nursingadmissionscareersMassachusetts

Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

March 2, 2026

Explore 20 nursing programs across Massachusetts—from affordable community colleges to prestigious universities. Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and earning potential to find your ideal nursing pathway.

Massachusetts offers prospective nursing students an exceptional range of educational pathways, with 20 accredited nursing programs spanning 9 community colleges and 11 universities. Whether you're seeking an affordable Associate's degree or a competitive Bachelor's program at a top-tier institution, Massachusetts has options to match your academic profile, budget, and career goals.

Overview of Nursing Education in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to some of the nation's most respected healthcare systems, research institutions, and teaching hospitals. This robust healthcare infrastructure creates strong clinical training opportunities and excellent job prospects for nursing graduates. The state's nursing programs range from two-year Associate degrees (ADN) at community colleges to four-year Bachelor's degrees (BSN) and advanced graduate programs at universities.

The choice between community college and university programs isn't simply about prestige—it's about your timeline, finances, and career trajectory. Community college nursing programs cost between $5,352 and $6,048 per year for in-state students, while university programs range from $11,286 to $67,680 annually. Both pathways lead to RN licensure and viable nursing careers, though they differ in scope, cost, and earning potential.

Top University Nursing Programs in Massachusetts

Elite Private Universities

Northeastern University (Boston) stands as the most selective nursing program in Massachusetts, with a 5.7% acceptance rate and $63,141 annual tuition. This highly competitive program is designed for accomplished students; the median nursing graduate earns $165,932 annually with a First Professional Degree. With a 90.8% graduation rate and enrollment of 15,719 students, Northeastern offers extensive research opportunities and partnerships with Boston's premier medical institutions. This program demands exceptional credentials but delivers elite education and strong earning potential.

Boston College (Chestnut Hill) offers another prestigious private option with a 15.7% acceptance rate, $67,680 tuition, and a 91.0% graduation rate. Nursing graduates earn $112,343 annually with a Master's degree. Boston College's rigorous curriculum emphasizes both clinical excellence and leadership development, making it ideal for students aspiring to advanced nursing roles.

MCPHS University (Boston) provides a middle ground between selectivity and affordability among private institutions. With an 85.2% acceptance rate, $38,850 annual tuition, and a 62.4% graduation rate, MCPHS attracts students seeking quality private education without the highest price tag. Nursing graduates earn $106,325 annually with a Master's degree.

Endicott College (Beverly) offers another accessible private option with a 72.3% acceptance rate, $39,212 tuition, and a 76.7% graduation rate. Nursing graduates earn $112,823 annually with a Graduate Certificate, making this a solid choice for motivated students seeking personalized attention.

Public Universities: Affordable Four-Year Programs

University of Massachusetts-Amherst is Massachusetts' flagship public university and offers excellent value at $17,357 annual tuition with a 57.8% acceptance rate. The 83.1% graduation rate is notably strong, and nursing graduates earn $105,578 annually with a Doctoral degree. With 23,694 students, UMass-Amherst provides extensive resources and research opportunities.

University of Massachusetts-Boston serves Boston's urban population with the most accessible admission rate among four-year programs (83.0%) and the lowest tuition at $15,496 annually. However, the 51.1% graduation rate suggests students should be prepared for a rigorous program. Nursing graduates earn $113,564 annually with a Graduate Certificate.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers strong value at $16,570 annual tuition with an 85.2% acceptance rate and 70.6% graduation rate. Nursing graduates earn $107,250 annually with a Master's degree, and the program's location in the Merrimack Valley provides clinical partnerships with regional healthcare systems.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth has the highest acceptance rate (92.2%) among UMass campuses at $15,208 tuition. Though the 51.8% graduation rate is lower, nursing graduates earn $123,039 annually with a Doctoral degree, indicating strong earning potential despite lower selectivity.

Regional Public Universities

Salem State University offers exceptional affordability at $11,978 annual tuition with a 95.6% acceptance rate—the most accessible four-year program in the state. The 55.2% graduation rate requires commitment, but nursing graduates earn $64,195 annually with a Master's degree.

Worcester State University provides similar value at $11,286 tuition with an 89.9% acceptance rate and 57.1% graduation rate. Nursing graduates earn $76,249 annually with a Bachelor's degree.

Westfield State University rounds out the regional options at $11,882 tuition, 80.7% acceptance, and 57.4% graduation rate. Nursing graduates earn $75,730 annually with a Bachelor's degree.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Massachusetts' nine community colleges offer the most affordable nursing education in the state, with tuition ranging from $5,352 to $6,048 annually for in-state students. These two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs prepare students for RN licensure and cost roughly one-third of public university programs.

Bunker Hill Community College (Boston) charges $5,520 annually, and graduates earn $72,858 with an Associate's degree. Located in Boston, it provides access to the state's largest healthcare market.

Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester) costs $5,974 annually with nursing graduate earnings of $66,294. Its Worcester location serves central Massachusetts.

Bristol Community College (Fall River) offers the lowest tuition at $5,412 annually, with graduates earning $65,979. It serves southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Middlesex Community College (Bedford) charges $6,048 annually—the highest community college tuition—with graduates earning $75,351, the highest among two-year programs.

North Shore Community College (Danvers) costs $5,352 with graduate earnings of $62,129, serving the North Shore region.

Springfield Technical Community College (Springfield) charges $5,520 with graduate earnings of $67,593, serving western Massachusetts.

