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 gives you a solid financial return with real gaps between programs. You pay $18,282 a year net, carry about $22,000 in debt at graduation, and earn a median of $65,865 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio works in your favor, and Boston's job market backs it up. The catch is the 51% graduation rate: nearly half of students don't finish in the tracked window, and debt without a degree is the worst outcome here.
Nursing is the clear winner. A bachelor's in nursing pays about $71,000, and Boston's hospital network gives you somewhere to use it. Computer science follows at roughly $51,500. After that, the drop-off is steep. Business, economics, and criminal justice all land in the low-to-mid $40,000s while carrying debt loads similar to nursing's. Criminal justice pairs the lowest pay ($42,025) with the highest program debt ($24,271), so borrow carefully if that's your path.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $13,072. over $110,000, you pay $25,375. That's a real spread, and the two lowest brackets make UMass Boston affordable for you. Higher earners pay close to double, which changes the math on the lower-paying majors.
This school fits you if you're commuting from the Boston area, aiming for nursing or CS, and want a public-school price. It fits you less if you're borrowing full freight for criminal justice or economics, where the salaries don't justify the same debt. The 73% retention rate means one in four students leaves after year one, so treat finishing as the real financial goal, not just enrolling.
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.