Review some of Massachusetts's top nursing programs and what it takes to earn a degree, become licensed to practice, and find employment in the state.
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Massachusetts is home to some of the most nurse-friendly healthcare centers in the country, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Winchester Hospital, and Lowell General Hospital. As one of the top five states for the highest average annual salary, Massachusetts is an ideal location for nurses to both begin and advance their careers.
This guide explores how to become a nurse in Massachusetts, the salary and job outlook, and the best nursing programs in the state.
The Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Learn more about the top nursing schools in Massachusetts and which programs make the best options for prospective nurses.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Massachusetts, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
#1 The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
4 years
Campus
Northeastern University, one of the most prestigious nursing schools in Massachusetts, features 16 nursing programs — some of which offer accelerated formats.
Students enrolled at the Bouve College of Health Sciences can take a 67-credit BSN degree and graduate in 16 months. Northeastern also offers a four-year undergraduate program with two six-month cooperated experiences, or a five-year undergraduate degree with three six month clinical experiences.
Clinical placement sites include Brigham and Women's Hospital, Children's Hospital, and Lahey Clinic. Nursing students can also complete international cooperative experiences.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Ph.D. in nursing
Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $56,500 per year for undergraduate tuition
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; transfer students need a minimum 3.0 GPA; completed prerequisites
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $70,200 for bachelor's graduates and $110,878 for graduate school graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$52,420
Out-of-state
$52,420
Retention Rate
99%
Admission Rate
18%
Students Enrolled
22,207
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
Boston College's William F. Connell School of Nursing, which opened in 1947, features two DNP programs, including one for future nurse anesthetists.
Students can earn a DNP degree in nurse anesthesia in as few as 36 months by studying full time. In the third semester, they rotate at 3-6 facilities, working in the operating room four days a week. Placements sites include Boston Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess, and Cambridge Hospital.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Ph.D. in nursing
Campus: Chestnut Hill, North Carolina
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $2,098 per credit for undergraduate tuition; $1,636 per credit for graduate tuition
Admission Requirements: DNP candidates need at least a BSN or MSN; critical care nursing experience; GRE scores; admissions interview
Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,015 for bachelor's graduates and graduate school graduates $100,439, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$56,780
Out-of-state
$56,780
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
27%
Students Enrolled
14,747
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
5%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Endicott College
Beverly, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
Endicott College, among the top-ranked CCNE-accredited nursing schools in Massachusetts, offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs that emphasize community outreach.
Students enrolled in the BSN degree can graduate within eight semesters, or four years to complete 126-128 credits. Endicott offers ample clinical experience which begins in the sophomore year and ends with a senior internship working under the supervision of a nurse preceptor.
Nursing students also have service learning opportunities at homeless, immigrants, and prison facilities. Additionally, they can also study abroad in their junior year in Belize, Iceland, or Scotland.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, Ph.D. in nursing
Campus: Beverly, Massachusetts
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $36,926 per year for undergraduate tuition; $845 per credit for MSN tuition; $5,853 per credit for Ph.D. nursing tuition
Admission Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA; SAT or ACT scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,079 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$33,304
Out-of-state
$33,304
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
4,741
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, with undergraduate and graduate programs, features a MSN degree that emphasizes nursing education.
Students enrolled in the MSN program complete 11 courses, or 32 credits, that include two practicums. Degree seekers provide direct patient care during one practicum and work in the classroom or health education department under a faculty supervisor for the second clinical experience.
UMass Amherst also offers an accelerated BSN degree, RN-to-BSN program, fully online Doctor of Nursing Practice, Ph.D. in nursing. Students can also earn undergraduate and graduate certificates in nursing education, Spanish and nursing health, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, Ph.D. in nursing, undergraduate and graduate certificates
Campus: Amherst, Massachusetts
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $7,895 per semester for undergraduate in-state tuition; $18,158 for undergraduate out-of-state tuition; $2,081 per credit for in-state graduate tuition; $4,103 per credit for out-of-state graduate tuition
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; MSN candidates need a BSN, or associate in nursing degree and a bachelor's degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $68,647 for bachelor's graduates and $97,071 for doctoral graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$15,791
Out-of-state
$35,112
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
31,350
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Chicopee, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
The private Catholic College of Our Lady of the Elms, founded in 1928, has educated future nursing for more than four decades.
