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

Roxbury Community College, founded in 1973, is a public institution of higher education that offers associate degrees and certificate programs. Roxbury creates an environment to serve members of the community and change lives through innovation and excellence, educating students to achieve success. 

Roxbury Community College Overview

• Tuition: $26/credit hour (resident); $39/credit hour (regional); $247/credit hour (non-resident and international)
• Student Population: 1,200
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 85%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement (2.7 or above used for course placement)

Best Roxbury Community College Programs

• Accounting (AS). Students interested in accounting, auditing, or management careers in the public or private sectors should consider this degree. This 64-credit program prepares students for record-keeping, preparation of reports, and other financial data transactions to evaluate past performance and future operations in organizations.
• Business Administration (AA). This 65-credit program is for students who want to go on to major in accounting, banking, insurance, computer information systems, management, retailing, or another related business field at a four-year college. The program provides a strong foundation in oral and written communication, math, and accounting through a business and liberal arts curriculum.
• Early Childhood Education (AS). This program provides students with a strong liberal arts background in addition to early childhood education courses, which include two 150-hour practicums. Students will be qualified to work in a licensed childcare facility or transfer to a four-year college for additional study after completing the program. 
• Engineering (AS). This program provides a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry to future engineers. Students who complete a pre-engineering concentration can work as technicians for high-tech companies or transfer to a four-year institution to get their bachelor's degree.
• Information Systems Technology (AS). The department of Information Systems Technology offers this program that allows students to gain the IT skills they need to excel in the work environment. This 64-credit curriculum will provide students with many pathways when it comes to pursuing a job or transferring to a four-year university.

Greenfield Community College, founded in 1962, is a public two-year community college. Greenfield Community College provides high-quality education and encourages students to acquire knowledge in order to develop skills, express ideas, and solve problems. The institution awards associate degrees and certificates.

Greenfield Community College Overview

• Tuition: $291/credit hour (in state); $546/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 1,620
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 68%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Greenfield Community College Programs

• Associate Degree in Computer Science. The computer science curriculum prepares students for transfer to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program by providing a foundation of computer science, mathematics, sciences, and liberal arts courses. This program satisfies the requirements of the Computer Science Block approved by the Board of Higher Education.
• Associate Degree in Health Science. This program provides students with a foundation in health sciences. You will discover how biology, physics, and chemistry all contribute to our understanding of human health. You will also take a Survey of Health Careers course to learn about the various job opportunities available to you.
• Associate Degree in History. The history program offers students an understanding of human history with a focus on social justice in order to prepare them for transfer to a bachelor's degree program in history to further their studies.
• Associate Degree in Human Services. This program offers a basic understanding of human psychology and development, which will prepare you for further study in the field of counseling, therapy, and other social work. Specialized coursework in this program outlines the jobs in this profession and helps you learn some of the fundamental skills you will need in your future career.
• Associate Degree in Theater. GCC's theater program offers a strong foundation in the fundamental disciplines of contemporary theater and a broad spectrum of liberal arts studies. Studio, performance, production, and academic work are all key parts of the program.

Holyoke Community College, founded in 1946, is a Massachusetts public community college. It provides associate degrees and certificates and a transfer program that allows students to acquire credits that can be transferred to four-year universities.

Holyoke Community College Overview

• Tuition: $24/credit hour (in state); $230/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 4,209
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 86%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Holyoke Community College Programs

• Business Administration Option, Business Administration, AS. The business administration program prepares students for entry-level business positions within various organizations. While learning to interpret accounting data, analyze financial accounts, and handle complicated accounting scenarios, students will also learn about business and general management in this program. 
• Creative Writing Option, Arts and Science, AA. The creative writing option at HCC is one of just a few associate degree programs in the country for creative writing students. It is a good academic program that allows students to pursue a personal interest while still adhering to the academic requirements of an Associate of Arts degree.
• Cyber Security & Digital Forensics Option, Computer Information Systems, AS. This program is suitable for students who want to understand the fundamentals of cyber security. By the end of the program, students will grasp modern computer architecture, create programs using high-level programming languages, and understand forensic investigation and criminal justice.
• Nursing, AS. Nursing students who acquire an associate degree will be able to use the nursing process to provide safe, efficient, and evidence-based nursing care that is suitable to the needs of any patient and practice professional nursing within the legal and ethical regulations of the career path.
• Sport Management, AS. This program prepares students for transfer to a bachelor's program. Students will learn to define the sport and recreation sector, use marketing principles, plan sports events, evaluate accounting data and analyze financial records, and understand the function of law in the sports and recreation industry.

