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Best Value Psychology Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Williams College delivers an extraordinary value proposition for psychology students, charging $14,852 net cost while graduates earn $34,704 annually. This stark contrast against typical private college expectations reflects the school's 96.6% graduation rate and need-blind admissions policy that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. Bay Path University follows closely at $14,590 net cost, though with markedly different outcomes at 56.9% graduation rate. The 15 programs span from $14,590 to $27,313 in net costs, while earnings range from $26,353 to $41,007. Massachusetts psychology graduates benefit from the state's concentration of research hospitals, biotech companies, and mental health organizations. Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and dozens of biotech firms create strong demand for psychology professionals in clinical research, organizational behavior, and therapeutic roles. Public universities like Worcester State offer solid value at $14,738 net cost with $33,245 earnings, while elite liberal arts colleges provide premium outcomes at surprisingly affordable net prices through generous financial aid.
50
Programs
$14,590 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$33,000
Avg. Program Earnings
68.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,852 $34,704 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
2 $14,590 $33,281 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
3 $14,738 $33,245 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
4 $15,432 $30,499 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
5 $16,698 $32,925 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
6 $18,441 $35,505 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
7 $18,282 $34,783 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
8 $17,970 $32,439 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
9 $18,627 $33,382 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
10 $18,246 $31,839 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
11 $18,561 $32,307 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
12 $25,008 $38,289 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
13 $18,707 $28,236 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
14 $27,313 $41,007 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
15 $17,733 $26,353 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
16 $20,605 $30,554 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
17 $24,944 $34,704 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
18 $21,436 $29,250 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
19 $23,691 $31,961 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
20 $25,299 $33,993 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
21 $35,435 $46,321 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
22 $26,996 $34,348 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
23 $30,031 $37,808 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
24 $24,817 $31,038 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
25 $29,969 $35,964 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
26 $32,116 $38,433 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
27 $28,853 $32,563 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
28 $29,504 $32,162 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
29 $39,866 $42,682 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
30 $27,711 $29,413 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
31 $29,562 $30,409 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
32 $36,868 $37,856 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
33 $25,702 $26,353 $35,013 28.4% 74.2%
34 $33,885 $34,420 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
35 $31,065 $29,685 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
36 $37,899 $36,141 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
37 $39,324 $37,208 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
38 $30,934 $27,126 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
39 $26,181 $22,937 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
40 $31,805 $27,536 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
41 $29,187 $23,351 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
42 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
43 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
44 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
45 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
46 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
47 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
48 $30,236 $44,960 43.2% 76.0%
49 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
50 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Williams College such good value for psychology students despite its $64,860 sticker price?

Williams College reduces costs to just $14,852 net price through generous financial aid that meets 100% of demonstrated need. The school maintains a 96.6% graduation rate, ensuring students complete their degrees efficiently. Psychology graduates earn $34,704 annually while carrying only $13,416 in debt, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios.

How do Massachusetts public universities compare for psychology value?

Worcester State University leads public options with $14,738 net cost and $33,245 earnings for psychology graduates. Salem State University offers the highest earnings among public schools at $35,505 despite $18,441 net cost. UMass Lowell provides strong graduation rates at 70.1% with $18,627 net cost and $33,382 earnings.

Does Simmons University justify its higher costs for psychology students?

Simmons University commands the highest net price at $27,313 but delivers the strongest earnings at $41,007 for psychology graduates. The 71.2% graduation rate exceeds most competitors, and the Boston location provides access to major medical centers and research institutions. Students graduate with $26,278 debt against significantly higher earning potential.

Where do psychology graduates find the strongest job markets in Massachusetts?

Boston hosts major employers like Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and numerous biotech companies requiring psychology expertise. The state's 89 colleges and universities create demand for counseling and student services professionals. Research institutions like MIT and Harvard offer opportunities in experimental and cognitive psychology roles.

What graduation rate differences exist among Massachusetts psychology programs?

Elite colleges like Williams (96.6%) and Amherst (93.4%) maintain strong completion rates despite low acceptance rates. Public universities typically graduate 49-70% of students, with UMass Lowell leading at 70.1%. Eastern Nazarene College shows concerning outcomes with just 35.3% graduation rate despite moderate costs.

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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.