Best Community Colleges in Boston: Admission Requirements, Transfer Options, and Online Degrees

From religious studies to political science, the city of Boston is widely regarded as one of the best cities for higher education in the US. The city has such a high education standard that the best community colleges in Boston can easily compete with four-year universities within and beyond Massachusetts.

Many of the best national schools are near Boston, such as Quincy College and Harvard University. The city’s community colleges have developed partnerships and transfer agreements with these universities to provide top-notch education to students. Continue reading for an overview of the wide variety of the best Boston community college programs available.

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How Many Community Colleges Are in Boston?

There are 15 community colleges in and around the Boston area. Five community colleges are within the city limits, while 13 others are within a 50-mile radius of the city.

What Is the Biggest Community College in Boston?

The biggest community college in Boston is Bunker Hill Community College. Bunker Hill enrolls more than 19,000 students annually and has a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The college offers over 100 programs through different learning formats.

What Are the Best Community Colleges in Boston?

Ranking	Community College	Graduation Rate	Student-to-Faculty Ratio
1	Urban College of Boston	30%	10:1
2	Roxbury Community College	28%	15:1
3	North Shore Community College	22%	12:1
4	Quinsigamond Community College	20%	15:1
5	Bunker Hill Community College	15%	19:1

The Best Community Colleges in Boston: Explained

The best community colleges in Boston offer some of the most popular associate degree programs of study in the city. They are notable for their transfer degree programs, which allow students to easily continue their education at a four-year university. This section covers details about each college to help aid you in your school search.

Urban College of Boston | Grad Rate: 30%

Urban College of Boston is a multilingual institution, primarily offering courses in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. It offers 11 associate degree and certificate programs through in-person, online, and hybrid formats. The school provides six fields of study, all of which are tailored to provide social services and care management to the public.

Urban College of Boston Overview

Tuition: $296/credit hour
Student Population: 554
Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 100%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Urban College of Boston Programs

Associate of Arts in Human Services Administration. This program is designed for students who want a career in schools and social service agencies. It also prepares students to transfer to university programs.
Early Childhood Education Certificate. This certificate program teaches students the fundamentals of childhood development and best practices for early childhood education. Students can earn an Associate Degree in Child Development, which certifies them to teach in preschools in Massachusetts.
Associate of Arts in General Studies. The general studies program provides a flexible curriculum tailored to transfer students. This curriculum allows students to mix core general education courses with electives that match their interests and academic goals.
Clinical Research Coordination Certificate. The curriculum for this program is built on the core competencies for clinical research, as stipulated by National Institutes for Health. The program features an internship program that provides the academic, communication, and professional experience and learning environment needed in clinical research fields.
Case Management Certificate. This case management program equips students with the relevant skills needed for an entry-level management position in social services agencies. Professionals are also welcome to the program to further develop their skillsets.

Roxbury Community College | Grad Rate: 28%

Founded in 1973, Roxbury Community College (RCC) is a co-educational school that provides certificate programs and associate degrees to residents of the Roxbury neighborhood. The diverse Roxbury student population consists of 80 percent Black, Latino, and other ethnic minority students.

Roxbury Community College Overview

Tuition: $241/credit hour (in-district); $462/credit hour (out of district)
Student Population: 1,200
Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 71%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Roxbury Community College Programs

Associate of Arts in Health Careers. This 64-credit interdisciplinary program combines core science topics with a general liberal arts curriculum. The program prepares students to transfer to four-year public health science bachelor’s programs.
Associate of Arts in Business Administration. The primary focus of this 65-credit program is to prepare students for four-year college programs in accounting, management, computer information systems, insurance, and other business-related fields.
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. This 62-credit program allows prospective students to receive a liberal arts education and explore their academic interests, from social sciences to public policy. The wide variety of classes allows students to easily transfer credits that satisfy the general education requirements of four-year university curricula.
Associate of Arts in Biological Studies. This program teaches the basics of physical sciences such as chemistry, mathematics, and biology. This program also features the opportunity for students to gain hands-on professional experience through laboratory internships, preparing them for entry-level work as lab technicians.
Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education. Students in this program learn the fundamentals of child care and early development. They graduate to work in daycare centers, nursery schools, and social services agencies. This program satisfies the Department of Early Education and Care criteria for teacher certification.

