8 Public Policy Analysis Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$18,282 | $15,496 | 51.1% | 80.8% |
| 2 |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
|
$23,691 | $17,357 | 83.2% | 63.5% |
| 3 |
Hampshire College
Amherst, Massachusetts
|
$25,810 | $56,630 | 57.2% | 68.9% |
| 4 |
Assumption University
Worcester, Massachusetts
|
$28,853 | $49,414 | 74.6% | 82.3% |
| 5 |
Suffolk University
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$30,031 | $45,380 | 59.8% | 86.8% |
| 6 |
Brandeis University
Waltham, Massachusetts
|
$33,885 | $64,946 | 86.1% | 39.4% |
| 7 |
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, Massachusetts
|
$36,868 | $60,850 | 89.6% | 36.4% |
| 8 |
Bentley University
Waltham, Massachusetts
|
$38,787 | $58,150 | 88.2% | 57.9% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the large cost difference between public and private programs?
UMass Boston and UMass Amherst charge $18,282 and $23,691 respectively, while private schools like Bentley reach $38,787. Private institutions typically offer smaller class sizes and specialized facilities, but the $20,000+ premium may not justify the investment for policy careers.
How do graduation rates compare across different price points?
Higher-cost schools generally show better completion rates, with Holy Cross at 89.6% and Brandeis at 86.1%. However, UMass Amherst achieves an impressive 83.2% graduation rate at just $23,691, proving that affordable options can deliver strong outcomes.
Does location within Massachusetts affect program value?
Boston-area schools like UMass Boston and Suffolk offer direct access to state government internships and advocacy organizations. However, western Massachusetts options like UMass Amherst provide similar academic quality at competitive prices while maintaining connections to policy networks.
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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.