University of Massachusetts-Boston
Boston, Massachusetts · Public · 83.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 67/100 · Fair Value
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $15,908/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $38,125/yr |
| Average net price | $17,707/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $70,828 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,865 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $42,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,974 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $233 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 49.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,512 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,070 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,558 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,663 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,885 |
| $110,001+ | $25,571 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Massachusetts-Boston with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $72,746 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $95,648 | B |
| Psychology | $52,200 | C |
| Biology | $65,815 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $64,665 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $62,222 | C |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $83,405 | B |
| Economics | $70,552 | C |
| English Language and Literature | $53,347 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $60,411 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Massachusetts-Boston is $15,908/year ($38,125/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,707/year, or roughly $70,828 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $14,070/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,571/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,974 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $233 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $65,865 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.52 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 48.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 56.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 63.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 68.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 83.8% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 530-640 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 540-650 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 22-29 |
| Enrollment | 11,512 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 41.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,724 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Boston (this school) | 67 | $17,707 | $65,865 |
| Oakland University | 71 | $9,120 | $58,612 |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | 64 | $13,441 | $53,909 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | 64 | $14,158 | $55,356 |
| Bridgewater State University | 59 | $16,383 | $57,466 |
| Fitchburg State University | 58 | $14,262 | $53,874 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Massachusetts-Boston offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $17,707 per year leads to $70,828 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $65,865 a decade out. The payback period of 6.8 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows a 49.4% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $21,974 against $65,865 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.