At $18,627/yr net price, University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates earn $64,874/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,874/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,627 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,508 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,874/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,874/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,704 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,460/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,220/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,576/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,633/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,648/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. | Master | $84,653 | $34,093 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $78,612 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $74,576 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $26,277 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,854 | $21,720 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,575 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $71,575 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,338 | $61,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $67,660 |
The Risk Factor
70.1% of students at University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Massachusetts-Lowell delivers solid financial returns driven by strong engineering and healthcare programs in a strong New England job market. The $18,627 annual net price paired with $64,874 median earnings creates a favorable payback timeline, though outcomes vary significantly by major.
Engineering majors consistently outperform with electrical engineering graduates earning $78,612 and mechanical/computer engineering graduates earning $74,576. These programs justify their costs even with slightly higher debt loads. Nursing stands out as the top earner at $84,653, though graduates carry $34,093 in debt compared to the school median of $23,704. Business administration offers decent returns at $71,854 with manageable $21,720 debt.
The school's 70% graduation rate creates financial risk for students who don't complete their degrees, particularly concerning given the competitive Massachusetts job market rewards degree holders. You face higher stakes if you struggle academically or change majors frequently.
UMass-Lowell works financially if you target high-earning majors like engineering, nursing, or business and can handle the academic demands. The relatively low aid percentage of 27% means most students pay close to sticker price, making this a better fit for middle-income families who don't qualify for substantial need-based aid but can afford the moderate costs.
Avoid this school if you're considering lower-earning liberal arts majors or lack confidence in completing your degree. The regional job market rewards technical skills, so humanities graduates may struggle to justify the investment despite the reasonable costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Massachusetts-Lowell worth the cost?
UMass-Lowell offers solid value with a net price of $18,627 and 10-year earnings of $64,874. The engineering and nursing programs provide strong returns, but the overall ROI depends heavily on your chosen field.
What are the best paying majors at University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
Nursing programs lead earnings at $84,653 annually, followed by electrical engineering at $78,612 and mechanical engineering at $74,576. Business administration graduates earn $71,854, which is decent but not exceptional.
How much debt do University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates have?
The median debt is $23,704, which is manageable compared to many schools. With engineering and nursing salaries above $70,000, most graduates can handle this debt load reasonably well.
What is the graduation rate at University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
The graduation rate is 70.1%, which is average for a public university. This means about 3 in 10 students don't finish, adding risk if you're not committed to completing your degree.