Press Release: 11/19/2025
Mass Degrees Deliver: New Report Highlights Economic Impact of Governor Healey’s College Affordability Investments
Governor Healey’s historic expansion of financial aid saved Massachusetts students $130 million in the 2023-2024 school year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11/19/2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Karissa Hand, Press Secretary
Phone
Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today released a first-of-its kind state report on post-college earnings for students who attended Massachusetts’ 29 public colleges and universities. The report shows that, five years after graduation, graduates of Massachusetts public colleges or universities make $20,000 to $30,000 more per year than their peers who did not pursue higher education. Those who pursue fields of study like health sciences, STEM and the trades saw the biggest earnings boost.
“The data is clear – Massachusetts degrees deliver,” said Governor Maura Healey. “When students graduate from our community colleges and public colleges, they get paid more, they have more opportunities for upward mobility, and they provide a skilled workforce for our employers. This is why, working with the Legislature, we have prioritized making college more affordable in Massachusetts. When we lower barriers to pursuing higher education, our students succeed and our economy succeeds.”
“As a proud public college graduate, this report shows what I have long known – public higher education in Massachusetts is key to lifelong career success,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Importantly, our public higher education graduates are more likely to stay in Massachusetts where they will continue their contributions to our economy and our communities. We’re proud to have made record investments in financial aid and will keep working to make college more affordable for everyone.”
These findings speak to the positive impacts of Governor Healey’s efforts to make public higher education more affordable in Massachusetts. Working with the Legislature, she has doubled state funding for financial aid – including offering free tuition and fees to Pell Grant eligible students at all public two- and four-year colleges and making community college free for everyone. In the 2023-2024 academic year alone, state financial aid programs saved Massachusetts students about $130 million on the cost of college. When students can afford to pursue higher education, they are more likely to make higher earnings throughout the course of their career and fill the needs of employers in in-demand fields.
This report follows the administration’s recent launch of “Go Higher,” a new brand and awareness campaign designed to increase exposure to higher education, improve the information pipeline, and build awareness of financial and institutional supports that help students see themselves in college. This also builds on efforts to spread awareness on financial aid and inspire students to see higher education as an option, such as the administration’s Financial Aid Road Show, and investments in My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) and MEFA Pathway that help middle and high school students with ongoing opportunities to plan for their academic, personal and career success in high school and beyond.
“Higher education brings students life-long skills, agency over their lives, and as this data shows, substantial personal financial rewards,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “This report highlights that education supports each student’s individual economic mobility goals, as well as those of their family, local communities and economy. In Massachusetts, we remain committed to making higher education more affordable and accessible for all students – and lifting barriers so all students persist to graduation.”
The release of the report, The Earnings Outcomes of Public Postsecondary Education in Massachusetts, kicks off the launch of new post-college earnings metrics that will be updated annually in the Department of Higher Education’s (DHE) Performance Measurement Reporting System (PMRS). PMRS is a public dashboard that tracks student success and other key performance indicators for each community college and state university in Massachusetts.
The report shows that median earnings five years after completing college are over $61,000 a year for those with associate degrees and $72,000 a year for bachelor’s degree completers. By comparison, students with a high school diploma who did not attend college earn about just over $42,000 annually. The earnings data does not include certain professions, such as self-employed individuals and military personnel, and detailed information about population measured and metrics used are available in the report.
The report includes earnings data by demographics and field of study, and it shows that while those with some college and no credential may see a slight earnings boost, earnings are far greater for those who complete a degree. This was a driving factor behind Governor Healey’s efforts to make community college free for anyone aged 25 and older in her first year in office – to make it easier for older students to return to school and complete their degree.
“At a time when many people are questioning the value of a college degree, I’m proud to share data that serves as a valuable public resource and highlights the personal finance growth that college can bring in just five years,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega.
“Earnings isn’t the only data point or goal that matters when it comes to choosing a college or major, but for many students and families, it’s a primary driver of their future plans, and the Board’s role includes making this information available,” said Board of Higher Education Chair Chris Gabrieli. "It is now up to us and the leadership of each campus to determine how to help more students gain even more economic mobility through our colleges."
