Analysis
UMass Dartmouth's business program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $59,287—nearly 25% higher than the national median for business degrees and roughly $8,000 above the Massachusetts state median. What makes this particularly impressive is the school's 92% admission rate and accessible price point. At the 60th percentile among Massachusetts business programs, it sits comfortably in the middle tier statewide, trailing only elite private universities like Northeastern and Brandeis while outperforming most state schools.
The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. With graduates carrying $25,000 in median debt—slightly below both state and national averages—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means most students can cover their entire loan balance in less than six months of gross earnings. That's a manageable starting point that shouldn't constrain career choices or delay major life decisions.
For families looking at Massachusetts public universities, this stands out as a strong investment. The combination of solid earnings, reasonable debt, and an accessible admissions process makes it a practical path to business careers without the premium price tag of Boston-area private schools. Students here are getting real traction in the job market right after graduation.
Where University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,208 | $59,287 | — | $24,973 | 0.42 | |
| $63,141 | $74,868 | $91,376 | $24,000 | 0.32 | |
| $64,946 | $55,806 | $78,672 | $26,000 | 0.47 | |
| $46,430 | $50,921 | — | — | — | |
| $11,630 | $50,775 | $50,799 | $26,000 | 0.51 | |
| $47,770 | $49,677 | $50,413 | $27,000 | 0.54 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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-Dartmouth, approximately 36% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.