At $18,282/yr net price, University of Massachusetts-Boston graduates earn $65,865/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,865/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,282 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,865/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,865/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,974 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,072/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,215/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,572/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,332/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,375/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $115,339 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $106,814 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,439 | $35,661 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $87,815 | |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,200 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $72,134 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,098 | $24,100 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Certificate | $59,425 | |
| Human Services, General. | Master | $58,221 |
The Risk Factor
51.1% of students at University of Massachusetts-Boston graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
UMass Boston offers a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your major choice. The nursing programs deliver strong value with graduates earning over $100,000 annually, making the $35,661 median debt for nursing students a worthwhile investment. Education majors also see strong returns, particularly in administration roles.
The school's biggest financial risk is its low graduation rate. Only 51% of students complete their degrees, meaning nearly half accumulate debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs. The 73% retention rate suggests academic struggles continue beyond freshman year.
Your best financial bet at UMass Boston is pursuing nursing or education. These programs tap into Boston's strong healthcare and education job markets where demand consistently outpaces supply. Other majors show weaker earning potential relative to the debt load, making this school a poor choice if you're considering liberal arts or general business programs.
The $18,282 annual net price is reasonable for a Boston-area degree, but only if you graduate. The relatively low debt burden of $21,974 becomes manageable with nursing or education salaries but problematic with lower-earning majors.
UMass Boston works best for career-focused students who can handle the academic demands and have clear professional goals in healthcare or education. If you struggle academically or want to explore different majors, consider schools with stronger support systems and higher graduation rates. The financial risk of not completing your degree here outweighs the modest cost savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Massachusetts-Boston worth the cost?
UMass Boston offers solid value with a net price of $18,282 and graduates earning $65,865 after 10 years. However, the 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the best paying programs at University of Massachusetts-Boston?
Nursing programs at UMass Boston lead earnings with graduates making $99,000-$115,000 annually. Educational administration follows at $87,815, while most other programs result in lower returns relative to the cost.
How much debt do University of Massachusetts-Boston graduates have?
UMass Boston graduates carry a median debt of $21,974, which is manageable compared to the $65,865 average salary 10 years post-graduation. The debt-to-income ratio makes this school financially reasonable for most graduates.
Does University of Massachusetts-Boston have good job prospects after graduation?
UMass Boston graduates earn above-average salaries, particularly in nursing and education fields. The school's Boston location provides access to strong job markets, though the low graduation rate suggests academic support could be stronger.