2026 Best Value General Studies Schools in Massachusetts

1

Middlesex Community College Bedford
Bedford, MA

Middlesex Community College Bedford tops our 2026 list of the best value general studies schools in Massachusetts. Set in the suburb of Bedford, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,098 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,170. General Studies graduates carry a median of $7,928 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Middlesex Community College Bedford generally make around $31,451. Set against $7,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill, MA

A rank of #2 makes Northern Essex Community College one of the best values for general studies. Northern Essex Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Haverhill. Students from in state pay about $6,732 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,516 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,969 to complete the general studies program here. General Studies graduates of Northern Essex Community College earn a median of $31,549 early in their careers. Set against $9,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Bristol Community College
Fall River, MA

Bristol Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general studies schools. Located in the suburb of Fall River, Bristol Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,832, compared with $10,776 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,250 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $31,206. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt.

4

Bunker Hill Community College
Boston, MA

A rank of #4 makes Bunker Hill Community College one of the best values for general studies. Bunker Hill Community College is a large public school located in the city of Boston. Students from in state pay about $6,168 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. General Studies graduates carry a median of $9,585 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $51,782. That is a strong return on a $9,585 median debt.

5

Massachusetts Bay Community College
Wellesley Hills, MA

Massachusetts Bay Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts Bay Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,856, compared with $10,800 for out-of-state students. General Studies graduates carry a median of $8,750 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $37,790. That is a strong return on a $8,750 median debt.

6

Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester, MA

Quinsigamond Community College placed #6 among the best values for general studies. Located in the city of Worcester, Quinsigamond Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,262, compared with $11,206 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $14,250. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Quinsigamond Community College generally make around $33,524. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Worcester State University
Worcester, MA

Worcester State University landed the #7 spot for general studies value this year. Set in the city of Worcester, Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $23,907. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Worcester State University generally make around $43,996. That is a strong return on a $23,907 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

8

Cape Cod Community College
West Barnstable, MA

Cape Cod Community College came in at #8 for value in general studies this year. Located in the city of West Barnstable, Cape Cod Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,000, with out-of-state students paying around $10,944. General Studies graduates carry a median of $6,749 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Cape Cod Community College generally make around $23,563. That is a strong return on a $6,749 median debt.

9

Mount Wachusett Community College
Gardner, MA

Mount Wachusett Community College earned the #9 position for value in general studies this year. Set in the suburb of Gardner, Mount Wachusett Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,160, with out-of-state students paying around $11,080. General Studies graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Mount Wachusett Community College generally make around $28,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

Quincy College
Quincy, MA

Quincy College placed #10 among the best values for general studies. Located in the suburb of Quincy, Quincy College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,938 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,400 to complete the general studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,506 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

11

University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #11 for value in general studies this year. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public school located in the city of Amherst. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,742 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Amherst generally make around $53,543. That is a strong return on a $25,742 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants.

12

Dean College
Franklin, MA

Dean College earned the #12 position for value in general studies this year. Located in the suburb of Franklin, Dean College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,526. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $17,500. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Dean College generally make around $30,780. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

13

Merrimack College
North Andover, MA

Merrimack College landed the #13 spot for general studies value this year. Set in the suburb of North Andover, Merrimack College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,962. Students borrow a median of $26,913 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Merrimack College generally make around $50,506. Set against $26,913 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.