Program Analysis
At $38,824 per year, Social Work graduates from University of Maine earn slightly above the $36,554 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
At 9.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $22,976 debt-to-$38,824 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #187 out of 338 programs, University of Maine's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $38,824 to $43,549 over five years (12% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.