University of Massachusetts Global
Aliso Viejo, California · Public
ROI Score: 52/100 · Below Average Value
University of Massachusetts Global is an online-focused public institution based in Aliso Viejo, California, with 4,491 students enrolled. Despite a public designation, the average net price is $32,654 -- significantly higher than most public universities. The ROI score of 52 (Below Average Value) reflects two structural problems: a 42.9% completion rate and a 56.2% three-year loan repayment rate that is the lowest among this peer group. Six-year median earnings of $48,300 and a payback period of 8.8 years are mid-tier for a public institution. Admissions selectivity data is not reported. Business Administration is the dominant program at 340 graduates with four-year earnings of $83,778, but carries a C grade due to high debt ($37,207) relative to earnings. The online-heavy model attracts working adults who face higher non-completion rates, which is the primary drag on the school's overall ROI.
University of Massachusetts Global
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,540/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $12,540/yr |
| Average net price | $32,654/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $130,616 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,703 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $48,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $24,276 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $257 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 42.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,491 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Massachusetts Global is $12,540/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $32,654/year, or roughly $130,616 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $31,963/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $35,325/year.
The median graduate leaves with $24,276 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $257 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $65,703 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.50 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
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 | $31,963 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $31,782 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,209 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,325 |
| $110,001+ | $35,325 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $31,963/year. For a public institution, this is high -- comparable to many private schools. Low-income students considering UMass Global should compare this against their local public university options and community college transfer pathways, which may deliver similar outcomes at lower cost.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 30-48k bracket pays $31,782/year and the 48-75k bracket pays $33,209/year. The cost barely moves up income brackets, meaning the school provides minimal income-based differentiation in aid. The 75-110k bracket rises to $35,325/year. This flat structure is a characteristic of schools with limited endowment aid capacity.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families over $110,000 pay $35,325/year -- identical to the 75-110k bracket, indicating the top bracket data appears capped. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.503 and a 42.9% completion rate, high-income families should think carefully about whether this institution offers the outcomes to justify its pricing.
Earnings by Major
Top 9 most popular majors at University of Massachusetts Global with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $83,778 | C |
| Social Work | $47,441 | D |
| Psychology | $58,836 | C |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $58,739 | D |
| Teacher Education | $51,707 | C |
| Sociology | $63,036 | C+ |
| Social Sciences, General | $64,307 | - |
| Human Resources Management | $72,669 | B |
| Political Science and Government | $75,745 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is the backbone of UMass Global with 340 graduates -- the largest program on campus by far. One-year earnings of $61,268 and four-year earnings of $83,778 represent strong absolute outcomes. But the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.607 on $37,207 median debt -- the highest debt figure among tracked programs here -- earns only a C grade. The elevated debt reflects UMass Global's high net price relative to typical public institutions. Working adult students who bring employer tuition assistance or who complete the program faster through credit transfers will see better net outcomes than the average shown here.
Psychology
Psychology graduates 124 students per year, making it the second-largest program. One-year earnings of $40,726 and four-year earnings of $58,836 reflect typical psychology outcomes -- adequate but not standout. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.656 on $26,703 debt earns a C grade. Psychology at an online institution generally serves students seeking human services, counseling, or social services roles, often as a stepping stone to graduate training. The financial margin here is narrow, and students should carefully consider whether graduate school debt will stack on top of undergraduate debt.
Social Work
Social Work graduates 130 students per year. One-year earnings of $41,327 and four-year earnings of $47,441 represent the challenging wage ceiling in social services. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.829 on $34,250 median debt earns a D grade -- a meaningful warning. Social work is a field with clear public benefit but structurally low pay relative to required education. Students pursuing this path need to model loan repayment carefully and explore income-driven repayment options and public service loan forgiveness programs.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 50.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 56.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 59.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | N/A | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 4,491 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 22.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,855 |
UMass Global does not report admissions selectivity data -- the school appears to operate as open or near-open enrollment for most programs. This is typical for adult-focused online institutions.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UMass Global's completion rate of 42.9% and repayment rate of 56.2% are below most public university peers. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and University of Southern Maine, listed as peer schools, both serve more traditional student populations with higher completion rates. UMass Global's six-year earnings of $48,300 are competitive given its online model, but the completion crisis and high net price relative to comparable public schools are the school's most significant weaknesses in any peer comparison.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts Global (this school) | 52 | $32,654 | $65,703 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 96 | $16,665 | $90,768 |
| California State University-Bakersfield | 75 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | 52 | $10,892 | $48,866 |
| University of Southern Maine | 52 | $13,596 | $49,958 |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville | 52 | $12,090 | $51,450 |
Who Thrives Here
UMass Global primarily serves working adults and career-changers through online programs. This school does not report admissions selectivity data. The 22.5% Pell rate reflects a moderate share of lower-income enrollees. Students who succeed here are self-directed adults with existing work experience who need flexible scheduling. The 42.9% completion rate is a clear warning: students without strong time-management skills and external support structures face real completion risk in this model.
Transfer Pathways
UMass Global's open-access online model makes it a viable transfer destination for students from California community colleges or other institutions seeking a flexible, accredited degree path. The broad program availability and flexible scheduling serve the transfer population specifically.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Massachusetts Global is mixed. At $32,654 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry - a payback period of 8.8 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 42.9% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $24,276 against $65,703 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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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.