Elms College features a fully online MSN degree with tracks in nursing and health services management, nursing education, school nursing, or a dual master's in business administration degree. Students can graduate in 2-3 years with the option of self-paced courses.
Undergraduate and graduate students learn in the 22,000-square-foot Lyons Center stimulation site, through clinical placements, and by working in the caRe vaN which travels to underserved communities.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus: Chicopee, Massachusetts
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $37,605 per year for undergraduate tuition; $905 per credit for MSN tuition; $880-$950 per credit for DNP tuition
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree and track; MSN candidates need a BSN; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts; resume; writing sample
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,410 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$35,270
Out-of-state
$35,270
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
1,495
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#6 The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Emmanuel College
Boston, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
Emmanuel College's Mauren Murphy Wilkens School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences, with distinguished undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in Massachusetts, offers a fully online MSN degree for current RNs and BSN degree holders.
The 30-credit online MSN degree lets students train in specialized nursing areas with tracks in education or administration. Students complete nine courses in topics such as research and ethics in nursing, human diversity, policy, pathophysiology, and a practicum.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, graduate certificates in nursing education and nursing administration
Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $350 per year for RN-to-BSN tuition; $860 per credit for MSN and graduate certificate tuition
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; MSN candidates need two letters of recommendation; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; BSN degree from an accredited program; resume; 500-word resume; current RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $66,883 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$41,028
Out-of-state
$41,028
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
2,222
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
2%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#7 The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Bunker Hill Community College
Boston, MA
2 years
Online + Campus
Bunker Hill Community College, with one of the most flexible nursing programs in Massachusetts, prepares 100% of graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN.
Online ADN degrees provide convenient formats that appeal to working nurses with either asynchronous or asynchronous coursework. Courses combine lectures, lab work, and clinical experiences at healthcare settings. Students can take an on-campus day program with courses held twice a week in person, or an alternative format where they meet online once a week and on campus once a week.
Program: Associate in nursing degree
Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
Type: Public
Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $24 per credit for in-state tuition; $230 per credit for out-of-state tuition
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GRE; math placement test; complete prerequisites; official transcripts
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,012 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$576
Out-of-state
$5,520
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,352
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#8 The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Simmons University
Boston, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
Simmons University features traditional nursing degrees, but also programs for working professionals that offer accelerated pathways to earn BSN or MSN degrees.
Through the Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars Program, students can complete a BSN degree in as few as 16 months. The curriculum ends with a clinical practicum and a course in clinical decision making and complex care that includes NCLEX-RN quizzes to prepare students for licensure.
Students can also take a BSN-to-MSN degree that takes five years to complete . Simmons also offers a fully online RN-to-BSN degree.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing
Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $23,514 per semester for nursing tuition
Admission Requirements: BSN candidates must submit high school or college transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA; teacher recommendation; counselor recommendation; essay; SAT or ACT scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $67,789 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$40,850
Out-of-state
$40,850
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
6,535
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#9 The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell, among the top-ranked nursing schools in Massachusetts, incorporates interdisciplinary studies from fields such as dietetics, public health, and physical therapy.
The BSN degree, which includes clinical experience in the senior year, takes 3.5-4 years to complete. Students choose from 250 clinical sites such as acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and occupational health settings. Placements sites include Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Holy Family Hospital.
Nursing students find social and civic opportunities through the Student Nurses Association and Eta Omega Honor Society.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Ph.D. in nursing
Campus: Lowell, Massachusetts
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $16,082 per year for in-state undergraduate tuition; $34,450 per year for out-of-state undergraduate tuition; $15,576 per year for in-state graduate tuition; $27,650 per year for out-of-state graduate tuition
Admission Requirements: Varies by degree; BSN degree candidates need a minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; SAT or ACT scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $64,706 for bachelor's graduates and $84,653 for graduates of graduate schools, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$15,078
Out-of-state
$33,004
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
18,352
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#10 The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
Westfield State University, ranked among the nursing schools in Massachusetts, features an RN-to-BSN degree for nurses who hold an associate in nursing degree that can be completed in as few as 12 months.
