Lowell, MA · Private University
Is University of Massachusetts-Lowell Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$64,874
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$16,570
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,396
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$141,584
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.83x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
70.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,704
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,627
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates earn $19,874 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Massachusetts-Lowell ranked by graduate earnings
187 graduates
109 graduates
229 graduates
108 graduates
50 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Massachusetts-Lowell
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Massachusetts-Lowell, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $109,547) and the lowest (Music: $30,623) is $78,924/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $109,547 | 3.1x |
| Chemical Engineering | $94,160 | 2.7x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,173 | 2.5x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $87,932 | 2.5x |
| Computer Engineering(1yr data) | $85,280 | 2.4x |
| Polymer/Plastics Engineering | $79,493 | 2.3x |
| Information Science/Studies | $77,727 | 2.2x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $77,250 | 2.2x |
| Civil Engineering | $73,411 | 2.1x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $69,333 | 2.0x |
| Mathematics | $68,535 | 1.9x |
| Biology, General | $66,988 | 1.9x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $60,494 | 1.7x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $56,155 | 1.6x |
| Public Health | $52,704 | 1.5x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $52,330 | 1.5x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $49,153 | 1.4x |
| Physics(1yr data) | $48,324 | 1.4x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research(1yr data) | $45,215 | 1.3x |
| Psychology, General | $44,443 | 1.3x |
| History | $42,508 | 1.2x |
| Economics(1yr data) | $41,910 | 1.2x |
| Design and Applied Arts(1yr data) | $41,020 | 1.2x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $40,108 | 1.1x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $36,288 | 1.0x |
| Political Science and Government(1yr data) | $35,330 | 1.0x |
| MusicLowest | $30,623 | 0.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $64,874 10 years after starting, $19,874 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.7 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.