Analysis
A $68,900 first-year salary based on national peer programs suggests solid technical preparation, though UMass Amherst's specific outcomes remain unclear due to limited graduate samples in this niche field. Engineering-related programs—which cover everything from engineering technology to construction management—typically produce mid-tier technical earners, and the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 falls within reasonable territory for STEM fields. The $25,200 in projected debt could be manageable with these earning levels, assuming actual outcomes track with the national pattern.
The challenge here is that you're evaluating a program with no state-level comparisons and suppressed data, making UMass Amherst essentially a solo player in Massachusetts for this credential. The school's solid admission standards and relatively low Peel enrollment suggest a traditional four-year experience, but without knowing whether this is engineering technology, surveying, or another specialty, it's hard to assess competitive positioning. If graduates are landing technical roles rather than full engineering positions, that $69K estimate may represent a ceiling rather than a floor.
Given the uncertainty, focus on understanding exactly what "engineering-related" means at UMass—some programs lead directly to licensure and strong regional hiring, while others serve as backup options for students who don't complete traditional engineering degrees. The estimated numbers suggest acceptable outcomes, but you're essentially betting on national averages applying locally. That's reasonable for a flagship state university, but confirm the specific career paths and employer connections before committing.
Where University of Massachusetts-Amherst Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering-related fields bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering-Related Fields bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,357 | $68,919* | — | $25,236* | — | |
| $62,484 | $100,788* | $141,630 | —* | — | |
| $60,952 | $79,755* | $94,324 | $26,975* | 0.34 | |
| $15,988 | $76,563* | $82,682 | $23,756* | 0.31 | |
| — | $76,149* | $84,356 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| $12,051 | $76,149* | $84,356 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $68,919* | — | $25,368* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering-related fields graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Massachusetts-Amherst, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.