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Public universities deliver the steepest savings for International Business students in Massachusetts, with Framingham State's $16,698 net cost sitting $21,000 below the most expensive option at $39,324. The gap between public and private becomes even starker when examining sticker prices, where Massachusetts Maritime Academy charges just $10,816 for residents while some private colleges exceed $60,000. Northeastern University stands out with graduates earning $65,517 annually despite the program's selectivity at 6.80% acceptance rate. The Commonwealth's position as a global business center makes these programs particularly valuable, with Boston serving as headquarters for major multinational corporations and the state's proximity to international shipping routes through Boston Harbor creating natural pathways for trade-focused careers.
17
Programs
$16,698 – $39,324
Net Price Range
$49,309
Avg. Program Earnings
65.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 International Business Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
2 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
3 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
4 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
5 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
6 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
7 $26,661 $10,816 79.1% 89.4%
8 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
9 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
10 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
11 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
12 $31,065 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
13 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
14 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
15 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
16 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
17 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between public and private International Business programs?

Public universities like Framingham State charge residents just $11,630 in tuition while private institutions average over $45,000. State funding allows public schools to subsidize education costs significantly. The MassGrant Plus program further reduces expenses for Massachusetts residents, creating net costs under $20,000 at most public options.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points?

Higher-priced programs generally show stronger completion rates, with Northeastern at 90.40% and Stonehill at 80.80% leading the field. However, Massachusetts Maritime Academy breaks this pattern with a 79.10% graduation rate despite charging only $26,661 net cost. The lowest-cost option at Framingham State maintains a respectable 49.50% rate.

Does Northeastern University justify its premium pricing for International Business?

Northeastern graduates earn $65,517 annually, representing a $21,719 premium over Assumption University graduates who earn $38,289. The school's 6.80% acceptance rate reflects intense selectivity compared to the state average of 82% across all programs. Students graduate with $25,625 in debt, which remains manageable given the earning potential.

Where do the most affordable programs cluster geographically?

State universities in smaller cities offer the best value, with Framingham, Salem, and Buzzards Bay hosting the three cheapest options under $27,000 net cost. Boston-area schools like Northeastern and Suffolk command premium pricing due to location advantages. Western Massachusetts provides middle-ground options in Springfield with two colleges offering programs around $25,000-$31,000.

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