Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts
Discover the best online colleges in Massachusetts and the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in the state to make an informed decision about your education and career path.At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
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Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.
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
Simmons University
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$43,060
$43,060
66%
68%
$27,152
$27,152
82%
5,053
Private
Yes
$43,060
$43,060
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$43,060
$43,060
66%
68%
$27,152
$27,152
82%
5,053
Private
Yes
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,850
$34,676
85%
39%
$14,956
$27,030
82%
16,959
Public
Yes
$15,850
$34,676
Lowell, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,850
$34,676
85%
39%
$14,956
$27,030
82%
16,959
Public
Yes
Endicott College
Beverly, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,926
$36,926
73%
40%
$13,084
$13,084
85%
4,381
Private
Yes
$36,926
$36,926
Beverly, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,926
$36,926
73%
40%
$13,084
$13,084
85%
4,381
Private
Yes
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Chicopee, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$38,735
$38,735
93%
47%
$16,776
$16,776
75%
1,278
Private
Yes
$38,735
$38,735
Chicopee, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$38,735
$38,735
93%
47%
$16,776
$16,776
75%
1,278
Private
Yes
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$30,514
$30,514
86%
25%
$18,900
$18,900
74%
3,406
Private
Yes
$30,514
$30,514
Cambridge, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$30,514
$30,514
86%
25%
$18,900
$18,900
74%
3,406
Private
Yes
Berklee College of Music
Boston, MA2 yearCampus + Online
$46,950
$46,950
50%
38%
$46,745
$46,745
85%
8,448
Private
Yes
$46,950
$46,950
Boston, MA2 yearCampus + Online
$46,950
$46,950
50%
38%
$46,745
$46,745
85%
8,448
Private
Yes
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
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.
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by Reese Lopez
Updated October 31, 2024
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