Live in Massachusetts and considering an online degree? Choosing an online college in Massachusetts could be your best bet. Not only do you have a number of online learning options, but you can also save on tuition and qualify for state scholarships. If you live close enough to school, you can even enjoy campus amenities, participate in on-campus events, and get in-person support.
This guide is a great place to begin your search for the right online college program in Massachusetts. We’ve ranked the best online colleges in the state to help you find a flexible, affordable online degree program that can help you achieve your career goals. We’ve also provided other valuable information, including financial aid opportunities and student resources for MA residents like you.
Top Online Colleges in Massachusetts for 2023
Massachusetts is home to a wide range of colleges with online programs. But which ones have what you need to move your education and career forward. To help, onlinecolleges.me has ranked the best online colleges in Massachusetts based on affordable tuition, availability and variety of financial aid, good student-to-teacher ratios, robust student support, career placement opportunities, proper accreditation, and breadth of online degree choices. See which Massachusetts online colleges earned the highest marks for 2023.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Salem, MassachusettsPublic $
Salem State University offers more than 20 graduate and post-baccalaureate certificate programs online. Students can advance their education and career prospects with access to renowned, committed faculty and flexible studies that fit their lives. A large number of Salem State classes are available either partially or completely online. Class formats vary, with some courses meeting online at designated times and others that don’t require any scheduled meetings. Admission requirements include a complete application and fee, transcripts, references, personal statements, and program-specific requirements. Below, we’ve highlighted three of the university’s online programs.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: 18 months
- Cost: $450.80 per credit hour (Resident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Master of Education in Reading
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $450.80 per credit hour (Resident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Master of Science in Geo-Information Science
- Credits: 30-32
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $450.80 per credit hour (Resident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Framingham, MassachusettsPublic $
Framingham State University offers online courses in 18 subject areas, including eight graduate degree programs. Some programs are asynchronous and others are synchronous. Online students are fully supported by university staff and programs, including an online student orientation, a self-service IT portal for any issues students may experience, and financial assistance with hardware. Classes are taught through the Canvas platform with a mobile-friendly interface. Students and faculty share information and course materials, engage in critical thinking activities, and collaborate online. The university offers dedicated faculty, quality course design, and strong administrative support. Framingham’s online students describe their educational experience as interactive, challenging, and collaborative. Admission requirements include a completed application and fee, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any program-specific requirements.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration Concentration in Management
- Credits: 48-52
- Length: 24 months
- Cost: $1,560 per course
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $1,360 per course
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
M.Ed. Concentration in Educational Technology
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $1,360 per course
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Fitchburg, MassachusettsPublic $
Fitchburg State University offers a wide variety of online graduate programs in behavioral sciences, business administration, communications media, computer science, economics, education, engineering, English, and nursing. Fitchburg’s online programs are designed to offer students quality online degrees and certificate programs with flexible, convenient schedules. Coursework is completed online via the Blackboard system in an asynchronous format. Course materials are always available and the university offers students exceptional support in their student resource center, a 24/7 technology help desk, and faculty resources. Admissions requirements include application and fee, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a GPA of 2.8. Programs may have specific requirements.
Program Highlights:
Criminal Justice, MS
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $347 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management Online
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $347 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Nursing (Forensic Nursing), MS
- Credits: 39
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $347 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Westfield, MassachusettsPublic $
Westfield State University offers students a number of online programs. Most of them are bachelor’s degree completion programs, perfect for students who have completed some coursework at the university level and would like to earn remaining credits online part time or full time. Online classes and degree completion programs make it easier for students to continue their studies while working or managing personal commitments. Online classes are held to the same standard as in-person classes and include direct personal interaction. Westfield offers a full bachelor’s of arts in history and several online minor programs, in addition to three hybrid programs where students complete some coursework online and in-person work. Other degrees offered online include a hybrid master’s of science in accounting, a hybrid RN to BSN in nursing, and a hybrid master’s in social work (MSW). Admission requirements include an application and fee, a narrative statement, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and program-specific requirements.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in History
- Credits: 45
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $970 per credit hour (Resident); $7,050 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: On campus or online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Bachelor Degree Completion Program in Marketing
- Credits: 45
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $970 per credit hour (Resident); $7,050 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Accounting, M.S
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $1,149 per credit hour, part-time
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Amherst, MassachusettsPublic $$$$
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a wide variety of online graduate and undergraduate degrees. The school’s University Without Walls (UWW) program has offered students at all stages of life superior flexible learning opportunities. Committed to an innovative, accessible, and adaptable educational approach that allows students to balance school, work, and personal life, courses are available to students in Massachusetts and anywhere around the world. Programs include pre-college, undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, professional development, and summer programs. The Instructional Design, Engagement, & Support (IDEAS) group assists UMass Amherst faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants with instructional, pedagogical, and technological service support. Each program has its own admissions requirements.
Program Highlights:
M.S. in Accounting Professional Track
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 semesters
- Cost: $850 per credit hour
- Mode: Online or hybrid
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Online M.S. in Computer Science
- Credits: 30
- Length: 3-4 years
- Cost: $779 per credit hour
- Mode: Online or hybrid
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Higher Education M.Ed. – Online
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $580 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Worcester, MassachusettsPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Bridgewater, MassachusettsPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
North Dartmouth, MassachusettsPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Lowell, MassachusettsPublic $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Boston, MassachusettsPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Haverhill, MassachusettsPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Boston, MassachusettsPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
5/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Gardner, MassachusettsPublic $
Mount Wachusett Community College is committed to serving its students and is proud to offer over ten 100% online degrees and certificates that traditional and nontraditional students can pursue through Blackboard. Though students may be working online, they’ll still have real instructors, classmates, syllabi, assignments, deadlines, regular feedback and class discussions, and exams. Courses are instructor-led and follow the timeline of a typical semester schedule. In addition to academic assistance such as live and offline tutoring and access to MWCC’s online library resources, MWCC also offers support to students struggling with mental health and home challenges.
Program Highlights:
A.S. in Legal Studies
- Credits: 60-63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $225-$340/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
A.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Credits: 60-62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $225-$340/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
A.S. in Business Administration – Accounting Concentration
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $225-$340/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Springfield, MassachusettsPublic $
Springfield Technical Community College understands that its students have many competing priorities, so it offers the ultimate flexibility in its online programs. Students will be able to study anytime and anywhere on their own schedule, and can choose from over 15 100% online certificates and degrees in areas like education, psychology, technology, and business. The school also hosts a ‘ChatNow’ feature on its website that allows students to get immediate access to support and resources that will help them thrive. In addition to flexible courses, other resources are available to online students as well, including writing coaches, tutoring services, financial aid, housing and food support, career planning, tech support, and veteran services.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Science in Computer Information Technologies
- Credits: 63-64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $329-$546/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts/General Studies – Urban Studies Concentration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $329-$546/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts/General Studies – Applied Psychology Concentration
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $329-$546/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Brockton, MassachusettsPublic $
Online courses at Massasoit Community College allow you to customize your learning experience to match your educational goals, learning styles, and scheduling constraints. Attending here will open up the opportunity of completing your choice of program from 12 degrees or five certificates that can be completed entirely online. In addition to those, many more degrees and certificates can be completed at least 50% online. All online classes are accessed through the Canvas learning management system and are asynchronous, which means you can work at your own pace as long as you meet the designated deadlines for assignments, quizzes, and tests.
Program Highlights:
AS in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $224-$430/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
AA in Psychology
- Credits: 63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $224-$430/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
AS in Business Administration Career – Marketing Option
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $224-$430/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Bedford, MassachusettsPublic $
Middlesex Community College has offered online learning to its students for over 20 years and classes are offered in a variety of formats like asynchronous (no specific meeting times), synchronous (specific meeting time online), hybrid (both in-person and online components), or ‘hyflex’ (option of face-to-face or zoom). Online students will have 24/7 access to their online course materials and online library resources. Middlesex Community College also has eTutoring which is an online tutoring platform that allows tutors to work with students synchronously and asynchronously, answering questions in real time, or replying to questions and essay submissions that students have left for review and commentary.
Program Highlights:
AS in Computer Science Transfer – Secure Software Development Concentration
- Credits: 63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $252-$505/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
AS in Business Administration – Hospitality Management
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $252-$505/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
AS in Fashion Merchandising
- Credits: 61-62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $252-$505/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Worcester, MassachusettsPublic $
Quinsigamond Community College offers 12 associate degrees, 8 certificates, and more than 100 classes online. Not only are there lots of online classes to choose from, but every class and its faculty member meets the Quality Matters Higher Education Standards. QCC also employs Online Learning Coaches that are available to help students with navigating their Blackboard course, accessing course materials, accessing and/or submitting assignments, logging onto their Zoom or Collaborate course, or using Zoom, Collaborate, Blackboard, Starfish, The Q, Qmail or other online tools. Students can also access online tutoring services that promote active, collaborative learning, where they’ll work with a tutor one-on-one to help clarify course concepts and build study skills to foster independent learning.
Program Highlights:
AA in Liberal Arts – History Option
- Credits: 61-62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $205-$411/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
AS in Healthcare
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $205-$411/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
AS in Human Services
- Credits: 62-63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $205-$411/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Wellesley Hills, MassachusettsPublic $
MassBay Community College has been providing online learning options for over a decade and today offers over 20 online degree and certificate programs. These remote (synchronous) and online (asynchronous) classes can be accessed through the Blackboard learning management system. Some of the technologies used by instructors and students as part of their online courses include discussion boards, online videos, podcasts, blogs, and wikis with the intent of building an online community of learners. Free tutoring is available through the Academic Achievement Center.
Program Highlights:
AS in Accounting
- Credits: 61-63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $224-$430/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
AA in Liberal Arts – Communication
- Credits: 62-63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $224-$430/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
AA in General Studies – Mathematics
- Credits: 66
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $224-$430/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Haverhill, MassachusettsPublic $
Northern Essex Community College offers three degrees 100% online, and several others that are 80% online. These courses will be accessed through the Blackboard learning management system. Distance learning students also have access to ThinkingStorm, an academic support program that gives you online access to live, one-to-one assistance from trained and qualified tutors. ThinkingStorm is offered to NECC students at no additional cost. NECC has an online learning hub that will help students prepare to take online courses, access their online courses, and get live help and technical support.
Program Highlights:
AA in Liberal Arts
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $244-$285/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
AS in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 62
- Length: 12-18 months
- Cost: $244-$285/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
AA in General Studies – Health Specialization
- Credits: 62
- Length: 12-18 months
- Cost: $244-$285/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
Online Learning Formats in Massachusetts
When a program is considered “online” that can mean a few different things. Sometimes it means all coursework is online while lectures are on campus. It can mean you’ll complete all coursework and lectures online but complete practicums or labs at specific locations. Because there are a few different ways you can learn online, you can choose a program suited to your learning style. Here is a quick rundown of the types of online programs you might see.
Fully Online vs. Hybrid/Blended
Fully online programs can be completed entirely online. In a hybrid or blended program, you’ll attend a mix of online location-oriented learning experiences. While both are beneficial for different reasons, the type of online program you’ll attend is usually determined by the subject or major. Majors that demand hands-on skills usually require a practicum, clinical trial, or internship that offers in-person training, while knowledge-based majors don’t. Below are two online programs that showcase the different formats so you can see which one best fits you.
BA in Criminal Justice at University of Massachusetts Global (Blended/Hybrid)
The University of Massachusetts Global offers a BA in criminal justice with a hybrid program. This program focuses on ethical and legal strategies for solving problems in the contemporary issues of criminal justice. The degree covers evidence, courts, forensics, national security, gang behavior, corrections, law enforcement, and more. This program costs approximately $500 per credit and takes approximately four years of full-time study to complete.
Students attend evening on-campus classes and participate in online discussions. This university uses an online learning management system so students can complete coursework, exams, and quizzes online. This allows in-person classroom time to be dedicated to clarifying assignments, role-playing, and learning hands-on skills. While students will see their professors in class, they can also contact them and participate in discussions with them online.
Online MBA at Boston University (Fully Online)
Boston University offers a fully online MBA program for students looking to further their education and career. This 45-credit program focuses on the key capabilities needed to make management decisions in a business setting. You’ll learn responsible business leadership, effective communication, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking pertaining to the duties of business management.
This program is offered completely online and can take two to four years to complete depending on whether you attend full time or part time. All quizzes, coursework, exams, lectures, and discussions are completed online through the online learning management system Blackboard, and students are expected to maintain the rigor that graduate-level degrees require. Students can contact faculty and administration online.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
Online programs can be either asynchronous or synchronous. Synchronous classes are run in real time, where students and teachers from different locations attend together at scheduled times. Asynchronous is more relaxed, where students can access the material at their leisure whenever it’s convenient for them. If you have a busy schedule or working hours, you may need the convenience of an asynchronous schedule that allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule. Since schools don’t always spell out how their scheduling works, always double-check the online program you’re interested in to see if it is offered asynchronously or synchronously and fits your style of learning. Below are examples of each style so you can know what to expect.
A.S. in Digital Forensics at Middlesex Community College (Asynchronous)
Middlesex Community College offers an A.S. in digital forensics program online that is designed to prepare students to work in the newly emerging field of computer forensics, computer science, and information technology, and how they are applied to computer-related crimes. This 60-credit program takes approximately two years to complete. This program can be taken online, which includes coursework, discussions, quizzes, and communication with faculty and administration. Students will have access to online tutoring, asynchronous and synchronous course options, student help, and all coursework through the BlackBoard learning management system. This online associate degree program allows students to work while they study with a schedule that matches their needs, allowing them to expand their knowledge, skill, career, and salary potential.
Bachelor’s in Accounting at University of Massachusetts Amherst (Synchronous)
The University of Massachusetts at Amherst offers an online undergraduate degree in accounting with a curriculum designed to prepare students for a range of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting activities that will enable them to fill the needs of employers and clients. Graduates can expect to work in brokerage firms, insurance companies, banks, real estate brokerages, and accounting firms. This program requires 120 credits and can be completed in approximately four years if you attend full time. Students will have access to online advising, the online resource center, and the ability to contact faculty and administration online as well. The program is not strictly asynchronous or synchronous, but the individual courses are formatted either way depending on the type of course or faculty member you take the course from.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time
A major decision online students need to make is whether to attend college part time or full time. Full-time attendance is typically 12 credits of classes or more, while part-time attendance is less than 12 credits. If you have the time, attending full time will help you complete your degree faster. If you need the flexibility of time, part time may be a better option, so you don’t burn out or have to sacrifice something in a different part of your life. Master’s programs are the most likely to have a part-time option, but there are undergraduate programs that stray from the full-time study norm. Below are two examples of programs to give you an idea of how full-time and part-time attendance might differ.
M.S. in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Massachusetts (Part-Time)
The University of Massachusetts offers an online M.S. in mental health counseling. This program is for students interested in state licensure to work in the mental health field. Students will take courses such as counseling and group dynamics, ethics of counseling, research and evaluation, child and adolescent counseling, life span human development, trauma and crisis counseling, psychopharmacology for counselors, substance abuse in the counseling practice, and more. This degree requires 60 credits and can be taken part time. The online curriculum is programmed after the on-campus courses and is even taught by the same faculty. The online tuition is $575 per credit, which is about $34,500 to complete the entire degree with the option of concentrations for additional credits.
M.A. in Gastronomy at Boston University (Full-Time)
Boston University offers an online M.A. in gastronomy that can be completed in one to two years. This is a multi-disciplinary program that will cover arts, humanities, and the social sciences. This program will examine food and how it relates to historical and contemporary societies in a variety of perspectives through reading, writing, research, and experiencing food with the senses. This program consists of 40 credits and costs a total of $36,000. Students can complete quizzes and coursework online and contact faculty, tutoring services, and administration through the Blackboard online learning management system.
The Lowdown on Online College Accreditation
Accreditation is critical when determining if a university or college has a quality program. When researching programs, always look for regional or program-specific accreditation. An accredited program has been reviewed by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and has been approved for quality curriculum and eligibility for federal or state financial aid. It also determines if the program meets the licensing or certification requirements needed in the career you’re pursuing.
There are different levels of accreditation: program-specific, regional, and national. Always research accreditation for a specific program, especially if it is a highly regulated field like nursing, social work, or engineering. You can check out our comprehensive accreditation guide for more information. Here are a few of the accrediting bodies you should look for when researching online colleges in Massachusetts.
