Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UMass Lowell's business program delivers solid value with graduates earning $52,657 in their first year—significantly above both national ($45,703) and Massachusetts ($48,790) medians for business programs. This performance places the program in the 75th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Massachusetts, meaning it outperforms three-quarters of business programs across the country while sitting comfortably in the upper half among the state's 44 business programs.
The financial picture is particularly attractive with median debt of just $25,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47—meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. This is notably better than the typical $26,000 debt load for business programs both nationally and in Massachusetts. Earnings growth is steady at 15% by year four, reaching $60,494.
While UMass Lowell doesn't compete with elite Boston-area programs like Boston College ($71,675) or Babson ($69,970), it offers a compelling value proposition for families seeking strong employment outcomes without premium tuition costs. The accessible 85% admission rate combined with above-average earnings makes this an excellent choice for students who want solid business career prospects without the debt burden often associated with higher-ranked programs.
Where University of Massachusetts-Lowell 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-Lowell graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 75th 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-Lowell | $52,657 | $60,494 | $25,000 | 0.47 |
| 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-Lowell, approximately 27% 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 758 graduates with reported earnings and 821 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.