Social Sciences, Other at University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,418/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 33 Social Sciences, Other programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Sciences, Other graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $461K $464K $445K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.6x 10.6x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 57% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,680
Out-of-state: $108,416 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,916
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,218
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,725
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,418/yr, Social Sciences, Other graduates from University of Southern Maine land near the $37,190 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 10.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 33% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $17,218 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #19 out of 33 programs, University of Southern Maine's financial outcomes for Social Sciences, Other trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,418 to $42,725 shows 21% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Southern Maine

With 79% of applicants admitted, University of Southern Maine prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 4,245 students in Portland, ME.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern Maine →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other $75,040/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Social Sciences, Other at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Southern Maine

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Southern Maine's Social Sciences, Other program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Social Sciences, Other. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Social Sciences, Other to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Social Sciences, Other careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 33% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →