At $23,691/yr net price, University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn $71,631/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $37,631/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,691 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,764 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,631/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$37,631/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,763 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,103/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,259/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,738/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,016/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,297/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $100,518 | $30,322 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $99,741 | $32,030 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $97,071 | $57,030 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $78,232 | $22,679 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $76,460 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,518 | $27,000 |
| Chemistry. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $27,000 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $26,111 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,647 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
83.2% of students at University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Massachusetts-Amherst delivers solid financial returns for most students, with median post-graduation earnings of $71,631 placing it well above national averages for public universities. The $23,691 annual net price creates reasonable debt loads relative to earning potential.
Computer Science and Business Administration programs generate the strongest returns, with CS graduates earning over $100,000 annually. These tech-focused majors benefit from Massachusetts' strong technology sector and proximity to Boston's job market. Nursing also pays well at $97,071, though the program carries higher debt at $57,030.
Education majors face weaker financial prospects with $76,460 in median earnings, reflecting the broader challenge of teacher salaries in New England. Liberal arts and social science programs likely generate lower returns, though specific data varies by field.
The school's main financial risk lies in its selective aid distribution. Only 20% of students receive need-based aid, meaning middle-income families often pay close to full price. Out-of-state students face particularly steep costs that may not justify the investment unless pursuing high-earning majors.
UMass Amherst works best financially for Massachusetts residents pursuing STEM or business degrees. The strong regional alumni network and proximity to Boston create job placement advantages that boost earning potential. Students interested in lower-paying fields should consider the debt carefully, especially if paying out-of-state tuition.
Merit scholarships are limited, so your best cost strategy involves qualifying for in-state tuition and choosing a program with strong employment outcomes. The 83% graduation rate suggests most students complete their degrees, reducing the risk of debt without a diploma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Massachusetts-Amherst worth the cost?
UMass Amherst offers solid value with a net price of $23,691 and 10-year earnings of $71,631, making it a reasonable investment for most students. The relatively low median debt of $22,763 keeps financial risk manageable compared to many other universities.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Computer science and business administration lead with starting salaries around $100,000, while nursing graduates earn about $97,000. Education majors earn significantly less at $76,460, which may not justify the debt for some students.
How much student debt do University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates have?
The median debt is $22,763, which is below the national average and manageable given the school's graduate earnings. Most graduates can expect reasonable monthly payments that won't overwhelm their starting salaries.
Does University of Massachusetts-Amherst provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $23,691 for the average student, UMass Amherst makes college affordable for many Massachusetts residents. The combination of state funding and institutional aid keeps costs well below many comparable public universities.