Most
Popular Colleges in Worcester in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Worcester, Massachusetts, combines business knowledge with projects and access to the region's employers. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, statistics, and organizational behavior. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, accountant, operations supervisor, or sales representative. Worcester State University, Clark University, and Assumption University are options offering business-related undergraduate study; compare their curricula, internships, and admission requirements to find the fit.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Worcester, MA offers undergraduate and graduate paths at Clark University, Worcester State University, and Assumption University. Typical coursework includes developmental, social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and counseling foundations. Students build skills in assessment, communication, and data analysis through classes and experience. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, human resources specialist, research assistant, or community outreach worker. Clinical psychologist and counselor careers generally require advanced education.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Worcester, Massachusetts, combines programming with a strong college community. Students commonly take courses in algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, and the College of the Holy Cross offer computer science study options. Projects and internships can build skills. Graduates often pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or IT support professional in varied industries.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Worcester, Massachusetts, combines psychology, development, ethics, assessment, counseling theories, group work, and supervised fieldwork. Worcester State University and Assumption University offer graduate programs in school or clinical mental health counseling. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as school counselors, mental health counselors, substance-use counselors, and case managers. Clinical practice typically requires supervised postdegree experience and state licensure; school counseling requirements vary by employer and credential. Courses may cover multicultural practice and research methods.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Worcester, Massachusetts, combines classroom learning with clinical practice in healthcare settings. Common courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, and community and medical-surgical nursing. Worcester State University and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offer nursing study options in the city. Graduates typically pursue registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care, or work in public health, rehabilitation, schools, and home healthcare after meeting licensure requirements.

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% - a $4,630 difference.
• An average of 100% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 57.8% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 57.8%. Schools receive an average of 8,927 applicants, 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.
• The average number of enrolled students is 4,216. Reported average enrollment figures are 415.2 men and 371.4 women.
• The average graduation rate is 78%, compared with 88.8% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 77% for men and 81% for women.
• Five institutions offer bachelor's degrees, four offer master's degrees, and two offer doctor's degrees; none offer associate's degrees.
• Five schools are coeducational; zero are schools for men and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid availability, and consider how admissions selectivity, applicant volume, test-score averages, enrollment, and graduation rates align with your needs. Pay particular attention to differences in outcomes and aid at top-10% schools, and review degree offerings and school type to ensure they fit your goals.

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

For a student in Worcester, MA, the available average total cost of studying is $47,666.80. Average tuition and fees are $51,404, with room and board averaging $16,707 and books and supplies about $1,060. Treat these as planning benchmarks rather than a guaranteed bill: the figures can differ by institution, program, housing, and financial aid.

Worcester students can compare Clark University, WPI, and the College of the Holy Cross. Check each school's cost of attendance and ask about scholarships, grants, and payment plans; financial aid can help. Housing choices also matter: living at home or sharing an apartment can change your budget. Ask whether estimates include books, lab fees, transportation, and insurance. Because no degree duration is specified, $47,666.80 is best treated as the reported studying-cost average, not automatically the full price of a multi-year degree. Contact financial-aid staff to build a budget and find a campus that feels right.

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

In Worcester, MA, expect about four years for a bachelor's degree or two for an associate degree. At WPI, Clark University, Worcester State University, or the College of the Holy Cross, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and attendance pattern. Studying locally can make steady progress feel exciting as you build skills and community.

The reported average graduation rate is 78.0%, or about 78 students out of 100; among the top 10% of schools, it is 88.8%. Rates are 74.6% for men and 81.0% for women. These figures give context, while individual outcomes differ by school and program.

To graduate faster, ask about AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credit, transfer credits, summer classes, and accelerated degree options. At your Worcester college, meet an adviser to map prerequisites and check whether courses fit your finances and workload. A plan can shorten your route without sacrificing a positive college experience.

Salary

After graduating from college in Worcester, MA, you can expect median alumni earnings of about $49,102. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $69,898. These figures are alumni salary benchmarks, not guaranteed starting salaries, and your earnings can vary with your degree, career, and experience.

Worcester offers several college options, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, and the College of the Holy Cross. As you compare programs, consider how each school's degree offerings fit the kind of work you hope to pursue; that match can help you make the most of your education and feel more confident about your next step.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Worcester?

By total student enrollment, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) appears to be Worcester's largest college, with roughly 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students in recent years. That gives the city a lively campus community and plenty of opportunities to connect with students pursuing different fields. Enrollment changes each year, so exact comparisons depend on the reporting year and which campuses are included.

What is the richest university in Worcester?

If "richest" means largest university endowment, the College of the Holy Cross appears to lead Worcester's colleges, with an endowment reported at about $1 billion in recent years. An endowment is invested to support a college over time; it is not the same as cash available for student aid. Figures vary by year, but Holy Cross's substantial resources help sustain its academic and campus programs.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Popular Colleges Ranking in Worcester, MA Ranking in 2026-2027

College of the Holy Cross is a small Worcester college with 3,106 enrolled students, an 87% graduation rate, and an 18% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $63,650, while median alumni salary is $53,241. For a student already based in Worcester, studying locally can keep the college search close to home and make campus visits easier. Holy Cross combines a selective admissions profile with the strongest reported graduation rate among these five schools and a comparatively high alumni median.

Clark University enrolls 3,275 students in Worcester and reports a 77% graduation rate and 40% acceptance rate. Its total cost is $57,440, and median alumni salary is $37,924. A Worcester-based student can consider Clark without relocating, comparing its cost and outcomes alongside nearby options. The university offers a campus experience in the same city as home, making campus visits and direct comparisons practical considerations. Its 40% acceptance rate is midway between the group's lowest and highest reported rates for applicants.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute has 7,388 enrolled students, a 90% graduation rate, and a 60% acceptance rate. The reported total cost is $59,700, and median alumni salary is $81,002, the highest figure among these five colleges. For someone living in Worcester, WPI provides a nearby option for pursuing a degree while weighing costs against outcomes. Its enrollment is the largest in this group, and its graduation rate is also highest, giving prospective students useful points of comparison with other local colleges.

Assumption University reports 2,038 enrolled students, a 75% graduation rate, and an 83% acceptance rate. Its total cost is $50,494, while median alumni salary is $48,940. For a Worcester, MA student, the university offers another nearby choice to assess alongside schools with different enrollment sizes and outcomes. Assumption has the lowest reported total cost among the first four colleges listed here, though Worcester State's cost is lower still. Its relatively high acceptance rate may also interest students comparing admissions profiles.

Worcester State University has 5,273 enrolled students, a 61% graduation rate, and an 88% acceptance rate. Its total cost is $7,050, the lowest listed, and median alumni salary is $49,102. For a Worcester resident seeking a degree, its local setting may help keep the college search centered in the city. Compared with the other four schools, Worcester State combines the highest acceptance rate with the lowest graduation rate, while its alumni salary falls above Clark's and below three others overall.