Best
Value Colleges in Worcester in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Worcester, Massachusetts, combines foundational coursework with practical career preparation. Students typically take courses in accounting, finance, marketing, economics, organizational behavior, human resources, and strategic management. Worcester State University, Assumption University, Clark University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute offer business-related study options. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, sales representative, operations supervisor, or financial services associate. Internships and campus organizations offer practical experience and useful connections.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Worcester, MA, explores how people think, feel, and behave through courses in developmental, social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology, research methods, and statistics. Students build interviewing, assessment, and data-analysis skills while learning ethical practice. Colleges offering psychology study include Clark University, Worcester State University, Assumption University, and the College of the Holy Cross. Graduates may work as case managers, behavioral health technicians, human resources assistants, or research coordinators; clinical practice requires graduate education.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Worcester, MA, offers access to technology-focused campuses and diverse career pathways. Programs commonly cover programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, Worcester State University, and the College of the Holy Cross are local options. Graduates often pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, cybersecurity specialist, database administrator, or data analyst. Projects, internships, and research help students develop practical skills for employment.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Worcester, Massachusetts, can prepare students to support people's mental health, development, and well-being. Programs commonly cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural practice, and supervised fieldwork. Assumption University offers graduate clinical counseling study, while Worcester State University provides school-counseling preparation. Graduates may pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, case managers, or rehabilitation counselors; independent clinical practice typically requires meeting Massachusetts licensure requirements, including supervised experience and examinations.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Worcester, Massachusetts, combines classroom learning, laboratory practice, and clinical placements in healthcare settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and medical-surgical, pediatric, and mental-health nursing. Worcester State University, MCPHS University's Worcester campus, and Quinsigamond Community College offer nursing pathways at various degree levels. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term-care facilities, public-health agencies, and community settings, supporting education and care coordination.

Best Colleges in Worcester, MA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $57,440, compared with $62,070 at schools in the top 10% of the ranking, a difference of $4,630.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall, compared with 57.8% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 57.8%. Schools receive an average of 8,927 applicants overall, while top-10% schools average 12,116.2 applicants. The median applicant counts are 4,481 men and 3,752 women.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,251 and 27.67, respectively.
• Schools average 4,216 enrolled students; the reported averages are 415.2 enrolled men and 371.4 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 78.0%, compared with 88.8% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 77.0% for men and 81.0% for women.
• The institutions include 0 offering associate's degrees, 5 offering bachelor's degrees, 5 offering master's degrees, and 3 offering doctor's degrees. There are 5 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total costs and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, student outcomes, and the degree options available. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and applicant numbers, but also higher average graduation rates; prospective students should weigh those differences against their own academic goals and financial circumstances.

How much does studying at a college in Worcester, MA cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Worcester, MA, is about $47,666.80. This is a useful starting point for budgeting for a degree, though your actual bill will depend on the college, program, financial aid, and how you manage housing and other expenses. Worcester offers several well-known options, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, and Worcester State University; compare each school's published cost of attendance before choosing.

• Average tuition and fees: $51,404.00
• Average room and board: $16,707.00
• Average books and supplies: $1,060.00

Treat these figures as broad reference points rather than a guaranteed quote. Ask admissions and financial-aid offices for a personalized estimate, and check whether scholarships, grants, commuting from home, or campus housing change your out-of-pocket amount. For Worcester residents, comparing net prices - not sticker prices - can make the search feel more manageable and help you find a school that fits both your goals and budget.

How long does it take to finish college in Worcester, MA?

In Worcester, MA, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study; an associate degree usually takes two. At Worcester State University, Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), or the College of the Holy Cross, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and study pace. Part-time enrollment, work, family responsibilities, or prerequisites may extend it, but a flexible plan can keep the goal manageable.

You may finish sooner by transferring credits, using AP or prior-learning credit, taking summer courses, or choosing an accelerated schedule; ask an adviser which options count toward your degree.

Graduation rates give perspective: the average is 78.0%, rising to 88.8% for the top 10% of schools. Rates average 74.6% for men and 81.0% for women. These figures show students earn degrees, though they cannot predict your outcome. Ask Worcester colleges about time-to-degree support and build a course map - you can feel confident moving forward.

Salary

After graduating from college in Worcester, MA, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $49,102. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $69,898 - a promising benchmark as you plan your next steps.

Worcester offers a range of college options, including Worcester State University, Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and the College of the Holy Cross. These figures are broad alumni salary benchmarks, not earnings guarantees or salary estimates for any one school. Your field of study, experience, and career path will all affect what you earn.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Worcester?

Worcester has six university institutions or university campuses: Assumption University, Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester State University, UMass Chan Medical School, and MCPHS University's Worcester campus. The count depends on what you include: Worcester also has colleges, such as the College of the Holy Cross, and community colleges, which are not counted in that total.

What is the largest university in Worcester?

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is generally the largest Worcester university by student enrollment, with several thousand students. Its strong focus on science, engineering, and hands-on project work gives the city a distinctive campus feel. For a prospective student, WPI's size means a substantial university community while still being part of a compact, walkable city.

How many universities are there in Worcester?

If you mean four-year university institutions rather than every college or higher-education site, the practical answer is six. That figure includes UMass Chan Medical School and MCPHS's Worcester campus. Worcester's broader higher-education scene is larger once you count institutions such as Holy Cross and Quinsigamond Community College, so totals can differ by definition.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Worcester, MA Ranking in 2026-2027

Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a technology-focused education in Worcester, Massachusetts, with strengths in engineering, science, and project-based learning. Its 7,388 students study in a city with cultural venues, hospitals, and regional employers nearby. WPI's graduation rate is 90%, acceptance rate 60%, total study cost $59,700, and median alumni salary $81,002. For a local student, campus access and strong reported outcomes may make it appealing, though comparing aid and housing expenses with the stated total cost is important before enrolling there.

Clark University is a private research institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, known for an international outlook and interdisciplinary study. Its 3,275 enrolled students can experience a compact campus while remaining close to the city's restaurants, arts, and community organizations. Clark reports a 77% graduation rate and 40% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $57,440, while median alumni salary is $37,924. Worcester-area applicants should weigh that cost against financial aid, program fit, and their own career goals when considering this urban campus option.

College of the Holy Cross is a Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, offering students a residential academic experience and broad undergraduate study. Its 3,106 students benefit from a small-college setting within reach of Worcester's museums, hospitals, and civic life. The graduation rate is 87%, acceptance rate 18%, total study cost $63,650, and median alumni salary $53,241. For local applicants, the selective admission profile and reported outcomes merit comparison with aid offers and intended majors before making a decision.

Worcester State University is a public university in Worcester, Massachusetts, with career-oriented programs and a practical option for students seeking to remain near home. Its 5,273 enrolled students study in a campus community connected to the city's employers, services, and cultural resources. The university reports a 61% graduation rate and 88% acceptance rate; total study cost is $7,050, and median alumni salary is $49,102. Local applicants can compare this listed cost with their residency status, financial aid, and chosen program.

Assumption University is a Catholic institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a liberal arts foundation and programs spanning professional fields. Its 2,038 students join a campus community, while the city provides access to internships, health care employers, and cultural activities. Assumption's graduation rate is 75%, acceptance rate 83%, total study cost $50,494, and median alumni salary $48,940. Students based in Worcester can consider the convenience of studying locally and assess whether its campus environment and costs match their academic plans.