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2023 Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

37 Schools Ranked
$14,988 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$20,665 Avg Student Debt*

Today's nursing students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 37 schools in Massachusetts to see which ones offered the best value programs for nursing students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

Top Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Mount Wachusett Community College

Gardner, Massachusetts
29 Total Awards
$10,588 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Mount Wachusett Community College to be the best value school for nursing students in Massachusetts. MWCC is a public institution located in Gardner, Massachusetts. The school has a small population, and it awarded 29 degrees in 2020-2021.

MWCC undergraduate students pay an average of $10,588 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $12,036 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, MWCC graduates make an average of $39,608 annually.

MWCC did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list.

Full Mount Wachusett Community College Report

#2

North Shore Community College

Danvers, Massachusetts
89 Total Awards
$10,920 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent programs at North Shore Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best value nursing schools in Massachusetts. North Shore Community College is located in Danvers, Massachusetts and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 89 degrees to qualified students.

North Shore Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,920 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $14,976 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from North Shore Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,262 during the early years of their career.

North Shore Community College not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #4 on our Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list.

Full North Shore Community College Report

#3

Bunker Hill Community College

Boston, Massachusetts
71 Total Awards
$10,224 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 37 schools in Massachusetts that were part of this year’s ranking, Bunker Hill Community College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Bunker Hill Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Boston, Massachusetts that handed out 71 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at BHCC are $10,224 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $12,931 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from BHCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,456 during the early years of their career.

BHCC also took the #5 spot in our Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts rankings.

Read full report on Bunker Hill Community College

#4

Bristol Community College

Fall River, Massachusetts
84 Total Awards
$10,152 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Bristol Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list. Bristol Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Fall River, Massachusetts that handed out 84 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Bristol are $10,152 per year. On average, students take out $11,288 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Bristol graduates make an average of $34,963 annually.

Bristol also claimed a spot on our Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Read full report on Bristol Community College

#5

Massasoit Community College

Brockton, Massachusetts
75 Total Awards
$10,104 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Massasoit Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list. This medium-sized public school is located in Brockton, Massachusetts, and it awarded 75 degrees in 2020-2021.

Massasoit Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,104 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,443 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Massasoit Community College graduates make an average of $36,161 annually.

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#6

Springfield Technical Community College

Springfield, Massachusetts
72 Total Awards
$10,728 Average Tuition & Fees

Springfield Technical Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #6 on the list. This small public school is located in Springfield, Massachusetts, and it awarded 72 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at STCC are $10,728 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,871 in student loans. During the early years of their career, STCC graduates make an average of $37,255 annually.

STCC excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list.

Read full report on Springfield Technical Community College

#7

Northern Essex Community College

Haverhill, Massachusetts
44 Total Awards
$11,328 Average Tuition & Fees

Northern Essex Community College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, the small public school handed out 44 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at NECC are $11,328 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $14,951 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, NECC graduates make an average of $39,221 annually.

Read full report on Northern Essex Community College

#8

Greenfield Community College

Greenfield, Massachusetts
60 Total Awards
$11,762 Average Tuition & Fees

Greenfield Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #8 on the list. Greenfield Community College is a small public school situated in Greenfield, Massachusetts. It awarded 60 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Greenfield Community College are $11,762 a year. On average, students take out $12,922 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Greenfield Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,181 during the early year of their career.

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#9

Cape Cod Community College

West Barnstable, Massachusetts
67 Total Awards
$10,296 Average Tuition & Fees

Cape Cod Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list. Cape Cod Community College is a small public school situated in West Barnstable, Massachusetts. It awarded 67 degrees in 2020-2021.

Cape Cod Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,296 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $12,980 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Cape Cod Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,321 during the early year of their career.

Full Cape Cod Community College Report

#10

Berkshire Community College

Pittsfield, Massachusetts
64 Total Awards
$11,108 Average Tuition & Fees

Berkshire Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #10 on the list. BCC is a public institution located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The school has a small population, and it awarded 64 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at BCC are $11,108 a year. On average, students take out $17,697 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, BCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,663 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Berkshire Community College

#11

Massachusetts Bay Community College

Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts
17 Total Awards
$10,320 Average Tuition & Fees

Massachusetts Bay Community College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts ranking. MassBay Community College is a small public school situated in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. It awarded 17 degrees in 2020-2021.

MassBay Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,320 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,881 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, MassBay Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,725 during the early year of their career.

Full Massachusetts Bay Community College Report

#12

Quinsigamond Community College

Worcester, Massachusetts
198 Total Awards
$10,774 Average Tuition & Fees

Quinsigamond Community College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts ranking. Quinsigamond Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Worcester, Massachusetts. It awarded 198 degrees in 2020-2021.