North Shore Community College | Grad Rate: 22%

North Shore Community College offers over 70 academic degree and certificate programs from its two campus locations to nearly 10,000 students. The school emphasizes professional development in post-secondary education and includes internship programs in most academic programs of study.

North Shore Community College Overview

Tuition: $223/credit hour (in-district); $235/credit hour (out of district); $455/credit hour (out of state)
Student Population: 4,783
Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 67%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best North Shore Community College Programs

Associate of Arts in Environmental Studies. This environmental program teaches students about environmental issues and how to achieve sustainability. It is a transfer program that combines interdisciplinary concepts in its curriculum, and students can concentrate on either environmental advocacy or environmental science.
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies. This degree program trains students in the skills needed for professional experience in assisting attorneys in their legal duties. It involves theoretical and practical legal studies that enable graduates to further pursue post-secondary education in law or to work as paralegals in various organizations.
Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. This program produces graduates that possess the skills needed to care for animals in a veterinary clinic. Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, it prepares students to complete the National Veterinary Technician Certification Examination.
Associate of Science in Computer Networking and Security. This 60-credit program prepares students for various cyber security roles in government, small businesses, and corporations. The curriculum involves various computer science topics and an optional internship. Prospective students should have a background in algebra and computer literacy.
Early Childhood Educator Certificate. Students in this program are trained to become preschool teachers in private schools. This certificate program is designed to supplement the corresponding Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, certifying students as Lead Teachers in the state of Massachusetts.

Quinsigamond Community College| Grad Rate: 20%

Quinsigamond Community College is notable for its online learning academic program, and offers most classes as hybrid courses. Quinsigamond was founded in 1963 and enrolls more than 13,000 students. The college features over 120 degree and certificate programs available for study and many of them are offered as dual enrollment programs.

Quinsigamond Community College Overview

Tuition: $205/credit hour (in-district); $411/credit hour (out of district)
Student Population: 6,924
Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 83%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Quinsigamond Community College Programs

Associate of Science in Business Administration. This program is designed for students who want to join the workforce immediately after graduation. Students learn to apply accounting, management, and marketing skills in a business environment during the program, and more than 90 percent of classes can be completed online.
Associate of Science in Computer Systems Engineering Technology - Cybersecurity. This program can be completed either completely in person or as a hybrid program. By the end of the program, students possess network security, computer network troubleshooting, business management, and digital forensics skills.
Associate of Science in Healthcare - Practical Nursing. This program provides basic training to students in nearly all aspects of nursing and healthcare and prepares students for four-year nursing programs. The program aims to apply nursing processes to the health care of culturally diverse patients.
Associate of Science in Engineering. This general engineering program prepares you as a transfer student into any four-year engineering program. The curriculum for this program consists of topics from all engineering fields, life sciences, and general sciences.
Early Childhood Education Certificate. This certificate program provides the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for working with children from infancy up to eight years old. This program serves as a foundation for more specialized associate programs. More than 80 percent of classes are offered online.

Bunker Hill Community College | Grad Rate: 15%

Bunker Hill Community College is the largest community college in Boston and Massachusetts at large. It is also the most ethnic and gender diverse college in the state. Bunker Hill offers more than 100 campus-based and online courses among its two main campuses and three satellite locations.

Bunker Hill Community College Overview

Tuition: $220/credit hour (in-district); $426/credit hour (out of district)
Student Population: 9,924
Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 69%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Bunker Hill Community College Programs

Associate of Science in Accounting. This 61-credit program specializes in training students to use accounting software. The program also includes a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance option for students to assist community members in preparing their tax returns.
Associate of Science in Biomedical Engineering. This program aims to introduce engineering into the fields of biology and medicine. This concentration option enables students to transfer into a bachelor’s program at a four-year school as a college junior, or work in entry-level lab assistant positions.
Associate of Arts in Chemistry. The primary focus of this program is to prepare students to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program in chemistry. It covers topics in physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. This program also covers the foundational concepts of chemical engineering.
Associate of Science in Cybersecurity. Students in this program learn how to implement network security systems, identify and respond to security threats, and maintain data security processes. Graduates of the program will be qualified to work in entry-level cyber security positions.
Culinary Arts Certificate Program. This 22-credit certificate program equips students with the technical and conceptual skills needed in the food service industry. Students learn how to use the tools and equipment found in food production, and are able to work in entry-level positions or transfer credits towards an associate degree.

