Best Massachusetts Colleges & Universities for 2017

Massachusetts has a well-earned place as the country’s “smartest state.” According to data estimates from the Lumina Foundation, in 2014 55.4 percent of Massachusetts residents had attained some higher education; the state ranks first nationally for the number of residents with bachelor’s degrees and professional degrees. This academic achievement is doubtless tied to the numerous colleges and universities in Massachusetts, many of which are world-renowned, such as Harvard University and MIT. Students considering attending college in Massachusetts can use this guide to explore the state’s best colleges, available planning programs and financial aid packages, and more.

Best Massachusetts Colleges: 2017 Rankings

Narrowing down the list of possible colleges can be a big job, so students can begin with our comprehensive rankings list. These colleges in Massachusetts were evaluated on a variety of factors, including tuition cost, the availability of financial aid, student-to-teacher ratio, and graduation rate, to offer a look at the school’s overall picture.

Methodology +

• 2-Year Colleges
• 4-Year Colleges

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Bunker Hill Community College	99.20	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $33,000	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%	11%	N/A	8	96	Yes	Yes
2	Cape Cod Community College	97.40	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,900	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 26%	14%	N/A	0	71	Yes	Yes
3	Mount Wachusett Community College	97.04	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,500	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 20%	15%	N/A	5	48	Yes	Yes
4	Middlesex Community College	95.56	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $33,400	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 16%	13%	N/A	5	69	Yes	Yes
5	Quinsigamond Community College	95.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $32,300	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 13%	16%	N/A	5	71	Yes	Yes
6	North Shore Community College	94.47	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,200	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 14%	17%	N/A	0	85	Yes	Yes
7	Massasoit Community College	92.87	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $30,600	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 7%	15%	N/A	6	65	Yes	Yes
8	Springfield Technical Community College	92.70	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $30,200	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 20%	21%	N/A	0	93	Yes	No
9	Bristol Community College	90.24	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,900	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%	17%	N/A	3	86	Yes	Yes
10	Massachusetts Bay Community College	88.54	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,300	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A	14%	N/A	3	41	Yes	Yes
11	Berkshire Community College	87.85	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,700	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 10%	25%	N/A	1	28	Yes	Yes
12	Northern Essex Community College	87.16	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,300	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%	18%	N/A	4	79	Yes	Yes
13	Greenfield Community College	87.07	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,100	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 20%	24%	N/A	1	27	Yes	Yes
14	Quincy College	86.60	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $38,400	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A	17%	N/A	0	33	Yes	Yes
15	Roxbury Community College	86.29	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $32,800	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A	12%	N/A	1	31	Yes	No
16	Holyoke Community College	86.00	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,100	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 26%	16%	N/A	4	47	Yes	No

