At $20,605/yr net price, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth graduates earn $68,804/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,804/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,605 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,420 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,804/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,804/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,122/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,161/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,022/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,748/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,993/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $68,858 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,666 | $26,807 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,258 | $25,975 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,260 | $27,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $57,619 | $27,179 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $51,356 | $17,802 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $49,937 | $27,000 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $48,823 | $27,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
49.0% of students at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth 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
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers weak to moderate returns on your education investment, with significant risks that make it unsuitable for many students. The 49% graduation rate means you have roughly even odds of finishing your degree, while the 64% retention rate shows many students leave after freshman year.
Computer science and business administration deliver the strongest returns at around $68,000 annually, but even these top programs saddle you with $26,000-$27,000 in debt. Nursing provides solid career prospects at $64,000 yearly earnings. Engineering programs underperform compared to national averages, with electrical and mechanical engineering graduates earning in the low $60,000s despite similar debt loads to higher-paying programs.
The school's location in southeastern Massachusetts limits job market access compared to Boston-area universities. You pay nearly $21,000 annually in net costs for education that produces middling outcomes in a region where other public options offer better value.
UMass Dartmouth works financially if you can complete one of the three highest-earning majors and graduate on time. The school becomes a poor investment if you struggle academically, change majors frequently, or pursue lower-earning fields not represented in the top programs. Students needing extensive support services should consider the high dropout risk.
Only 36% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance beyond standard federal programs. Merit scholarships exist but are not widely distributed enough to significantly improve the value proposition for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth worth the cost?
UMass Dartmouth offers moderate value with a net price of $20,605 and median earnings of $68,804 after 10 years. The low 49% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts overall ROI for many students.
What are the best paying majors at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth?
Computer science and business programs lead with median earnings around $68,800, while nursing graduates earn $64,258. Engineering fields like electrical and mechanical also provide solid returns in the low $60,000s.
How much debt do University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable given the earning potential in top programs. However, students who don't complete their degree face financial risk with nearly half not graduating.
Does University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by major, with computer science and business graduates earning competitive salaries. The 95% acceptance rate means less selective admissions, but the low graduation rate suggests academic challenges that could hurt career outcomes.