Best Online Community Colleges in Boston

Fisher College. Fisher College offers several fully-online certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and graduate programs. These academic programs are affordable, flexible, and convenient for online students.
Middlesex Community College. Middlesex Community College is an award winner in online learning. It provides various forms of online learning, including asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid online programs. Middlesex offers hundreds of online associate degrees, certificates, and individual courses.
Bristol Community College. Bristol Community College has one of the largest online and digital learning facilities in the Greater Boston area. It offers 10 online associate degrees, four online certificate programs, and more than 30 hybrid programs.

Best Online Associate Degrees

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Other Boston Community College Rankings

Each of the best community colleges in Boston has a unique advantage over other options. Some community colleges are better than others regarding transfer prospects or program offerings. Additionally, certain community colleges offer more advanced certificates and degrees, which are uncommon for many colleges.

Best Community Colleges in Boston for Transfer

Bunker Hill Community College. Bunker Hill offers transfer options for nearly all of its academic programs. The school also has the added benefit of affiliated scholarships with several top four-year universities in Boston. Schools like Boston University and University of Massachusetts award scholarships to eligible Bunker Hill transfer students.
Roxbury Community College. This institution has seven general transfer agreements with four-year universities, including Lesley University and Northeastern University. In addition, RCC has more than 20 program-specific transfer agreements with several other universities.
Mount Wachusett Community College. Mount Wachusett Community College offers in-person and online postgraduate courses for associate degree holders. These courses prepare students for a bachelor’s degree at any of the 25 universities that have a transfer agreement with the college.

Best Community Colleges for Business Administration in Boston

Quinsigamond Community College. QCC has several business-related programs, including an Associate Degree in Business Administration program. These programs provide both transfer and entry-level career options and may be pursued online.
Bay State College. Students favor the business administration program at Bay State College because of the abundant employment opportunities available after graduation. Companies such as the Bank of America, Raytheon Technologies, and Brooks Brothers employ Bay State business administration graduates.
Greenfield Community College. Greenfield Community College offers its business administration transfer associate degree in small class sizes. While attending Greenfield Community College’s rigorous program, students can also earn the Management Certificate, which improves their career prospects.

Best Boston Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor’s Degrees

Bay State College. Bay State College offers six bachelor’s programs in addition to its associate and certificate programs. Students can major in management, information technology, nursing, fashion, and criminal justice. Bay State offers very affordable bachelor’s degrees compared to conventional universities.
Fisher College. Fisher College is a well-rounded community college that offers associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees. There are more than 20 bachelor’s programs to choose from in various subjects including, sports management, digital marketing, journalism, and psychology.

Best Associate Degrees

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Best Community College Programs in Boston

A female college student walking in front of a technical community college building — Boston offers a wide range of excellent academic programs through its many community colleges.

Boston’s best community college programs are also the most popular, and for good reason. These programs are nearly ubiquitous in all community colleges in the district. They are also some of the best transfer programs in high-demand fields.

Nursing

Nearly all community colleges in Boston offer an academic nursing program. You can obtain a certificate, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Science in Nursing. Nursing is an important aspect of healthcare. As such, all nursing programs feature a stringent final evaluation and comprehensive review of studies.

Business Administration

Massachusetts is home to the famed Harvard Business School and the MIT Sloan School of Business. Boston’s community colleges are not behind in this regard, as they offer various forms of business programs. Many are partner programs that allow students to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration while continuing studies in the community college.

Early Childhood Education

According to US News & World Report, Massachusetts is the second-best state for early childhood education. Boston aims to improve this standard through the numerous early childhood education programs offered in its community colleges. The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care approves all degrees and certificates obtained from this type of program.

Cyber Security

The cyber security programs offered in Boston community colleges train students to become computer and network security professionals. This program is a popular choice for undergraduates in Boston community colleges. Moreover, these schools also partner with some of the best cyber security bootcamps to provide intensive, hands-on, online courses to students.

Engineering

There are nearly 20 universities in Massachusetts that offer engineering degrees, chief among them being Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Therefore, it is unsurprising that most Boston community colleges offer various engineering programs. These programs teach the fundamentals of engineering in preparation for a four-year engineering program.

