Students at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell achieve consistently strong earnings that exceed what similar students earn at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's ability to deliver meaningful economic value.
Graduates benefit from both solid absolute earnings and a clear earnings advantage that places the school among the top performers nationally for long-term financial outcomes.
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell stands out as a large public research university that consistently delivers strong financial outcomes for its graduates. Located in Massachusetts, UMass Lowell combines the comprehensive academic offerings of a major state university with notably strong return on investment metrics that place it well above typical public institutions nationwide.
What makes UMass Lowell particularly compelling is its ability to generate earnings beyond expectations for graduates. Students earn a median of $64,874 ten years after enrollment, with the university ranking in the 86th percentile nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. This performance reflects both the institution's strength in high-demand fields like engineering and computer science, and its strategic position in the greater Boston economy where graduates can access diverse career opportunities.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, UMass Lowell delivers excellent outcomes while maintaining reasonable access for students from various backgrounds. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants and nearly 32% are first-generation college students, yet graduation rates and earnings outcomes remain consistently strong. The university offers the scale and resources of a major research institution while keeping net prices manageable, making it an attractive option for families seeking both academic quality and financial value in the competitive Massachusetts higher education landscape.
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers a diverse program portfolio with particularly strong outcomes in technical and professional fields. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return generator, graduating 612 students annually with solid median earnings of $43,087. This combination of scale and outcomes makes business a cornerstone of the university's economic impact.
Engineering programs deliver some of the strongest individual earnings outcomes. Computer Engineering, while smaller with 49 graduates, produces median earnings of $74,576, demonstrating the premium that technical skills command in the greater Boston job market. Psychology, the second-largest program with 215 graduates, provides a foundation for various career paths with median earnings of $33,382, showing that even traditionally lower-earning fields can lead to solid outcomes at UMass Lowell.
The university's program mix reflects its positioning as a comprehensive research institution with particular strength in STEM fields. The combination of large-scale business programs, high-earning engineering specialties, and solid liberal arts foundations creates multiple pathways for students to achieve strong career outcomes. This diversity helps explain why UMass Lowell graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations across such a wide range of academic disciplines.
Graduates of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $64,874, placing the university in the 86th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. More importantly, UMass Lowell graduates earn about $2,299 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value beyond what would be predicted based on student characteristics alone.
The university's program mix drives much of this strong performance. Business Administration and Management leads in total impact, graduating 612 students annually with median earnings of $43,087, creating substantial aggregate economic value. Computer Engineering represents the highest-earning pathway, with 49 graduates earning a median of $74,576 ten years out. Psychology, the second-largest program with 215 graduates, provides a solid foundation for various career paths with median earnings of $33,382. The university's strength in engineering, computer science, and business programs creates multiple pathways to strong early-career earnings and long-term financial success.
UMass Lowell's location in the greater Boston metropolitan area enhances these outcomes significantly. Graduates enter one of the nation's most dynamic job markets, with particular strength in technology, healthcare, financial services, and advanced manufacturing. The combination of strong academic preparation and strategic geographic positioning helps explain why UMass Lowell graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations compared with peers at similar institutions nationwide.
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers solid affordability across income levels, with particularly strong value for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay a net price of about $10,460 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $15,576 per year. Even high-income families face predictable annual costs of approximately $26,648, which remains competitive for a comprehensive research university in the expensive Massachusetts market.
Debt levels at UMass Lowell are manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is about $23,704, and Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,000 for families who choose this option. With a 0% federal loan default rate, the university demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations. The combination of reasonable borrowing levels and strong post-graduation earnings creates a sustainable financial model for most students and families.
What makes UMass Lowell particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is how the upfront investment translates into long-term value. The university's strong earnings outcomes mean that typical debt levels represent a manageable percentage of graduate income, allowing borrowers to repay loans comfortably while building wealth over time. This balance between reasonable costs and strong outcomes makes UMass Lowell an especially compelling choice for families seeking both accessibility and long-term financial returns.
University Of Massachusetts-Lowell Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
