Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Massachusetts-Boston
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UMass Boston's business program delivers solid value with graduates earning $49,417 in their first year and climbing to $62,057 by year four—a healthy 26% growth trajectory that outpaces many business programs nationally. While the starting salary sits in the 63rd percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Massachusetts, the strong earnings progression suggests graduates build valuable career momentum after entering the workforce.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $25,000, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 that's slightly better than the national median. Within Massachusetts, this program holds its own against the state's competitive landscape, though it naturally trails the premium private options like Boston College and Babson that command significantly higher starting salaries.
For families seeking strong value in business education, UMass Boston offers a compelling proposition: graduates earn more than the national average for business programs while taking on typical debt loads, then see meaningful salary growth in their early careers. The 83% admission rate and substantial Pell Grant recipient population (43%) suggest this program successfully serves a diverse student body while delivering measurable career outcomes. Parents should feel confident this represents a solid return on investment in the Massachusetts market.
Where University of Massachusetts-Boston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Massachusetts-Boston graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Massachusetts-Boston graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Boston | $49,417 | $62,057 | $25,000 | 0.51 |
| Boston College | $71,675 | $86,804 | $17,873 | 0.25 |
| Boston University | $71,545 | $86,755 | $25,000 | 0.35 |
| Babson College | $69,970 | $89,884 | $23,000 | 0.33 |
| Bentley University | $67,903 | $86,432 | $25,000 | 0.37 |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | $64,591 | $88,200 | — | — |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College Chestnut Hill | $67,680 | $71,675 | $17,873 |
| Boston University Boston | $65,168 | $71,545 | $25,000 |
| Babson College Wellesley | $56,032 | $69,970 | $23,000 |
| Bentley University Waltham | $58,150 | $67,903 | $25,000 |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston | $41,010 | $64,591 | — |
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-Boston, approximately 43% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 438 graduates with reported earnings and 426 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.