Founded in 1960, Berkshire Community College offers various high-quality in-person and online programs to help diverse students find a suitable career path. Tuition is affordable, and Berkshire Community College assists students in overcoming financial, physical, or social challenges.

Berkshire Community College Overview

• Tuition: $26/credit (in state); $260/credit (out of state)
• Student Population: 1,465
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 84%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Berkshire Community College Programs

• Biological Science (AA). This program provides a strong scientific foundation as well as general education knowledge. Students will be prepared to enter a bachelor's degree program in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, public health, pre-medical, pre-veterinary, pre-dental, and other related fields after completing the program.
• Business Administration (AA). This transfer program will put you on the path to a four-year degree in a variety of business-related fields. The program necessitates liberal arts and sciences coursework and provides a solid background in accounting, economics, and core business courses.
• Computer Science (AS). In the computer information systems degree program, the computer science option provides students with a technical grasp of computer systems. Students will take computer science and mathematics courses as part of the curriculum. This program is for students who want to transfer to a baccalaureate institution.
• Criminal Justice (AS). The criminal justice curriculum prepares students for careers in criminal justice agencies and for transfer to various bachelor's degree programs. The associate degree program takes an interdisciplinary approach to criminal justice, covering topics including the American justice system and substance abuse.
• Early Childhood Education. This program provides students with various options for pursuing their career paths. Students can choose from two certificate programs and two degree programs. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of theory and practice and the skills of dealing with individual students, meeting group needs, and showing cultural and community respect.

Massachusetts Bay Community College, founded in 1961, is a public community college in Norfolk and Middlesex Counties. MassBay now serves over 4,400 full and part-time students over three campuses in Wellesley, Ashland, and Framingham and is dedicated to providing an equitable environment for all members of their academic community.

Massachusetts Bay Community College Overview

• Tuition: $24/credit hour (in state); $230/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 3,762
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 73%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Massachusetts Bay Community College Programs

• Electrical and Computer Engineering (AS). This associate degree program in electrical and computer engineering gives students an overview of the field. Computer hardware, digital electronics, computer science, and engineering are among the topics students cover in this program.
• Hospitality Management (AS). This comprehensive program will provide you with an understanding of the hospitality business. You will also learn about all areas of hotel, resort, and restaurant administration, as well as the critical thinking and communication skills required to engage with the general public.
• Mathematics (AA). This program provides students with a strong mathematical foundation while also allowing them to explore a wide range of interests and options from all divisions, including economics, science, nutrition, and liberal arts.
• Political Science (AS). This interdisciplinary program delves into political concerns and debates from historical, cultural, and sociological perspectives. Students look at the relationship between national and global systems through a number of social and political lenses.
• Psychology/Sociology (AA). This 61-credit program is for students interested in social and behavioral sciences. Students obtain a strong foundation in psychology and sociology, which they can apply in the workplace or to further their studies.

Founded in 1970, Middlesex Community College is a public community college in Massachusetts with two campuses in Lowell and Bedford. With the support of a talented faculty, Middlesex Community College is dedicated to offering accessible and equitable education for all students, as well as assisting them in achieving their career goals.

Middlesex Community College Overview

• Tuition: $24/credit hour (in state); $43/credit hour (New England residents); $230/credit hour (non-New England residents)
• Student Population: 6,885
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 79%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Middlesex Community College Programs

• Accounting Associate in Science in Business Administration. This degree program prepares students for various accounting support roles. Students graduate with a good foundation, including knowledge of accounting-computer tools used by most accounting firms, and are qualified for entry-level support positions.
• Business Administration Career Associate in Science. This program prepares students for entry-level positions in business. This program gives you a solid business foundation in accounting, marketing, business-computer applications management, and business law. Students also broaden their studies by participating in general elective courses.
• Dental Assisting Associate in Science. The dental assisting program prepares students to work in a dental office. Students will learn how to undertake supportive clinical procedures, basic clinical procedures, laboratory tests, and basic office operations as part of the program.
• Office Systems and Administration Associate in Science in Business Administration. This program combines computer applications and business relationship skills with solid business courses. Students will gain strong writing abilities, knowledge of computer applications, the capacity to plan and manage office tasks, and interpersonal and business communication skills.
• Health Care Administration Associate in Science. This program is for current healthcare employees who want to move up the management ladder in a medical practice or hospital. The program provides a thorough education in healthcare finance, effective managerial practices and processes, and healthcare operations.

