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University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth vs Worcester State University: which has better ROI?

Public, North Dartmouth MA · vs · Public, Worcester MA

The verdict

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,708 in 4.1 years versus 4.4 years at Worcester State University, on median earnings of $68,804 vs $60,624 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Massachusetts-DartmouthWorcester State University
Net price / yr$20,927$13,381
Total net cost$83,708$53,524
Median earnings, 10 yrs$68,804$60,624
Median debt$25,000$19,500
Payback4.1 yrs4.4 yrs
20-year net return$325,172$191,756

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

Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth or Worcester State University?

Worcester State University, at $13,381 a year after aid versus $20,927 — a gap of $7,546 a year, or $30,184 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth or Worcester State University graduates earn more?

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth graduates report a median $68,804 ten years after entry, $8,180 more than the $60,624 at Worcester State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth or Worcester State University?

Worcester State University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, a difference of $5,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

61% of students finish at Worcester State University, against 52% at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth vs Worcester State University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth or Worcester State University a better value?
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. It clears its $83,708 net cost in about 4.1 years versus 4.4 years at Worcester State University, on median earnings of $68,804 vs $60,624 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth or Worcester State University?
Worcester State University: $13,381/yr net price after aid versus $20,927/yr at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth — a difference of $7,546 a year, or about $30,184 over four years.
Do University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth or Worcester State University graduates earn more?
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth graduates earn a median $68,804 ten years after entry, versus $60,624 at Worcester State University — a $8,180 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.