Get a closer look at some schools offering doctoral programs in Massachusetts by comparing factors such as net costs, closeness to large cities, student populations, and graduation rates to decide where you want to attend.
Massachusetts Schools Near Large Cities
For many students, attending college in or near a large city is preferable for any number of reasons. At schools specifically providing doctoral degrees, though, the NCES reports that the only city qualifying as a large city that meets these requirements is Boston. Even so, there are several options for where to attend within the city, such as:
- Northeastern University
- Boston University
- Suffolk University
- Simmons College
Largest Schools in Massachusetts
Attending college with a large number of peers can be beneficial for many students. New opportunities for activities, increased diversity, and more chances to socialize are only a few of these. According to the NCES, these five schools are the largest colleges in Massachusetts offering doctoral degrees.
- Boston University (36,104)
- Harvard University (31,345)
- University of Massachusetts - Amherst (32,045)
- Northeastern University (28,167)
- University of Massachusetts - Lowell (17,597)
Lowest Net Cost
According to the NCES, the universities below had the lowest net in-state undergraduate tuition of the compared institutions in 2021-2022. While these figures do not cover graduate expenses, they are a good estimator as to how much you can expect to pay for doctoral programs at each school.
- University of Massachusetts - Boston ($14,677)
- Harvard University ($55,587)
- University of Massachusetts - Lowell ($15,698)
- University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth ($14,408)
- University of Massachusetts - Amherst ($16,439)
Highest Graduation Rate
Although the graduation rates reported by the NCES are based on undergrads who enrolled in fall 2015 and completed programs within 150% of normal time, the stats can still prove useful to aspiring doctoral students. The percentages offer insight into schools' academic quality - something important to most students regardless of their program level. The institutions below have the highest graduation rates among the previewed universities according to NCES data.
- Harvard University (97%)
- Tufts University (94%)
- Boston College (91%)
- Bentley University (88%)
- Smith College (91%)
When considering where to attend school in Massachusetts to earn your doctoral degree, remember to consider graduation rate, net cost, location, and student population when researching your options.
