Economics at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst economics graduates start modestly but see their incomes surge by 52% within four years—climbing from $52,000 to nearly $80,000. That trajectory matters more than the program's middle-of-the-pack starting salary, which sits slightly below the Massachusetts median of $57,000 and ranks in just the 40th percentile statewide. With $26,000 in median debt—less than half that first-year salary—graduates enter manageable repayment situations while they build toward stronger mid-career earnings.

The real story here is the value gap between UMass and Massachusetts' elite private colleges. While Harvard and Amherst College economics grads earn six figures straight out of school, they also carry significantly higher costs of attendance. UMass students achieve respectable outcomes at a fraction of the price, with debt levels in the 18th percentile nationally. By year four, these graduates are earning more than the national median for economics majors and closing the gap with pricier alternatives.

For Massachusetts families considering in-state options, this program delivers solid long-term returns even if it doesn't match the prestige or immediate earnings of the state's top-tier privates. The low debt load and strong earnings growth create a reliable path to financial stability, making this a practical choice for students who want an economics degree without betting the farm.