Boston Community College Admission Requirements

The admission requirements to attend a community college in Boston are not as demanding as those for four-year universities. However, Boston has an educational standard to uphold, so you must be academically sound to enroll in a community college program. This section explains some of the admission requirements you must satisfy to attend a Boston community college.

Boston Community College GPA Requirements

Most community colleges in Boston require a minimum high school GPA between 2.0 and 2.7. This value is below the national average of 3.0. Furthermore, many colleges have an open admissions policy, wherein anyone can apply, no matter their previous GPA or coursework.

Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in Boston

Your Massachusetts residency status plays an important role in your community college education. The most important restriction is tuition and fees. Nearly all community colleges in Boston stipulate higher fees for out-of-district and out-of-state students. This disparity is because the families of in-state students pay taxes to the state, and therefore they have subsidized tuition.

Boston colleges consider you a resident if you are a US citizen, and you or your sponsor have lived in Massachusetts for at least six months In addition, you must show proof of your intention to be a permanent Massachusetts resident. However, you can get a time waiver if you are an Armed Forces member stationed in Massachusetts.

Boston Community College Age Requirements

The minimum age for enrolling in a Boston community college is 18 years. The school assumes that the applicant has obtained a high school diploma at this age. However, you can request an age waiver if you are younger than 18 and have your diploma. Some community colleges allow high school students younger than 18 to attend classes in concurrent enrollment programs.

Boston Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary

Massachusetts residency
Minimum high school GPA
At least 18 years of age at the time of admission
High school diploma or equivalent

Why Study in Boston?

Boston is one of the best cities for a college education in the US. With more than 50 colleges in the Boston area, it’s no wonder there are many college-age residents and a lively social scene in the city. Boston has a rich arts and culture atmosphere and is at the center of many notable events in US history.

Educational Opportunities

Two of the best universities in the country, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, are just across the river in Cambridge. Many community colleges in Boston offer transfer programs to these schools and other top colleges. These programs provide an easy pathway to obtaining a bachelor’s degree from a prestigious university.

Public Transportation

Boston’s small size and public transportation infrastructure make it a conducive learning environment. Most colleges are within walking distance from residential areas, and the superb subway system aids in commuting to farther schools. Boston also boasts an extensive network of trains, trams, and buses that nearly eliminate the need for a car.

Arts and Culture

Boston is a leading cultural center in the US and features several music and theater events. These cultural events have subsidized attendance costs for any college student possessing a valid student identification card. You can also obtain the college card for the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) at an affordable upfront cost, which enables you to attend BSO performances at no further charge.

Boston Employment Outlook for Community College Students

Boston boasts exceptional statistics in terms of graduate employment. Many companies, such as Boston Dynamics and Fidelity investments, are headquartered in Boston. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Boston has witnessed a five percent employment rate increase over the last year. This increase is more than the national average of nearly five percent.

Most Boston colleges offer two forms of academic programs, which include transfer degrees and career degrees. The career degree option features a rigorous program that prepares students to join the job market upon graduation. Boston is an ideal environment for these kinds of programs because of numerous internship opportunities from resident companies.

5 In-Demand Boston Jobs

As an educational city, Boston offers jobs that reflect the most popular academic programs in its colleges and universities. These jobs have lucrative salaries that are much higher than the national average and offer fantastic work benefits. Some of the most in-demand jobs in Boston include nursing, kindergarten teaching, information security analysts, and management.

Nurse Practitioner | Average Salary: $123,780

Nurses provide and coordinate care to patients with various medical conditions. They also educate the public on general health practices. Nurse practitioners work in clinics and hospitals, schools, and retirement homes. In Boston, graduates with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) must pass a qualifying examination to become registered nurses.

Average Salary in Boston: $132,070
Employment in Boston: 5,610
Overall Job Growth: 45%
Best Boston Community College Program: Associate of Science in Healthcare - Practical Nursing at Quinsigamond Community College

Information Security Analyst | Average Salary: $102,600

This job requires a cyber security certificate or computer science degree with a concentration on network security. Information security analysts design, structure, and facilitate the implementation of security systems to protect an organization’s computer network from cyber attacks. You may have to transfer to a cyber security bachelor’s program to qualify for this job.

