Online Schools and Colleges in Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts has 114 colleges and universities. In 2016, there were over 180,000 students enrolled in Massachusetts colleges. As a college-bound student researching schools in Massachusetts, it is important to choose the right school and know how to tell who provides a high-quality education that will help further your career goals. Keep reading to learn about Massachusetts colleges and the growing flexibility they are offering through online learning. We answer frequently asked questions regarding tuition, how transfer credits work in Massachusetts and how earning a college degree can be an important stepping stone for building a career.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Massachusetts is home to more than 100 colleges and universities, many of which offer online programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition rates in the state exceed the national average. However, online learners can qualify for financial aid opportunities, including state-sponsored scholarships and grants. Additionally, data from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) shows that professionals in Massachusetts earn one of the highest median wages in the nation.

Attending one of the high-quality, affordable online schools and colleges in Massachusetts can help you significantly increase your earning potential. This guide covers the importance of accreditation, strategies for paying for college, and online resources for Massachusetts students.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Greater Boston is one of the most historically significant cities in the country, and its culture of higher education and academia is rivaled by perhaps no other city in the United States. Home to well-known public colleges and elite private universities recognized worldwide, Boston boasts nearly five dozen institutions of higher education. Along with a comprehensive network of distance-learning options, Boston is the educational heart of the Northeast.

Boston has one of the most extensive networks of private, nonprofit four-year colleges and universities in the country. They range from tiny religious colleges with just around a hundred students, to behemoths such as Boston University, which enrolls more than 30,000. Harvard University is the oldest and arguably the most prestigious institution of higher learning in the country. MIT is one of the most elite engineering and scientific schools in the world, accepting fewer than 8 percent of applicants. The Berklee College of Music is the world’s largest independent college of contemporary music, known for the study of jazz and modern American music.

Earning a postsecondary degree typically leads to more career opportunities and higher earning potential. Nationwide, graduates of postsecondary programs earn higher average salaries than individuals with a high school diploma. Higher levels of educational attainment generally correlate with higher salaries. In 2016, bachelor’s degree-holders in Massachusetts earned a median salary that was double that of professionals with only a high school diploma, according to data from MassBudget.

Source: BLS

Tuition rates for Massachusetts learners are higher than the national averages for in-state and out-of-state learners at both public and private schools. In-state students at public colleges pay tuition rates more than $3,000 higher than the national average; out-of-state students pay about $4,000 more than the U.S. average. Average tuition at private universities far exceeds the national average, with students in Massachusetts paying rates more than $13,000 higher than the national average.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

The figures above do not account for room and board or additional costs for online learners. Learners should understand all education-related expenses when budgeting for college. Below are some cost considerations for students attending online schools and colleges in Massachusetts.

At public schools, in-state learners typically pay discounted tuition rates. To qualify for in-state tuition rates in Massachusetts, students must have lived in the state continuously for at least six months (for learners attending community college) or 12 months (for state schools). Students can prove residency by submitting documents such as tax returns, voter registration, or a Massachusetts high school diploma.

Residents of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont can apply for the New England Student Regional Program, which offers an average tuition break of $7,900. Students should contact their school to learn about residency requirements for online learners.

Students attending online schools and colleges in Massachusetts can apply for financial aid to help fund their education. Scholarships and grants are ideal forms of funding, since they do not require repayment. Below is a sampling of the scholarships and grants available to online learners in Massachusetts.

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be permanent residents of Massachusetts and be enrolled in a public college in Massachusetts. Candidates must come from a rural area of the state and must demonstrate financial need.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Tenth-grade and eleventh-grade students who have overcome a major obstacle can apply for this scholarship. Students must demonstrate academic potential and can attend any college in the continental United States.

Amount: Up to 50% of documented financial need

Who Can Apply: This scholarship program encourages students to earn degrees that lead to careers in high-demand fields in Massachusetts. Applicants must pursue a degree in a STEM field and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Amount: Up to $5,000

Who Can Apply: Applicants must receive high scores on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment test in tenth grade and plan to attend a Massachusetts state university or college.

Amount: Up to $1,714

Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports Massachusetts residents who are the head of their household and have children under 18 years old. Applicants must be at risk of homelessness or have experienced homelessness during the previous 12 months. Students must participate in service activities through One Family, Inc.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be Massachusetts residents enrolled full time. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and academic progress, and they must have an expected family contribution of less than $5,486.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be residents of Massachusetts enrolled part time or full time at one of the state’s community colleges. Students must demonstrate financial need.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This program supports Massachusetts residents enrolled full time at an eligible institution. Students must not hold a bachelor’s or professional degree or diploma from a hospital or nursing program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Amount: $200 to $2,500

Who Can Apply: Massachusetts residents who lost a parent or spouse in the line of duty in Massachusetts can apply for this grant, regardless of financial need.

Amount: Tuition

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be permanent legal residents of Massachusetts enrolled in at least three undergraduate credits in an eligible program. Candidates must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.

Amount: Varies

Students attending on-campus or online programs should ensure that they choose a school that meets set standards for academic quality. Accreditation is a voluntary process that demonstrates that an institution or program meets minimum standards. Choosing an accredited school ensures that you will receive a quality education and that employers will recognize your degree. The sections below detail several types of accreditation for online schools and colleges in Massachusetts.

Adult learners in Massachusetts can pursue education programs to gain skills and qualify for more advanced career opportunities. The sections below include data and information related to adult education in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts learners can access various online resources to help them choose an online program and locate options for financing their degree. Below are some resources for students attending online schools and colleges in Massachusetts.