Students at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth consistently achieve higher-than-expected earnings, with graduates earning about $13,175 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
This earnings advantage places the university in the top quartile for both overall graduate outcomes and success among low-income students.
The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth delivers consistently strong long-term outcomes for students across a range of academic programs. Located in North Dartmouth, this mid-sized public research university combines the accessibility of the UMass system with earnings performance that places graduates well above national averages. Students earn a median of $68,804 ten years after enrollment, positioning the institution in the 74th percentile nationally for long-term earnings.
What distinguishes UMass Dartmouth is how reliably it exceeds earnings expectations. Graduates earn about $13,175 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's ability to translate education into meaningful career advancement. This earnings advantage spans multiple fields, from the university's standout nursing program to emerging areas like artificial intelligence and computer science.
The university serves a diverse student body, with 36% receiving Pell Grants and 35% identifying as first-generation college students. Despite this broad access, UMass Dartmouth maintains strong graduation rates and delivers particularly impressive outcomes for students from all income backgrounds. As part of the UMass system, it offers the resources and recognition of a major public research university while maintaining a more intimate campus environment that supports student success across academic disciplines.
The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth's program portfolio balances professional preparation with traditional academic disciplines, creating multiple pathways to career success. Adult Health Nursing leads both in enrollment and aggregate return, with 183 graduates earning $64,258 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals and the university's established reputation in nursing education. This program represents the university's commitment to fields with clear career trajectories and stable long-term employment prospects.
Emerging technology programs show the university's forward-looking approach to workforce preparation. Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 62 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $68,858, demonstrating UMass Dartmouth's investment in cutting-edge fields that command premium salaries. This program reflects the university's ability to adapt to evolving job markets while maintaining academic rigor.
Traditional liberal arts programs provide foundational education for diverse career paths. Psychology remains the largest program by enrollment with 134 graduates, serving students who often pursue advanced degrees or enter human services fields. Biology, with 51 graduates earning $36,131, typically prepares students for graduate school in health sciences or research careers. This program mix creates a comprehensive educational environment where students can pursue both immediate career entry and advanced academic preparation.
Graduates of the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $68,804, placing the university in the 74th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. More importantly, graduates earn approximately $13,175 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to deliver meaningful earnings advantages that compound over time.
The university's program portfolio drives much of this success. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest aggregate return program and a major enrollment driver, with 183 graduates earning a median of $64,258 ten years out. Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 62 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $68,858, reflecting the university's investment in cutting-edge technology fields. Psychology remains the largest program by enrollment with 134 graduates, though at more moderate earnings of $30,554, while Biology represents the foundation for many students pursuing advanced degrees with 51 graduates earning $36,131.
This program mix reflects UMass Dartmouth's strategic focus on professional preparation and applied fields. The combination of strong nursing, emerging technology programs, and traditional liberal arts creates multiple pathways to career success, with many graduates entering stable, well-compensated fields that continue to show growth potential throughout their careers.
Decomposes the earnings-above-expectation score into program mix, labor market alignment, and the remaining institutional residual.
Negative program contribution values reflect how the school's mix compares with the model, not that the school is weak in that field.
The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers predictable and manageable pricing across income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $14,122 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $19,022 per year. Even higher-income families face reasonable expenses at $26,993 annually, creating transparency that helps families plan effectively throughout a student's academic career.
Debt levels remain within manageable ranges for most graduates. Typical students leave with $25,000 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,589, reflecting moderate family contributions that don't create excessive burden. With graduates earning a median of $68,804 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard repayment schedules while maintaining financial flexibility for other life goals.
The university's loan repayment patterns demonstrate this sustainability in practice. Students consistently pay down balances faster than national averages, with borrowers reaching payoff milestones at rates that place UMass Dartmouth in the top quartile nationally. This combination of reasonable borrowing levels and strong post-graduation earnings creates a financial foundation that supports long-term economic stability for graduates and their families.
University Of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
