Massachusetts is a leading state in higher learning. It is home to more than 100 colleges and universities, including some of the highest-ranked Ivy League universities. Massachusetts attracts students from across the US as it offers top online programs to meet this demand.
This article spotlights some of the best virtual schools in Massachusetts. It also explores the most popular online programs offered by each school. Continue reading as we list the best accredited online colleges in Massachusetts.
Fully Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts: Two Types of Accreditation
A higher learning institution must be evaluated by several independent accrediting agencies that pronounce it fit for education. These organizations fall into two main forms, national accrediting agencies and regional accrediting agencies.
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
Regional accreditation is the most common type of accreditation. Regional agencies evaluate private and public universities and colleges within a particular area of the country. Most employers and organizations hold regional accreditation in higher esteem than national accreditation.
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
A national accreditation covers career schools that focus on vocational, technical, and faith-based education. The accreditation criteria for these schools are not as rigorous as those for regional accreditation. However, nationally accredited online schools provide affordable and career-specific programs that can be completed within a short period.
Why Is Accreditation Important for College?
Accreditation is important for college because it proves that an institution provides high-quality education. In addition, accreditation determines the school’s reputation among employers, government agencies, and other institutions.
How to Find an Accredited Online College in Massachusetts
You can find out whether an online college in Massachusetts is accredited by visiting the US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) website. In addition, you can check the list of accredited colleges on the website for your region’s accrediting agency. You can also find accreditation information on a school’s official website.
Check the US Department of Education’s Database
The US Department of Education’s DAPIP website has a search bar where you can type in the name of your school. Selecting a school from the search results directs you to a page containing the accreditation information for your school, including program-specific accreditation.
Search for Colleges on the Regional Accrediting Agency’s Website
Overall, there are six recognized regional accrediting agencies in the US. The New England Commission of Higher Education is the regional accrediting agency for the state of Massachusetts. This agency publishes a list of all their accredited colleges and provides a search engine that enables you to quickly find a school by its name.
Furthermore, distance programs are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commision (DEAC). While not considered regional accreditation, this body ensures the legitimacy of all distance learning programs across the US, including the state of Massachusetts.
Visit the School’s Official Website
Most schools display their accreditation on their official website. You can generally find this information on the about page. Moreover, school websites often include a link to an official reference website that can verify their accreditation information.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts: Overview
| Ranking | Online College | Accreditation | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brandeis University | New England Commission of Higher Education (regional) | 89% |
| 2 | Northeastern University | New England Commission of Higher Education (regional) | 88% |
| 3 | Boston University | New England Commission of Higher Education (regional) | 87% |
| 4 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | New England Commission of Higher Education (regional) | 78% |
| 5 | Endicott College | New England Commission of Higher Education (regional) | 75% |
| 6 | Westfield State University | New England Commission of Higher Education (regional) | 66% |
| 7 | University of Massachusetts Lowell | New England Commission of Higher Education (regional) | 59% |
| 8 | Fitchburg State University | New England Commission of Higher Education (regional) | 59% |
| 9 | University of Massachusetts Boston | New England Commission of Higher Education (regional) | 57% |
| 10 | Bay Path University | New England Commission of Higher Education (regional) | 55% |
How We Ranked the Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts
We ranked the best accredited online colleges in Massachusetts by looking at the graduation rates of various institutions that offer fully online degree programs. The information in the table above comes from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts: Deep Dive
The best accredited online colleges are characterized by a large percentage of distance learners among the student population. Most of these distance learners graduate within the allotted completion time for a program. The following section makes your school search easier by highlighting the best online schools in Massachusetts.
What Is the Easiest Online College That Is Accredited in Massachusetts?
The easiest online college that is accredited in Massachusetts is the University of Massachusetts Amherst. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 84 percent of UMass Amherst students graduate from their respective programs. This indicates that a majority of students can complete the university’s online programs.
Furthermore, UMass Amherst provides several scholarships and student loans that can ease the financial burden on its students. This service allows online students to focus on their studies without being distracted by learning costs. The school also features several student support services that create an environment conducive to learning.
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What Is the Cheapest Accredited Online College in Massachusetts?
The cheapest accredited online college in Massachusetts is Framingham State University. Framingham only charges $162 per course for undergraduate studies and $280 per course for graduate studies. Out-of-state students pay $1,175 per course regardless of degree level. Framingham does not charge day students for more than three courses in a semester.
Are There Free Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts?
