University Of Massachusetts-Boston's published cost of attendance is $29,698 per year, consisting of $15,496 in-state tuition, $17,512 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $37,174, bringing their total cost to $55,686 annually.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $30,544 |
| Tuition and Fees | $38,125 |
| Room and Board | $19,128 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,837 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,707 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $14,070 |
| $30–48k | $13,558 |
| $48–75k | $15,663 |
| $75–110k | $20,885 |
| $110k+ | $25,571 |
University Of Massachusetts-Boston's published cost of attendance is $29,698 per year, consisting of $15,496 in-state tuition, $17,512 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $37,174, bringing their total cost to $55,686 annually. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with net costs averaging $18,282 across all income levels—a savings of $11,416 from the sticker price.
This substantial aid reduces the effective cost by 38.4%, making UMass Boston considerably more affordable than its published rates suggest. The institution's net price of $18,282 compares favorably to the peer median of $15,590, though UMass Boston costs $2,692 more than similar institutions. Despite this modest premium, the combination of reasonable costs, substantial financial aid, and the institution's urban Boston location creates strong value for students seeking quality education in a major metropolitan area.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UMass Boston graduates carry a median debt load of $21,974, slightly above the peer median of $20,000 but within reasonable ranges for degree attainment. Debt levels vary considerably among graduates, ranging from $7,000 at the 25th percentile to $26,407 at the 75th percentile, indicating that many students graduate with modest borrowing while others require more substantial loans to complete their degrees.
The institution ranks at the 57th percentile nationally for student debt levels, placing it in the above-average tier for debt management relative to similar institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 indicates favorable repayment conditions, with annual debt service representing approximately one-third of first-year post-graduation income.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UMass Boston delivers strong return on educational investment through its combination of controlled costs, moderate debt, and exceptional earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $21,095 beyond expectations relative to similar students nationally, ranking at the 94.7th percentile for earnings uplift—a top-tier performance that demonstrates exceptional value creation.
Median earnings of $65,865 place the institution at the 81st percentile nationally, while debt levels remain $1,974 below peer institutions, creating favorable economics for degree completion. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 indicates sustainable repayment conditions, with graduates typically able to service educational debt while pursuing career and life goals.
Compared to peer institutions, UMass Boston graduates earn $5,322 more annually while carrying less debt, highlighting superior investment returns. The institution's Mobility Engine designation reflects this favorable combination of access, affordability, and outcomes, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds who benefit most from economic advancement opportunities.
UMass Boston's financial aid profile reflects its commitment to serving diverse student populations, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. With 42.7% of students receiving Pell grants, the institution enrolls a substantial proportion of students from families earning below federal aid thresholds, well above the national average for public institutions.
The average financial aid package reduces costs by $11,416 annually, representing significant support for students who might otherwise struggle to afford higher education. Aid targeting concentrates benefits toward lower-income students, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $13,072 annually compared to $25,375 for high-income families.
This progressive structure ensures that economic background does not create insurmountable barriers to degree attainment. The institution's aid approach aligns with its Mobility Engine designation, using financial resources strategically to promote access for underrepresented populations while maintaining educational quality.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $16,534, with typical monthly payments of $217.74, representing manageable additional family obligations. Compared to peer institutions, UMass Boston graduates carry $1,974 less debt, indicating effective cost management despite serving a population that often requires financial aid.
