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Economics at University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,173/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #273 of 351 Economics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $540K $535K $495K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.4x 12.3x 11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.9x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 55

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 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,916
-7% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

University of Southern Maine's Economics program produces graduates earning $49,173/yr — within striking distance of the $53,966 national average for this field.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #273 ranking among 351 Economics programs places University of Southern Maine in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Southern Maine

A 79% acceptance rate means University of Southern Maine is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 4,245 in Portland, ME.

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

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 351 schools offering Economics →

Economics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($103,993) Princeton University ($103,041) Duke University ($98,649) Stanford University ($98,104) Dartmouth College ($94,675) University of Chicago ($92,075) Amherst College ($90,568) Claremont McKenna College ($89,505)

Other Majors at University of Southern Maine

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($71,774) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,675) Mechanical Engineering ($68,318) Computer Science ($67,956) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($58,538) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($57,411) Accounting and Related Services ($51,379) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,421)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Southern Maine?
At 59/100, the score looks reasonable — but Economics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at University of Southern Maine?
The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →