Economics at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

UMass Lowell's economics program graduates earn $42,000 in their first year—roughly $15,000 below the Massachusetts median for economics majors and nearly $10,000 below the national average. In a state where the typical economics graduate earns $57,000, ranking in just the 25th percentile suggests this program struggles to compete with other Bay State options. The gap is stark when you look at the state's elite programs, but even comparing to accessible public alternatives, these earnings lag behind what most Massachusetts economics programs deliver.

The debt picture is more favorable: at $26,500, graduates carry slightly more than the national median but less than typical Massachusetts debt loads. That 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming on its own, but it becomes less attractive when paired with below-average starting salaries. You're borrowing a reasonable amount but earning considerably less than peers who studied economics elsewhere in the state.

For a student committed to staying in Massachusetts, this creates a real question about return on investment. While UMass Lowell's 85% admission rate makes it accessible and the overall cost structure is reasonable, the earning power of this particular economics degree doesn't match what the state's job market typically pays economics majors. If your child can gain admission to a more competitive Massachusetts school—or even another UMass campus—the economics degree would likely deliver stronger earnings outcomes. This isn't a financial disaster, but it's worth exploring alternatives before committing.