University of Massachusetts-Lowell demonstrates above average return on educational investment, ranking at the 73.1st percentile nationally for educational ROI. Graduates earn $2,299 beyond expectations compared to similar students, placing the institution in the above average tier for value-added performance. Median earnings of $64,874 exceed the peer median of $60,543 by $4,331, creating favorable outcome conditions despite accessibility. The institution carries median debt of $23,704 compared to the peer median of $20,000, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37. This combination indicates that UMass Lowell delivers meaningful economic value through higher-than-expected earnings that offset moderate borrowing levels. The return profile particularly benefits students in high-earning fields like engineering and computer science, where strong outcomes create excellent payback conditions. Overall return performance supports the institution's role as an Opportunity Builder, generating positive outcomes for students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining accessible admission standards.
UMass Lowell graduates demonstrate modest but consistent earnings growth over time. Median earnings increase from $61,467 six years after enrollment to $64,695 at eight years and $64,874 at ten years, representing 5.5% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 611 graduates, providing solid confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $2,299 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing UMass Lowell in the above average tier for value-added performance. Low-income graduates earn $53,700, ranking in the top 25% nationally and demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for Pell-eligible students. Earnings distribution ranges from $40,834 at the 25th percentile to $100,222 at the 75th percentile, a 2.5:1 ratio reflecting meaningful variation across programs and career paths. Approximately 26.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pursuits.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at UMass Lowell show significant variation reflecting diverse program strengths and career trajectories. The spread between the 25th percentile ($40,834) and 75th percentile ($100,222) represents a 2.5:1 ratio, indicating substantial differences in post-graduation earning potential across fields. Computer Science leads with median earnings of $109,547, followed by Chemical Engineering at $94,160 and Mechanical Engineering at $88,173. Business Administration graduates earn $60,494, while Psychology graduates earn $44,443, reflecting typical patterns across disciplinary fields. Earnings growth remains modest over the early career period, with the 5.5% increase from six to ten years suggesting steady but not accelerating trajectory patterns. The 611-graduate cohort size for ten-year earnings provides robust statistical confidence across the institution's diverse academic portfolio.
Financial justification for the investment.
Earnings distribution at UMass Lowell spans from $40,834 at the 25th percentile to $100,222 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.5:1 ratio that reflects meaningful variation across career paths. Low-income graduates earn $53,700, ranking in the top 25% nationally and demonstrating strong mobility potential for Pell-eligible students. The earnings spread indicates that program choice significantly influences economic outcomes, with engineering and computer science creating substantial upside potential while liberal arts programs produce more modest but stable career trajectories. This distribution supports diverse student goals while providing clear pathways to higher earnings for those prioritizing economic advancement.
Approximately 26.2% of UMass Lowell graduates continue to graduate or professional study with high confidence based on program mix analysis. This continuation rate indicates balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways. Graduate school continuation particularly benefits students in fields like Biology and Psychology where advanced degrees enhance career prospects and earning potential.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Engineering and computer science programs drive UMass Lowell's strongest return outcomes, with Computer Science graduates earning $109,547 and Chemical Engineering graduates earning $94,160. These high-earning programs create substantial value for students while supporting the institution's overall return profile. Mechanical Engineering contributes 199 graduates earning $88,173, providing strong outcomes with significant enrollment scale. Business Administration, while producing moderate earnings of $60,494, serves 612 graduates annually and demonstrates consistent career preparation across diverse industries. The contrast between high-earning STEM fields and moderate-earning liberal arts programs reflects typical patterns but provides students clear information about economic tradeoffs. Biology stands out among sciences with graduates earning $66,988 and ranking #10 nationally, offering strong pre-professional preparation. This program diversity supports different student goals while enabling the institution to maintain overall return performance above peer levels despite broad accessibility.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Upper quartile, 10-year field
Earnings distribution at UMass Lowell spans from $40,834 at the 25th percentile to $100,222 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.5:1 ratio that reflects meaningful variation across career paths. Low-income graduates earn $53,700, ranking in the top 25% nationally and demonstrating strong mobility potential for Pell-eligible students. The earnings spread indicates that program choice significantly influences economic outcomes, with engineering and computer science creating substantial upside potential while liberal arts programs produce more modest but stable career trajectories. This distribution supports diverse student goals while providing clear pathways to higher earnings for those prioritizing economic advancement.
