22 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Worcester State University
Worcester, Massachusetts
|
$14,738 | $68,821 | $11,286 | 55.5% | 87.7% |
| 2 |
Framingham State University
Framingham, Massachusetts
|
$16,698 | $76,460 | $11,630 | 49.5% | 87.4% |
| 3 |
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
|
$15,432 | $66,897 | $11,046 | 52.7% | 86.1% |
| 4 |
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$18,282 | $71,098 | $15,496 | 51.1% | 80.8% |
| 5 |
Salem State University
Salem, Massachusetts
|
$18,441 | $69,261 | $11,978 | 55.0% | 92.7% |
| 6 |
Westfield State University
Westfield, Massachusetts
|
$18,561 | $68,331 | $11,882 | 54.9% | 81.5% |
| 7 |
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
|
$18,627 | $64,706 | $16,570 | 70.1% | 86.0% |
| 8 |
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Chicopee, Massachusetts
|
$21,436 | $69,410 | $42,061 | 64.7% | 90.9% |
| 9 |
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
|
$20,605 | $64,258 | $15,208 | 49.0% | 95.5% |
| 10 |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
|
$23,691 | $68,647 | $17,357 | 83.2% | 63.5% |
| 11 |
Emmanuel College
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$31,569 | $90,856 | $46,686 | 65.8% | 79.7% |
| 12 |
American International College
Springfield, Massachusetts
|
$25,299 | $67,602 | $42,970 | 42.3% | 89.4% |
| 13 |
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$27,313 | $67,789 | $45,538 | 71.2% | 76.5% |
| 14 |
Anna Maria College
Paxton, Massachusetts
|
$29,396 | $72,413 | $43,064 | 40.4% | 69.6% |
| 15 |
Regis College
Weston, Massachusetts
|
$28,346 | $68,398 | $47,770 | 69.5% | 88.8% |
| 16 |
Curry College
Milton, Massachusetts
|
$29,504 | $69,850 | $46,220 | 48.3% | 87.5% |
| 17 |
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$32,116 | $70,200 | $63,141 | 90.4% | 6.8% |
| 18 |
MCPHS University
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$35,084 | $66,146 | $38,850 | 63.3% | 88.3% |
| 19 |
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
|
$39,866 | $71,015 | $67,680 | 91.0% | 16.7% |
| 20 |
Endicott College
Beverly, Massachusetts
|
$39,324 | $69,079 | $39,212 | 75.4% | 73.3% |
| 21 |
Fisher College
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$25,702 | $35,013 | 28.4% | 74.2% | |
| 22 |
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
|
$14,590 | $37,227 | 56.9% | 75.6% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the $26,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying nursing programs?
Emmanuel College graduates earn $90,856 compared to $64,258 at UMass-Dartmouth, reflecting differences in program focus and alumni networks. Emmanuel's Boston location provides direct access to high-paying medical centers and research hospitals. Private institutions often maintain stronger industry connections that lead to leadership roles in nursing administration and specialized clinical positions. Geographic factors also matter, as Boston-area hospitals typically offer higher compensation packages.
How do public university nursing programs compare on graduation rates versus cost?
UMass-Lowell achieves the highest public university graduation rate at 70.1% with an $18,627 net cost. Worcester State offers the lowest cost at $14,738 but graduates 55.5% of nursing students. UMass-Amherst reaches 83.2% graduation rates, though at $23,691 net cost. The data shows that slightly higher investment in public nursing programs often correlates with better completion rates and stronger career preparation.
Is the debt load manageable for Massachusetts nursing graduates given their earning potential?
Most programs maintain reasonable debt levels relative to nursing salaries, with College of Our Lady of the Elms showing just $20,907 average debt against $69,410 earnings. However, American International College graduates face $34,743 in debt for $67,602 earnings, creating a tighter financial ratio. The majority of state schools keep debt under $27,000, making the investment sustainable given Massachusetts nursing salaries typically start around $65,000 annually.
Where do the most competitive nursing programs accept students?
UMass-Amherst maintains the most selective admissions at 63.52% acceptance while delivering strong outcomes with 83.2% graduation rates. Anna Maria College accepts 69.58% of applicants but struggles with just 40.4% graduation rates. Most state universities accept 80-90% of nursing applicants, making them accessible options. The data suggests that moderate selectivity often correlates with better student support and program completion rates.
Does attending a private nursing college justify the higher tuition costs?
Emmanuel College demonstrates clear value with $90,856 graduate earnings despite $31,569 net costs, creating strong return on investment. Simmons University graduates earn $67,789 with manageable $22,125 debt levels and 71.2% graduation rates. However, some private options like Anna Maria College show concerning patterns with 40.4% graduation rates. The key is evaluating specific program outcomes rather than assuming all private nursing schools deliver superior results.
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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.