Skip to main content

Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Bay Path University stands out among Massachusetts liberal arts programs with a net price of just $14,590, making it the most affordable option despite its private status. This unusual positioning highlights the wide cost spectrum in the state, where similar programs range from Bay Path's low price to Hampshire College at $25,810 for comparable liberal arts education. The 20 programs analyzed show median earnings spanning $19,829 to $60,146, reflecting Massachusetts' economy where liberal arts graduates often transition into the state's booming healthcare administration, nonprofit management, and educational sectors. Public universities like Framingham State ($16,698 net price) and UMass-Dartmouth ($20,605) provide solid middle-ground options, while the state's concentration of colleges creates unique networking opportunities. With Boston's knowledge economy demanding critical thinking and communication skills, liberal arts graduates find pathways in consulting, government relations, and the state's numerous cultural institutions that anchor the regional economy.
44
Programs
$14,334 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$32,106
Avg. Program Earnings
66.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

44 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,590 $35,060 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
2 $20,605 $37,568 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
3 $16,698 $29,685 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
4 $18,561 $32,711 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
5 $18,627 $30,047 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
6 $17,733 $28,598 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
7 $38,787 $60,146 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
8 $18,441 $28,236 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
9 $23,691 $29,956 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
10 $31,805 $34,704 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
11 $29,504 $27,048 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
12 $30,236 $26,933 $44,960 43.2% 76.0%
13 $25,810 $19,829 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
14 $39,324 $28,960 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
15 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
16 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
17 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
18 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
19 $14,738 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
20 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
21 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
22 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
23 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
24 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
25 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
26 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
27 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
28 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
29 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
30 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
31 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
32 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
33 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
34 $14,334 $22,490 44.4% 57.9%
35 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
36 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
37 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
38 $25,702 $35,013 28.4% 74.2%
39 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
40 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
41 $26,996 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
42 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
43 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
44 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bay Path University such an affordable private option for liberal arts students?

Bay Path University offers a net price of $14,590, significantly lower than most private colleges in Massachusetts. The university's focus on career-oriented liberal arts education and generous financial aid packages help students access private education at nearly public university costs. With a 75.63% acceptance rate and median earnings of $35,060 after graduation, Bay Path provides accessible entry into liberal arts study with reasonable debt loads averaging $27,000.

How do public university liberal arts programs compare in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts public universities offer liberal arts programs with net prices ranging from $16,698 at Framingham State to $23,691 at UMass-Amherst. UMass-Lowell leads in graduation rates at 70.10%, while UMass-Dartmouth has the highest acceptance rate at 95.52% among public options. These programs typically result in debt loads between $20,500 and $30,500, making them financially accessible pathways to liberal arts degrees.

Is Bentley University worth the higher cost for liberal arts students?

Bentley University commands a $38,787 net price but delivers the highest median earnings at $60,146, nearly double many other programs in the state. The business-focused liberal arts approach results in an 88.20% graduation rate and relatively manageable debt of $26,000. Students benefit from Bentley's strong corporate connections and location in the Greater Boston business corridor, justifying the premium through superior earning potential.

Does Massachusetts offer good job prospects for liberal arts graduates?

Massachusetts liberal arts graduates benefit from the state's knowledge-based economy, with median earnings ranging from $19,829 to $60,146 depending on the program. The Boston metropolitan area hosts numerous healthcare systems, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations that actively recruit liberal arts graduates for management and program coordination roles. The state's high concentration of colleges also creates networking advantages and alumni connections across various industries.

Where should students look for the best graduation rates in Massachusetts liberal arts programs?

Worcester Polytechnic Institute leads with an 88.40% graduation rate, followed closely by Bentley University at 88.20% and UMass-Amherst at 83.20%. These higher-performing programs typically require stronger academic preparation, as evidenced by their lower acceptance rates of 57.48%, 57.88%, and 63.52% respectively. Students seeking program completion assurance should consider these selective options, though they come with higher costs and admission requirements.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Massachusetts Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Under $20,000 in Massachusetts

Related

All Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs Best Colleges in Massachusetts Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Massachusetts

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