Quinsigamond Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,774 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,647 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Quinsigamond Community College graduates make an average of $38,219 annually.

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#13

Roxbury Community College

Roxbury Crossing, Massachusetts
1 Total Awards
$11,088 Average Tuition & Fees

Roxbury Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts ranking. This small public school is located in Roxbury Crossing, Massachusetts, and it awarded 1 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Roxbury Community College are $11,088 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,778 in student loans.After graduating from Roxbury Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,494 during the early years of their career.

Full Roxbury Community College Report

#14

Middlesex Community College

Bedford, Massachusetts
65 Total Awards
$12,120 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,965 Avg Student Debt

Middlesex Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #14 on the list. Middlesex Community College is a public institution located in Bedford, Massachusetts. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 65 degrees in 2020-2021.

Middlesex Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $12,120 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,965 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Middlesex Community College graduates make an average of $42,511 annually.

Full Middlesex Community College Report

#15

Holyoke Community College

Holyoke, Massachusetts
50 Total Awards
$10,322 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,580 Avg Student Debt

Holyoke Community College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Holyoke, Massachusetts is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 50 students in 2020-2021.

Holyoke Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,322 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $12,580 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Holyoke Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,518 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Holyoke Community College

#16

Quincy College

Quincy, Massachusetts
48 Total Awards
$7,176 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,537 Avg Student Debt

Quincy College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #16 on the list. Quincy College is a small public school situated in Quincy, Massachusetts. It awarded 48 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Quincy College are $7,176 per year. On average, students take out $18,537 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Quincy College graduates make an average of $39,670 annually.

Read full report on Quincy College

#17

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, Massachusetts
150 Total Awards
$16,735 Average Tuition & Fees

Fitchburg State University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list. Fitchburg State is located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 150 degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Fitchburg State are $16,735 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,315 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $130 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Fitchburg State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,148 during the early year of their career.

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#18

Worcester State University

Worcester, Massachusetts
98 Total Awards
$16,666 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,154 Avg Student Debt

Worcester State University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Worcester State is a public institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 98 degrees in 2020-2021.

Worcester State undergraduate students pay an average of $16,666 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $22,154 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $143. During the early years of their career, Worcester State graduates make an average of $43,546 annually.

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#19

Westfield State University

Westfield, Massachusetts
76 Total Awards
$17,219 Average Tuition & Fees

Westfield State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #19 on the list. Westfield, Massachusetts is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 76 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Westfield are $17,219 a year. On average, students take out $23,318 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $212.After graduating from Westfield, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,701 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Westfield State University

#20

Framingham State University

Framingham, Massachusetts
36 Total Awards
$17,460 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,607 Avg Student Debt

Framingham State University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts ranking. Located in Framingham, Massachusetts, the small public school handed out 36 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Framingham State are $17,460 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,607 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $253 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Framingham State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,153 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Framingham State University

273 Total Awards
$13,392 Average Tuition & Fees

Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts ranking. Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Boston, Massachusetts that handed out 273 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network are $13,392 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,193 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $476, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $63,021 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network

#22

Salem State University

Salem, Massachusetts
177 Total Awards
$18,480 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,367 Avg Student Debt

Salem State University ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list. Located in Salem, Massachusetts, the medium-sized public school handed out 177 degrees in 2020-2021.

Salem State undergraduate students pay an average of $18,480 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $26,367 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $202 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Salem State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,394 during the early year of their career.

Full Salem State University Report

#23

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts
247 Total Awards
$36,964 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Massachusetts Amherst did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #23 on the list. UMass Amherst is a public institution located in Amherst, Massachusetts. The school has a large population, and it awarded 247 degrees in 2020-2021.

UMass Amherst undergraduate students pay an average of $36,964 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $23,018 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $288 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UMass Amherst, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,385 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Massachusetts Amherst Report

#24

University of Massachusetts - Boston

Boston, Massachusetts
460 Total Awards
$35,139 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,776 Avg Student Debt

University of Massachusetts - Boston ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list. UMass Boston is a public institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 460 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UMass Boston are $35,139 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,776 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $77, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UMass Boston graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,855 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Massachusetts - Boston

#24

University of Massachusetts - Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts
120 Total Awards
$33,624 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,600 Avg Student Debt

University of Massachusetts - Lowell ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Massachusetts list. UMass Lowell is a fairly large public school situated in Lowell, Massachusetts. It awarded 120 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UMass Lowell are $33,624 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,600 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $171 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UMass Lowell graduates make an average of $56,705 annually.

Read full report on University of Massachusetts - Lowell

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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