10 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

Many want to earn a degree but aren't able to study on campus. Online college programs are a great solution, and the best online degree programs offer high-quality learning in a flexible format.

Top online colleges can be found across the U.S., including in Massachusetts. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges in Massachusetts.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Multiple colleges and universities in Massachusetts offer online college programs. We've highlighted our top picks below.

1. University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the flagship campus of the public University of Massachusetts system. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business, education, healthcare, and liberal arts.

The online programs at UMass Amherst provide students with a dynamic learning environment that adapts to their evolving needs. The university offers several financial aid programs, and 87% of students receive some type of aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $17,357

Out-of-State: $39,293

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $14,723

Out-of-State: $32,434

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Retention Rate: 91%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Simmons University

At Simmons University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include communications, computer science, healthcare, and psychology.

The private school is based in Boston and is committed to making a high-quality undergraduate education accessible to students. Tuition for undergraduate online programs is $500 per credit hour and 99% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $45,538

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $28,500

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Retention Rate: 82%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: NECHE

3. University of Massachusetts Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers online degrees from the associate degree through the doctoral level in fields like criminal justice, education, healthcare, and information technology.

UMass Lowell has integrated online education into their overall mission by investing in program development, faculty training, and academic technology. It charges online out-of-state students the same rate as Massachusetts residents and 91% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $16,570

Out-of-State: $35,396

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $15,330

Out-of-State: $27,706

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Retention Rate: 82%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: NECHE

4. Bridgewater State University

Numerous bachelor's degree programs are available online through Bridgewater State University. Areas of study include criminal justice, education, management, and psychology.

These affordable, part-time programs provide students with the flexibility and convenience of pursuing a degree online. About 94% of students receive financial aid like the Bridgewater Commitment, which covers full tuition costs for qualifying students.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,389

Out-of-State: $17,529

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $1,260

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 89%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: NECHE

5. College of Our Lady of the Elms

The College of Our Lady of the Elms, or simply Elms College, is a Catholic school in Chicopee, MA. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like computer science, healthcare management, nursing, and psychology.

The college is committed to helping online students reach their professional goals, advance their careers, or start new careers. Several financial aid options are available, and 100% of students at Elms College receive student aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $42,061

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $17,370

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Nonprofit private Catholic

Accreditation: NECHE

6. Westfield State University

Students at Westfield State University can earn bachelor's degrees online. Areas of study include criminal justice, history, liberal studies, and sociology.

The online courses at Westfield State maintain the same high standards as in-person classes, featuring personal interaction to ensure a rich learning experience. About 90% of college students here receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,882

Out-of-State: $17,962

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $1,890

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: NECHE

7. Bay Path University

Bay Path University offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business administration, education, healthcare, and psychology. The private university is located in Longmeadow, MA.

The flexible format of these online learning programs allows students to study when it's best for them, and multiple start dates are available each year. Online tuition is $410 per credit hour and 86% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $37,227

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $19,235

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: NECHE

8. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Areas of study include business, humanities, healthcare, and natural sciences.

UMass Dartmouth offers a range of support services to help students navigate their online classes. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay a tuition rate of $359 per credit hour for undergraduate courses and 99% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $15,208

Out-of-State: $31,750

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $16,390

Out-of-State: $29,578

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 92%

Retention Rate: 64%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: NECHE

9. Fisher College

Fisher College is a private school in Boston. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like criminal justice, human services, information technology, and liberal arts.

These programs help students boost their careers while balancing their life commitments. Around 98% of students at Fisher College receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $35,013

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $27,342

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 71%

Retention Rate: 54%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: NECHE

10. Cambridge College

Through Cambridge College, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, healthcare, and psychology.

The private university is based in Boston and is specifically geared toward adult learners. About 53% of students at the college receive scholarships and grants to help them pay for their coursework.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $18,072

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $19,035

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 38%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: NECHE

Other Featured Online Schools

While there are many excellent online colleges in Massachusetts, there are also many great online schools across the U.S. We've featured a few additional online schools below.

University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global is a private online affiliate of the University of Massachusetts. It's based in Aliso Viejo, CA, and offers online associate through doctoral degrees in business administration, cybersecurity, education, and more.

UMass Global was designed for nontraditional learners, like working adult students. It's regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and charges $500 per credit hour for online bachelor's degrees.

Penn State World Campus

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through the Penn State World Campus. Areas of study include business, criminal justice, healthcare, and social sciences.

The World Campus is the online branch of the public Pennsylvania State University system. It holds regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and has a tuition rate of $632 per credit hour.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. SNHU is a private school in Manchester, NH, and is well-known for its wide selection of online programs.

Areas of study include criminal justice, humanities, natural sciences, and technology. The university is accredited by the NECHE, charges $330 per undergraduate credit hour, and has a generous transfer policy.

How We Rank Schools

To create the list of online schools in Massachusetts above, we used data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to find schools that fit the following criteria:

• Location: We looked specifically for schools located in Massachusetts.
• Accreditation: All schools needed to be regionally accredited.
• Type: We included only four-year public institutions and private nonprofit schools.
• Online programs: We honed in on the Massachusetts colleges that offered a range of online program options.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Massachusetts

There are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing an online program. We've broken down some common pros and cons below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• You control your schedule: Most online courses have set due dates but allow you to complete the coursework at a time that works best for you.
• Work wherever you like: Because you don't have to appear on campus, you can cozy up at home or learn while you travel the world.
• Better balance: The ability to control your schedule and location means that you can tend to other responsibilities, like work or family, while also earning your degree.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Requires more self-discipline: Because you control your own schedule, you have to be sure to carve out time to complete your coursework and take exams.
• Harder to connect: Many students find it more difficult to connect with their peers and professors when learning online.
• Different learning style: Online programs often require more reading or watching videos, and are less interactive than typical classroom-style courses.

How To Choose an Online Degree Program in Massachusetts

When considering online degrees in Massachusetts, there are a few things you should look for. First, your school must be accredited, preferably by a regional accreditation organization.

You'll also want to make sure you choose a school with online degree options that align with your intended career path. Not all schools offer all majors online.

Other things to think about include:

• Admissions requirements: Most colleges require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but others may require a minimum GPA, ACT/SAT scores, or more.
• Scheduling: Some schools offer an accelerated course schedule, while others offer only part-time online programs.
• Cost: Tuition costs can vary significantly between colleges.
• Financial aid: Different colleges offer various financial aid packages.
• Reputation: Looking at reviews from current and former students can give you an idea if a school is right for you.
• Student services: Many online colleges offer services like tutoring and career counseling.
• Transfer credits: If you already have college experience, look for schools that are transfer-friendly.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Massachusetts Cost?

Most online colleges in Massachusetts charge between $400 and $600 per credit hour. However, the final cost of your program depends on several factors, including your financial aid.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Massachusetts More Affordable

There are two main things you can do to ensure that your college courses are affordable. First, conduct research to choose a school with a low tuition rate; there are many affordable online colleges in Massachusetts.

After conducting your search, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines your eligibility for federal and state aid. You can also look for private scholarships to help you pay for school.

Below, we've listed a few resources to help you find affordable programs.

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Massachusetts Scholarships & Grants

There are several scholarships and grants Massachusetts students can access to help them cover their tuition costs. Below, we've highlighted a few of these aid programs.

Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program

The Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program is a state-funded program that provides scholarships to Massachusetts residents who attend a local public or private school and study in a designated high-demand field.

Award Amount: Up to $17,500 per year

Deadline: TBD for 2025

MASSGrant

The MASSGrant is a needs-based program that covers full tuition costs for eligible students. Students must be Massachusetts residents and attending an undergraduate program at a Massachusetts college or university.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition

Deadline: August 1, 2025

Part-Time Grant Program

The Part-Time Grant Program is specifically for Massachusetts residents who are attending a Massachusetts school part-time. The amount you receive will depend on the school you attend.

Award Amount: Varies

Deadline: TBD for 2025

Top Majors for Massachusetts Graduates

According to the NCES, some of the top fields of study for Massachusetts graduates are:

• Business: Business is one of the most common majors nationwide. A business degree can lead to careers in accounting and finance, human resources, management, marketing, and more.
• Humanities: Humanities includes art, English, culture, language, and many more. You can go into fields like art and design, journalism, marketing, social services, or translation.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: Natural sciences include fields like chemistry, physics, and geology. With a degree in the natural sciences or mathematics, you could work directly in these fields or as a researcher or teacher.
• Social sciences and history: Degrees in social sciences and history can lead to careers in academia or research, but can also lead to jobs in fields like social services or political science.
• Healthcare: Healthcare majors include health sciences, nursing, and healthcare administration at the bachelor's level. At the graduate level, you can go to medical school or become a pharmacist, dentist, or nurse practitioner.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Below, we've answered a few common questions about online colleges in Massachusetts.

Can You Do Online School in Massachusetts?

You can absolutely do online school in Massachusetts. Many Massachusetts colleges and universities offer fully online programs and students can also enroll in online colleges in other states.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Massachusetts?

Most bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study to complete. However, there are schools that offer accelerated online programs in Massachusetts � and many offer part-time study plans.

Is Online College Easier Than an In-Person Degree?

For many students, online college is easier than an in-person degree simply because it's more flexible and convenient. However, some students find learning in person to be easier for them.

Which Online Colleges in Massachusetts Offer the Best Value for a Degree?

Most online colleges in Massachusetts offer a good value for a degree. Lower-cost schools like Bay Path University and UMass Dartmouth offer an excellent value.

Discover Online Degrees in Massachusetts

Dive deeper into online colleges in Massachusetts by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, financial aid, and more.