University of Massachusetts-Boston
University of Massachusetts-Boston — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Massachusetts-Boston at a Glance
The University of Massachusetts Boston is a public university in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
1964
62 years old
$171M
$171 million (2024)
15,428
12,178 undergrad · 3,250 grad
720
120 acres
Identity
Is University of Massachusetts-Boston Worth It?
University of Massachusetts-Boston offers moderate value at $17,707/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $65,865, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How University of Massachusetts-Boston compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #37 of 65 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-San Bernardino | 100 | $4,564 | $59,977 |
| #2 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #3 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #4 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | 100 | $12,319 | $78,466 |
| #5 | Michigan Technological University | 94 | $14,182 | $78,198 |
| #6 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
| #37 | University of Massachusetts-Boston | 47 | $17,707 | $65,865 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Massachusetts-Boston's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MA.
Best Programs at University of Massachusetts-Boston
The highest-earning program at University of Massachusetts-Boston is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $67,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is History at $26,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Massachusetts-Boston earns $67,900, while a History graduate earns $26,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $22,575 in median debt vs. $21,500 for History.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,707/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,900 | $67,900 | $22,575 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $50,900 | $50,900 | $23,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,800 | $43,800 | $22,500 |
| Economics | $42,600 | $42,600 | $21,666 |
| Mathematics | $39,500 | $39,500 | $16,488 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $39,300 | $39,300 | $23,828 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $38,200 | $38,200 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,800 | $36,800 | $21,500 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $36,500 | $36,500 | $22,681 |
| Sociology | $35,900 | $35,900 | $25,766 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $35,300 | $35,300 | $20,847 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $35,000 | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $35,000 | $35,000 | $23,000 |
| Psychology, General | $35,000 | $35,000 | $23,707 |
| Social Work | $34,900 | $34,900 | $25,000 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $34,200 | $34,200 | $22,806 |
| Biology, General | $33,600 | $33,600 | $23,000 |
| Anthropology | $32,700 | $32,700 | $21,347 |
| Political Science and Government | $30,800 | $30,800 | $21,500 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $30,500 | $30,500 | $20,250 |
| Philosophy | $30,000 | $30,000 | $25,500 |
| History | $26,400 | $26,400 | $21,500 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Student Body
- 11,512 students
- Admission Rate
- 84%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,707
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $65,865
- Median Student Debt
- $21,974