The cost of college in Massachusetts — and what it pays back
Across the 85 Massachusetts institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $24,883/yr, $7,977 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $57,346 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 59 of the 85 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$24,883
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$57,346
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
5.4 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
59/85
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Massachusetts's 85 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong28
Solid15
Slow10
Weak32
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $20,111 | $143,372 | 0.8 yrs |
| Franklin W Olin College of Engineering | $25,171 | $129,455 | 1.2 yrs |
| Harvard University | $19,066 | $101,817 | 1.4 yrs |
| Williams College | $17,716 | $88,665 | 1.8 yrs |
| Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | $39,545 | $125,557 | 2 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex Community College | $2,624 | $50,651 | 2.3 yrs |
| Bristol Community College | $5,547 | $38,663 | no payback |
| Springfield Technical Community College | $5,662 | $36,966 | no payback |
| Northern Essex Community College | $6,046 | $42,862 | no payback |
| Urban College of Boston | $6,957 | $35,472 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Massachusetts?
The median net price across Massachusetts colleges is $24,883/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Massachusetts cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Massachusetts net price of $24,883/yr runs about $7,977/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Massachusetts college graduates earn?
A median $57,346 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Massachusetts college pays for itself fastest?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — about 0.8 years to clear its $80,444 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-massachusetts page.