Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University Of Massachusetts-Boston vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $41,223 in Adult Education to $83,134 in Adult Health Nursing. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market.
Analyzing 26 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#63 nationally
$56K median earnings
Earnings outcomes vary substantially across UMass Boston's program portfolio, with health professions and technology fields generating the strongest financial returns. The data tables above present median earnings by program, allowing students to compare financial outcomes across different academic paths while considering cohort sizes and value scores that incorporate debt levels and completion rates.
Several UMass Boston programs achieve exceptional national and state rankings, demonstrating institutional excellence across diverse fields. The tables above highlight programs ranked in the top 100 nationally, with particular strength in health professions, exercise science, and psychology. These rankings reflect graduate earnings, completion rates, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige measures, providing practical indicators of program effectiveness and career preparation quality.
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Massachusetts-Boston.
Artificial Intelligence ranks #80 nationally and #2 in Massachusetts, graduating 217 students with median earnings of $73,122. This growing program reflects UMass Boston's investment in technology education and responds to strong labor market demand.
While the value score of 60.7 indicates moderate return relative to other technical fields, earnings remain well above institutional averages. Students should expect strong career prospects in the expanding AI and technology sector.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #171 | $82,118★ |
Program outcomes reflect federal College Scorecard data measuring median earnings of graduates 10 years after initial enrollment. Rankings compare programs within each major across all U.S. institutions offering that specific degree. Earnings vary significantly based on field of study, geographic location, and individual career choices rather than institutional quality alone. Value scores incorporate earnings, debt levels, and completion rates to assess return on investment. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates tracked in federal data systems, with larger cohorts providing greater statistical confidence. Data represents typical outcomes for graduates in each field and should be considered alongside individual interests, career goals, and market conditions when making educational decisions.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings, debt levels, and completion rates to identify programs delivering optimal return on educational investment. The analysis above highlights programs that balance strong career outcomes with manageable costs, helping students identify academic paths that support both career goals and financial sustainability after graduation.
Most UMass Boston programs demonstrate excellent to good loan affordability, with debt levels manageable relative to graduate earnings. Health professions and business programs show excellent affordability ratings, while liberal arts programs typically fall in the manageable category. Payment obligations generally remain below 18% of discretionary income, supporting post-graduation financial stability across program areas.
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| Artificial Intelligence. | #78 | $73,122 | — | 217 |
Business Administration represents UMass Boston's largest program with 459 graduates earning median salaries of $62,057, ranking #91 nationally and #7 in Massachusetts with a strong value score of 73.5. Applied Economics produces higher earnings of $66,071 but with a lower value score of 47.0, ranking #108 nationally.
The size and consistency of business programs reflect institutional strength in career-oriented education for students seeking management and analytical roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #89 | $62,057 | — | 459 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads UMass Boston's program portfolio with exceptional outcomes, ranking #58 nationally and #1 in Massachusetts while producing median earnings of $83,134. This flagship program graduates 274 students annually, representing strong institutional capacity and market demand.
The program demonstrates exceptional value with a score of 79.2, combining strong earnings with manageable debt levels. This group is best suited for students prioritizing immediate career readiness and strong earning potential in healthcare professions.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #63 | $83,134 | — | 274 |
Biology, General ranks #101 nationally and #9 in Massachusetts, graduating 180 students with median earnings of $53,619 and a solid value score of 72.8. Algebra and Number Theory produces higher earnings of $54,985 but serves a smaller cohort of 30 students with a lower value score of 31.9.
These programs provide strong preparation for graduate study and research careers, with Biology serving as a foundation for health profession pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #33 | $62,572★ | — | 24 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #148 | $54,985 | — | 30 |
| Biology, General. | #102 | $53,619 | — | 180 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | — | $51,806 | — | 8 |
Psychology leads this group with 259 graduates earning $47,468, ranking #65 nationally and #5 in Massachusetts with the institution's highest value score of 81.5. Applied/Public Sociology and American Government provide earnings in the $48,000-$51,000 range with moderate national rankings.
These programs excel in preparing students for graduate study and public service careers, emphasizing strong analytical and communication skills development.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #109 | $66,071★ | — | 131 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #141 | $50,839 | — | 59 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #112 | $48,126 | — | 69 |
| Psychology, General. | #65 | $47,468 | $8,500 | 259 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #90 | $47,217 | — | 32 |
| Anthropology, General. | #85 | $40,420 | — | 26 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates 111 students with median earnings of $48,631, ranking #122 nationally and #5 in Massachusetts with a value score of 52.5. The program reflects moderate performance relative to national competition but maintains solid regional standing.
Students should expect diverse career pathways in media, marketing, and organizational communication with earnings growth potential over time.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #123 | $48,631 | — | 111 |
English Language and Literature graduates 69 students with median earnings of $44,733, ranking #110 nationally and #11 in Massachusetts with a value score of 62.4. American History produces earnings of $43,311 with 36 graduates annually.
These programs prioritize long-term academic and communication skill development, with graduates often pursuing graduate study or careers requiring strong analytical and writing capabilities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #113 | $48,338★ | — | 13 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #113 | $44,733 | — | 69 |
| American History (United States). | #162 | $43,311 | — | 36 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #47 | $41,381 | — | 27 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #90 | $35,166 | — | 30 |
Adult and Continuing Education graduates 68 students with median earnings of $41,223, ranking #162 nationally and #4 in Massachusetts with a value score of 26.1. Earnings reflect public education compensation levels typical for the field.
Students should expect stable career prospects in educational institutions and training organizations, with compensation varying by location and educational level served.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #173 | $41,223 | — | 68 |
Environmental Science graduates 54 students with median earnings of $47,003, ranking #74 nationally and #3 in Massachusetts with a moderate value score of 45.9. The program reflects growing interest in sustainability careers, though earnings remain moderate relative to technical fields.
Students should expect opportunities in environmental consulting, policy, and research with potential for earnings growth as the field expands.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #78 | $47,003 | — | 54 |
Corrections Administration ranks #62 nationally and #4 in Massachusetts, graduating 136 students with median earnings of $52,326 and a value score of 68.1. The program provides direct pathways to law enforcement and correctional careers, with earnings reflecting public service compensation levels.
Students should expect stable career prospects in government and criminal justice agencies throughout the region.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #60 | $52,326 | — | 136 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology stands out with exceptional performance, ranking #29 nationally and #1 in Massachusetts while graduating 145 students with median earnings of $56,255. The program achieves an outstanding value score of 86.7, the highest among all UMass Boston programs.
This program is best suited for students interested in health, fitness, and sports-related careers with strong practical application and career placement.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #28 | $56,255★ | — | 145 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #47 | $44,656 | — | 20 |
| African Studies.Small sample | #69 | $19,618 | — | 14 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
