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2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

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2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Massachusetts? This list ranks 144 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.

To help you make your decision, Nursing Degree Search reviewed 37 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Massachusetts

Learn more about these high-value schools below:

Mount Wachusett Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Massachusetts. Set in Gardner, MA, Mount Wachusett Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,160, compared with $11,080 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,497. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,118 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,497 median debt. More on Mount Wachusett Community College

North Shore Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in Massachusetts. This public school is set in Danvers, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,352, while out-of-state students pay about $10,920. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,391. Set against $14,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Shore Community College profile

A rank of #3 makes Bunker Hill Community College one of the best values in Massachusetts. Bunker Hill Community College is a public school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,168, while out-of-state students pay about $11,112. Students borrow a median of $11,893 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,618. Set against $11,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Bunker Hill Community College

#4

Bristol Community College

Fall River, MA

A rank of #4 makes Bristol Community College one of the best values in Massachusetts. Set in Fall River, MA, Bristol Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,832, while out-of-state students pay about $10,776. Graduates carry a median of $9,482 in student loans. Bristol Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,663 a decade after entry. Set against $9,482 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Bristol Community College

You'll get strong value at Massasoit Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Brockton, MA, Massasoit Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,376, compared with $10,320 for out-of-state students. Massasoit Community College Nursing students take on a median of $10,894 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,111 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Massasoit Community College

Springfield Technical Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Springfield, MA, Springfield Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,904, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,707 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,966. Set against $9,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Springfield Technical Community College report

Northern Essex Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Haverhill, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,732, compared with $12,516 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,002 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,862. Set against $11,002 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northern Essex Community College report

Greenfield Community College landed the #8 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. This public school is set in Greenfield, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,810, while out-of-state students pay about $11,930. Graduates carry a median of $12,269 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,132. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Greenfield Community College

#9

Cape Cod Community College

West Barnstable, MA

Cape Cod Community College placed #9 among the best-value Nursing schools in Massachusetts. This public school is set in West Barnstable, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,000, with out-of-state students paying around $10,944. Students borrow a median of $14,669 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $43,670 ten years out. Set against $14,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Cape Cod Community College

#10

Berkshire Community College

Pittsfield, MA

Berkshire Community College placed #10 among the best-value Nursing schools in Massachusetts. This public school is set in Pittsfield, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,712, with out-of-state students paying around $11,328. The median Nursing program debt is $16,167. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,832. That is a strong return on a $16,167 median debt. Read the full report on Berkshire Community College

#11

Massachusetts Bay Community College

Wellesley Hills, MA

Massachusetts Bay Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Massachusetts Bay Community College is a public school based in Wellesley Hills, MA. Students from in state pay about $5,856 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,800 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,008. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,654 ten years after entry. Set against $11,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Massachusetts Bay Community College profile

Quinsigamond Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,262, compared with $11,206 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,456. Quinsigamond Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,949 a decade after entry. Set against $18,456 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Quinsigamond Community College

#13

Roxbury Community College

Roxbury Crossing, MA

Roxbury Community College landed the #13 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. Based in Roxbury Crossing, MA, Roxbury Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,785, with out-of-state students paying around $11,088. Roxbury Community College Nursing students take on a median of $11,665 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Set against $11,665 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Roxbury Community College profile

Middlesex Community College Bedford landed the #14 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. Set in Bedford, MA, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,098, while out-of-state students pay about $12,170. Graduates carry a median of $11,602 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,651 ten years after entry. Set against $11,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Middlesex Community College Bedford

Holyoke Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Holyoke, MA, Holyoke Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,988, while out-of-state students pay about $10,932. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,763. Median earnings reach $37,277 ten years out. Set against $9,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Holyoke Community College

#16

Quincy College

Quincy, MA

Quincy College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Quincy, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,938. Typical Nursing student debt is $15,600. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,506. Set against $15,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Quincy College

#17

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Students borrow a median of $25,840 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Fitchburg State University report

#18

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA

Worcester State University landed the #18 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Worcester State University profile

#19

Westfield State University

Westfield, MA

Westfield State University landed the #19 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. Set in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,179, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,910. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,346 ten years after entry. Set against $25,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read more about Westfield State University

#20

Framingham State University

Framingham, MA

Framingham State University landed the #20 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. Framingham State University is a public school based in Framingham, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,920, compared with $18,000 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $25,872. Median earnings reach $52,349 ten years out. Set against $25,872 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Framingham State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Framingham State University

