Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts
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When it comes to higher education, Massachusetts is home to many prestigious universities for students to choose from. And many of the state's top colleges offer degree programs online.
Online education can be a flexible and accessible way to complete your degree while working or balancing other responsibilities. Some of Massachusetts' online colleges offer accelerated degree programs that can help you graduate in half the time.
Massachusetts also boasts a strong job market with a variety of fast-growing careers in industries such as healthcare, sports, event planning, education, and business.
We'll explore the best online colleges, average tuition rates, and the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in Massachusetts.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Simmons University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500 (undergraduate)
Out-of-State | $500 (undergraduate)
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
Simmons University's mission is "to empower women and to challenge traditional gender norms." You're welcome to apply if you were assigned female at birth, identify as a woman, or are nonbinary but feel like you belong in an undergraduate community of women.
With its accelerated programs, you can complete an undergraduate and graduate degree in less time. For instance, you can earn a bachelor's in computer science and a master's in library information science in four years with its 3+1 track.
Most online courses include some face-to-face virtual classes.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $385-$600
Out-of-State | $385-$600
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
UML calls itself a pioneer in online learning and has offered online courses since 1996. It is a member of the Online Learning Consortium — a collaborative community of higher education leaders committed to advancing digital teaching.
According to data compiled by the Wall Street Journal, the college boasts the highest lifetime return on investment out of all public research universities in New England.
Programs at UML are interdisciplinary, combining topics like business, engineering, fine arts, and humanities to foster innovation. You can earn a bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, or criminal justice completely online.
You may be asked to submit SAT or ACT scores when applying, but you can discuss alternatives with the admissions department if you have not taken them.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Endicott College
Beverly, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $416 (undergraduate)
Out-of-State | $416 (undergraduate)
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
Endicott College strives to deliver an education that will prepare you for a career path with a high ROI. According to the school, roughly 90% of employed graduates report that their job is related to their major.
All students at Endicott complete three internships and a senior thesis during their studies. You can pursue an online bachelor's through Endicott's Van Loan School of Professional Studies, focusing on topics like business management, psychology, or criminal justice. Courses follow a seven-week structure.
You can choose whether to submit resumes and test scores in your application.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Chicopee, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $415-$911
Out-of-State | $415-$911
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
College of Our Lady of the Elms is a Catholic liberal arts college that welcomes all students regardless of their faith. According to the school, roughly 85% of recent graduates are employed or are continuing their education.
Through online learning, you can earn a degree in data science and artificial intelligence, healthcare management, or speech-language pathology assistant.
Classes are taught in an asynchronous format, but you'll still have the opportunity to collaborate with peers through online chat rooms. About 80% of classes have fewer than 20 students, so that you can enjoy a personalized learning experience.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525-$875
Out-of-State | $525-$875
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
Lesley University focuses on the human arts and offers programs that intersect with counseling, education, and the visual arts. You can also earn a degree in business management, psychology, or human services. Bachelor's and master's degree options are available online through Lesley.
After graduation, you'll join an alum network of almost 100,000 people who work as mental health counselors, expressive arts therapists, designers, and more. Graduates also gain access to specialized career resources and professional development opportunities.
With flexible asynchronous online courses, you can balance classes with the rest of your busy schedule. Lesley does not require applicants to submit SAT and ACT scores.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Berklee College of Music
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $515-$939
Out-of-State | $515-$939
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
If you're looking for an online education in the performing arts, Berklee College of Music can help you unlock your creative potential. Since its founding in 2002, Berklee Online has offered more than 75,000 students from 164 countries around the world an online learning experience. You can study voice performance, electronic music production, and songwriting.
With a mostly asynchronous class format, you can complete your coursework at your convenience. Each course also holds a weekly, one-hour live class that is recorded so you can review it later. Plus, all classes are capped at 20 students, providing a close-knit learning experience with your peers and instructors.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Cost of College in Massachusetts
The cost of attending college in Massachusetts can vary significantly depending on the university you attend, your residency status, and the financial aid you qualify for.
During the 2021-2022 academic year, the average cost of tuition in Massachusetts was $14,023 per year for in-state students at public four-year institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
While out-of-state students paid an average tuition of $32,291 at public universities, private four-year universities were significantly more expensive, with an average annual tuition cost of $50,820.
Average tuition rates in Massachusetts were significantly higher than the national averages at different institution types: $9,596 for in-state students at public universities, $27,457 for out-of-state students at public institutions, and $34,041 at private colleges.
Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
---|---|
Public Four-Year (In-State) | $14,023 |
Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $32,291 |
Private Four-Year | $50,820 |
Public Two-Year (In-State) | $5,559 |
Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $10,715 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Massachusetts
Whether you're interested in healthcare, sports, event planning, education, or business, there are likely employment opportunities for you in Massachusetts.
As you navigate your educational journey, keep these promising career paths in mind, as each requires at least a bachelor's degree. Attending an online college in Massachusetts can be a stepping stone toward landing one of these high-demand jobs in the future.
The Massachusetts Department of Economic Research has projected several careers will experience significant growth in the next 10 years. This includes coaches and scouts, nurse practitioners, event planners, physician assistants, and speech-language pathologists.
Job | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Average Annual Wage 2022 |
---|---|---|
Coaches and Scouts | 61% | $57,339 |
Nurse Practitioners | 61% | $128,447 |
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | 36% | $58,634 |
Physician Assistants | 35% | $125,073 |
Medical and Health Services Managers | 31% | $129,103 |
Speech-Language Pathologists | 27% | $84,541 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 25% | $108,246 |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | 24% | $84,857 |
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 23% | $78,081 |
Fundraisers | 23% | $63,927 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Massachusetts
What is the #1 college in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located in Cambridge, is often considered the best college in Massachusetts. MIT earned this distinction based on key factors such as student outcomes, learning environment, and program quality. Other top colleges in Massachusetts include Harvard University and Boston College.
How many online colleges are in Massachusetts?
According to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, there are at least 50 universities that offer online degrees in Massachusetts. This demonstrates the state's commitment to providing accessible and flexible education options for its residents.
What is the cheapest online college in Massachusetts?
According to NCES, one of the most affordable online colleges in Massachusetts is Fitchburg State University, with a tuition cost of $11,046 for the 2023-2024 school year.
Another affordable option is Worcester State University with a tuition cost of $11,286 for the same year. These figures are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with the institution for the most current tuition information.
Who qualifies for free college in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, certain individuals may qualify for free college under the MassReconnect program.
To be eligible, students must be 25 years or older on the first day of classes, be a permanent legal resident of the state for at least one year, not have previously received an associate or bachelor's degree, enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What is the easiest online college to get into in Massachusetts?
While admission requirements vary between institutions, one of the easiest online colleges to gain admission to is the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, with a 96% acceptance rate, according to NCES.
Other universities with high acceptance rates in Massachusetts include Wentworth Institute of Technology, Regis College, and Bridgewater State University.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 20, 2024.