Average Salary in Boston: $114,070
Employment in Boston: 3,790
Overall Job Growth: 33%
Best Boston Community College Program: Associate of Science in Computer and Network Security at Quinsigamond Community College

Facility Manager | Average Salary: $99,290

Facility managers organize and coordinate the daily activities of an organization. They are not limited to business organizations and can work in government agencies, corporations, and NGOs. This job requires additional academic qualifications. Therefore, you can transfer to a management bachelor’s program or register for online management courses.

Average Salary in Boston: $112,910
Employment in Boston: 3,800
Overall Job Growth: 9%
Best Boston Community College Program: Associate of Arts in Business Administration at Quinsigamond Community College

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | Average Salary: $61,350

Elementary school teachers provide primary education in public and private schools. They work with students during school hours, grade tests, and prepare lessons. A teaching job requires a certificate in addition to your academic degree.

Average Salary in Boston: $87,020
Employment in Boston: 21,950
Overall Job Growth: 7%
Best Boston Community College Program: Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education at Roxbury Community College

Accountant | Average Salary: $77,250

Accountants examine and prepare financial records of small businesses, large corporations, government agencies, and other organizations. They can also work with law enforcement to detect and prosecute financial crimes. To further your accounting career and rise to management positions, you might want to become a Certified Public Accountant.

Average Salary in Boston: $93,910
Employment in Boston: 32,300
Overall Job Growth: 7%
Best Boston Community College Program: Associate of Science in Accounting at Bunker Hill Community College

What Community Colleges in Boston Have Dorms?

Unfortunately, no community college in Boston has a dormitory. However, this is not unique to Boston, as most community colleges in the US do not offer on-campus housing. Community colleges are established within neighborhoods to provide affordable and convenient education to students who commute from their homes. Campus housing would very likely increase the cost of education.

However, more community colleges are expanding their scope by admitting out-of-state and international students. Accordingly, they are making provisions for on-campus housing and affordable apartments within walking distance of the school grounds.

What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in Boston?

A winter intersession is an academic session between the fall and spring semesters. It generally lasts for two to three weeks and allows students to complete a full course. The list below contains some of the community colleges in Boston that offer a winter intersession.

Boston Community Colleges With Winter Intersession

Bunker Hill Community College
Holyoke Community college
Massachusetts Bay Community College
Massasoit Community College
Middlesex Community College

What Community Colleges in Boston Have Summer Classes?

Most community colleges in Boston have summer classes. Summer classes enable you to complete courses and obtain a certificate within the summer months of June to August. They can also help you obtain a regular two-year degree faster as you can complete your required credits during that period.

Boston Community Colleges With Summer Classes

Bunker Hill Community College
Holyoke Community College
Massachusetts Bay Community College
Massasoit Community College
Northern Essex Community College

How to Apply to Community College in Boston

You can apply to a community college in Boston by following the guidelines listed on the application portal for your chosen school. Many community colleges in Boston belong to the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges, which means that they share a similar application process. The list below outlines the steps to follow when applying to these colleges.

Boston Community College Application Steps

Create an account on the online application portal.
Fill out your application and submit all the required documents.
Apply for financial aid through Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Register for your classes.
Attend the orientation for new students.

Cost of Community Colleges in Boston

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of community college in Boston costs $5,336. The exact amount you’ll pay for tuition depends on the number of credits you take and your residency status. Many community college programs do not last up to a year, so some schools list their tuition on a per-credit basis, ranging anywhere from $200 to $300 per credit.

Are Community Colleges Ever Free in Boston?

Yes, community colleges can be free in Boston. The city recognizes the importance of a college education and offers to pay for up to three years of tuition for low-income students. The city aids eligible students through the Tuition-Free Community College Plan.

Which Community Colleges Are Free in Boston?

There are five community colleges in Boston that are partnered with the Tuition-Free Community College Plan. These colleges include Bunker Hill Community College, Roxbury Community College, Massachusetts Bay Community College, Urban College of Boston, and Massasoit Community College.

Who Qualifies for Free Community College in Boston?

Low-income students who satisfy the Tuition-Free Community College Plan requirements qualify for free college in Boston. Some of these requirements include graduating from a Boston high school, having a minimum GPA of 2.0, enrolling in a three-year community college program, and being a Boston resident.

How to Apply for Free Community College in Boston

Apply to one of the schools under the Tuition-Free Community College Plan.
Promptly register for classes.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Fill out the online application for the Tuition-Free Community College Plan.

