Students at the University of Massachusetts-Boston achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning significantly more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
The university's exceptional mobility performance places it among the top institutions for converting broad access into meaningful economic advancement.
Azimuth ranks the University of Massachusetts-Boston 68th nationally among public four-year institutions, placing it in the top 25% for overall value. What distinguishes UMass Boston is its exceptional track record of converting broad access into meaningful economic mobility. With 43% of students receiving Pell Grants and 43% being first-generation college students, the university serves one of the most diverse student populations in Massachusetts while consistently delivering strong long-term earnings outcomes.
Graduates earn a median of $65,865 ten years after enrollment, with particularly impressive earnings beyond expectations that reflect the institution's ability to add substantial value to student outcomes. As a designated "Mobility Engine," UMass Boston combines high access with strong results, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds who see meaningful earnings growth over time.
Located in Boston's dynamic job market, the university offers the advantages of a major research institution with the accessibility of a public university committed to serving working students and diverse communities. The combination of reasonable net prices, manageable debt levels, and strong career outcomes makes UMass Boston an especially compelling choice for students seeking both educational opportunity and financial security in one of America's most robust metropolitan economies.
The University of Massachusetts-Boston offers a program mix that directly serves Boston's dynamic economy and provides clear pathways to career success. Business Administration leads in scale with 459 graduates and serves as a key economic engine, combining substantial enrollment with solid mid-career earnings around $46,579. This program's size reflects both student demand and employer need in Boston's diverse business landscape.
Nursing programs represent UMass Boston's strongest combination of scale and earnings potential. Adult Health Nursing graduates 274 students annually with impressive earnings of approximately $71,098, reflecting both the program's quality and the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the Boston metropolitan area. The nursing program's success demonstrates how the university aligns academic offerings with regional workforce needs.
Technology fields show strong earning potential that reflects Boston's position as a major tech hub. Artificial Intelligence majors, though a smaller cohort at 217 graduates, earn around $51,551 early in their careers, with significant upside potential as they advance in one of the nation's most competitive technology markets. The university's location provides graduates with direct access to opportunities at major corporations, startups, and research institutions throughout the greater Boston area.
Graduates of the University of Massachusetts-Boston achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $65,865, with the university ranking in the top 25% nationally for earnings performance. What makes these outcomes particularly impressive is the substantial earnings beyond expectations that UMass Boston delivers—graduates earn significantly more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's ability to add real value to student career trajectories.
Program-level outcomes vary meaningfully across fields, with nursing leading both in scale and earnings potential. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing one of the largest cohorts at 274 students, earn around $71,098 ten years out, combining strong early-career demand with excellent long-term prospects. Business Administration, the university's largest program with 459 graduates, provides solid mid-career earnings around $46,579 while serving as a key economic engine due to its substantial enrollment. Computer Science and related technology fields show strong earning potential, with Artificial Intelligence majors earning approximately $51,551, reflecting Boston's robust tech sector opportunities.
The university's location in Boston provides graduates access to one of the nation's strongest job markets, with opportunities spanning healthcare, technology, finance, and education. This metropolitan advantage helps explain why UMass Boston graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, as they enter a diverse economy with multiple pathways for career advancement and salary growth.
Affordability at the University of Massachusetts-Boston remains reasonable across income levels, making it accessible to families with varying financial circumstances. Low-income students pay approximately $13,072 annually in net price, while middle-income families see costs around $17,572 per year—both figures that compare favorably with many urban public universities. Even higher-income families face manageable net prices of about $25,375, creating predictable costs that help with long-term educational planning.
Debt levels at UMass Boston are generally sustainable given graduate earning potential. Typical federal student loan debt of $21,974 represents a reasonable investment when weighed against median earnings of $65,865 ten years after graduation. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $16,534, a moderate level that reflects many families' choice to contribute directly to their students' education while maintaining manageable repayment obligations.
What makes UMass Boston particularly sustainable financially is the strong relationship between what students borrow and what they ultimately earn. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, while loan repayment patterns show borrowers making steady progress toward full payoff. This combination of reasonable upfront costs and strong earning potential creates a financial pathway that works for families across the economic spectrum.
University Of Massachusetts-Boston Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis