Skip to main content

Rural Colleges in Massachusetts

6 schools in Massachusetts. See our methodology.

Community colleges dominate rural Massachusetts higher education, with Holyoke Community College serving over 3,100 students at just $6,860 net cost while maintaining connections to the state's healthcare and biotech sectors. The earnings gap tells a compelling story: Gordon College graduates in Wenham average $52,119 annually, nearly $15,000 more than community college peers. Hampshire College brings experimental education to Amherst with 57% graduation rates, while Bard College at Simon's Rock accepts 95% of applicants to its early college program. These six institutions span from affordable workforce training to specialized liberal arts, reflecting Massachusetts' dual economy where Boston-area innovation meets rural community needs. Net costs range dramatically from under $7,000 to over $36,000, yet all serve students within reach of the state's thriving job market in healthcare, technology, and education.
6
Schools
$21,957
Avg. Net Price
$44,727
Avg. Earnings
45.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Massachusetts

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Fringe 3,164 $6,860 31.8%
2 Rural-Fringe 1,247 $24,817 67.6%
3 Rural-Fringe 1,100 $8,177 22.8%
4 Rural-Fringe 716 $25,810 57.2%
5 Rural-Fringe 948 $29,396 40.4%
6 Rural-Distant 237 $36,684 54.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Gordon College stand out among rural Massachusetts schools?

Gordon College graduates earn $52,119 annually, the highest among rural Massachusetts colleges, with a strong 67.6% graduation rate. The Christian liberal arts college in Wenham maintains small class sizes with just 1,247 students while accepting 92% of applicants, creating accessible pathways to above-average career outcomes.

How affordable are community colleges in rural Massachusetts?

Holyoke Community College costs just $6,860 net annually while serving 3,164 students, making it highly accessible for workforce training. Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield costs $8,177 with graduates earning $38,832, providing solid returns on investment for technical and healthcare career preparation.

Is Hampshire College worth the higher cost compared to community colleges?

Hampshire College charges $25,810 net tuition but delivers a 57.2% graduation rate and $46,938 average earnings. With only 716 students and acceptance rates of 68.9%, it offers personalized education that translates to nearly $10,000 higher annual earnings than community college graduates.

Does Bard College at Simon's Rock accept most applicants?

Bard College at Simon's Rock accepts 95.45% of applicants, the highest rate among these rural colleges. The early college program serves just 237 students at $36,684 net cost, focusing on younger students who can handle college-level work before traditional graduation.

Where do graduates find employment from these rural Massachusetts colleges?

Rural Massachusetts college graduates often work in the state's healthcare systems, regional hospitals, and satellite offices of Boston biotech companies. Community college programs directly feed into local healthcare facilities, while liberal arts graduates frequently join Massachusetts' education sector and nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

Related

Rural Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Massachusetts Cheapest Programs in Massachusetts

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.