Mathematics at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst's Mathematics program starts graduates at just $42,682—substantially below both the national median ($48,772) and particularly troubling when compared to other Massachusetts schools, where it ranks in the bottom 10th percentile. For context, the state median is $61,761, meaning graduates here earn about $19,000 less than the typical Massachusetts math major. Even accessible programs like UMass Boston and Salem State produce higher-earning math graduates in this state.

The silver lining is significant earnings growth: by year four, salaries jump to $72,247, a 69% increase that narrows the gap considerably. The debt load of $23,250 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, though it's above the state median. This suggests the program may place graduates in positions with strong advancement potential rather than immediate high pay—think teaching, actuarial trainee roles, or corporate analyst positions that reward experience.

For a family paying in-state tuition, this could still work out financially over time. But if you're considering out-of-state costs or comparing to other Massachusetts options, understand that you're betting on that mid-career trajectory to compensate for a weak start. The concerning state ranking means employers in Massachusetts—where tech and finance demand for quantitative skills is high—aren't initially valuing this degree as highly as alternatives.