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Computer Science at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
87 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
89
Optimistic
87
Base Case
80
Pessimistic
Earnings $86,167/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 17.3x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #45 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,212K $1,147K $823K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.3x 17.3x 12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.6x 8.1x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 89 87 80

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 (8.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,508
-12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$127,238
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $86,167 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell come in 17% above the national median of $73,713 for Computer Science programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

The 32% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.

With first-year pay of $86,167 far exceeding the $25,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #45 of 345 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $86,167 to $127,238 over five years — a 48% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Massachusetts-Lowell

University of Massachusetts-Lowell accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 11,632 students in Lowell, MA.

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

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Other Majors at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

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) Information Science/Studies ($68,362)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Science 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
This program scores 87/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Science careers?
With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $823,238 in decade earnings vs $1,212,437 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Massachusetts-Lowell's Computer Science program stand out?
Ranked #45 of 345 programs nationally, University of Massachusetts-Lowell lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →