Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Engineering physics graduates from peer programs nationally typically earn around $57,000 in their first year—a solid starting point that puts this field in the upper tier of bachelor's degrees. With estimated debt of $24,250 for UMass Boston students, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 sits comfortably below the 1.0 threshold that signals financial stress. Similar programs nationally carry median debt of about $25,000, suggesting this estimate aligns with what engineering physics students typically borrow.
The real question is whether UMass Boston can deliver the same outcomes as the national cohort used to generate these estimates. The school serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (43%), which often correlates with students needing to work while studying or facing career placement challenges. Engineering physics is also a specialized field—only 135 schools nationwide offer it—and job prospects can depend heavily on regional employer connections, research opportunities, and whether graduates pursue engineering roles (which pay well immediately) or physics careers (which often require graduate school).
Without actual data from UMass Boston graduates in this program, you're making an informed bet rather than a calculated decision. The national benchmarks suggest this degree can pay off, but verify that UMass Boston provides robust co-op programs, industry partnerships, and graduate school placement support that justify confidence in similar outcomes.
Where University of Massachusetts-Boston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering physics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering Physics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,496 | $57,457* | — | $24,250* | — | |
| $21,186 | $72,858* | $87,900 | $21,500* | 0.30 | |
| $8,315 | $68,379* | $75,848 | $27,000* | 0.39 | |
| $16,004 | $64,304* | $92,842 | $20,136* | 0.31 | |
| $9,708 | $58,025* | $67,485 | $19,521* | 0.34 | |
| $42,304 | $56,889* | — | $23,667* | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $57,457* | — | $24,706* | 0.43 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering physics graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Physicists
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
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.
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 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.