2026 Best Value Public Policy Schools in Massachusetts

1

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

For return on investment in public policy, no school beat Harvard University this year. 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 $16,616 to complete the public policy program here. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Harvard University generally make around $87,444. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

2

University Of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA

A rank of #2 makes University Of Massachusetts Boston one of the best values for public policy. Set in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,898, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $26,236. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Boston generally make around $52,885. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA

Students looking for strong value in public policy will find it at University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth, which ranked #3. University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of North Dartmouth. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,612, compared with $32,567 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $27,106. Early-career public policy graduates make about $67,722. Set against $27,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth admits about 91% of applicants.

4

University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. Set in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $25,234 in student loans. Early-career public policy graduates make about $50,929. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

5

Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete the public policy program here. Public Policy graduates of Boston University earn a median of $63,598 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,232 median debt. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.

6

Suffolk University
Boston, MA

Suffolk University earned the #6 position for value in public policy this year. Located in the city of Boston, Suffolk University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $47,550. Students borrow a median of $26,670 to complete the public policy program here. Public Policy graduates of Suffolk University earn a median of $57,261 early in their careers. Set against $26,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suffolk University admits about 82% of applicants.

7

Brandeis University
Waltham, MA

Brandeis University came in at #7 for value in public policy this year. Brandeis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Waltham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,080. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Brandeis University generally make around $52,220. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brandeis University admits about 40% of applicants.

8

Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts University landed the #8 spot for public policy value this year. Set in the suburb of Medford, Tufts University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $17,074. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Tufts University generally make around $68,154. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.