Applied Mathematics at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

The national benchmark of $60,930 suggests solid first-year earnings for applied mathematics graduates, but Massachusetts programs tell a strikingly different story. The state median sits at $98,216—meaning comparable programs in MA typically produce outcomes more than 60% higher than what national data suggests. Top performers like Harvard and Wentworth demonstrate the state's strong math-industrial pipeline, with even the more modest Wentworth reaching $82,000.

This gap matters because your child will be competing in Massachusetts' job market, not a national average. UMass Lowell's location in Greater Boston should theoretically position graduates to access similar opportunities, yet without program-specific data, we can't confirm they're achieving those outcomes. The estimated $21,000 debt is manageable either way—even at the national benchmark, the 0.34 ratio is reasonable—but the real question is whether this program connects students to the higher-paying opportunities that define the state's applied math market.

Given the uncertainty, look for placement data that UMass Lowell might provide directly: where do their applied math graduates actually work, and what do entry-level positions pay? If they're feeding into defense contractors, financial firms, or tech companies in the region, outcomes likely exceed the national estimate substantially. If not, you're potentially paying Massachusetts tuition for national-level returns.