Economics at University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,523/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #166 of 351 Economics programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $734K $709K $614K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.4x 9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.8x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,984
Out-of-state: $148,696 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,128
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,739
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,523 track close to the $53,966 national median for Economics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,500 in median debt against $46,523 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #166 ranking among 351 Economics programs places University of Massachusetts-Boston in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $46,523-to-$75,739 earnings arc over five years reflects a 63% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Massachusetts-Boston

University of Massachusetts-Boston has a 83% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 11,848 students in Boston, MA. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Boston →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Massachusetts-Boston

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Massachusetts-Boston?
At 67/100, University of Massachusetts-Boston's Economics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at University of Massachusetts-Boston?
The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →