# Best Communications Colleges in Massachusetts

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-08-03 | Schools: 24 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-massachusetts

## Methodology

Communications programs in Massachusetts ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Communications programs in Massachusetts attract students eager to explore the dynamic world of media, messaging, and public relations. With 23 colleges offering dedicated communications degrees, prospective students have plenty of options to consider. Understanding the outcomes of these programs can help inform the decision-making process for students and their families alike.

The strongest communications schools on this list stand out for their impressive graduation rates, average earnings, and manageable debt levels. For instance, high graduation rates signal that students are not only enrolling but also successfully completing their degrees, a crucial factor for future employment. By examining both earnings potential and debt, we can see which programs may offer a more sustainable return on investment.

Take Boston College and Worcester State University, for example. While Boston College graduates boast an impressive average earning of $103,937, Worcester State's graduates earn significantly less at $60,624. However, Worcester State has a much lower net price of $13,381 compared to Boston College's $41,704. This creates a tradeoff between higher earning potential and financial burden that students should consider as they review their options.

## Key Findings

- Boston College graduates earn an average of $103,937, the highest in the state.
- Worcester State University has the lowest net price at $13,381, making it a more affordable option.
- The average graduation rate across these programs is 66%, indicating a solid completion rate.
- Boston University students graduate with an average debt of $23,250, which is substantial but offset by strong earnings.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Boston University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/boston-university) | Boston, MA | 89% | $83,238 | $24,402 | $23,250 | 0.28x |
| 2 | [Boston College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/boston-college) | Chestnut Hill, MA | 91% | $103,937 | $41,704 | $19,000 | 0.18x |
| 3 | [Northeastern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northeastern-university) | Boston, MA | 90% | $92,538 | $30,915 | $24,250 | 0.26x |
| 4 | [Bridgewater State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bridgewater-state-university) | Bridgewater, MA | 54% | $57,466 | $16,383 | $24,286 | 0.42x |
| 5 | [Suffolk University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/suffolk-university) | Boston, MA | 60% | $67,506 | $29,618 | $26,889 | 0.4x |
| 6 | [Worcester State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/worcester-state-university) | Worcester, MA | 58% | $60,624 | $13,381 | $19,500 | 0.32x |
| 7 | [Emerson College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/emerson-college) | Boston, MA | 78% | $62,832 | $49,180 | $23,000 | 0.37x |
| 8 | [Massachusetts College of Art and Design](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massachusetts-college-of-art-and-design) | Boston, MA | 69% | $43,582 | $24,100 | $25,755 | 0.59x |
| 9 | [Simmons University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/simmons-university) | Boston, MA | 72% | $63,494 | $25,265 | $24,840 | 0.39x |
| 10 | [Salem State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/salem-state-university) | Salem, MA | 52% | $56,662 | $15,996 | $25,000 | 0.44x |
| 11 | [Westfield State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/westfield-state-university) | Westfield, MA | 55% | $57,346 | $16,721 | $22,457 | 0.39x |
| 12 | [Gordon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gordon-college) | Wenham, MA | 68% | $52,119 | $24,883 | $26,250 | 0.5x |
| 13 | [Lasell University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lasell-university) | Newton, MA | 56% | $49,705 | $27,511 | $26,000 | 0.52x |
| 14 | [Stonehill College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stonehill-college) | Easton, MA | 78% | $77,745 | $33,016 | $25,000 | 0.32x |
| 15 | [Assumption University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/assumption-university) | Worcester, MA | 75% | $74,895 | $29,498 | $27,000 | 0.36x |
| 16 | [Hampshire College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hampshire-college) | Amherst, MA | 56% | $46,938 | $24,034 | $26,893 | 0.57x |
| 17 | [Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massachusetts-college-of-liberal-arts) | North Adams, MA | 52% | $48,102 | $16,068 | $23,750 | 0.49x |
| 18 | [Curry College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/curry-college) | Milton, MA | 50% | $54,400 | $29,207 | $25,000 | 0.46x |
| 19 | [University of Massachusetts-Amherst](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-amherst) | Amherst, MA | 83% | $71,631 | $22,383 | $22,763 | 0.32x |
| 20 | [Fisher College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fisher-college) | Boston, MA | 28% | $49,669 | $26,649 | $25,000 | 0.5x |
| 21 | [Merrimack College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/merrimack-college) | North Andover, MA | 71% | $75,584 | $37,927 | $27,000 | 0.36x |
| 22 | [Endicott College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/endicott-college) | Beverly, MA | 76% | $58,336 | $40,654 | $27,000 | 0.46x |
| 23 | [Dean College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dean-college) | Franklin, MA | 48% | $38,109 | $30,684 | $25,000 | 0.66x |
| 24 | [Emmanuel College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/emmanuel-college) | Boston, MA | 67% | $68,245 | $26,706 | $27,000 | 0.4x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Communications Colleges in Massachusetts." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-08-03. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-massachusetts

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.