Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Northeastern University vs University of Massachusetts-Boston: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Boston MA · vs · Public, Boston MA

The verdict

Northeastern University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $123,660 in 2.8 years versus 4 years at University of Massachusetts-Boston, on median earnings of $92,538 vs $65,865 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureNortheastern UniversityUniversity of Massachusetts-Boston
Net price / yr$30,915$17,707
Total net cost$123,660$70,828
Median earnings, 10 yrs$92,538$65,865
Median debt$24,250$21,974
Payback2.8 yrs4 yrs
20-year net return$759,900$279,272

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.