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Economics at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,910/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 7.3x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #329 of 351 Economics programs

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 $485K $485K $461K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.3x 7.3x 7.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$66,280
Out-of-state: $141,584 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,508
-12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $41,910/yr fall 22% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 7.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,250 against $41,910/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #329 ranking among 351 Economics programs places University of Massachusetts-Lowell in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Massachusetts-Lowell

University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 11,632 students in Lowell, MA.

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

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

Compare this program → View all 351 schools offering Economics →

Economics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($103,993) Princeton University ($103,041) Duke University ($98,649) Stanford University ($98,104) Dartmouth College ($94,675) University of Chicago ($92,075) Amherst College ($90,568) Claremont McKenna College ($89,505)

Other Majors at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Computer Science ($86,167) Computer Engineering ($85,280) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,798) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($78,247) Chemical Engineering ($77,380) Polymer/Plastics Engineering ($77,114) Mechanical Engineering ($73,414) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($69,216)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
At 50/100, the score looks reasonable — but Economics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
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.
Is University of Massachusetts-Lowell a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Massachusetts-Lowell's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →