# Best Master's Programs in Massachusetts

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 50 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-massachusetts

## Methodology

Master's programs in Massachusetts ranked by graduate outcomes

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

Massachusetts is home to some of the most sought-after master's programs in the country. With impressive graduation rates and strong post-graduation earnings, these schools are attracting students looking to advance their careers and improve their earning potential. Consider that the average earnings for graduates from these programs is $74,593.

What sets the top programs apart? It's all about outcomes. Weighing factors like earnings, graduation rates, student debt, and mobility provides a clearer picture of what graduates can expect after leaving school. For instance, the top program listed here boasts earnings of $143,372, significantly higher than the average, indicating a strong return on investment for students.

Take Harvard University and Williams College, for example. Harvard graduates earn an average of $101,817, while Williams graduates earn $88,665. However, Williams boasts a lower net price of $17,716 compared to Harvard's $19,066. Weighing these factors can help prospective students find the right balance between cost and potential earnings.

## Key Findings

- Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn an average of $143,372.
- Harvard University has a 97% graduation rate, one of the highest on the list.
- Williams College offers a lower net price of $17,716 compared to Harvard's $19,066.
- The average debt for graduates across these programs is $14,000.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology) | Cambridge, MA | 96% | $143,372 | $20,111 | $14,768 | 0.1x |
| 2 | [Harvard University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/harvard-university) | Cambridge, MA | 97% | $101,817 | $19,066 | $14,000 | 0.14x |
| 3 | [Williams College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/williams-college) | Williamstown, MA | 95% | $88,665 | $17,716 | $12,761 | 0.14x |
| 4 | [Wellesley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wellesley-college) | Wellesley, MA | 91% | $84,803 | $25,496 | $10,000 | 0.12x |
| 5 | [Amherst College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/amherst-college) | Amherst, MA | 94% | $77,644 | $23,367 | $13,740 | 0.18x |
| 6 | [Smith College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/smith-college) | Northampton, MA | 89% | $64,027 | $27,579 | $17,550 | 0.27x |
| 7 | [Babson College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/babson-college) | Wellesley, MA | 93% | $123,938 | $40,514 | $20,000 | 0.16x |
| 8 | [Boston University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/boston-university) | Boston, MA | 89% | $83,238 | $24,402 | $23,250 | 0.28x |
| 9 | [Boston College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/boston-college) | Chestnut Hill, MA | 91% | $103,937 | $41,704 | $19,000 | 0.18x |
| 10 | [Tufts University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tufts-university) | Medford, MA | 93% | $83,214 | $39,998 | $16,250 | 0.2x |
| 11 | [Northeastern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northeastern-university) | Boston, MA | 90% | $92,538 | $30,915 | $24,250 | 0.26x |
| 12 | [Bentley University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bentley-university) | Waltham, MA | 88% | $120,959 | $37,930 | $25,023 | 0.21x |
| 13 | [College of the Holy Cross](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-the-holy-cross) | Worcester, MA | 88% | $90,543 | $38,782 | $27,000 | 0.3x |
| 14 | [Mount Holyoke College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mount-holyoke-college) | South Hadley, MA | 85% | $58,418 | $26,441 | $22,902 | 0.39x |
| 15 | [Worcester State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/worcester-state-university) | Worcester, MA | 58% | $60,624 | $13,381 | $19,500 | 0.32x |
| 16 | [Brandeis University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/brandeis-university) | Waltham, MA | 86% | $77,231 | $35,736 | $25,648 | 0.33x |
| 17 | [Bridgewater State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bridgewater-state-university) | Bridgewater, MA | 54% | $57,466 | $16,383 | $24,286 | 0.42x |
| 18 | [Massachusetts Maritime Academy](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massachusetts-maritime-academy) | Buzzards Bay, MA | 77% | $82,392 | $21,582 | $25,000 | 0.3x |
| 19 | [Worcester Polytechnic Institute](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/worcester-polytechnic-institute) | Worcester, MA | 89% | $103,470 | $43,071 | $27,000 | 0.26x |
| 20 | [Salem State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/salem-state-university) | Salem, MA | 52% | $56,662 | $15,996 | $25,000 | 0.44x |
