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Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

16 Min Read Published June 4, 2024
City skyline of downtown Boston during the day

To become a registered nurse (RN), students need to be eligible for, take, and pass the NCLEX-RN.

However, many nursing employers are beginning to prefer candidates that have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This four-year degree also prepares students for the NCLEX-RN.

Also, each state has its own requirements for licensing nurses. So, if you want to become a nurse in Massachusetts, picking a BSN program in Massachusetts puts you on track to begin your career there. 

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org

As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.

✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology

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Top 10 Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

While factors like tuition and location are important, it’s important to note that some schools offer special programs. Online options, bridge programs, and accelerated programs are excellent options depending on where you’re currently at in your career. 
Because everyone’s expectations from a nursing school are different, these Massachusetts schools are ranked in no particular order.

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,

  • Reputation
  • NCLEX pass rate
  • Tuition
  • Acceptance rate, when available
  • Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible 

Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

  • Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
  • Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
  • Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
  • Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN
In-State Tuition
$43,060 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$43,060 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Located in the vibrant city of Boston, Simmons College is one of the smaller schools in the area, with just over 1,800 undergraduates. With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, students can enjoy small class sizes and city living all at one school.

Nursing students benefit from personalized learning, and Simmons boasts a high NCLEX pass rate as a result. Adult learners can choose from a 16-month accelerated program, RN-BSN, or a five-year BS/MN nursing program along with the traditional BSN. Interestingly, the direct-entry NCLEX pass rate is even higher than the traditional program at 97%. 

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 50%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $910
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $910
Contact Information:
  • Address: 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $67,789

 

In-State Tuition
$62,950 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,950 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Often considered one of the top colleges in the nation, Boston College is the first college to open its doors in Boston. Founded on Jesuit beliefs, Boston College’s robust nursing school offers several nursing pathways. These include BSN, MSN, DNP, and CRNA degrees.

 BSN students are eligible to begin work on a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) during their junior and senior years, cutting the time and cost of earning an MSN. Also, while the cost is high, the majority of students receive some form of financial aid. 

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 17%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 5%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $570
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $570
Contact Information:
  • Address: 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $71,015

 

In-State Tuition
$16,186 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,405 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
Yes

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is one of the top public research schools in the nation, something that master’s or doctoral students may be interested in. The robust College of Nursing has three different BSN tracks and three graduate-level degrees, not including the post-master’s certificates.

The most popular nursing degree, the traditional BSN, also includes an honors program for eligible students. An accelerated BSN and online RN-BSN are also available. 

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 12%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $675
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,559
Contact Information:
  • Address: 374 Whitmore Building 181 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $68,647

 

In-State Tuition
$15,462 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,830 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Another part of the extensive UMass system, The University of Massachusetts-Lowell, is a nationally ranked public research university. UMass Lowell’s 18,000 students are spread across six schools, including the Solomont School of Nursing.

Master’s degrees are the highlight of the Solomont School of Nursing, with five separate MS options to choose from, including a fast-track MS-DNP. A traditional BSN and online RN-BSN are also available, as are a Ph.D. in nursing and a DNP.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 29%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $644
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,409
Contact Information:
  • Address: 1 University Ave, Lowell, MA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $64,706

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

In-State Tuition
$14,542 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,515 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

The University of Massachusetts—Boston, or UMass Boston, is located on the water and just a short drive from downtown Boston. Despite its prime location, UMass Boston is a relatively small research school with just over 16,000 students. 

Much like other schools in the UMass system, UMass Boston’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences primarily offers graduate-level degrees, including a Ph.D., MS, and BS-DNP. A traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN-BSN are also available for undergraduate students. 

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 10%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $606
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,479
Contact Information:
  • Address: 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $71,098

 

In-State Tuition
$36,060 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,060 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
Yes

Recently ranked the top school for earning power by The Wall Street Journal, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (MCPHS) is among the best schools for health sciences. MCPHS has three campuses across Massachusetts and an online school where students can complete any of the School of Nursing’s innovative accelerated programs.

The college's School of Nursing comprises three undergraduate and six graduate programs, all of which are nationally acclaimed. MCPHS also offers multiple online certifications, including psychiatric and family nurse practitioner.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 19%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,325
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,325
Contact Information:
  • Address: 179 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $66,146

 

In-State Tuition
$14,179 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,317 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
Yes

Although the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth has only 8,500 students, it has a large online catalog of courses and degrees and is the only BSN program in Southeastern Massachusetts. Additionally, the College of Nursing offers two online programs: an RN-BSN bridge and an MSN. 

The online MSN is for future nursing leaders, and students can select from specializations in education and global public health. Dartmouth also offers a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, Ph.D. in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 18%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $591
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,263
Contact Information:
  • Address: 285 Old Westport Rd, North Dartmouth, MA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $64,258

 

In-State Tuition
$38,735 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,735 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

The College of Our Lady of the Elms is more commonly known as Elms College. The Sisters of St. Jospeph founded the school in 1928 to provide Chicopee residents with a Catholic, liberal arts education. As a private school, Elms College's tuition is a little steep.

