Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Aaron Perkowitz
By
Updated on June 28, 2024
Edited by
Online universities in Massachusetts offer flexible accredited programs. Learn about the top online schools in the state and how to pick an accredited degree.

Online universities in Massachusetts allow students to pursue multiple majors, degree levels, and concentrations. The state also utilizes initiatives to help students access, afford, and prepare for college. These include efforts by the Massachusetts Department of Education, such as Bridges to College for Adult Learners, Strategic Public Higher Education Financing, and MASSGrant Plus.

Students who wish to pursue a degree in Massachusetts can read on to learn about resources and accreditation and find our list of the top schools in the state.

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What Colleges Are Accredited in Massachusetts?

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 demonstrating 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.

Institutional Accreditation

Third-party organizations accredit colleges and universities based on a set of rigorous academic criteria. In the past, institutional accreditation was determined regionally. It’s important to choose a school that’s accredited in order to qualify for financial aid, easily transfer credits, and ensure your degree will be taken seriously.

However, in 2020, the Department of Education began allowing schools to pursue accreditation from any approved accrediting organization, no matter its location. This shift allowed Massachusetts’s nonprofit schools to work with accreditors other than the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Subject-Specific Accreditation

Subject-specific accreditation agencies focus on individual programs instead of entire institutions. While regional and national accreditation agencies provide accreditation to all programs within a school, subject-specific accreditations only apply to specific degrees.

Programmatic accreditors include the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation for education programs, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs for business programs, and The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology for STEM programs.

Top Accredited Online Universities in Massachusetts

#1 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Harvard University

  • Location-markerCambridge, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$47,730
  • Out-of-state$47,730
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$48,008
  • Out-of-state$48,008
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate5%
  • Students Enrolled31,655
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment18%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

  • Location-markerAmherst, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,791
  • Out-of-state$35,112
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,014
  • Out-of-state$29,529
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled31,350
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment15%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Westfield State University

  • Location-markerWestfield, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$970
  • Out-of-state$7,050
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$1,890
  • Out-of-state$1,890
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled5,795
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Endicott College

  • Location-markerBeverly, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$33,304
  • Out-of-state$33,304
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,555
  • Out-of-state$12,555
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled4,741
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Framingham State University

  • Location-markerFramingham, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$970
  • Out-of-state$7,050
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$1,680
  • Out-of-state$7,050
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled5,456
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment35%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Simmons University

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$40,850
  • Out-of-state$40,850
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$21,654
  • Out-of-state$21,654
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled6,535
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Lesley University

  • Location-markerCambridge, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$28,500
  • Out-of-state$28,500
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,540
  • Out-of-state$18,540
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled4,510
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Bay Path University

  • Location-markerLongmeadow, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$35,081
  • Out-of-state$35,081
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,670
  • Out-of-state$14,670
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled3,324
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment62%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Fitchburg State University

  • Location-markerFitchburg, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$970
  • Out-of-state$7,050
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,186
  • Out-of-state$3,186
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate88%
  • Students Enrolled7,251
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment37%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Bentley University

  • Location-markerWaltham, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,060
  • Out-of-state$50,060
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$38,400
  • Out-of-state$38,400
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate47%
  • Students Enrolled5,314
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment2%
  • AccreditationYes
#11 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Lasell University

  • Location-markerNewton, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$35,700
  • Out-of-state$35,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,800
  • Out-of-state$10,800
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled2,041
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
#12 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Merrimack College

  • Location-markerNorth Andover, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$40,770
  • Out-of-state$40,770
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$29,280
  • Out-of-state$29,280
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate82%
  • Students Enrolled5,186
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment10%
  • AccreditationYes
#13 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Assumption College

  • Location-markerWorcester, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$41,516
  • Out-of-state$41,516
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,690
  • Out-of-state$12,690
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled2,443
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment9%
  • AccreditationYes
#14 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

  • Location-markerWorcester, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$51,604
  • Out-of-state$51,604
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$28,188
  • Out-of-state$28,188
  • Retention Rate95%
  • Acceptance Rate49%
  • Students Enrolled6,894
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment14%
  • AccreditationYes
#15 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Western New England University

  • Location-markerSpringfield, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$35,454
  • Out-of-state$35,454
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$25,056
  • Out-of-state$25,056
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate85%
  • Students Enrolled3,801
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment17%
  • AccreditationYes
#16 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