| 21 | [Clark University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clark-university) | Worcester, MA | 77% | $62,381 | $28,714 | $26,759 | 0.43x |
| 22 | [Fitchburg State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fitchburg-state-university) | Fitchburg, MA | 54% | $53,874 | $14,262 | $24,239 | 0.45x |
| 23 | [Westfield State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/westfield-state-university) | Westfield, MA | 55% | $57,346 | $16,721 | $22,457 | 0.39x |
| 24 | [MCPHS University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mcphs-university) | Boston, MA | 63% | $125,557 | $39,545 | $25,000 | 0.2x |
| 25 | [Simmons University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/simmons-university) | Boston, MA | 72% | $63,494 | $25,265 | $24,840 | 0.39x |
| 26 | [Bay Path University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bay-path-university) | Longmeadow, MA | 51% | $55,383 | $14,271 | $24,901 | 0.45x |
| 27 | [University of Massachusetts-Amherst](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-amherst) | Amherst, MA | 83% | $71,631 | $22,383 | $22,763 | 0.32x |
| 28 | [Wentworth Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wentworth-institute-of-technology) | Boston, MA | 68% | $82,721 | $34,170 | $25,028 | 0.3x |
| 29 | [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 |
| 30 | [Western New England University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-new-england-university) | Springfield, MA | 64% | $73,157 | $27,290 | $25,500 | 0.35x |
| 31 | [College of Our Lady of the Elms](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-our-lady-of-the-elms) | Chicopee, MA | 66% | $51,540 | $17,545 | $25,000 | 0.49x |
| 32 | [Quincy College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/quincy-college) | Quincy, MA | 16% | $52,506 | $17,126 | $13,874 | 0.26x |
| 33 | [Stonehill College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stonehill-college) | Easton, MA | 78% | $77,745 | $33,016 | $25,000 | 0.32x |
| 34 | [Suffolk University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/suffolk-university) | Boston, MA | 60% | $67,506 | $29,618 | $26,889 | 0.4x |
| 35 | [Gordon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gordon-college) | Wenham, MA | 68% | $52,119 | $24,883 | $26,250 | 0.5x |
| 36 | [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 |
| 37 | [Hampshire College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hampshire-college) | Amherst, MA | 56% | $46,938 | $24,034 | $26,893 | 0.57x |
| 38 | [Assumption University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/assumption-university) | Worcester, MA | 75% | $74,895 | $29,498 | $27,000 | 0.36x |
| 39 | [Springfield College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/springfield-college) | Springfield, MA | 71% | $48,036 | $30,587 | $26,250 | 0.55x |
| 40 | [University of Massachusetts-Boston](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-boston) | Boston, MA | 50% | $65,865 | $17,707 | $21,974 | 0.33x |
| 41 | [University of Massachusetts-Lowell](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-lowell) | Lowell, MA | 67% | $64,874 | $17,163 | $23,704 | 0.37x |
| 42 | [Franklin W Olin College of Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/franklin-w-olin-college-of-engineering) | Needham, MA | 94% | $129,455 | $25,171 | $19,500 | 0.15x |
| 43 | [Emerson College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/emerson-college) | Boston, MA | 78% | $62,832 | $49,180 | $23,000 | 0.37x |
| 44 | [Regis College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/regis-college) | Weston, MA | 71% | $52,873 | $27,477 | $25,500 | 0.48x |
| 45 | [Framingham State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/framingham-state-university) | Framingham, MA | 49% | $52,349 | $16,114 | $25,000 | 0.48x |
| 46 | [Lasell University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lasell-university) | Newton, MA | 56% | $49,705 | $27,511 | $26,000 | 0.52x |
| 47 | [Merrimack College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/merrimack-college) | North Andover, MA | 71% | $75,584 | $37,927 | $27,000 | 0.36x |
| 48 | [Nichols College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/nichols-college) | Dudley, MA | 63% | $58,063 | $33,036 | $27,000 | 0.47x |
| 49 | [Lesley University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lesley-university) | Cambridge, MA | 60% | $51,173 | $31,152 | $21,000 | 0.41x |
| 50 | [Curry College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/curry-college) | Milton, MA | 50% | $54,400 | $29,207 | $25,000 | 0.46x |

## 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 Master's Programs in Massachusetts." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-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/.