Biology at University of Massachusetts-Boston

UMass Boston's biology program punches well above its weight nationally—95th percentile—but sits in the middle of Massachusetts's competitive landscape at the 60th percentile. With first-year earnings of $42,721 climbing to $53,619 by year four, graduates earn substantially more than the national median ($32,316) while staying very close to the state median ($41,879). The $25,000 debt load is manageable given these earnings, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 that makes the investment relatively low-risk.

The gap to the state's highest earners is significant—Worcester Polytechnic grads earn $51,711 in year one—but UMass Boston offers something those private options often don't: accessibility. With an 83% admission rate and 43% of students on Pell grants, this program serves students who might not have access to more selective schools while still delivering solid financial outcomes. The 26% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates find career traction, likely moving from lab tech or research assistant roles into more specialized positions.

For a parent weighing options, this is a smart choice if your child is Massachusetts-bound and looking at public universities. The program delivers reliably positive outcomes without the premium price tag or competitive admissions of top-tier alternatives. It won't match the very best programs in the state, but it significantly outperforms most biology programs nationwide while keeping debt reasonable—exactly what public higher education should deliver.