  • Location-markerLowell, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,078
  • Out-of-state$33,004
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,590
  • Out-of-state$26,370
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled18,352
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment32%
  • AccreditationYes
#17 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts-Boston

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$14,187
  • Out-of-state$34,649
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,433
  • Out-of-state$35,980
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled15,989
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment33%
  • AccreditationYes
#18 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Nichols College

  • Location-markerDudley, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$34,615
  • Out-of-state$34,615
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$738
  • Out-of-state$738
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate80%
  • Students Enrolled1,560
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment30%
  • AccreditationYes
#19 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Brandeis University

  • Location-markerWaltham, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$55,340
  • Out-of-state$55,340
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$51,940
  • Out-of-state$51,940
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate30%
  • Students Enrolled5,825
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment7%
  • AccreditationYes
#20 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Emmanuel College

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$41,028
  • Out-of-state$41,028
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,319
  • Out-of-state$14,319
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled2,222
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment2%
  • AccreditationYes

How to Know if Your School or Program Is Accredited

To determine the accreditation status of a school or program, you can search the directory from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Prospective students can search the directory by program, school, or accrediting agency. Most schools also include accreditation information on their website.

The Impact of Accreditation When Transfering Credits

Students who wish to transfer credits to change schools or pursue advanced degrees should ensure their school has received institutional accreditation. Most accredited institutions only accept transfer credits from other accredited institutions. Programmatically accredited credits from non-accredited schools may not qualify for transfer.

Accreditation Criteria for Licensing

Licensing institutions may require applicants to complete specific degree programs from accredited schools to demonstrate subject proficiency. Professionals who cannot obtain licensure may have limited job opportunities.

Certain industries, including healthcare and engineering, may have additional stringent licensing requirements. Both the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors require applicants to possess a four-year degree from an accredited institution at minimum.

Choosing the Right Online College in Massachusetts

Online universities in Massachusetts offer a diverse selection of programs and curriculums. Applicants should review their personal goals and compare variables among schools. The guide below offers an outline for students to identify their ideal school.

1. Check Accreditation Status

Applicants should first check whether a school has received accreditation. An institution’s accreditation status can be quickly reviewed online for free. Students who skip this step may accidentally apply for unaccredited schools.

2. Identify Available Programs

Prospective enrollees should consider their future goals and choose a degree that can teach them relevant skills. Individuals can check an institution’s website and review available programs to ensure their ideal degree is offered.

3. Compare Curriculums

After students choose potential schools and programs, they should compare the curricula of similar degrees. Each program offers various focuses, courses, and concentrations.

4. Identify Program Options

Attendees can consider their ideal program type, including in-person, online, and hybrid options. Each type has various advantages, including flexibility and networking opportunities. Enrollees who study online may choose between synchronous and asynchronous options.

5. Check Extracurriculars and Additional Services

Many schools, including those with online programs, also offer extracurriculars and resources. Students may benefit from career centers, alumni networks, mental health support, and tech assistance. Students should compare their needs with institutional offerings.

6. Compare Costs

Schools may charge different tuition rates for similar programs. Applicants should compare annual costs between schools, including tuition, mandatory fees, and the cost of living. Students should compare total prices after accounting for financial aid.

Online College Resources for Massachusetts Students

Applicants to Massachusetts schools have various resources regarding program choices, financial aid opportunities, and individual support services. Students can utilize the below list of free resources during their application process.

  • Massachusetts Colleges Online

    Massachusetts Colleges Online allows students to find course, program, and degree information for Massachusetts’s 15 community colleges and nine state schools. The website’s shared database holds information on over 225 online degrees and 5,000 courses.
  • Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

    The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education provides information and financial aid to Massachusetts-based students. Higher learning enrollees can review the website for grant, scholarship, and interest-free loan opportunities. The department also offers a financial aid calculator, a financial aid glossary, and links to additional in-state resources.
  • Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

    MASFAA provides online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) assistance via its FAFSA day. Students and families can apply for one-on-one support online with free volunteers. The service provides support in multiple languages but recommends submitting specialized requests at least 24 hours in advance.
  • MassEdCo

    MassEdCo offers education and career services to first-generation and historically underrepresented Massachusetts residents. High school students can receive free assistance with picking a program, comparing costs, and learning about student loans.