Northeastern University Global Network offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $50,688. Students borrow a median of $27,055 to complete their Nursing program here. Northeastern University Global Network alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. Set against $27,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeastern University Global Network

Salem State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Salem, MA, Salem State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, with out-of-state students paying around $19,531. Students borrow a median of $27,176 to complete their Nursing program here. Salem State University alumni report median earnings of $56,662 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Salem State University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Salem State University

University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Graduates carry a median of $25,234 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,631 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Massachusetts Amherst

University Of Massachusetts Boston came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boston, MA, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,898, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. Graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. University Of Massachusetts Boston alumni report median earnings of $65,865 a decade after entry. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants. More on University Of Massachusetts Boston

University Of Massachusetts Lowell placed #24 among the best-value Nursing schools in Massachusetts. Located in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,966, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,574. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,874. That is a strong return on a $25,574 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Lowell admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Lowell

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Massachusetts

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:

University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in Massachusetts. University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a public school based in North Dartmouth, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,612, compared with $32,567 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,106. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,804. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth

#28

Simmons College

Boston, MA

Simmons College landed the #28 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. Simmons College is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,874. Graduates carry a median of $26,740 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,494. Set against $26,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Simmons College has an acceptance rate of 70%. More on Simmons College

#29

Endicott College

Beverly, MA

Endicott College placed #29 among the best-value Nursing schools in Massachusetts. Based in Beverly, MA, Endicott College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,650. Endicott College Nursing students take on a median of $25,973 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,336 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Endicott College has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on Endicott College

#30

Fisher College

Boston, MA

Fisher College landed the #30 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. Located in Boston, MA, Fisher College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,689. Students borrow a median of $28,590 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,669 ten years after entry. Set against $28,590 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Fisher College report

#31

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College placed #31 among the best-value Nursing schools in Massachusetts. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,101. Median earnings reach $103,937 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,101 median debt. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read more about Boston College

#32

American International College

Springfield, MA

American International College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Springfield, MA, American International College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,230. The median Nursing program debt is $30,390. Median earnings reach $53,124 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about American International College

#33

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. Students borrow a median of $25,611 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on Northeastern University

#34

Bay Path College

Longmeadow, MA

Bay Path College placed #34 among the best-value Nursing schools in Massachusetts. Based in Longmeadow, MA, Bay Path College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,302. Graduates carry a median of $29,811 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,383. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bay Path College report

#35

Anna Maria College

Paxton, MA

Anna Maria College landed the #35 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. Anna Maria College is a private not-for-profit school based in Paxton, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,571. The median Nursing program debt is $26,734. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,651. That is a strong return on a $26,734 median debt. Anna Maria College admits about 50% of applicants. Get the full Anna Maria College report

College Of Our Lady Of The Elms came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicopee, MA, College Of Our Lady Of The Elms is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,325. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,854. Median earnings reach $51,540 ten years out. Set against $27,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Our Lady Of The Elms has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full College Of Our Lady Of The Elms report

#37

Curry College

Milton, MA

Curry College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Curry College is a private not-for-profit school based in Milton, MA. Students from in state pay about $47,570 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,571. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,400. That is a strong return on a $26,571 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Curry College

Brandeis University placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in Massachusetts. See the full Brandeis University profile

Merrimack College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. More on Merrimack College

Hult International Business School landed the #39 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. Get the full Hult International Business School report

Monty Tech came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Monty Tech report

Northpoint Bible College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. More on Northpoint Bible College

Berklee College Of Music landed the #42 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. Read more about Berklee College Of Music

Saint Johns Seminary came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Saint Johns Seminary

Empire Beauty School Boston landed the #44 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. Get the full Empire Beauty School Boston report

Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. See the full Gordon College profile

Rob Roy Academy Fall River ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. More on Rob Roy Academy Fall River

Boston Architectural College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. See the full Boston Architectural College profile

Montserrat College Of Art landed the #48 spot for value in Massachusetts this year. See the full Montserrat College Of Art profile

Technology Learning Center offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. More on Technology Learning Center

New England College Of Optometry offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full New England College Of Optometry report

More Nursing Value Rankings

Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 37 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 144 ranked schools only.

References

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