No, Massachusetts does not have any free accredited online colleges. However, it has several free non-accredited online community colleges that offer associate degrees and certificates. Moreover, there are many financial aid options available to eligible online students.
Some financial aid options that can cover the cost of your online education include work-study programs, scholarship programs, and federal grants. In addition, certain schools like MIT have free online courses that prepare you for an independent certificate examination.
Why Choose an Accredited Online College in Massachusetts?
You should choose an accredited online college in Massachusetts because it counts towards your eligibility for financial aid. Furthermore, an accreditation enables you to further your education and land lucrative job opportunities. Continue reading for three reasons why you should choose an accredited online college in Massachusetts.
Financial Aid Opportunities
You must attend an accredited university to be eligible for financial aid from the federal government. Moreover, scholarship awarding bodies only aid students from state-recognized institutions. These institutions must have valid accreditation to be acknowledged.
Credit Transfer Programs
Credit transfer programs between universities depend highly on the school’s accreditation and accreditation type. You can not transfer credits from a nationally accredited program to a regionally accredited program. However, in most cases, you can transfer credits from a regionally accredited program to a nationally accredited one.
Employment Opportunities
Jobs that have academic qualifications also usually require graduates from accredited institutions. Employers seek the most qualified candidates to fill an employment position, and graduating from an accredited institution proves your qualification.
Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts
The most affordable accredited online colleges in Massachusetts not only have cheap tuition rates but also provide subsidies and discounts to their students. The school rankings below list some of the cheapest online colleges to attend in Massachusetts and their corresponding tuition rates.
- Framingham State University | Tuition: $162/Course. Framingham University only charges a maximum of three courses each semester for day students. The school also offers one online bachelor’s degree in addition to eight graduate certificates and degrees.
- Westfield State University | Tuition: $340/Credit. The online programs at Westfield fall under the continuing education category. Consequently, they are cheaper than the on-campus programs. However, online students may need to pay program-specific costs like the psychology practicum fee.
- Bay Path University | Tuition: $410/Credit. Bay Path University admits only women into its undergraduate programs in a bid to provide affordable education to women. The school is notable for the tuition discounts and subsidies it awards to members of the armed forces.
- Fitchburg State University | Tuition: $455.05/Credit. Fitchburg State University has some of the most affordable online nursing programs in Massachusetts. It aims to resolve the longstanding BSN vs. MSN debate by enabling students to transfer credits between both nursing degree programs.
- Lesley University | Tuition: $475/Credit. Lesley University provides affordable education by giving tuition discounts to graduate students. These discounts also apply to the several online master’s and graduate certificate programs the school offers.
Best Online Accredited Colleges in Massachusetts That Accept Financial Aid
Many of the most affordable accredited online colleges in Massachusetts are only so affordable because of the financial aid opportunities they offer. A large percentage of students at these schools are reliant on one or more of the several financial aid options available to them.
- Fitchburg State University | Tuition: $455.05/Credit. Fitchburg State University provides financial aid to 99 percent of its students. Additionally, students can obtain this award on a need or merit basis.
- Endicott College | Tuition: $416/Credit. The Van Loan School at Endicott College offers financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As such, 98 percent of undergraduate students receive financial aid from this medium.
- Bay Path University | Tuition: $410/Credit. Bay Path University aims to provide affordable and accessible education to women. Consequently, 97 percent of students at Bay Path University receive some form of financial aid.
- University of Massachusetts Lowell| Tuition: $380/Credit. UMass Lowell disburses over $1.5 million in grants to graduate and undergraduate students annually. Students must meet the eligibility criteria for FAFSA to receive the grant. 90 percent of students satisfy the requirements and receive this aid.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst| Tuition: $482/Credit. UMass Amherst requires students to qualify for FAFSA to be able to receive federal grants and scholarships. Most students at the university meet these requirements, and 88 percent of them receive financial aid.
Best Online Schools in Massachusetts by Popular Subjects
The best online schools in Massachusetts are nationally recognized as leaders in a number of educational disciplines. These disciplines include computer science, education, and psychology. The following sections highlight the various online academic programs in these disciplines and which colleges offer these programs.
Best Accredited Online Colleges With Associate Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Associate degree programs are extremely suitable for online study, and some of the best accredited online colleges in Massachusetts offer these degrees to prospective students. The list below reveals the best online associate degree programs in Massachusetts.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst | Online Associate of Science in Sustainable Food and Farming. This program offers students the freedom and flexibility to design their own learning schedules. Students can register for the transfer program, which allows them to continue their studies in the bachelor’s program version of this course.