Massasoit Community College (Brockton) costs $5,376 with graduate earnings of $70,289.

Northern Essex Community College (Haverhill) charges $5,688 with graduate earnings of $74,336.

Holyoke Community College (Holyoke) costs $5,810 with graduate earnings of $67,116.

The Community College Advantage

Community college nursing programs offer several strategic advantages: dramatically lower tuition, smaller class sizes, flexible scheduling for working students, and a clear pathway to bachelor's degrees through RN-to-BSN programs offered by universities. Many Massachusetts nursing students complete their ADN at community college, pass the NCLEX-RN, work as registered nurses while earning, then pursue a BSN part-time or online. This approach reduces total debt while allowing income to offset educational costs.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Consider Your Academic Profile

Your GPA, standardized test scores, and prerequisite coursework should guide your choices. Northeastern's 5.7% acceptance rate and Boston College's 15.7% rate require top-tier credentials. If your academic record is strong, these elite programs offer unmatched earning potential and prestige. If your GPA is 3.5 or below, focus on programs with 70%+ acceptance rates, where admission is more achievable.

Evaluate Financial Impact

Calculate your total four-year cost: tuition × 4 years, plus living expenses and books. A student attending Bunker Hill Community College pays approximately $22,080 in tuition over two years, versus $69,428 at UMass-Amherst or $252,564 at Northeastern over four years. However, Northeastern graduates earn $165,932 annually versus $72,858 for community college graduates—a $93,074 annual difference. Your financial situation, ability to borrow, and risk tolerance should guide this decision.

Assess Graduation Rates

Graduation rates vary significantly: Northeastern (90.8%), Boston College (91.0%), and Endicott (76.7%) have strong completion rates, while UMass-Boston (51.1%) and UMass-Dartmouth (51.8%) are lower. Strong graduation rates indicate good student support, manageable workloads, and program quality. However, lower graduation rates may reflect demanding curricula or student populations with greater barriers—not necessarily poor program quality.

Location and Clinical Opportunities

Boston-area programs (Northeastern, Boston College, UMass-Boston, MCPHS, Endicott) offer access to world-class medical centers including Mass General, Brigham and Women's, and Boston Medical Center. Western and central Massachusetts programs partner with regional health systems. Consider where you want to work after graduation—programs in that region provide networking and job placement advantages.

Program Format and Schedule

Most four-year universities offer traditional full-time programs. Some community colleges and universities offer evening, weekend, or accelerated options for working students. If you need flexibility, verify program scheduling before applying.

Nursing Job Market in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers strong nursing employment prospects. The state's concentration of academic medical centers, research hospitals, and healthcare innovation creates consistent demand for nurses. Boston alone hosts dozens of major hospitals and healthcare systems actively recruiting nurses.

Earning potential varies significantly by education level. Associate degree holders earn $62,129–$75,351 annually, while Bachelor's degree holders earn $75,730–$76,249. Master's degree holders earn $106,325–$113,564, and Doctoral degree holders earn $105,578–$123,039. This data illustrates that advanced education correlates with substantially higher earnings—a Master's degree increases earning potential by approximately $30,000–$40,000 annually compared to an Associate's degree.

Massachusetts' cost of living is among the nation's highest, particularly in Boston and surrounding areas. Nursing salaries are competitive but should be weighed against housing, transportation, and other expenses. Many nurses work in Boston but live in surrounding communities with lower housing costs.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Massachusetts

Federal Aid

All Massachusetts nursing students qualify for federal aid regardless of school type. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to access:

Federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for 2024-25) for students with financial need—no repayment required
Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) with fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment options
Federal PLUS Loans for graduate students and parents

State Aid

Massachusetts offers several state-specific programs:

Massachusetts Grant (formerly MAG): Need-based grants for Massachusetts residents attending in-state schools
Nursing Student Loan Repayment Program: Repays up to $60,000 in student loans for nurses working in underserved areas
Health Professions Student Loan Program: Low-interest loans specifically for health professions students

Institutional Aid

Universities and colleges award merit scholarships based on academic credentials and need-based aid based on FAFSA results. Private universities (Northeastern, Boston College, MCPHS, Endicott) typically have larger endowments and award more institutional aid, though they also charge higher tuition. Public universities award less aid but charge lower tuition. Community colleges typically offer minimal institutional aid but have the lowest tuition.

Employer Sponsorship

Many healthcare systems sponsor nursing education for employees or prospective employees. Hospitals including Mass General, Brigham and Women's, and Boston Medical Center offer tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, and loan forgiveness programs for nurses who commit to employment.

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

You've learned about Massachusetts' 20 nursing programs—now it's time to compare them side-by-side. Visit GradeToGrad's nursing program search to:

Filter programs by tuition, acceptance rate, graduation rate, and location
Compare earning potential and career outcomes
Read student reviews and program details
Create a personalized list of schools matching your criteria
Access application requirements and deadlines

Start by identifying 5–7 schools across different selectivity levels: reach schools (5–20% acceptance), target schools (40–70% acceptance), and safety schools (80%+ acceptance). For each program, request information, attend virtual information sessions, and speak with current students and alumni.

The best nursing program for you balances academic fit, financial feasibility, location preferences, and career goals. Whether you choose Northeastern's elite pathway, a public university's strong value, or a community college's affordability, Massachusetts nursing education will prepare you for a rewarding healthcare career.