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Cheapest Registered Nursing Colleges in Massachusetts

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Bay Path University breaks the mold for nursing education costs in Massachusetts, offering a net price of just $14,590 despite being a private institution. This contrasts sharply with public universities like UMass Amherst at $23,691, challenging assumptions about affordability across sectors. Massachusetts nursing programs show remarkable earning potential, with graduates from Framingham State University commanding $76,460 annually while paying only $16,698 net cost. The state's concentration of top-tier medical centers, including Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, creates strong demand for nursing professionals across all specializations. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with Worcester State and Fitchburg State both under $15,500 net cost. However, the data reveals that higher costs don't always correlate with better outcomes, as some mid-priced programs achieve graduation rates above 70 percent. The MassGrant Plus program helps in-state students bridge financial gaps, making these clinical and administrative nursing pathways more accessible throughout the Commonwealth.
22
Programs
$14,590 – $39,866
Net Price Range
$70,062
Avg. Program Earnings
60.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,590 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
2 $14,738 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
3 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
4 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
5 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
6 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
7 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
8 $18,627 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
9 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
10 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
11 $23,691 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
12 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
13 $25,702 $35,013 28.4% 74.2%
14 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
15 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
16 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
17 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
18 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
19 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
20 $35,084 $38,850 63.3% 88.3%
21 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
22 $39,866 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bay Path University so affordable compared to other private nursing schools?

Bay Path University offers the lowest net price at $14,590 among all Massachusetts nursing programs, including public universities. While most private institutions charge net prices above $25,000, Bay Path maintains costs below even some state schools. The university likely provides substantial financial aid packages that bring down the sticker price of $37,227. This makes it an strong value for students seeking private education benefits at public school prices.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive nursing programs?

UMass Lowell demonstrates that moderate pricing can yield excellent results with a 70.1 percent graduation rate at $18,627 net cost. Fisher College, despite charging $25,702, shows only a 28.4 percent graduation rate, raising questions about value. Bay Path University combines affordability with solid outcomes at 56.9 percent graduation rate. The data suggests that higher costs don't guarantee better completion rates in Massachusetts nursing programs.

Is there a significant earnings difference between public and private nursing graduates?

Framingham State University graduates earn the highest median salary at $76,460, proving that public education can compete with private alternatives. UMass Dartmouth shows the lowest earnings at $64,258 despite being a respected public institution. Private schools like Simmons University produce graduates earning $67,789, falling short of several public programs. The $12,202 range between highest and lowest earners suggests that school choice matters less than individual career paths.

Does acceptance rate affect the quality of nursing education in Massachusetts?

UMass Dartmouth accepts 95.52 percent of applicants but produces graduates earning only $64,258 annually. In contrast, UMass Amherst accepts just 63.52 percent while achieving an 83.2 percent graduation rate. Salem State University combines a high 92.66 percent acceptance rate with solid $69,261 graduate earnings. These patterns suggest that selective admissions don't necessarily translate to better outcomes in nursing programs.

Where can nursing students find the best return on investment in Massachusetts?

Framingham State University offers the strongest return with $76,460 graduate earnings against just $16,698 in net costs. Worcester State provides excellent value at $68,821 earnings for $14,738 invested. Bay Path University delivers competitive $14,590 pricing though earnings data isn't available for comparison. Students should weigh both immediate costs and long-term earning potential when selecting programs across the Commonwealth.

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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.