Cheapest Human Services Colleges in Massachusetts

Fitchburg State University stands out among Massachusetts Human Services programs with a remarkably low $15,432 net cost, nearly $9,000 less than the next cheapest option. This gap highlights the value of public education in a state where private colleges dominate the higher education scene. Human Services graduates in Massachusetts enter a job market strengthened by the state's extensive healthcare and social services network, with Boston Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital among major employers. While earnings range from $31,839 to $36,166 across these programs, the dramatic cost differences between public and private options create vastly different return-on-investment scenarios for students.

Programs

$15,432 – $32,116

Net Price Range

$33,863

Avg. Program Earnings

56.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Human Services, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, Massachusetts	$15,432	$11,046	52.7%	86.1%
2	Gordon College Wenham, Massachusetts	$24,817	$28,100	67.6%	91.8%
3	Lasell University Newton, Massachusetts	$24,944	$26,000	53.2%	73.2%
4	American International College Springfield, Massachusetts	$25,299	$42,970	42.3%	89.4%
5	Fisher College Boston, Massachusetts	$25,702	$35,013	28.4%	74.2%
6	Anna Maria College Paxton, Massachusetts	$29,396	$43,064	40.4%	69.6%
7	Suffolk University Boston, Massachusetts	$30,031	$45,380	59.8%	86.8%
8	Emmanuel College Boston, Massachusetts	$31,569	$46,686	65.8%	79.7%
9	Lesley University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$31,805	$32,780	61.7%	86.2%
10	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Fitchburg State University so much cheaper than other Human Services programs in Massachusetts?

As a public university, Fitchburg State offers in-state students a net cost of just $15,432, compared to private colleges that average over $27,000. The $11,046 in-state tuition rate, combined with state funding, creates significant savings that private institutions cannot match.

How do graduation rates compare between the most and least expensive programs?

Northeastern University, the most expensive at $32,116 net cost, boasts a 90.40% graduation rate while also being highly selective with just 6.80% acceptance. In contrast, Fitchburg State maintains a respectable 52.70% graduation rate despite its much lower cost and higher 86.06% acceptance rate.

Is there a significant difference in post-graduation earnings across these programs?

Surprisingly, earnings vary by only about $4,300 across programs with available data. Fitchburg State graduates earn $36,166 annually, actually outpacing Northeastern's $31,839, despite the dramatic cost difference between these schools.

Does location within Massachusetts affect program costs and outcomes?

Boston-area schools like Fisher College, Suffolk University, and Emmanuel College cluster in the $25,000-$31,000 range, while suburban options vary widely. Fitchburg State's location outside the expensive Boston market helps keep costs low while still providing access to the state's job market.

More Human Services, General Rankings

Best Value Human Services, General in Massachusetts Human Services, General Under $20,000 in Massachusetts

All Human Services, General Programs Best Colleges in Massachusetts Best Human Services, General in Massachusetts

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