Accounting at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst accounting graduates earn significantly more than the national typical accounting grad—$67,574 versus $53,694 in year one—placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally. That's an impressive outcome for a public university with a 58% admission rate. The earnings trajectory looks healthy too, with grads reaching $85,464 by year four, a 27% jump that suggests strong career progression. At $23,250 in median debt (below both state and national averages), students are borrowing conservatively while accessing strong placement outcomes.

Within Massachusetts, the picture is more competitive but still solid. UMass lands squarely in the middle of the state's accounting programs at the 60th percentile, trailing the elite private options like Boston College and Bentley by $5,000-$8,000 in starting salary. But here's the key consideration: those private schools typically come with significantly higher tuition costs. For in-state students paying public university rates, this represents strong value—you're getting nationally elite outcomes without the debt load that often accompanies private schools.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 means graduates owe about four months of their starting salary, which is entirely manageable in accounting where stable entry-level positions are the norm. For Massachusetts families, this program delivers Big Four-ready graduates at public school prices.