Civil Engineering at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

UMass Lowell's civil engineering program sits in an awkward middle ground among Massachusetts schools. With first-year earnings of $65,103, graduates earn about $7,000 less than the state median—a gap that puts this program at just the 40th percentile statewide. That's particularly notable given that most comparable Massachusetts programs cluster tightly in the $75,000-$76,000 range. Even UMass Amherst, the flagship campus, delivers nearly $5,000 more in starting earnings.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $27,000, it matches the state median and sits below the national average, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. Graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years. The 13% earnings growth to $73,411 by year four shows steady career progression, though it doesn't close the gap with peer institutions. With 100+ graduates in the sample, these numbers reflect consistent program outcomes rather than statistical noise.

For Massachusetts families, this creates a straightforward calculation. If you're paying in-state tuition at UMass Lowell, the combination of moderate debt and solid career prospects makes sense. But if cost differences are minimal, stronger-performing programs at WPI, Northeastern, or even UMass Amherst deliver meaningfully higher returns. The 85% admission rate suggests UMass Lowell serves as an accessible entry point to civil engineering—just understand you're accepting a discount on starting salary relative to other Massachusetts options.