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2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in Massachusetts

3 Colleges in the United States
$18,078 Avg Student Debt
$57,704 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Badge [Individualized Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/individualized-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

College Factual analyzed 13 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value individualized studies schools.

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2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in Massachusetts

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in individualized studies, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Individualized Studies Schools

1

Bristol Community College earned the #1 spot for value among individualized studies schools in Massachusetts. Bristol Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Fall River. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,832, with out-of-state students paying around $10,776. Students borrow a median of $8,250 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Bristol Community College generally make around $31,206. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

A rank of #2 makes North Shore Community College one of the best values for individualized studies. Set in the suburb of Danvers, North Shore Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,352 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,920. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of North Shore Community College earn a median of $33,353 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt.

3

Holyoke Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Holyoke Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Holyoke. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,988, with out-of-state students paying around $10,932. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $8,995. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Holyoke Community College generally make around $25,779. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at Harvard University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Students borrow a median of $20,126 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

5

Westfield State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $18,259. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $35,004. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #6 among the best values for individualized studies. Located in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,742 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of University Of Massachusetts Amherst earn a median of $36,362 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,742 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

7
Lesley University crest
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA

Lesley University came in at #7 for value in individualized studies this year. Lesley University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. Students from in state pay about $34,256 in tuition and fees. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $30,057 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $35,658. Set against $30,057 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lesley University admits about 97% of applicants.

8
Endicott College crest
Endicott College
Beverly, MA

Endicott College placed #8 among the best values for individualized studies. Set in the suburb of Beverly, Endicott College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,650. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $15,456 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Endicott College generally make around $45,277. Set against $15,456 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.

View All Individualized Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 13 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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