Bristol Community College is a public community college in Southeastern Massachusetts with four campuses. Bristol Community College provides students with an online and on-campus accessible, innovative, and inclusive education that prepares them to navigate and prosper in their career paths.

Bristol Community College Overview

• Tuition: $24/credit hour (in state); $230/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 6,256
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 81%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Bristol Community College Programs

• Communication, Associate in Arts. In this program, students learn about the principles of communication in theory and practice, assess the historical and current role of mass media and the developing new media in an increasingly diverse society, and build their communication skills. Students can transfer to a four-year school to further their studies.
• Nursing, Associate in Science. After completing this program, students will be qualified to work as entry-level staff nurses in a range of healthcare settings. When patients are faced with common health conditions, students learn to use the nursing method to help them maintain or regain homeostasis.
• Veterinary Health Care, Associate in Applied Science. This is a terminal degree program that trains non-certified veterinary technicians, assistants, and other paraprofessionals to work in a range of animal care and wellness settings under the supervision of qualified veterinarians and animal rehabilitators.
• Paralegal Studies, Associate in Science. A liberal arts foundation is combined with a career concentration in the Associate of Science in Paralegal and Legal Studies. Students can learn about the legal profession and obtain marketable skills to undertake a variety of legal support jobs.
• Culinary Arts, Associate in Applied Science. Students in the Culinary Arts program get the practical skills and theoretical understanding needed to work in the food service and hospitality industries in a variety of entry-level and advanced jobs in food preparation.

Northern Essex Community College, with two campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, is a public community college in Essex County. Its purpose is to educate and encourage students to excel through online and on-campus programs and a talented faculty. 

Northern Essex Community College Overview

• Tuition: $244/credit hour (in state); $257/credit hour (New England regional); $485/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 4,715
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 76%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Northern Essex Community College Programs

• Associate Degree in General Studies: Art and Design. The art and design program lays the groundwork for a career as an artist. You can use this associate degree to pursue a career in a variety of artistic professions or transfer to a bachelor's degree program. Fine arts, graphic design, photography, and multimedia are all options.
• Paramedic Technology Associate Degree. This program teaches students about human anatomy, trauma response, physiology, and interventions. They will also get hands-on experience with typical paramedic equipment. Graduates will be qualified to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam and explore various job opportunities.
• Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts. You will gain excellent critical thinking skills, reading, research, and communication skills, as well as prepare for a future in a variety of fields, such as education, law, and business.
• Engineering Science Degree. In this program, students can select from concentrations in chemical, civil/environmental, electrical/computer, and mechanical engineering. Under the direction of trained faculty members, students will also learn and work in computer labs, electronics labs, and NECC's Hartleb Technology Center.
• Business Management Associate Degree. The business management associate degree will prepare you to succeed in a wide range of careers, including marketing, finance, sales, and management. You can also transfer to a bachelor's degree program in business or a similar academic field.

Cape Cod Community College, or 4Cs as it is commonly known, is a two-year community college in West Barnstable, Massachusetts. Founded in 1961, Cape Cod Community College provides online and on-campus programs and awards associate degrees and certificates in various fields. 

