Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Massachusetts-Lowell vary significantly by field of study. 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 28 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#48 nationally
$52K median earnings
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-Lowell.
Engineering & Technology programs at UMass Lowell demonstrate exceptional national competitiveness with multiple top-20 rankings. Chemical Engineering ranks #12 nationally and #1 in Massachusetts, delivering outstanding earnings of $94,160.
Mechanical Engineering ranks #18 nationally with strong earnings of $88,173, while Computer Science produces the highest earnings at $109,547. Information Science provides solid technology outcomes at $77,727.
This group consistently delivers excellent value scores and strong return on investment, making it ideal for students prioritizing high earnings potential with manageable debt levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation outcomes including median earnings, debt levels, and return on investment calculated from federal College Scorecard data. Rankings measure labor market performance rather than academic reputation or prestige. Different programs at the same institution produce varying outcomes based on industry demand, skill requirements, and career pathways. Students should consider both personal interests and economic outcomes when selecting majors. Data includes only programs with sufficient graduate cohorts to ensure reliable outcome measurement. Rankings help students understand relative performance but should be combined with career exploration, academic interests, and long-term goals when making program decisions.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $109,547★ |
| — |
| 154 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #12 | $94,160 | $20,776 | 83 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #18 | $88,173 | $16,383 | 199 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #71 | $87,932 | — | 106 |
| Polymer/Plastics Engineering. | — | $79,493 | — | 50 |
| Information Science/Studies. | #21 | $77,727 | — | 178 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #110 | $74,576 | — | 49 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #88 | $73,411 | — | 88 |
Business Administration serves as UMass Lowell's largest program, graduating 612 students annually with median earnings of $60,494 and ranking #63 nationally. The program ranks #6 in Massachusetts and achieves a strong value score of 81.7, indicating effective career preparation.
With over 600 graduates per year, Business Administration demonstrates consistent demand and solid employment outcomes. This program works well for students seeking broad career flexibility with reasonable earnings expectations and strong alumni networks within the business community.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #60 | $60,494 | $16,360 | 612 |
Health programs at UMass Lowell include Adult Health Nursing with graduates earning $77,250, though ranking #132 nationally suggests moderate competitiveness. Animal-Assisted Therapy ranks #5 nationally and #2 in Massachusetts with earnings of $52,330, representing a specialized field with unique career pathways.
Behavioral Aspects of Health ranks #34 nationally with earnings of $52,704. These programs serve students committed to healthcare careers, with nursing providing traditional clinical pathways while specialized programs offer emerging healthcare opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #133 | $77,250★ | — | 103 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #15 | $69,333 | — | 39 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #35 | $52,704 | — | 74 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy. | #6 | $52,330 | — | 80 |
Biology demonstrates exceptional performance, ranking #10 nationally and #2 in Massachusetts with graduates earning $66,988 and achieving an outstanding value score of 97.6. Mathematics shows strong outcomes with graduates earning $68,535 and ranking #70 nationally.
These programs excel in preparing students for graduate study, with approximately 26% continuing to advanced degrees. Sciences & Mathematics programs are well-suited for students planning medical or graduate school paths, offering strong foundational preparation with solid backup career options.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #72 | $68,535★ | — | 59 |
| Biology, General. | #11 | $66,988 | $23,453 | 129 |
| Acoustics. | #62 | $48,324 | — | 20 |
Psychology serves as a major program with 215 graduates earning $44,443, ranking #140 nationally and #9 in Massachusetts with a value score of 59.8. The program demonstrates solid preparation for graduate study and diverse career pathways.
While earnings remain moderate compared to STEM fields, Psychology provides broad liberal arts preparation valuable for students planning advanced degrees or careers in counseling, human resources, and social services. This program works best for students prioritizing personal interest over immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | #142 | $44,443★ | $15,250 | 215 |
| Applied Economics. | #218 | $36,852 | — | 37 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #312 | $25,596 | — | 42 |
English Language and Literature graduates earn $40,108 with 71 students completing the program annually, ranking #162 nationally. General Studies produces lower earnings at $36,288 but serves 105 graduates, ranking #156 nationally with a value score of 14.4.
These programs provide broad liberal arts preparation valuable for diverse career paths but require realistic expectations about immediate earnings potential. Humanities programs work best for students planning graduate study or careers where communication skills and critical thinking provide long-term advantage over starting salary considerations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #21 | $49,153★ | — | 24 |
| American History (United States). | #149 | $42,508 | — | 24 |
| Commercial Photography. | #95 | $41,020 | — | 26 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #168 | $40,108 | — | 71 |
| General Studies. | #166 | $36,288 | — | 105 |
| Brass Instruments. | #105 | $30,623 | — | 54 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #104 | $21,964 | — | 13 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 45K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #98 | $45,215 | — | 20 |
Corrections Administration achieves exceptional performance, ranking #14 nationally and #1 in Massachusetts with graduates earning $56,155 and an outstanding value score of 93.2. The program graduates 209 students annually, demonstrating strong enrollment and career placement.
This specialized field offers clear career pathways in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety administration. Corrections Administration works well for students committed to public service careers with strong job security and advancement opportunities within criminal justice systems.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #14 | $56,155 | $17,608 | 209 |
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.
