peers at most finance programs. That 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly five months of gross income, which is manageable compared to many business programs. However, lower debt doesn't fully compensate for earnings that trail competitors by 10-15%.

For Maine families planning to keep their student in-state, this program represents an accessible entry point into finance—the 79% admission rate makes it achievable for most applicants. But parents should recognize they're accepting a financial tradeoff: reduced earning potential compared to University of Maine in exchange for potentially easier admission and slightly lower debt. If your child can gain admission to stronger finance programs in Maine or regionally, the earnings gap likely justifies pursuing those alternatives.