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Harvard University	99.82	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $87,200	8:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 56%	97%	6%	31	164	Yes	No
2	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	97.90	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $91,600	8:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 56%	93%	8%	0	70	Yes	No
3	Wellesley College	97.61	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $56,700	7:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 60%	92%	30%	0	53	Yes	No
4	Simmons College	97.36	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $51,400	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 96%	67%	52%	1	74	Yes	Yes
5	Tufts University	97.15	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $67,800	9:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 37%	92%	17%	0	135	Yes	No
6	Brandeis University	97.08	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $58,800	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 57%	90%	35%	7	91	Yes	No
7	Assumption College	96.73	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $52,800	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	75%	81%	5	46	Yes	No
8	Worcester Polytechnic Institute	96.48	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $77,600	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	84%	44%	7	64	Yes	No
9	Williams College	96.43	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $58,100	6:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 49%	96%	19%	0	38	Yes	No
10	Amherst College	96.39	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $56,800	8:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 57%	95%	14%	0	37	Yes	No
11	Northeastern University	96.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $60,100	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 69%	79%	32%	6	167	Yes	No
12	Suffolk University	96.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $49,900	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 77%	56%	84%	3	168	Yes	No
13	Bentley University	96.04	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $74,900	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 65%	84%	46%	3	39	Yes	Yes
14	Stonehill College	95.93	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $58,800	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 90%	80%	77%	0	41	Yes	No
15	Western New England University	95.93	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $55,100	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	62%	80%	6	64	No	Yes
16	Smith College	95.83	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,700	9:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 62%	85%	42%	0	77	Yes	No
17	Merrimack College	95.83	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $55,400	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	64%	78%	0	72	Yes	Yes
18	Boston University	95.67	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $60,600	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 51%	84%	35%	11	297	Yes	No
19	Clark University	95.63	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,100	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 91%	80%	54%	0	59	Yes	No
20	College of the Holy Cross	95.58	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $63,700	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 52%	93%	43%	0	23	Yes	No
21	University of Massachusetts-Amherst	95.46	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $49,600	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 60%	70%	61%	12	156	Yes	Yes
22	Wheaton College	95.46	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $46,400	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 92%	82%	70%	0	44	Yes	No
23	Mount Holyoke College	95.38	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,100	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 79%	81%	55%	0	56	Yes	No
24	Eastern Nazarene College	95.24	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,400	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	48%	53%	0	46	Yes	No
25	Lesley University	95.19	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,700	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	46%	71%	8	77	Yes	Yes
26	College of Our Lady of the Elms	95.08	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $43,700	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	68%	79%	2	39	Yes	Yes
27	Boston College	94.92	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $67,000	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 42%	92%	34%	0	116	Yes	No
28	Springfield College	94.67	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $45,100	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	66%	71%	0	40	Yes	No
29	Anna Maria College	94.54	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,400	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	47%	78%	4	64	No	Yes
30	MCPHS University	94.37	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $116,400	24:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 85%	66%	84%	4	32	Yes	No
31	University of Massachusetts-Lowell	94.20	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $48,900	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 59%	54%	62%	20	80	Yes	No
32	American International College	94.01	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,400	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	39%	68%	2	58	Yes	Yes
33	Massachusetts College of Art and Design	93.78	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $34,000	9:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 66%	65%	73%	0	25	Yes	Yes
34	Endicott College	93.73	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,800	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 86%	72%	73%	7	40	Yes	Yes
35	Bay Path University	93.72	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,900	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	50%	63%	14	24	Yes	Yes
36	Wentworth Institute of Technology	93.59	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $54,600	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	64%	83%	0	16	Yes	No
37	Regis College	93.53	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $43,300	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	51%	76%	0	39	Yes	No
38	University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth	93.50	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,800	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 68%	50%	77%	8	85	Yes	No
39	Curry College	93.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $43,600	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	43%	87%	0	25	Yes	Yes
40	Wheelock College	93.17	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,400	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	58%	88%	1	25	Yes	Yes
41	University of Massachusetts-Boston	93.11	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $45,800	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 58%	38%	71%	9	78	Yes	Yes
42	Gordon College	92.88	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,600	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 96%	74%	88%	0	44	Yes	No
43	Westfield State University	92.72	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $43,300	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 20%	60%	75%	7	71	Yes	Yes
44	The New England Conservatory of Music	92.69	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,500	5:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	83%	29%	0	22	Yes	No
45	Emmanuel College	92.53	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,400	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	58%	69%	2	39	Yes	No
46	Fitchburg State University	92.49	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,100	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 43%	51%	72%	5	76	Yes	Yes
47	Nichols College	92.47	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $47,100	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 93%	50%	76%	5	26	Yes	No
48	Emerson College	92.41	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,800	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 57%	82%	49%	0	32	Yes	Yes
49	Worcester State University	92.38	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $43,700	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 46%	51%	61%	0	49	Yes	No
50	Pine Manor College	92.34	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $34,700	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	30%	68%	0	14	Yes	Yes

Search & Compare Colleges in Massachusetts

Students often have specific requirements for the school they attend. The following tool allows them to identify criteria that are most important to them-such as tuition rate or school type-and then search institutions and compare the results side-by-side.

Evaluating the Cost of College in Massachusetts

Cost is a real concern for almost anyone who is considering higher education. These charts focus on the average tuition rates in Massachusetts, as well as the financial aid availability for students in the state. Students can also see how Massachusetts stacks up against the national average in college costs.

Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts

Tuition prices can often seem staggeringly high, but they rarely represent the bottom line. The net price of college is obtained by subtracting the financial aid received from the sticker price of attendance. The result is the out-of-pocket cost. These six schools in Massachusetts are considered the most affordable, based on net price; we’ve also compared them to the national average.

• 1
  
  University of Massachusetts-Boston$11,741
• 2
  
  Fitchburg State University$12,849
• 3
  
  Pine Manor College$13,735

• 4
  
  Harvard University$14,049
• 5
  
  Worcester State University$14,402
• 6
  
  Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts$14,837

Average
Annual Net
Price

Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.

Massachusetts College Net Price vs. National Average

$25,712

Average Annual Net Price

$18,073

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Massachusetts Colleges with Highest Alumni Earnings

In general, a college education is a ticket to a higher salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that those who earned their bachelor’s degree made $459 more per week in 2015, on average, than those who held only a high school diploma. For graduates from Massachusetts colleges, these six schools have the highest paid alumni ten years after entering college.

• 1
  
  University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester$184,900
• 2
  
  MCPHS University$116,400
• 3
  
  Massachusetts Institute of Technology$91,600

• 4
  
  New England College of Optometry$88,500
• 5
  
  Harvard University$87,200
• 6
  
  Babson College$85,500

Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.

Massachusetts Alumni Salaries vs. National Average

$50,578

Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College

$42,759

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Colleges in Massachusetts for Lower Student Debt

College graduates want to start their new life with the least amount of debt possible, and some colleges in Massachusetts offer excellent financial aid packages, coupled with lower tuition and discounts, that can help make that a reality. These six schools ranked top in the state for students who incur the lowest amounts of student debt.