However, the school boasts a perfect NCLEX pass rate for BSN graduates, making the program worth the money. Students can select from an array of nursing programs, including a traditional BSN, ABSN, RN to BSN, and several graduate nursing degrees.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 19%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $785
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $785
Contact Information:
  • Address: 291 Springfield St, Chicopee, MA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $69,410

 

In-State Tuition
$46,150 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$46,150 per year
Accreditation
ACEN
Online?
No

While Regis College has only been educating students for 90 years, it has quickly established itself as one of the top private schools in the region. The Richard and Sheila Young School of Nursing is no exception and was recently recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.

Nursing students have multiple study options, including a traditional BSN, an accelerated second-degree BSN, and a unique online BSN-DNP. Outside of the classroom, nursing students enjoy a small private school in Weston.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 61%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,538
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,538
Contact Information:
  • Address: 235 Wellesley St, Weston, MA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $68,398

 

In-State Tuition
$910 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$7,050 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

The historic town of Salem may be best known for witchcraft, but today, the vibrant home is better known for being a fun place to live just half an hour from Boston – and the home of Salem State University. For Massachusetts residents, Salem State is an affordable option and an excellent place to earn a nursing degree.

Undergraduate nurses can choose from a traditional BSN, an accelerated second-degree BSN, an LPN-BSN, and an RN-BSN; various graduate programs are also available. Essentially, any nursing student can find a program that fits their needs at Salem State.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 13%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $499
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $790
Contact Information:
  • Address: 352 Lafayette St, Salem, MA
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $69,261

Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

  • Massachusetts nurses earn an annual mean wage of $96,630.
  • Massachusetts has a nursing location quotient of 1.20, meaning it employs more nurses per 1,000 workers than the average state. 

Massachusetts does an excellent job of compensating qualified nurses. Compared to the national mean wage of $82,750, Massachusetts’ mean wage of $96,630 is significant.

The Commonwealth is also a large employer for nurses, especially for its size. Currently, 88,270 nurses work in Massachusetts, and the number is projected to grow over the next decade.

While not as many nurses are employed as in states like California, Texas, Florida, or New York, Massachusetts employs more nurses per 1,000 workers than all three of these states. Whichever way you look at it, Massachusetts is an excellent place to begin and enjoy a nursing career. 

Next Steps

Once you’ve researched some schools and generated a list of places you’d be interested in studying at, the next steps are to get in contact with the schools, prepare your application(s), and apply! While you may have one dream school, it’s always worth applying to multiple colleges, just to be sure.

Here are the steps to applying for college:

Contact each school’s admissions office. Every school has an admissions office that is there to help you with the admissions process, including the application. Each office will tell you about the application process, school requirements, and materials needed for the application. 

Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. On top of school requirements, most nursing programs have their own set of admissions requirements. Nursing schools typically have stricter requirements than colleges, so make sure you’re on track to be admitted to the nursing school. 

Submit your application(s). Once your applications are finished, then the last step is sending them in! Every school has its own application requirements, so make sure you have everything you need. Commonly required materials include:

  • High school transcript (GPA)
  • ACT and/or SAT scores
  • College entrance essay(s)
  • Letter(s) of recommendation

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools

No two schools are the same, and after you start receiving acceptance letters, you might become stressed trying to pick the right school. But don’t stress out! As long as a school is regionally accredited and has an accredited nursing program, you can’t make a wrong decision. So, just choose the best school for you!

When comparing schools, consider things like:

  • Annual tuition and total program cost (nursing programs may cost more)
  • Private vs. Public (public schools offer in-state tuition)
  • Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
  • Cost of living on-campus or in the area
  • Distance from hospitals for clinicals
  • School and nursing program acceptance rate
  • Length of the program (accelerated or traditional)
  • Program outcomes
  • Accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation  

Accreditation is a school’s way of proving its academic quality. Accrediting bodies only award schools that meet a minimum level of academic excellence, and along with national and regional accreditation, schools can have specific programs accredited, including nursing programs. 

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation. 

Getting a License in Massachusetts

The main prerequisite for nurses in Massachusetts is education. Massachusetts doesn’t require you to have a BSN to be eligible for a nursing license, but to find a well-paying position after school, a BSN is highly recommended.

To get a nursing license in Massachusetts, you’ll need to:

  • Study at a state-approved school
  • Prove Good Moral Character (as defined by the law)
  • Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
  • Pay an application fee
  • Apply for licensure through Mass.gov

Every regionally accredited nursing program in Massachusetts will satisfy any prerequisites, so choosing a local school is a smart choice if you want to work in-state.

>> Related: The Complete Guide to Nursing in Massachusetts

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Conclusion 

As one of the highest paying states for nurses, Massachusetts is sure to get any nurses’ attention. Also, with plenty of major cities and hospitals, Massachusetts is one of the highest employers of nurses per capita. Combine those statistics with the plethora of incredible nursing schools, and one could argue that Massachusetts is the best state in the nation for nursing school and a nursing career. 

Find Nursing Programs

References:

BLS

Mass.gov

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