Information Science/Studies at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

UMass Lowell's Information Science program puts graduates right at the Massachusetts median for starting salary ($68,362), which tells you something important: this is exactly what the market pays for this degree in the state. That starting figure beats the national median by nearly $10,000 and ranks in the 69th percentile nationally. By year four, earnings climb to $77,727—a solid 14% increase that suggests graduates are building real skills and advancing in their careers. The debt load of $27,820 translates to a 0.41 ratio against first-year earnings, meaning graduates owe less than half their annual salary.

The state comparison reveals this sits in the middle of Massachusetts options. Boston College grads earn about $12,000 more right out of the gate, but they're also paying private school tuition. The real win here is outperforming the national field by a meaningful margin while keeping debt in check—below the 40th percentile nationally means most programs saddle students with more debt for similar or worse outcomes.

For a family considering UMass Lowell, the math works cleanly: reasonable debt, earnings that immediately surpass national norms, and steady income growth. This is what value looks like in public higher education—not spectacular, but consistently above average without the premium price tag.