Best Education, General Degrees in Massachusetts by ROI
Colleges in Massachusetts ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Massachusetts
6
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$224,111
Across Massachusetts programs
Average Annual Cost
$47,719
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Grad rate: 83.1% |
+$55,964 | $51,476 | $33,389 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Bay Path University
Grad rate: 51.8% |
-$164,316 | $43,197 | $47,064 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Salem State University
Grad rate: 55.2% |
-$270,850 | $35,803 | $27,615 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Grad rate: 52.6% |
-$276,410 | $35,408 | $27,705 | $25,000 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Stonehill College
Grad rate: 79.9% |
-$317,808 | $41,547 | $68,412 | $26,000 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Smith College
Grad rate: 89.1% |
-$371,246 | $41,147 | $82,134 | $19,000 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Education, General Degrees by State
Browse Education, General programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.