Students at Assumption University earn substantially more than similar students at other institutions, with graduates achieving approximately $22,382 beyond expectations compared with peers nationwide.
This exceptional earnings advantage, combined with strong outcomes for low-income students, places the university among the top performers for long-term financial returns.
Assumption University is a small private nonprofit institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, that delivers remarkably strong financial outcomes for its graduates. While the university serves a more selective student population—with about 19% receiving Pell Grants and 18% being first-generation students—it consistently produces graduates who earn significantly more than expected compared with similar institutions nationwide. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $74,895, placing the university in the 83rd percentile nationally for long-term earnings.
What makes Assumption particularly noteworthy is its ability to generate substantial earnings beyond expectations for students. Graduates earn approximately $22,382 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting one of the strongest value-added performances among private colleges. This earnings advantage spans across the university's program portfolio, from business administration to specialized fields like animal-assisted therapy.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Assumption combines limited access with exceptional outcomes for the students it serves. The university's small size allows for personalized attention and strong career preparation, while its location in Massachusetts provides access to robust regional job markets. For families who can manage the higher net prices typical of private education, Assumption offers a compelling combination of intimate learning environment and superior long-term financial returns.
Assumption University's program portfolio demonstrates strength across business, accounting, and specialized professional fields. Business Administration serves as the university's highest aggregate return program, graduating 57 students annually with median early-career earnings of $48,725. The program combines solid enrollment with strong financial outcomes, making it a key economic driver for the institution.
Accounting Technology graduates achieve the highest early-career earnings at $50,606, reflecting strong demand for accounting professionals in the Massachusetts market. Despite smaller enrollment of 43 graduates, the program delivers exceptional individual outcomes that contribute to the university's overall earnings advantage.
The university's distinctive Animal-Assisted Therapy program represents Assumption's ability to create value in specialized fields. With 65 graduates earning median salaries of $36,092, the program demonstrates how focused professional preparation can lead to meaningful career outcomes even in emerging fields. This diversity of strong programs—from traditional business disciplines to innovative therapeutic specialties—reflects the university's commitment to preparing students for evolving job markets while maintaining the personalized attention that characterizes small private colleges.
Assumption University graduates achieve exceptionally strong long-term earnings that significantly exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $74,895, placing the university in the top 17% nationally for graduate earnings. More impressive is how much graduates outperform similar students elsewhere—earning approximately $22,382 beyond expectations compared with students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage reflects the university's ability to prepare students for high-value career paths and connect them with employers who recognize the quality of an Assumption education.
The university's strongest financial returns come from business and accounting programs. Business Administration graduates, representing the largest high-return program with 57 graduates, earn a median of $48,725 early in their careers and generate substantial aggregate returns. Accounting Technology graduates achieve even higher early earnings at $50,606, while the university's distinctive Animal-Assisted Therapy program, with 65 graduates, demonstrates Assumption's ability to create value even in specialized fields with median earnings of $36,092.
What sets Assumption apart is the consistency of strong outcomes across its program portfolio. The university's small size enables focused career preparation and strong employer relationships, while its Massachusetts location provides access to diverse industries from healthcare to financial services. This combination of personalized attention and strategic positioning helps explain why Assumption graduates consistently earn more than their peers at similar institutions nationwide.
Assumption University operates at the higher end of the affordability spectrum, reflecting its position as a private nonprofit institution. Low-income students pay approximately $18,025 annually after aid, while middle-income families face net costs around $25,004 per year. High-income families typically pay about $32,130 annually, representing the full private college pricing structure that characterizes most selective private institutions.
Debt levels reflect the higher cost structure but remain within manageable ranges given the strong earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $27,000 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $30,946. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes Assumption's pricing sustainable is the strong earning power of its graduates. With median 10-year earnings of $74,895, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard loan repayment schedules. The university's exceptional earnings beyond expectations—approximately $22,382 more than similar students earn elsewhere—helps justify the premium pricing for families who can access this level of education. The combination of strong career preparation and robust alumni networks creates long-term value that supports the investment required for a private college education.
Assumption University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
