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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in Massachusetts

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Bay Path University delivers the strongest value proposition for Business Administration students in Massachusetts, combining a net cost of just $14,590 with earnings potential of $51,065. This $36,475 return on investment reflects the state's role as a major business center, where companies like Wayfair, TJX Companies, and State Street Corporation create steady demand for management professionals. Public universities cluster tightly in the $14,000-$20,000 net cost range, while private institutions span from $14,590 to $34,170. The earnings gap tells a compelling story, with graduates from Wentworth Institute earning $64,990 compared to $34,467 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Boston University stands apart with its 90% graduation rate and $60,597 median earnings, though students pay $26,996 net cost for that premium. Massachusetts' biotech corridor and financial services sector provide abundant internship and career opportunities, particularly around Cambridge and Boston's Innovation District.
41
Programs
$14,334 – $42,402
Net Price Range
$48,141
Avg. Program Earnings
64.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

41 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,590 $51,065 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
2 $14,738 $42,580 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
3 $17,733 $51,035 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
4 $15,432 $41,246 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
5 $18,282 $46,579 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
6 $18,441 $43,328 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
7 $18,627 $43,087 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
8 $26,996 $60,597 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
9 $23,691 $52,733 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
10 $27,313 $55,286 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
11 $25,702 $51,273 $35,013 28.4% 74.2%
12 $20,605 $39,369 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
13 $34,170 $64,990 $41,010 68.6% 92.3%
14 $24,817 $46,556 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
15 $18,707 $34,467 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
16 $24,944 $43,426 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
17 $32,116 $55,512 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
18 $28,853 $48,725 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
19 $39,866 $63,997 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
20 $31,805 $50,606 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
21 $29,504 $46,790 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
22 $38,876 $61,600 $56,032 92.4% 22.4%
23 $29,187 $45,696 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
24 $31,065 $48,432 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
25 $29,969 $46,087 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
26 $30,031 $44,943 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
27 $31,569 $45,500 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
28 $38,787 $53,699 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
29 $30,236 $41,565 $44,960 43.2% 76.0%
30 $25,299 $33,993 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
31 $39,324 $51,273 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
32 $30,934 $38,289 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
33 $37,899 $44,327 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
34 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
35 $14,334 $22,490 44.4% 57.9%
36 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
37 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
38 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
39 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
40 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
41 $42,402 $54,890 65.8% 47.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $30,523 earnings difference between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

Wentworth Institute of Technology leads with $64,990 median earnings due to its focus on applied business and technology integration. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts reports $34,467, reflecting its rural location and different industry connections. The technical skills emphasis at Wentworth aligns with Massachusetts' tech sector needs. Geographic location also matters, as Boston-area programs typically offer higher earning potential.

How do public universities compare in graduation rates across Massachusetts?

UMass-Lowell achieves the highest public university graduation rate at 70.1%, followed by UMass-Amherst at 83.2%. Worcester State and Salem State both maintain 55% rates despite lower net costs around $14,000-$18,000. UMass-Dartmouth struggles with a 49% graduation rate, suggesting students may face academic or financial challenges. The state's flagship campuses generally outperform regional public institutions.

Is Boston University worth its $26,996 net cost for business students?

Boston University justifies its premium pricing with a 90% graduation rate and $60,597 median earnings. The school accepts only 14.37% of applicants, creating a selective academic environment. Students graduate with $23,196 in debt, which is manageable given the earning potential. The network effects and Boston location provide significant career advantages in finance and consulting.

Does attending a private nonprofit guarantee better earnings outcomes?

Private schools show mixed results, with Bay Path University offering excellent value at $51,065 earnings for $14,590 net cost. Eastern Nazarene College costs $17,733 but produces similar $51,035 earnings with only a 35.3% graduation rate. Fisher College charges $25,702 but has a concerning 28.4% graduation rate. Public universities like UMass-Amherst often provide comparable outcomes at lower costs.

Where do Massachusetts business graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Greater Boston hosts major employers including Fidelity Investments, Raytheon Technologies, and Boston Scientific, creating strong demand for business graduates. The Route 128 corridor houses numerous technology and biotech companies seeking management talent. Worcester and Springfield offer regional opportunities in healthcare administration and manufacturing. Many graduates also pursue roles in the state's education and nonprofit sectors, which employ over 800,000 residents.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.