Taking online and on campus courses, students complete the program in 12-24 months. Graduates have training in patient safety, research, ethical standards, technology implementation, and healthcare policy. Students can complete the program quicker since Westfield accepts up to 90 transfer credits.
Westfield offers start dates in September and January.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
Campus: Westfield, Massachusetts
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $970 per credit for in-state undergraduate tuition; $7,050 per credit for out-of-state undergraduate tuition
Admission Requirements: Associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 2.75 GPA; an academic or professional reference
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $68,331 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$970
Out-of-state
$7,050
Retention Rate
72%
Admission Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
5,795
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
Featured Online MSN Programs
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Massachusetts
When choosing a nursing program, applicants should consider factors based on their academic and professional goals. To simplify the process, prospective students should research an institution's tuition, program length, and financial aid options for nurses.
Verify that the nursing institution is accredited and review their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) scores and graduation rates. These numbers can indicate program quality.
Massachusetts also has pending legislation to become a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. As an NLC state, Massachusetts nurses can qualify for a license in another NLC state with minimal paperwork.
As part of the NLC, Massachusetts would agree to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow, joining 37 states already part of the compact.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Massachusetts
At $96,250, RNs in Massachusetts earn one of the highest average salaries in the country, third only to Hawaii ($104,830) and California ($120,560). Similarly, nurse practitioners in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $126,050, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
While nurses in the state benefit from higher salaries, the cost of living in Massachusetts is one of the highest in the country, ranking 5th as the most expensive place to live. Therefore, the higher salary partially offsets the high cost of living in the state.
Like most other states, Massachusetts also expects an increase in the demand for nurses. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Massachusetts ranks 23rd in anticipated demand, with a projected 8.2% employment growth from 2018-2028.
Projections may change due to COVID-19.
The highest-paying cities in Massachusetts are located in the more densely populated areas of the state. These areas are close to the Massachusetts Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
With the western part of the state less populated, cities from the central part of Massachusetts to the coast tend to provide the best salaries.
To become an RN or APRN in Massachusetts, prospective nurses need to complete a state-board approved nursing program. After fulfilling the academic requirements, nursing students must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which allows them to apply for their license.
Nursing students are required to participate in a one-time training and education course on the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and dementia before receiving their RN license. Upon completion, prospective nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN and submit an application of licensure to the state.
RNs are required to complete 15 contact hours and renew their license no later than their birthday in even-numbered years. The initial application fee is $275, while the renewal fee is $120. All materials are available online through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Graduates can then complete a national certification exam administered by national agencies recognized through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and apply for licensure. The application fee is $150, while APRN renewal is $180.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Massachusetts
How long does it take to become an RN in Massachusetts?
Prospective nurses must earn an ADN or a BSN before applying for RN licensure in Massachusetts.
An associate degree takes the shortest amount of time to complete, requiring around two years of study. However, some employers prefer to hire BSN-holders. Some nursing schools in Massachusetts offer ADN-to-BSN bridge programs.
How do I become an RN in Massachusetts?
Prospective nurses in Massachusetts must complete a state-approved, accredited nursing program that prepares them for the NCLEX-RN exam. Candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN before getting licensure.
What is the salary range for nurses in Massachusetts?
According to the BLS, salaries range from $73,310 (bottom 25th percentile) to $117,310 (top 75th percentile). Compared to the rest of the country, RNs in Massachusetts rank 3rd in annual salary at $96,250, while nurse practitioners rank 5th, earning $126,050.
How much is nursing school in Massachusetts?
A nursing school's cost depends on many factors, including location and degree type. For instance, Framingham State University represents the lower end of tuition costs at $11,380 per year, while Endicott College boasts much higher rates at $35,764 per year.
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