Physiology, Pathology at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst's Physiology and Pathology program starts slow but accelerates hard—graduates earn just under $32,000 in their first year but nearly double that to over $60,000 by year four. That 89% earnings jump suggests many graduates are using this degree as a stepping stone to healthcare careers or graduate programs, with income rising as they complete additional credentials or training. While first-year earnings lag slightly behind the Massachusetts state median of $33,900, the four-year trajectory tells a different story about long-term value.

The debt picture here is unusually favorable. At $27,000, graduates carry exactly the state median but far less than the national median of $23,384 for similar programs—and the program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden, meaning 95% of comparable programs leave students with more debt. Combined with that strong earnings growth, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio that improves rapidly after graduation.

For parents considering this program, the key question is whether your student plans to continue their education. If they're headed to medical, dental, or physician assistant school—where this degree often serves as preparation—the initial modest salary matters less than the solid foundation and reasonable debt load. The program delivers good value for future healthcare professionals, just don't expect immediate high earnings if your child stops at the bachelor's level.