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Bay Path University delivers the most affordable health sciences education in Massachusetts at just $14,590 net cost, while Boston University charges nearly double at $26,996 despite both offering the same general health services degree. This stark pricing divide reflects the state's complex higher education market, where 16 programs range from $14,590 to $37,899 in net costs. Massachusetts healthcare employers, from Partners HealthCare to Boston Medical Center, recruit heavily from state programs as the biotech corridor expands around Boston and Cambridge. Public universities like Bridgewater State ($17,970) and Westfield State ($18,561) cluster near the bottom of the cost spectrum, while graduation rates vary dramatically from Eastern Nazarene's 35.3% to Boston University's 90%. The state's MassGrant Plus program helps reduce barriers for in-state students entering this field, which typically produces graduates earning between $32,391 and $35,653 annually.
16
Programs
$14,590 – $37,899
Net Price Range
$34,368
Avg. Program Earnings
60.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,590 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
2 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
3 $17,970 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
4 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
5 $18,707 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
6 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
7 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
8 $26,996 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
9 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
10 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
11 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
12 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
13 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
14 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
15 $35,084 $38,850 63.3% 88.3%
16 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $12,406 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Bay Path University's $14,590 net cost reflects aggressive financial aid packaging at a private institution, while higher-cost programs like MCPHS University at $35,084 often specialize in direct healthcare career preparation. Public universities maintain lower costs through state funding, with Bridgewater State at $17,970 and Westfield State at $18,561. Private institutions vary widely based on endowment size and aid policies.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Massachusetts health sciences?

Boston University justifies its $26,996 cost with a 90% graduation rate, while Eastern Nazarene College at $17,733 graduates only 35.3% of students. Mid-range programs like Stonehill College ($29,969) achieve 80.8% graduation rates. The data shows that neither the cheapest nor most expensive programs guarantee the highest completion rates.

Does attending a more expensive program lead to higher earnings after graduation?

Graduate earnings remain surprisingly consistent across price points, ranging only from $32,391 to $35,653. Boston University graduates earn $35,653 despite the program's $26,996 cost, while Bay Path graduates earn $32,391 at just $14,590 net cost. This narrow earnings spread suggests that employer demand for health services workers creates relatively stable starting salaries regardless of alma mater.

Where do Massachusetts health sciences graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Massachusetts healthcare sector employs over 500,000 workers across hospital systems, biotech companies, and research institutions concentrated in Greater Boston. Major employers include Massachusetts General Brigham, Boston Children's Hospital, and pharmaceutical giants like Moderna and Biogen. The state's aging population and expanding biotech industry create steady demand for health services professionals. Rural areas also need healthcare workers, particularly in Western Massachusetts where several featured programs operate.

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