2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

1

Middlesex Community College Bedford
Bedford, MA

Leading the list is Middlesex Community College Bedford, our #1 best value for registered nursing in Massachusetts. Set in the suburb of Bedford, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,098, while out-of-state students pay about $12,170. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $15,988. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Middlesex Community College Bedford generally make around $75,351. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Bristol Community College
Fall River, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bristol Community College earned it the #2 place for registered nursing. Set in the suburb of Fall River, Bristol Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,832, while out-of-state students pay about $10,776. Students borrow a median of $14,125 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Bristol Community College earn a median of $70,855 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Bunker Hill Community College
Boston, MA

Bunker Hill Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in registered nursing, landing the #3 spot this year. Bunker Hill Community College is a large public school located in the city of Boston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,168, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $14,971 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Bunker Hill Community College earn a median of $72,734 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill, MA

Northern Essex Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in registered nursing, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Haverhill, Northern Essex Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,732, compared with $12,516 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $17,125. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Northern Essex Community College generally make around $74,427. That is a strong return on a $17,125 median debt.

5

North Shore Community College
Danvers, MA

North Shore Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. North Shore Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Danvers. In-state tuition and fees average $5,352, while out-of-state students pay about $10,920. Students borrow a median of $19,663 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from North Shore Community College generally make around $72,803. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Massachusetts Bay Community College
Wellesley Hills, MA

Massachusetts Bay Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Massachusetts Bay Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Wellesley Hills. Students from in state pay about $5,856 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,800 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $11,008. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Massachusetts Bay Community College generally make around $44,553. Set against $11,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Holyoke Community College
Holyoke, MA

Holyoke Community College earned the #7 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the rural area of Holyoke, Holyoke Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,988, with out-of-state students paying around $10,932. Students borrow a median of $20,880 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Holyoke Community College generally make around $73,404. Set against $20,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Massasoit Community College
Brockton, MA

Massasoit Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Massasoit Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Brockton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,376, while out-of-state students pay about $10,320. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $16,866. Registered Nursing graduates of Massasoit Community College earn a median of $72,980 early in their careers. Set against $16,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester, MA

Quinsigamond Community College earned the #9 position for value in registered nursing this year. Quinsigamond Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Worcester. Students from in state pay about $6,262 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,206 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,789 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Quinsigamond Community College generally make around $74,992. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

Springfield Technical Community College
Springfield, MA

Springfield Technical Community College came in at #10 for value in registered nursing this year. Springfield Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $5,904, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $17,135. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $75,769. Set against $17,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

11

Greenfield Community College
Greenfield, MA

Greenfield Community College placed #11 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the town of Greenfield, Greenfield Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,810, with out-of-state students paying around $11,930. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $75,914. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

Berkshire Community College
Pittsfield, MA

Berkshire Community College earned the #12 position for value in registered nursing this year. Berkshire Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Pittsfield. In-state tuition and fees average $5,712, while out-of-state students pay about $11,328. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $22,753 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $69,083. Set against $22,753 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

Mount Wachusett Community College
Gardner, MA

Mount Wachusett Community College earned the #13 position for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the suburb of Gardner, Mount Wachusett Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,160, compared with $11,080 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,175 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Mount Wachusett Community College earn a median of $74,618 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,175 median debt.

14

Cape Cod Community College
West Barnstable, MA

Cape Cod Community College came in at #14 for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the city of West Barnstable, Cape Cod Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,000, compared with $10,944 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $18,053 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Cape Cod Community College earn a median of $65,350 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Quincy College
Quincy, MA

Quincy College placed #15 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the suburb of Quincy, Quincy College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,938. Students borrow a median of $15,600 to complete the registered nursing program here. Median earnings reach $52,506 ten years out. Set against $15,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

16

Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Fitchburg State University earn a median of $80,228 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

17

Worcester State University
Worcester, MA

Worcester State University placed #17 among the best values for registered nursing. Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Worcester. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Students borrow a median of $26,849 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $75,249. Set against $26,849 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

18

Bay Path College
Longmeadow, MA

Bay Path College placed #18 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the suburb of Longmeadow, Bay Path College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,302 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,811 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Bay Path College earn a median of $59,424 early in their careers. Set against $29,811 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.

19

University Of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA

University Of Massachusetts Boston placed #19 among the best values for registered nursing. University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public school located in the city of Boston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,898, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $30,343 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Boston generally make around $95,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.

20

Salem State University
Salem, MA

Salem State University landed the #20 spot for registered nursing value this year. Located in the suburb of Salem, Salem State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $28,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Salem State University generally make around $94,196. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Salem State University admits about 96% of applicants.

21

University Of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA

University Of Massachusetts Lowell came in at #21 for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the suburb of Lowell, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Lowell generally make around $92,749. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

22

Westfield State University
Westfield, MA

Westfield State University landed the #22 spot for registered nursing value this year. Located in the suburb of Westfield, Westfield State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,179 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $26,900 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Westfield State University earn a median of $81,136 early in their careers. Set against $26,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

23

College Of Our Lady Of The Elms
Chicopee, MA

College Of Our Lady Of The Elms placed #23 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the suburb of Chicopee, College Of Our Lady Of The Elms is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $43,325. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $83,775. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Our Lady Of The Elms admits about 85% of applicants.

24

University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public school located in the city of Amherst. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $29,548 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $95,758. That is a strong return on a $29,548 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%.

25

American International College
Springfield, MA

American International College landed the #25 spot for registered nursing value this year. Located in the city of Springfield, American International College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,230. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $37,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from American International College generally make around $91,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.