• 1
  
  Amherst College$11,185
• 2
  
  Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology$12,000
• 3
  
  University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester$12,000

• 4
  
  Williams College$12,005
• 5
  
  Massachusetts Institute of Technology$13,645

Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation

Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.

Massachusetts College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

$24,008

Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Massachusetts Cost of Living: College Expenses Beyond Tuition

Massachusetts colleges can offer a quality education, but it comes at a price-and not just for school. In 2015, CNBC named Massachusetts the 8th most expensive state in the nation; the state’s largest city, Boston, posts home prices that are nearly double that of the national median. Here’s a breakdown of the costs of living in Massachusetts’ major metro areas, and how those compare to the state as a whole.

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

Accreditation for Massachusetts Colleges

Though many factors come into play when choosing a college, one of the most important is accreditation. Accreditation is a testament to the quality of a college and its programs. In order to earn accreditation, a college must be thoroughly evaluated by an independent accrediting body and found to meet established standards. Accreditation has other impacts as well. Students who attend unaccredited schools are ineligible for federal financial aid, and may find that their degrees are not recognized by potential employers. Also, most accredited institutions will not accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools.

Massachusetts colleges are accredited by the regional New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition to this institutional accreditation, some individual programs might seek programmatic accreditation. Specialty schools may be accredited by targeted agencies that focus on a particular major or subject. Here are a few examples:

• Andover Newton Theological School is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting for the Association of Theological Schools.
• The New England School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association, through a council that is part of its Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.

Popular College Cities in Massachusetts

Boston

Education has been an underlying priority in Boston since the city's early days. The city was founded in 1630, and the first public elementary school - the Mather School - was established nine years later. Today, the Boston Public Library holds the nation's third-largest collection-more than 14 million volumes-second only to its neighbor Harvard University and the Library of Congress. Beyond education, the city of about 600,000 residents is also a leader in economic sectors such as finance and healthcare.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Boston University	Private not-for-profit	$34,603	$60,600
Once affiliated with the United Methodist Church, this private university is more secular today. Two campuses are home to more than 32,500 undergraduate and graduate students who attend 17 different schools and study in some 250 fields. On-campus living is preferred by 75 percent of those students; they can complement their academic studies with participation in 450 active student groups. BU is also a leader in study-abroad programs, sending students to 26 different countries. Of course, the hometown of Boston benefits too, with students clocking over 100,000 community service hours in a given year.
Northeastern University	Private not-for-profit	$31,503	$60,100
Founded in 1898, Northeastern now offers nine colleges and schools, with several established in cities outside the Boston area, such as Seattle and Toronto. More than 3,000 students opt to participate in study-abroad programs. Statistics from 2015 demonstrate Northeastern's "Excellence by Intention" motto; the university attracts exceptional talent, with 70 percent of incoming freshmen ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class. The trend to success continues after graduation, with 90 percent of graduates either employed or in graduate school within nine months.
Bunker Hill Community College	Public	$7,483	$33,000
This two-year college has numerous locations and more than 100 academic programs that serve over 14,000 students in the Greater Boston area. Part-time studies are the norm, with about two-thirds of the student population carrying less than 12 credits per semester. About 150 full-time faculty work to allow students to attend at their convenience, with online learning, evening, late evening, and weekend classes available in over 100 academic programs. Massachusetts residents will likely find the college very affordable at only $149 per credit hour.

Cambridge

The charming city of Cambridge is made up of "squares," or neighborhoods, each with its own eclectic feel. Arguably, the most famous of these is Harvard Square, home to the storied Harvard University. Today the city is home to over 100,000 residents, many of them college students taking advantage of the wide variety of educational options offered by places such as MIT and Radcliffe.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Harvard University	Private not-for-profit	$14,049	$87,200
Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and one of the preeminent universities in the world. Looking at the numbers, the school has produced 47 Nobel Laureates, 32 heads of state and 48 Pulitzer Prize winners, and boasts an academic library of more than 20 million volumes-the largest in the world. Today the school enrolls about 21,000 students each year, about two-thirds of whom are in graduate studies, including at the university's famous law school. Although tuition costs are high, more than 65 percent of Harvard students receive scholarships.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Private not-for-profit	$21,816	$91,600
Founded in 1861, MIT currently occupies more than 168 acres in Cambridge. Known for providing a top-notch technology education, MIT offers 46 majors to just over 11,000 students, representing an intensively competitive acceptance rate of only 8 percent. Financial aid for enrolled students tends to be generous, with 33 percent of the student population attending tuition-free.
Lesley University	Private not-for-profit	$32,534	$36,700
This private institution enrolled about 6,700 students in the 2014-2015 academic year; almost 3,000 of them were in the Graduate School of Education. Other popular majors include photography, psychology, business management and social sciences. Lesley also offers the innovative Threshold Program, a two-year program for students that focuses on independent living skills. More than 95 percent of all students receive financial aid to help cover tuition costs.

Source: College Scorecard

Massachusetts College Resources

To learn more about Massachusetts colleges, the following resources offer information on a variety of issues, from enrollment statistics to financial aid assistance.