Study in Massachusetts 2024: Universities, Courses, Costs, Scholarships, & Career Prospects

Updated on 25 April, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

 Is it your dream to study abroad in America's best universities? Massachusetts can be your ideal destination for its top-notch educational facilities and highly-ranked institutions. Massachusetts boasts the best public school system and has consistently ranked as the most educated state in America. Per news reports, it has the 5th best education system in the country and ranked 1st in student success. The state is also home to the oldest university in America, the prestigious Harvard University. Let’s learn why studying in Massachusetts can be the best option for you.

Why Study in Massachusetts - 6 Top Reasons

Numerous international students choose Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts, to pursue higher education because of its fame as the "world’s learning capital." Boston boasts several world-class colleges, with over 250,000 students enrolled alone in Boston and Cambridge. The top reasons to study here are:

  • The best academic atmosphere.
  • Boston has the features of a big city but is student-friendly. 
  • The city promotes rich history, culture, and art. 
  • Boston is the 188th safest city for students among 461 American cities. 
  • Several scholarships and financial aid  opportunities. 

Best Universities to Study in Massachusetts

According to the rankings by U.S. News & World Reports and QS Top Universities, the best universities to study in Massachusetts in 2024 are:

University Name

THE Ranking

(World Universities Rankings) 2024

QS Top Universities Ranking

(World Universities Rankings)2 024 

The U.S. News & World Report Rankings  (National Universities Rankings) 2024
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3rd  1st  2nd 
Harvard University 4th  4th  3rd
Boston University 78th  93rd  43rd 
Tufts University  191st  379th  40th 
Boston College 251st- 300th  631st to 640th  39th 

Best Courses to Study in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to more than 100 colleges and universities; therefore, students enjoy a wide variety while making choices in courses. Some of the best courses to study in Massachusetts here are: 

Mechanical Engineering Robotics
Pre-medicine Literature
MBA  Film and Television 
Computer Science and Engineering  Applied Computational Science 
Biomedical Engineering  Data Science 
Geological Sciences  Nursing 

Cost of Living in Massachusetts

According to various statistical surveys, the cost of living in Massachusetts is 50% higher than the national average. The estimated cost of living for a single person in the capital city of Boston (without rent) is about $1,434 per month. Let's find in detail about the living costs from the table below: 

Type  Amount
Rent
  • $3,079 per month (One-bedroom apartment in the city center)

 

  • $2,230 per month (One-bedroom apartment outside the city center)
Food $3.55 (Cost per meal) 
Transportation $90 (Monthly pass)
Healthcare $149 (Doctor's visit)

Cost of Studying in Massachusetts

The cost of studying in Massachusetts varies based on your chosen university/college and course. The average tuition fees for FY-2024 in the top universities are mentioned below:

Name of the University Average Annual Tuition Fee 
University of Massachusetts, Boston $37,997
Boston University $66,670
Tufts University  $68,946
Worcester State University $17,366 (out-of-state)
Bristol Community College $6,674

Top Scholarships for Students to Study in Massachusetts 

Students wanting to study in Massachusetts for the upcoming session can avail of several financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Some of the best scholarships international students can apply for are listed below: 

Name of Scholarship Description Amount
Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program Offered by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, this scholarship can be availed by students residing in Massachusetts for more than one year and enrolled in STEM, Education, or Healthcare degrees in public and independent institutions.

$6,500 per year or $3,250 per sem (full-time enrollment)

 

$3,250 per year or $1,625 per sem (part-time enrollment)

Trustee Scholarship (offered by Boston University) Awarded to intellectual and creative undergraduate students enrolled at the university. Applicants must submit a 600-word essay. A four-year undergraduate tuition fee is covered. 
Presidential Scholarships Offered to incoming first-year students with exceptional academic achievements.  $25,000 (renewable for up to 4 years at Boston University)
MIT Scholarships Awarded to low-income first-year students. $2,000 (can be divided semester-wise)

Student Life in Massachusetts

Massachusetts boasts a vibrant student life brimming with opportunities. With roughly 20% of its population college-aged, the state fosters a dynamic and supportive environment for higher education.  Boston, in particular, offers a student-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fulfilling academic experience.

Massachusetts boasts a thriving economy and is home to more than 500 Fortune companies; therefore, studying here can lead to the best career opportunities for students. For students wanting to establish a career in STEM, Massachusetts offers the highest number of STEM-based employment in the country, as compared to any other state. 

Career Prospects for Students in Massachusetts

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job openings in January 2024 in Massachusetts was around 214,000. These higher job openings clearly illustrate why Massachusetts is an excellent place to start or build your career. Some of the highest-paying job roles that you can fulfill in 2024 are:

Job Average Annual Salary
Chief Technology Officer/ Chief Operating Officer $199,876
Finance Services Director $227,599
Software Architect $141,185
Machine Learning Engineer $161,085
Internal Medicine Physician $287,648
Software Engineer $108,169
Medical Director $206,058
Emergency Services Director $159,561
Cloud Systems Engineer $127,794

*Data as per job portals

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a student visa to study in Massachusetts?

Students wanting to pursue higher studies in Massachusetts must apply for an F-1 Visa from their nearest US Embassy. The F-1 Visa is designed particularly for non-immigrants wanting to study in America.

Can I work and study in Massachusetts?

Yes, students are allowed to simultaneously work and study in Massachusetts; however, they must fulfill specific eligibility and conditions of employment that vary from university to university.

Which course is best for studying in Massachusetts?

There are a plethora of study options in Massachusetts, and some of the best courses to study here include medicine, IT, dentistry, international relations, music and art, and theology.

What support services are available for international students at universities in Massachusetts?

While studying at any university in Massachusetts, international students can avail of a variety of support services that include:

  • Financial assistance
  • Personal counseling
  • Tutorial services
  • Assistance for admission procedure
  • Special services for students lacking English proficiency
  • Assistance in finding career options
  • Several cultural activities

What cultural experiences and attractions can I explore in Massachusetts outside of my studies?

In addition to studies, international students can enjoy several cultural and fun activities across the city of Boston and its neighboring areas. Students can explore several museums and cultural centers across the city, take heritage tours through historic walk trails, and learn the rich history of Massachusetts and its importance in American History. Museum of African American History, Museum of Russian Icons, Second Saturday Walking Tour of Florence Abolition Era Sites, are some places of interest. Students can also explore the vibrant theaters and film festivals like Boston Latino Film Festival, Boston Jewish Film Festival, The Boston International Film Festival, Boston Irish Film Festival, etc.

Did you find this article helpful?

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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