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MIT business graduates earn $94,408 after graduation while paying just $19,813 annually through generous financial aid, creating the most compelling value proposition among Massachusetts business programs. This stark contrast with schools like Framingham State, where graduates earn $36,776, reflects the state's bifurcated economy spanning both tech giants and traditional industries. Worcester State offers the absolute lowest net cost at $14,738, though acceptance rates across public universities hover near 85%, making admission relatively accessible. Massachusetts employs over 400,000 business professionals across finance, consulting, and biotech sectors centered in Boston's Financial District and Cambridge innovation corridor. The state's MassGrant Plus program helps bridge affordability gaps, particularly benefiting students at the 11 public institutions where in-state tuition averages $13,000.
16
Programs
$14,738 – $46,766
Net Price Range
$54,077
Avg. Program Earnings
67.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,738 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
2 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
3 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
4 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
5 $18,627 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
6 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
7 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
8 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
9 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
10 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
11 $31,065 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
12 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
13 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
14 $33,885 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
15 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
16 $46,766 $55,392 79.3% 42.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $80,000+ difference between the highest and lowest cost programs?

Private colleges like Brandeis charge $64,946 in sticker price compared to Worcester State's $11,286 in-state tuition. However, financial aid narrows this gap significantly, with MIT's net cost dropping to just $19,813 despite a $60,156 sticker price. Public universities maintain lower baseline costs but offer less institutional aid, while elite private schools provide substantial need-based grants.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Massachusetts business schools?

Higher-cost programs generally show stronger completion rates, with MIT achieving 96.1% graduation compared to Eastern Nazarene's 35.3%. Public universities like UMass Lowell reach 70.1% graduation rates at moderate costs, while mid-tier private colleges like Regis achieve 69.5% graduation at $28,346 net cost. The pattern suggests that institutional resources and student selectivity both influence outcomes.

Does attending a more expensive business program guarantee higher earnings?

Not necessarily, though the data shows clear patterns. MIT graduates earn $94,408 while Nichols College graduates earn $45,956, yet Nichols costs significantly more at $31,065 net price. Northeastern graduates earning $63,111 justify their $32,116 investment through strong alumni networks in Boston's finance sector. Students should weigh regional employment connections alongside raw earnings data when evaluating return on investment.

Where do Massachusetts business graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Boston's Financial District employs thousands of business graduates across major firms like Fidelity, State Street, and John Hancock. The Route 128 tech corridor offers opportunities in business operations roles at companies like Wayfair and TripAdvisor. Healthcare administration positions abound given Massachusetts' concentration of hospitals and biotech companies, while consulting firms like BCG and Bain actively recruit from top state programs.

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