Compare 5 Economics. programs in Maine. Average earnings: $77,134.
With top graduates earning $102,153, Economics stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $25K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Colby College's Economics program leads with graduates earning $102,153, while the state average sits at $77,134. Bates College follows closely at $90,762, and Bowdoin College delivers $88,368. These liberal arts colleges demonstrate that specialized program focus can drive outcomes beyond broader institutional metrics.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Bates College graduates borrow $14,275 and face just a 2.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Colby College leads with a 15.1% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Colby CollegePrivate | $102,153 | 69 | $19,157 | Excellent | $59,570 | Manageable |
| #2 | Bates CollegePrivate | $90,762 | 71 | $14,275 | Excellent | $70,222 | Challenging |
| #3 | Bowdoin CollegePrivate | $88,368 | 63 | $18,500 | Excellent | $52,337 | Manageable |
| #4 | University Of MainePublic | $62,824 | 26 | $25,000 | Good | $21,900 | Manageable |
| #5 | $41,565 | 19 | $19,060 | Manageable | $17,050 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