- Endicott College | Online Associate of Science in Computer Science. This generalist program prepares students for various entry-level jobs in the information technology field. It also offers a transfer path into four-year universities for further study. Students in this program gain laboratory and internship experience.
- University of Massachusetts Global | Online Associate of Arts in General Education. This program prepares students for a four-year undergraduate program. The curriculum consists of topics from several fields of study, including mathematics, liberal studies, history, and natural sciences.
- Bunker Hill Community College | Online Associate of Arts in Psychology. This program can be taken online with a flexible schedule through the Self-Directed Learning program. This is one of the several partner programs at Bunker Hill Community College that enable students to transfer their credits to a four-year degree program.
- Fisher College | Online Associate of Science in Business Administration. This online degree provides the essential skills needed to be successful in a business environment. It also prepares students to transfer as college juniors into a four-year accounting bachelor’s program at Fisher College.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Bachelor’s degree programs account for the largest percentage of academic programs in colleges and universities. They provide the foundational knowledge needed in a particular field of study. This section examines the bachelor’s degree programs available from some of the best accredited online colleges in Massachusetts.
- Northeastern University | Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. This program offers concentrations in application development and network security. It also borrows management courses from business programs to equip students with business-related skills.
- Boston University | Undergraduate Degree Completion Program. This special program provides a completionist track to people who never finished their bachelor’s program. These students take supplementary courses that count towards the credits required to obtain their bachelor’s degree.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst | Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting. This program trains students to examine the financial records of an organization and provides consulting services such as auditing, tax preparation, and bookkeeping. This program is one of the few in the world to have AACSB International accreditation.
- Endicott College | Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This RN to BSN program is for nurses who only hold an associate’s degree or a certificate. The program teaches professional nursing subjects that enhance students’ clinical and healthcare skills.
- Westfield State University | Online Bachelor of Science in Management. This program is a completionist track designed to supplement bachelor’s programs in other fields of study. It has a general management curriculum that can be applied to several academic departments.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Master’s Degree Programs in Massachusetts
This section examines the best accredited online colleges in Massachusetts that offer online master’s degrees. Many students in master’s degree programs are working professionals seeking to improve their skillsets and advance their careers. Online programs allow these students to study without having to forfeit their gainful employment.
- Brandeis University | Online Master of Science in Health Informatics. This program explores the application of information technology to the healthcare sector. By the end of the program, students will know how to store and manage digital patient records. Students also learn to implement IT solutions that influence health care decisions.
- Northeastern University | Online Master of Science in Data Science. This program covers the fundamentals of data science, including its theory and practices. It also teaches students to use the data science tools at their disposal to analyze data and produce useful predictive models.
- Boston University | Online Master of Science in Software Development. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for software developers will increase by 22 percent over the next eight years. This program equips students with the latest skills in software development so that they can meet this demand.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst | Online Master of Business Administration in Marketing. This program trains students to understand market trends and use data analytics tools to develop a customer strategy. Students learn to use modern digital tools like social media and advertising websites to introduce a product to the public.
- Endicott College | Online Master of Science in Nursing. This program offers a Family Nursing concentration. The curriculum covers general nursing practices such as disease prevention and treatment of acute illnesses. The concentration option teaches students to understand the history of family illnesses and genetic disorders.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Why You Should Attend an Accredited Online College in Massachusetts
You should attend an accredited online college in Massachusetts because it provides the affordable and quality education the state is known for. Furthermore, most virtual schools in Massachusetts allow students to develop their own curriculum. You can capitalize on this opportunity to learn at your own pace and balance your education with a part-time job.
Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts FAQ
In Massachusetts, you can apply for online scholarships that are open to students from any in-state public universities. Some of these scholarships include the Agnes M. Lindsay scholarship, the City of Boston Scholarship Fund, and the Paul Tsongas scholarship.
You should attend a regionally accredited online college. You can easily transfer credits from a regionally accredited school to any other school. This is not the case with a nationally accredited school. Nevertheless, it is perfectly fine to attend a nationally accredited school if you decide that is your best path.
No, you can not attend an Ivy League school in Massachusetts online. Harvard University and its contemporary, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, do not offer any online degree programs. However, they both offer thousands of free and paid online courses. These courses are comparable to those found in full programs and often award a certificate upon completion.
You should go to an online college if you want to maintain a full-time job. Online programs are also better for graduate students looking to apply their training to real-world jobs. However, some programs, such as engineering, are better taught in person. The best option for you depends on your field of study, degree level, and other specifics of your school search.
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