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2027 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in Massachusetts

31 Colleges in the United States
$17,571 Avg Student Debt
$53,948 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Badge [Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 31 schools to find the best return on investment for liberal arts / sciences & humanities students.

What’s on this page:

2027 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in Massachusetts

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools

1

Middlesex Community College Bedford earned the #1 spot for value among liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools in Massachusetts. Middlesex Community College Bedford is a large public school located in the suburb of Bedford. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,098, while out-of-state students pay about $12,170. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $7,928 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Middlesex Community College Bedford earn a median of $31,451 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

A rank of #2 makes Bristol Community College one of the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Bristol Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Fall River. In-state tuition and fees average $5,832, with out-of-state students paying around $10,776. Students borrow a median of $8,250 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Bristol Community College earn a median of $31,206 early in their careers. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Springfield Technical Community College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Located in the city of Springfield, Springfield Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,904, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,734 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $30,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Northern Essex Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Haverhill, Northern Essex Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,732, with out-of-state students paying around $12,516. Students borrow a median of $9,969 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Northern Essex Community College generally make around $31,549. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Bunker Hill Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Boston, Bunker Hill Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,168 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $9,585. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Bunker Hill Community College generally make around $38,564. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Massachusetts Bay Community College came in at #6 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Set in the suburb of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts Bay Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,856, compared with $10,800 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $8,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Massachusetts Bay Community College generally make around $37,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

North Shore Community College earned the #7 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. North Shore Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Danvers. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,352, compared with $10,920 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from North Shore Community College generally make around $33,353. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt.

8

Worcester State University landed the #8 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Located in the city of Worcester, Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $23,907 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $43,996. Set against $23,907 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants.

9

Massasoit Community College landed the #9 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Set in the suburb of Brockton, Massasoit Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,376, with out-of-state students paying around $10,320. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $9,375 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Massasoit Community College earn a median of $28,529 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,375 median debt.

10

Mount Wachusett Community College earned the #10 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Set in the suburb of Gardner, Mount Wachusett Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,160, while out-of-state students pay about $11,080. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $11,000. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $28,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

11

Greenfield Community College placed #11 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Set in the town of Greenfield, Greenfield Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,930 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $8,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Greenfield Community College generally make around $58,356. Set against $8,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12
Cape Cod Community College crest
Cape Cod Community College
West Barnstable, MA

Cape Cod Community College placed #12 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the city of West Barnstable, Cape Cod Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,000, compared with $10,944 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $6,749 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $23,563. That is a strong return on a $6,749 median debt.

13

Holyoke Community College earned the #13 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Holyoke Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Holyoke. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,988, with out-of-state students paying around $10,932. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $8,995 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $25,779. Set against $8,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14

Quinsigamond Community College landed the #14 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Quinsigamond Community College is a large public school located in the city of Worcester. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,262, with out-of-state students paying around $11,206. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $14,250 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $33,524. That is a strong return on a $14,250 median debt.

15

Framingham State University landed the #15 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Set in the city of Framingham, Framingham State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,920, compared with $18,000 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $23,250. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Framingham State University earn a median of $31,613 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

16

Salem State University placed #16 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Set in the suburb of Salem, Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,338, with out-of-state students paying around $19,531. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $27,176. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Salem State University earn a median of $49,656 early in their careers. Set against $27,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Salem State University admits about 96% of applicants.

17
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $20,126 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $54,555 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,126 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

18

Westfield State University placed #18 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the suburb of Westfield, Westfield State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,179, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Westfield State University generally make around $35,004. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants.

19
Roxbury Community College crest
Roxbury Community College
Roxbury Crossing, MA

Roxbury Community College landed the #19 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Located in the city of Roxbury Crossing, Roxbury Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,785 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,088. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $11,665 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $46,124. Set against $11,665 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

20

University Of Massachusetts Lowell ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Set in the suburb of Lowell, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, with out-of-state students paying around $36,264. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Lowell generally make around $37,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

21
Bay Path College crest
Bay Path College
Longmeadow, MA

Bay Path College landed the #21 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Set in the suburb of Longmeadow, Bay Path College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,302 in tuition and fees. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $29,572 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $71,992. That is a strong return on a $29,572 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

22

Berkshire Community College placed #22 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the rural area of Pittsfield, Berkshire Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,712, while out-of-state students pay about $11,328. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $14,048. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $18,571. That is a strong return on a $14,048 median debt.

23

University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #23 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public school located in the city of Amherst. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,742 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $36,362. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants.

24

University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth placed #24 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of North Dartmouth. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,612, while out-of-state students pay about $32,567. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $30,875 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth earn a median of $54,669 early in their careers. Set against $30,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

25
Quincy College crest
Quincy College
Quincy, MA

Quincy College placed #25 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Set in the suburb of Quincy, Quincy College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,938. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $17,400 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,506. Set against $17,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

Rest of the Top 31 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year:

26
Fisher College crest
Fisher College
Boston, MA
27
Springfield College crest
Springfield College
Springfield, MA
28
Merrimack College crest
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA
29
Lesley University crest
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA
30
Endicott College crest
Endicott College
Beverly, MA
31
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA

View All Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Rankings >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 31 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 31 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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