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Urban Colleges in Massachusetts

50 schools in Massachusetts. See our methodology.

MIT and Harvard anchor a remarkable concentration of urban colleges throughout Massachusetts, with 55 institutions serving cities from Boston to Worcester. The financial market varies dramatically, from MIT's $19,813 net price to Emerson College's $46,766, yet both feed directly into Massachusetts' booming biotechnology and healthcare sectors. Cambridge alone houses two of the nation's most selective universities, with Harvard accepting just 3.24% of applicants and MIT close behind at 3.96%. These numbers reflect the state's unique position as both an academic powerhouse and economic engine, where graduates from Northeastern University's 15,719 students and UMass Amherst's 23,694 enrollment fill roles at companies like Biogen, Moderna, and countless startups clustered around Route 128. The earnings potential spans from $43,582 to $143,372, with MIT graduates commanding the highest salaries nationally. Massachusetts colleges benefit from the state's commitment to education funding and its thriving job market, where pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and technology firms actively recruit from local campuses. Boston University's 17,850 students and Northeastern's cooperative education programs create direct pipelines into these industries.
50
Schools
$27,426
Avg. Net Price
$66,869
Avg. Earnings
62.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Massachusetts

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Midsize 4,571 $19,813 96.1%
2 City-Midsize 7,755 $16,816 97.3%
3 City-Small 9,865 $39,866 91.0%
4 City-Large 15,719 $32,116 90.4%
5 City-Small 4,288 $38,787 88.2%
6 City-Small 1,907 $18,246 93.4%
7 City-Large 17,850 $26,996 90.0%
8 City-Small 23,694 $23,691 83.2%
9 City-Midsize 3,015 $36,868 89.6%
10 City-Midsize 5,344 $43,273 88.4%
11 City-Large 3,474 $35,084 63.3%
12 City-Small 2,501 $26,181 89.7%
13 City-Small 3,663 $33,885 86.1%
14 City-Large 4,145 $46,766 79.3%
15 City-Large 412 $16,172 47.2%
16 City-Large 11,848 $18,282 51.1%
17 City-Midsize 3,963 $14,738 55.5%
18 City-Midsize 2,336 $27,711 77.1%
19 City-Large 3,641 $34,170 68.6%
20 City-Large 1,812 $23,764 69.2%
21 City-Midsize 1,664 $28,853 74.6%
22 City-Large 269 $37,891 38.5%
23 City-Large 1,750 $27,313 71.2%
24 City-Small 2,556 $16,698 49.5%
25 City-Large 1,874 $31,569 65.8%
26 City-Large 7,322 $6,313 19.3%
27 City-Midsize 2,508 $31,170 63.9%
28 City-Midsize 5,413 $7,764 20.8%
29 City-Small 2,223 $8,403 21.6%
30 City-Small 1,152 $24,944 53.2%
31 City-Midsize 3,965 $8,196 27.0%
32 City-Large 371 $42,556 77.8%
33 City-Large 4,434 $30,031 59.8%
34 City-Midsize 1,252 $31,805 61.7%
35 City-Midsize 1,916 $29,187 67.6%
36 City-Large 1,583 $12,544 10.4%
37 City-Large 7,510 $50,404 66.3%
38 City-Large 591 12.5%
39 City-Large 1,674
40 City-Large 112
41 City-Large 31 $16,321 44.4%
42 City-Large 356
43 City-Large 1,138 $25,702 28.4%
44 City-Midsize 1,097 $25,299 42.3%
45 City-Midsize 694 $42,402 65.8%
46 City-Midsize 34 $43,291 44.4%
47 City-Midsize 254
48 City-Large 55
49 City-Small 0
50 City-Midsize

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Massachusetts urban colleges so expensive compared to other states?

Urban Massachusetts colleges reflect high regional costs and strong job market demand. Net prices range from $14,738 to $46,766, with premium institutions like Emerson College at $46,766 and Worcester Polytechnic at $43,273. The investment often pays off through access to Boston's biotech corridor and finance sectors.

How competitive are admissions at top Massachusetts urban colleges?

Competition varies dramatically across the 55 urban institutions. Harvard accepts just 3.24% of applicants while UMass Amherst accepts 63.52%. MIT, Boston College, and Northeastern all maintain acceptance rates below 17%, reflecting their strong academic reputations and prime locations near major employers.

Is the high cost of Massachusetts urban colleges worth the career outcomes?

Graduates from Massachusetts urban colleges earn between $43,582 and $143,372, with MIT leading at $143,372 annually. Even mid-tier schools like MCPHS University produce graduates earning $125,557. The state's biotech and healthcare industries provide abundant high-paying opportunities for skilled graduates.

Does school size affect graduation rates at Massachusetts urban colleges?

Graduation rates span 47.2% to 97.3% across different enrollment sizes. Small Amherst College achieves 93.4% with 1,907 students, while large UMass Amherst maintains 83.2% with 23,694 students. Most schools above 80% graduation rates benefit from strong regional job placement regardless of size.

Where do graduates from Massachusetts urban colleges typically find employment?

Massachusetts urban college graduates fill roles throughout Boston's Route 128 corridor, home to over 500 biotechnology companies. Major employers include Biogen, Moderna, Boston Scientific, and Raytheon. The state's $8 billion life sciences initiative creates continuous demand for graduates across 55 urban institutions.

What financial aid options help with Massachusetts urban college costs?

Massachusetts urban colleges offer significant need-based aid, with Harvard's net price at $16,816 despite high sticker costs. State programs like MassGrant Plus provide up to $1,600 annually for middle-income families. The 55 urban institutions collectively distribute millions in merit and need-based assistance.

Related

Urban Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Massachusetts Cheapest Programs in Massachusetts

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.