“This report confirms that investing in higher education improves lives and bolsters our economy,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “When we set out to transform higher education access in Massachusetts, this was our goal — and this data shows we’re achieving it. I applaud Governor Healey and her administration for implementing this program so effectively, the Senators who fought to make it a reality, and the students, faculty, staff, and campus leaders who are seeing these results in real time.”
“The House has been working with the Governor to make college more affordable, and now we're seeing real results,” said Representative Dave Roger (D-Cambridge). “Massachusetts students are saving money upfront and earning more after graduation. That's a win for students, families, and our economy.”
This initial earnings report is the beginning of DHE’s increased focus on measuring earnings outcomes, and the Department seeks to further examine a broader set of credentials, like certificates and master’s degrees, along with the of impact of work-based learning and co-op experiences on post-college earnings.
Governor Healey has also prioritized career and technical education and workforce training. Earlier this year, the administration added eight new career technical education (CTE) programs in 16 high schools to support 900 more students. Governor Healey has also expanded career pathways for young people across the state – including increasing the number of Early College and Innovation Career Pathways programs in schools and helping more than 10,000 registered apprentices get hired since taking office.
Statements of Support
Marty Meehan, President, University of Massachusetts:
“This report lays clear what we see every day at UMass: a college degree is one of the best investments a person can make. Five years after graduation, our alumni earn more than $78,000 annually on average—about $30,000 higher than high school graduates—and more than 70% stay here in Massachusetts to live, work, and strengthen our economy. We are so grateful to Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, and the entire Legislature for all they've done to support public higher education and make it more affordable and accessible. Affordability and quality also go hand in hand, and we remain committed to delivering both for the people of the Commonwealth.”
Dr. Linda Thompson, President of Westfield State University, and Chair of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents:
“In a climate of constant change, education provides a steadfast foundation, empowering students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions that benefit their families and communities. Lifelong learning fuels growth and prosperity for everyone. The Healey-Driscoll administration has demonstrated its commitment to higher education through transformative investments and programs. Westfield State University is proud to be a partner in these endeavors, working with our communities to help students transform their academic aspirations into personal and professional success. As exemplified in these recent findings, the return on investment in higher education is priceless.”
William Heineman, President of North Shore Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents:
“This data reinforces the reality that attending a Massachusetts public college or university is a great investment. Gaining a high-quality public higher education in the Commonwealth moves students into careers that offer stability, mobility, and the earnings needed to thrive. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature for their continued commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening our public higher education system.”
Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of Massachusetts Maritime Academy:
“We are proud that the Department of Higher Education report recognizes the impact of our high demand programs, experiential learning, and leadership laboratory. This status reflects our commitment to preparing graduates for rewarding careers and contributing to the Commonwealth’s prosperity and collective strength in higher education.”
Brooke M Thomson, President and CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts:
“What this data shows is what many of us in Massachusetts have surmised for quite some time, that we have the best public colleges and universities, providing outstanding outcomes, making our graduates the most qualified to enter the workforce. The 3,400 member companies of Associated Industries of Massachusetts understand that superior skills, education and work ethic create this necessary competitive advantage for our students and for our economy. It comes as no surprise to employers that our public colleges and universities in Massachusetts, which have long excelled in preparing students for high demand careers including those in healthcare and STEM fields, also create an earnings premium for graduates that reflects their central role in ensuring the economic future of the commonwealth. This data demonstrates that we must continue to strengthen and support our public academic institutions because the return on investment they yield for our young people and our workforce is clear.”
Jessica Tang, President, American Federation of Teachers:
"Higher education has long been seen as the great equalizer, but getting a degree is increasingly out of reach for far too many. We are proud to work with the Healey Administration and our Legislative allies to increase affordability and equity at our public colleges and universities. Providing the resources and support to ensure our students are able to be successful not only puts them on a pathway toward economic mobility, it is an important investment in our economic security as a state that relies heavily on an educated workforce."