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Boston College stands apart from other Catholic institutions in Massachusetts with its 16.7% acceptance rate and $103,937 median earnings, reflecting the competitive market where faith-based education meets academic selectivity. The state's 12 Catholic colleges show remarkable earning potential, with graduates from Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing earning $101,466 despite the school's small 195-student enrollment. Net prices range from $21,436 at College of Our Lady of the Elms to nearly $40,000 at Boston College, yet even mid-tier institutions like Stonehill College produce graduates earning $77,745. Massachusetts biotech and healthcare sectors actively recruit from these programs, particularly benefiting nursing and science graduates. The concentration around Boston and Worcester positions students near major medical centers like Massachusetts General Hospital and research facilities along Route 128. Holy Cross maintains strong alumni networks in finance and consulting, while smaller schools like Assumption University offer more accessible pathways with 82.3% acceptance rates. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Anna Maria College's concerning 40.4% to Boston College's strong 91%, suggesting careful program selection remains critical for student success.
12
Schools
$31,578
Avg. Net Price
$74,348
Avg. Earnings
72.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Catholic Colleges in Massachusetts

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 9,865 $39,866 91.0% 16.7%
2 3,015 $36,868 89.6% 36.4%
3 2,477 $29,969 80.8% 73.4%
4 4,043 $37,899 72.1% 74.6%
5 1,664 $28,853 74.6% 82.3%
6 195
7 1,874 $31,569 65.8% 79.7%
8 1,061 $28,346 69.5% 88.8%
9 951 $21,436 64.7% 90.9%
10 948 $29,396 40.4% 69.6%
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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Boston College different from other Catholic colleges in Massachusetts?

Boston College combines highly selective admissions with outstanding outcomes, accepting just 16.7% of applicants while maintaining a 91% graduation rate. Its graduates earn $103,937 median income, significantly higher than other Catholic institutions in the state, reflecting its strong alumni network in finance and consulting.

How do nursing programs at Catholic colleges in Massachusetts perform?

Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing demonstrates strong value with graduates earning $101,466 despite its small 195-student enrollment. This specialized focus allows direct pipeline relationships with Massachusetts healthcare systems, often leading to immediate employment opportunities in the state's extensive medical sector.

Is Holy Cross worth the higher cost compared to other Catholic colleges?

Holy Cross charges $36,868 net price but delivers strong returns with graduates earning $90,543 and maintaining an 89.6% graduation rate. The 36.4% acceptance rate indicates selectivity while remaining more accessible than Boston College, offering solid value for students seeking rigorous academics.

Does school size affect outcomes at Massachusetts Catholic colleges?

Large schools like Boston College (9,865 students) and small colleges like Assumption University (1,664 students) both achieve strong results, with graduation rates of 91% and 74.6% respectively. Success depends more on institutional support and student preparation than enrollment numbers.

Where do Massachusetts Catholic college graduates typically find employment?

Graduates concentrate in Boston's biotech corridor, healthcare systems like Partners HealthCare, and financial services companies. The state's extensive medical research facilities and Route 128 technology companies actively recruit from these programs, particularly in nursing, business, and science fields.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.