University of Massachusetts-Amherst

What are the graduation rates for students at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

University of Massachusetts-Amherst exhibits a notably high overall graduation rate of 83%, placing it within the top 10% of universities nationwide. This strong performance is consistent across genders, with men graduating at a rate of 81% and women at an even higher rate of 86%, both also ranking in the top decile. The institution demonstrates a four-year graduation rate of 76%, again reflecting very high standing compared to peer institutions, while the six-year graduation rate aligns with the overall rate at 83%, maintaining its position among the nation's best. Beyond graduation, the retention rate for first-year students is impressive at 91%, indicating strong student satisfaction and academic support through the critical early college years and ranking in the top 15% nationally.

What is the earning potential for graduates at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

The earning potential for graduates of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst varies considerably across different fields of study, reflecting the diverse academic offerings and career paths available at the institution. Engineering degrees consistently rank among the highest earners, with graduates in Computer Science earning approximately $79,216 annually, followed by Industrial Engineering at $72,455, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $72,222, and Computer Engineering at $71,683. Mechanical Engineering alumni also achieve strong earnings, reportedly making around $66,719.

Architecture-related programs demonstrate notable earning potential as well. Graduates in Architectural Sciences and Technology earn about $62,664, while Landscape Architecture graduates earn approximately $48,955. Environmental Design graduates see a median income near $35,881.

Other STEM fields offer competitive salaries, with graduates holding degrees in Physics earning around $55,521 and Chemistry about $47,828. Mathematics majors report average earnings near $49,522, and those in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology make roughly $39,509. Among agricultural and natural resource disciplines, Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates earn approximately $29,052, while Food Science and Technology recipients reach earnings around $45,674.

Business and finance-related fields also provide substantial earning opportunities at the university. Graduates in Accounting and Related Services earn around $62,571, Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates average $54,919, and Finance and Financial Management Services alumni make approximately $57,890. Marketing graduates can expect earnings close to $49,497.

The health sector presents promising figures as well, particularly for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, with median earnings near $68,607. Public Health graduates earn roughly $35,279, reflecting moderate returns in the health sciences.

Social science and humanities graduates tend to earn less on average when compared to STEM and business disciplines, but there are exceptions. For example, graduates in Political Science and Government make about $35,030, Sociology offers about $36,845, and Philosophy graduates earn near $38,509. Communication and Media Studies degrees report earnings of approximately $38,660, while Journalism majors average $32,153.

Among language and area studies, Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates receive about $34,701, and Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies yield an average of $29,543. Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies earn around $26,593. Degrees in Anthropology have median earnings near $22,966, while History graduates make about $23,848.

Some creative and arts-related fields show varied outcomes. Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn approximately $26,930, Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft majors average $25,695, and Music graduates earn close to $28,867 annually. Dance earnings were not available.

Students interested in education fields can expect about $34,193 for general education degrees and $41,979 for high school/secondary diploma programs. Degrees in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services earn roughly $27,069.