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NCAA Division I Colleges in Massachusetts

9 schools in Massachusetts. See our methodology.

Harvard University's $16,816 net price stands as the lowest among Massachusetts Division I colleges, despite accepting just 3.24% of applicants. This financial accessibility through generous aid packages reflects the state's commitment to educational opportunity across its nine Division I institutions. Graduates from these schools earn between $64,874 and $103,937 annually, with Boston College leading at $103,937. The concentration of these universities around Boston creates natural pipelines into Massachusetts' booming biotech and healthcare sectors. Companies like Moderna, Biogen, and Mass General Brigham actively recruit from schools like Northeastern University, where 15,719 students benefit from the region's cooperative education programs. Even more accessible options like UMass Lowell, with its 85.95% acceptance rate, maintain strong industry connections while keeping costs reasonable at $18,627 net price.
9
Schools
$29,205
Avg. Net Price
$84,656
Avg. Earnings
84.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Massachusetts

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 7,755 $16,816 97.3% 3.2%
2 9,865 $39,866 91.0% 16.7%
3 15,719 $32,116 90.4% 6.8%
4 17,850 $26,996 90.0% 14.4%
5 23,694 $23,691 83.2% 63.5%
6 3,015 $36,868 89.6% 36.4%
7 11,632 $18,627 70.1% 86.0%
8 2,477 $29,969 80.8% 73.4%
9 4,043 $37,899 72.1% 74.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Harvard University affordable despite its selectivity?

Harvard's $16,816 net price results from generous financial aid that eliminates tuition for families earning under $85,000 annually. The 97.30% graduation rate and $101,817 median earnings demonstrate strong return on investment despite the 3.24% acceptance rate.

How do Massachusetts Division I colleges support career outcomes?

Graduates earn between $64,874 and $103,937 annually, with most schools maintaining 80%+ graduation rates. Boston's biotech center provides internships and jobs, while Northeastern's cooperative education program places 15,719 students directly into industry positions.

Is UMass Amherst a good value compared to private options?

UMass Amherst offers the largest enrollment at 23,694 students with a $23,691 net price and 83.20% graduation rate. The $71,631 median earnings and 63.52% acceptance rate provide accessible education with solid career prospects.

Does size affect graduation rates at these schools?

Smaller schools like Holy Cross with 3,015 students achieve 89.60% graduation rates, while larger universities like Boston University with 17,850 students maintain 90.00% rates. Size appears less important than institutional support systems and student engagement.

Where do most Massachusetts Division I colleges cluster geographically?

Seven of nine schools operate within the greater Boston area, creating an educational corridor from Cambridge to Worcester. This concentration provides students access to internships, research opportunities, and jobs in Massachusetts' $28 billion life sciences industry.

Related

NCAA Division I Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Massachusetts Cheapest Programs in Massachusetts

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.