Cost of an Online Degree in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the average cost of tuition for a traditional four-year degree ranges from $55,700-$128,000, depending on whether you’re a resident or not.
An online degree is often more affordable than regular tuition for a few different reasons.
First, you won’t have to pay for all the additional costs of living on campus such as housing and transportation. Second, many fees that apply to on-campus students don’t apply to online students, such as recreation center or healthcare fees. While some universities offer a separate, lower online tuition, many of them simply match the in-state tuition as if you were a resident, no matter where you live. The table below offers a glimpse of several Massachusetts schools and the types of tuition they charge to give you an idea of the financial differences between the different programs.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts | $15,310/year | $33,975/year | $6,000-$13,800/ year | $6,000-$13,800/ year |
| Massachusetts Bay Community College | $5,376/year | $10,320/year | $5,376/year | $10,320/year |
| Bunker Hill Community College | $5,520/year | $10,464/year | $5,520/year | $10,464/year |
| Salem State University | $11,979/year | $18,962/year | $11,979/year | $18,962/year |
| Framingham University | $11,202/year | $17,280/year | $11,202/year | $17,280/year |
* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.
Financial Aid for Massachusetts College Students
Deciding what to study can be complex, but paying for school doesn’t necessarily need to be. There are several forms of financial aid that can help you get to the finish line.
All students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid using the FAFSA, which is the application you use to apply for the U.S. government’s student loan and grant program. Low-income students are the most likely to qualify for grants, but even if you feel like you don’t fit into that category, you should apply anyway. You could get loan options that you can keep in your back pocket.
As a Massachusetts college student, you have several resources you can tap into for financial aid assistance. MASFAA, or the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, is an entity that hosts free “FAFSA days,” or days where help is available in-person or online for students filling out the sometimes-complicated FAFSA application.
The MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus programs are funded by the Massachusetts state legislature. The programs provide need-based financial aid to resident undergraduate students who are pursuing a program of higher education from an approved institution. The Office of Student Financial Assistance at the Massachusetts Office of Higher Education has a list of other state grants and scholarships that would be worth looking over.
The college you choose to attend should also have school-wide scholarships, usually based on need or academic performance, and program-based scholarships. For example, the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers several scholarship programs and resources to its students. Be sure to check your school’s financial aid webpage or walk into its financial aid office for help with applying for scholarships, FAFSA, or work-study programs.
Career Potential for Massachusetts College Grads
For students in Massachusetts who don’t have a career preference yet, knowing which career fields are most likely to experience the most growth in the next decade is a good place to get started. Take a look at the following careers that are projected to have massive growth in Massachusetts in the next decade.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Music Directors and Composers | 57.9% | $77,770 |
| Statistician | 57.5% | $116,740 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 55.7% | $129,540 |
| Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other | 50.7% | $111,550 |
| Information Security Analysts | 50.7% | $112,360 |
| Athletic Trainer | 48.8% | $66,940 |
| Film and Video Editors | 45.8% | $65,020 |
| Operations Research Analysts | 45.8% | $89,560 |
| Logisticians | 42.2% | $84,780 |
Additional Resources for Massachusetts Students
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority
MEFA is a website designed to take students in Massachusetts from college prep to beyond graduation. There are resources that cover ways to save for college, financial aid options for students in the application process, tuition payment plans, and student loans.
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s website contains loads of vital information for future and current college students including helpful classes to take in high school to prepare for college, finding the right school for you, financial aid resources, and strategic initiatives across the state to improve education.
Masstransfer’s A2B degree through Commonwealth Commitment is a state-wide program that encourages students to start their higher education at a Massachusetts community college before transferring to a university with the promise that their credits will transfer, space will be made in the student’s desired program, the student will receive tuition rebates after each semester, and a freeze will be placed on student’s tuition.
Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)
OFSA’s website offers students assistance in finding financial aid after they’ve taken the first step of completing the FAFSA application. OFSA aims is to teach students how to create a higher education budget.
Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges
Visitors to MACC’s website will learn about the benefits of attending a community college in Massachusetts, how credits will transfer to large universities, how online programs and classes are integrated into all 15 Massachusetts community colleges, valuable partnerships for financial aid, and the importance of workforce training and continuing education.