University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs Fitchburg State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Massachusetts-Amherst comes out ahead: 83/100 to 58/100, a 25-point edge over Fitchburg State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Fitchburg State University runs $14,262 a year against $22,383 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst - $8,121 more a year, or about $32,484 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn a median $71,631 against $53,874 at Fitchburg State University. The cost earns itself back in 6.3 years at University of Massachusetts-Amherst and 10.4 years at Fitchburg State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Massachusetts-Amherst owing a median $22,763 versus $24,239 at Fitchburg State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.64 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Massachuset... | Fitchburg State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,772 | $11,346 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,449 | $17,426 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,383 | $14,262 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,532 | $57,048 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $44,200 | $37,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $71,631 | $53,874 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.3% | 55.1% |
| Payback Period | 6.3 yr | 10.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,763 | $24,239 |
| Monthly Payment | $241 | $257 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.64 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.5% | 76.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.7% | 71.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 59.7% | 86.9% |
| Enrollment | 23,671 | 2,752 |
| SAT Range | 1310-1500 | 1060-1230 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Massac... | Fitchburg State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,164 | $10,204 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,456 | $11,199 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,932 | $11,540 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,964 | $15,571 |
| $110,001+ | $30,793 | $21,123 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Massac... | Fitchburg State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $92,623 | $64,528 |
| Registered Nursing | $90,309 | $92,187 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $73,238 | $60,768 |
| Biology | $72,726 | $65,991 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $60,891 | $46,129 |
| International Relations | $60,726 | $29,600 |
| History | $56,597 | $46,184 |
| Psychology | $51,274 | $50,046 |
| English Language and Literature | $48,475 | $51,141 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Massac... | Fitchburg State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 83 | 73 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 88 | 59 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 41 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 92 | 50 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 81 | 58 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 58 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Massachusetts-Amherst clearly outperforms Fitchburg State University (83 vs 58), a 25-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Fitchburg State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
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University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Fitchburg State University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.