Skip to main content

Suburban Colleges in Massachusetts

41 schools in Massachusetts. See our methodology.

Franklin W Olin College of Engineering stands out among Massachusetts suburban colleges with graduates earning $129,455 annually despite only 373 students on campus. This specialized engineering school in Needham represents one end of a spectrum that includes 41 suburban institutions across the state with acceptance rates ranging from Tufts University's selective 9.7% to UMass Dartmouth's open 95.5%. Net costs span from Fitchburg State's affordable $15,432 to Endicott College's $39,324, reflecting Massachusetts' mix of public universities and private colleges serving different student populations. The state's concentration of biotech and healthcare companies around Boston creates strong job pipelines for graduates, particularly from technical programs like those at Massachusetts Maritime Academy where 79% of students complete their degrees and enter careers averaging $82,392. These suburban campuses benefit from proximity to major employers while maintaining distinct campus communities, with enrollment sizes varying dramatically from Northpoint Bible College's 89 students to UMass Lowell's 11,632.
41
Schools
$21,553
Avg. Net Price
$61,842
Avg. Earnings
55.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Massachusetts

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 373 $20,575 92.2%
2 Suburb-Large 2,696 $38,876 92.4%
3 Suburb-Large 6,804 $35,435 93.3%
4 Suburb-Large 2,318 $25,008 91.2%
5 Suburb-Large 1,270 $26,661 79.1%
6 Suburb-Large 11,632 $18,627 70.1%
7 Suburb-Large 2,198 $29,562 85.0%
8 Suburb-Large 2,477 $29,969 80.8%
9 Suburb-Large 3,481 $18,561 54.9%
10 Suburb-Large 89 $27,662 50.8%
11 Suburb-Large 3,101 $39,324 75.4%
12 Suburb-Large 7,899 $17,970 54.6%
13 Suburb-Large 4,043 $37,899 72.1%
14 Suburb-Midsize 5,289 $20,605 49.0%
15 Suburb-Midsize 2,825 $15,432 52.7%
16 Suburb-Large 4,286 $18,441 55.0%
17 Suburb-Large 195
18 Suburb-Large 4,658 $3,694 22.7%
19 Suburb-Large 49 $14,334 44.4%
20 Suburb-Large 3,699 $7,718 23.7%
21 Suburb-Midsize 2,554 $8,651 29.1%
22 Suburb-Large 3,156 $7,388 15.6%
23 Suburb-Large 2,126 $14,317 16.6%
24 Suburb-Large 4,055 $7,321 17.7%
25 Suburb-Large 1,744 $30,934 75.7%
26 Suburb-Large 3,350 $3,971 19.0%
27 Suburb-Large 1,186 $14,590 56.9%
28 Suburb-Large 1,152 $31,065 63.6%
29 Suburb-Large 5,073 $6,235 20.7%
30 Suburb-Large 261 $34,725 61.5%
31 Suburb-Large 378 $17,733 35.3%
32 Suburb-Large 1,061 $28,346 69.5%
33 Suburb-Large 951 $21,436 64.7%
34 Suburb-Large 717
35 Suburb-Large 176 50.0%
36 Suburb-Large 1,757 $29,504 48.3%
37 Suburb-Large 1,142 $30,236 43.2%
38 Suburb-Large
39 Suburb-Large
40 Suburb-Large
41 Suburb-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Franklin W Olin College of Engineering unique among Massachusetts colleges?

Olin College produces the highest-earning graduates at $129,455 annually with only 373 students enrolled. The specialized engineering focus and small class sizes create strong career outcomes, though admission remains competitive at 19.1% acceptance. The Needham campus emphasizes hands-on engineering education that appeals directly to Massachusetts' tech sector employers.

How do graduation rates vary among suburban Massachusetts colleges?

Graduation rates span from 22.7% to 93.3% across these 41 institutions. Tufts University leads at 93.3%, followed closely by Babson College at 92.4%. Public universities like UMass Dartmouth struggle more at 49%, while specialized schools like Massachusetts Maritime Academy achieve 79.1% despite broader admission policies.

Is attending a Massachusetts suburban college affordable for most students?

Net costs range from $15,432 at Fitchburg State University to $39,324 at Endicott College. State universities typically cost under $21,000 annually, while private colleges average above $30,000. The 41 schools offer various price points, with many providing significant financial aid to reduce sticker prices.

Does school size affect career earnings for Massachusetts college graduates?

Small specialized schools often produce higher earnings despite limited enrollment. Olin College's 373 students average $129,455, while Babson's 2,696 students earn $123,938. However, larger universities like UMass Lowell with 11,632 students still achieve solid $64,874 average earnings through varied program offerings.

Where do Massachusetts suburban college graduates typically find employment?

The state's biotech, healthcare, and technology sectors around Boston actively recruit from these institutions. Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduates enter specialized marine industries, while business programs at Babson College connect directly to the state's financial services sector. Regional employers value the practical education these suburban campuses provide.

What acceptance rates should students expect at Massachusetts suburban colleges?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from Tufts University's highly selective 9.7% to UMass Dartmouth's accessible 95.5%. Most state universities accept 80-90% of applicants, while competitive private colleges like Wellesley College admit only 13.6%. Students can find options matching various academic preparation levels across these 41 institutions.

Related

Suburban Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Massachusetts Cheapest Programs in Massachusetts

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.