Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

UMass Dartmouth nursing graduates start strong at $76,000 but see their earnings slide to under $71,000 by year four—an unusual 7% decline in a field where most nurses gain ground early in their careers. While the program performs roughly at the national average, it lags behind the Massachusetts median by nearly $10,000, placing it in just the 40th percentile among the state's 25 nursing programs. Compare that to Framingham State grads who earn $95,000 or even nearby programs like Laboure ($86,000) and Simmons ($85,000).

The $27,000 debt load is manageable and typical for nursing programs, but here's the concern: you're paying Massachusetts tuition rates for below-average Massachusetts outcomes. The earnings trajectory suggests graduates may be settling into lower-paying nursing roles or geographic areas rather than advancing into higher-paid specialties or hospital systems. With a 92% admission rate serving a largely working-class student body (36% Pell recipients), this may reflect the reality that UMass Dartmouth serves students who stay local in New Bedford/Fall River—markets with lower nursing wages than metro Boston.

If your child can commute and save on housing costs, the economics work—nursing debt this low pays itself off quickly. But if they're considering relocating to campus or choosing between Massachusetts nursing programs, the data suggests looking at the higher-performing state schools first. The degree will lead to stable employment; it just may not maximize earning potential within Massachusetts.