Cape Cod Community College Overview

• Tuition: $24/credit hour (in state); $230/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 2,710
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 78%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Cape Cod Community College Programs

• AAS Aviation Maintenance Technology. This program is suitable for prospective students who are interested in mechanics and aviation. The two-year program focuses on airplane maintenance and students achieve an Associate of Applied Science, which makes them eligible for aircraft maintenance positions immediately after graduation.
• Associate in Arts Psychology Concentration. This program is suitable for students who are interested in studying psychology or transferring to a four-year liberal arts undergraduate degree.
• AS Business Administration. The business administration program at 4Cs provides students with a strong business and general education foundation. Courses cover math, accounting, business law, and business finance. The program’s purpose is to help students transition to a four-year school. 
• AS Nursing. The Associate in Science in Nursing program offers courses that equip students with the skills and knowledge the nursing field requires. After passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses exam, graduates of the 4Cs nursing program become licensed as registered nurses.
• AS Criminal Justice. The criminal justice program gives students a broad knowledge of the criminal justice system and a foundational knowledge of the social and behavioral sciences, specifically as they apply to the field of criminal justice, through classroom instruction and experiential learning.

Bunker Hill Community College, founded in 1973, is the largest community college in the state. This school is located in Boston and is a public community college that provides education and job training at two campuses and different satellite locations to allow students to pursue career choices and achieve their goals.

Bunker Hill Community College Overview

• Tuition: $24/credit hour (in state); $230/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 9,924
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 72%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: No minimum requirement

Best Bunker Hill Community College Programs

• Accounting Option, Associate in Science. This program prepares students for entry-level careers in the accounting profession. At the end of this 62-credit program, students will be able to prepare and analyze financial statements and handle cash flow and accounts for businesses.
• Communication Concentration, Associate in Arts. This program is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers related to journalism and the media. The program gives students the opportunity to gain practical communication skills through coursework and an internship.
• Computer Science Concentration, Associate in Arts. The computer science concentration program at BHCC equips students with fundamental knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs as programmers and computer scientists. Students can transfer to bachelor's degree programs in Computer Science at four-year colleges.
• Education Concentration, Associate in Arts. This 63-credit program prepares students for potential teaching careers in elementary, middle, and high schools. For entry into these fields, students must have a bachelor's degree as a minimum qualification. Graduate school may also be necessary.
• Paralegal Studies Program, Associate in Science. The paralegal studies program equips students to understand, recognize, and solve legal and ethical challenges that arise in the paralegal field. Graduates of this program proceed to build careers in litigation, family law, corporate law, criminal law, labor law, immigration, bankruptcy, and real estate.

Social and community services managers plan, direct, and monitor programs and organizations that promote public welfare. Typically, social and community service managerial positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, so community college students would have to transfer to a bachelor's degree-awarding institution to further their education.

• Average Salary in Massachusetts: $75,170
• Employment in Massachusetts: 7,040
• Overall Job Growth: 15%
• Best Massachusetts Community College Program: Associate Degree in Human Services at Greenville Community College

Registered nurses (RNs) administer and organize medical care and educate patients and the general public on a variety of health issues. They work for hospitals, doctor's offices, home healthcare agencies, and nursing homes. RNs must have a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, an Associate Degree in Nursing, or a diploma from an accredited nursing institution and must also be licensed.

• Average Salary in Massachusetts: $96,630
• Employment in Massachusetts: 88,270
• Overall Job Growth: 9%
• Best Massachusetts Community College Program: AS Nursing at Cape Cod Community College

Computer network support specialists maintain computer networks and assist computer users with technical issues. Most computer network support specialists work full-time. Computer support specialist positions have different entry criteria. An associate degree is necessary for network support specialists, and specific college courses are necessary for user support specialists.

• Average Salary in Massachusetts: $88,340
• Employment in Massachusetts: 3,530
• Overall Job Growth: 9%
• Best Massachusetts Community College Program: Computer Science (AS) at Berkshire Community College

Accountants and auditors are in charge of preparing and reviewing financial records. To work as an accountant or auditor, a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or a related field is necessary, so community college students will need to transfer to a four-year college or university to further their education.

• Average Salary in Massachusetts: $92,310
• Employment in Massachusetts: 38,140
• Overall Job Growth: 7%
• Best Massachusetts Community College Program: Accounting Associate in Science in Business Administration at Middlesex Community College

Sales managers are in charge of their sales staff. The majority of sales managers have a bachelor's degree and prior sales experience. Associate degree holders may need to further their education to succeed in this field.

• Average Salary in Massachusetts: $152,160
• Employment in Massachusetts: 19,770
• Overall Job Growth: 7%
• Best Massachusetts Community College Program: Business Administration (AA) at Roxbury Community College