Mathematics at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

UMass Lowell's math graduates start modestly but gain significant ground—earnings jump 38% from $49,571 to $68,535 over four years, outpacing the typical trajectory for math majors. The debt load of $25,539 is quite reasonable (17th percentile nationally), making the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 easy to manage even in that first year. By year four, graduates are earning well above the national median, suggesting the program builds skills that employers increasingly value.

The challenge is the Massachusetts context. At the 25th percentile statewide, UMass Lowell lags behind the state's median math program earnings of $61,761. Elite schools like MIT and Tufts command six-figure starting salaries, while even regional competitors like Northeastern and Bentley place graduates significantly higher. Part of this gap reflects the broader Massachusetts ecosystem—it's dense with high-performing universities—but it's still a meaningful difference for families paying Massachusetts living costs.

For in-state students paying public tuition, this program offers solid fundamentals: manageable debt, steady earnings growth, and placement above national benchmarks. The degree opens doors, but if your child has the credentials for more selective Massachusetts schools and the financial aid works out similarly, those programs demonstrate stronger earning potential. If UMass Lowell is the affordable choice, the math program won't hold them back—just expect a slower start than at the state's top-tier options.