Scholarships for Community Colleges in Boston

There are numerous scholarships for community colleges in Boston. This reflects the value Boston places on free and accessible education. Consequently, various state and independent organizations partner with the city to financially aid deserving students. The following sections outline the scholarship options available to you and with details for applying.

How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in Boston

Research the scholarships available to students at your community college.
Ensure you satisfy the eligibility criteria.
Fill out the scholarship application form.
Submit an application essay, if required.
Maintain a good academic standing for the duration of your scholarship.

Boston Community College Scholarships List

BHCC Academic Excellence Award for Continuing Students | Amount: $5,280. This scholarship is only available to Bunker Hill Community College students with a GPA of 3.75 or higher. It covers only one semester, and awardees must renew it periodically. Students can apply by submitting a 500-word essay.
The City of Boston Scholarship Fund | Amount: $5,000-$10,000. Every year, the city of Boston awards this scholarship to ten students attending any higher learning institution within the city. This fund covers a four-year duration for new students and a two-year duration for continuing students.
Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship Program | Amount: N/A. This scholarship is available to any public college or university student in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that comes from a rural community. The award is based on merit and financial need, and the overall amount varies based on income levels.

Other Boston Community College Financial Aid Options

Aside from merit-based aid, other Boston community college financial aid options include federal and state grants, student loans, and work-study programs. The following list explains each of the financial aid programs available to you as a community college student.

Federal Grants

Federal grants are similar to student loans, but they usually do not have to be repaid. They are only given to students who demonstrate financial need and satisfy eligibility requirements. You can apply for a federal grant through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.

Massachusetts Grants

The state of Massachusetts provides the MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus financial aid to undergraduate students. The amount these grants award depends on the student’s estimated family contribution (EFC). The Commonwealth of Massachusetts also provides the Cash Access Grant to resident undergraduates with no prior bachelor’s degree or professional education.

Student Loans

A student loan is a popular method for financing college in the US. Student loans are available to most college students regardless of financial background or social status. The federal government provides subsidized student loans wherein interest does not accrue. However, private institutions accumulate interest over the debt period.

Work-Study Programs

Work-study programs provide part-time employment to low-income college students to help them pay for their studies. As an undergraduate in a Boston community college, the work-study program pays you by the hour. You can either apply for the federal work-study program or a local school work-study program.

The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation

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What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in Boston?

The financial aid requirements for community colleges in Boston are similar to the requirements stipulated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. In fact, most community colleges in the city require you to be eligible for federal aid before applying for any school aid. Other financial aid requirements common to Boston community colleges are outlined below.

Boston Financial Aid Requirements: Overview

Must be a Massachusetts resident
Maintain a stipulated GPA or above throughout your program
Have a low to moderate family income
Must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant

Should You Attend Community College in Boston?

Yes, you should attend community college in Boston. Aside from being one of the best cities for education, Boston is also an industrial city and pioneers several business and technological advancements. This means that there are lucrative job opportunities for community college graduates. Further, many Massachusetts state universities provide exclusive scholarships to graduates from Boston community colleges.

Boston Community College Rankings: Methodology

Our ranking of Boston community colleges is mainly based on graduation rates. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect a student’s chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.

Best Accelerated Degrees

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Best Boston Community Colleges FAQ

How are Boston community colleges funded?

Boston community colleges are funded through subsidies from the state of Massachusetts, student tuition, and other internally generated revenue. State funding constitutes the largest source, followed by student tuition. Internal revenue comes from local property tax, student debt repayment, grants, and endowments from public and private organizations.

Can I attend a Boston community college as a part-time student?

Yes, you can attend a Boston community college as a part-time student. The academic programs offered by these colleges are flexible enough to allow you to work part-time.

What financial aid option is best for a Boston community college?

The best financial aid option for a Boston community college is a federal grant. This grant is available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Unlike other financial aid options like scholarships, this option does not require you to be a Boston resident or even a US citizen. Moreover, the federal government does not require you to repay the grant provided to you.

Should I start a career or further my education after completing a program at a Boston community college?

You should further your education after completing a community college program. A bachelor’s degree offers better job opportunities than an associate degree or a certificate. Fortunately, most associate degree programs in Boston have transfer options that allow you to obtain a bachelor’s degree from some of the best universities in Massachusetts.

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