[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Massachusetts’s online colleges offer degree programs that suit the needs and goals of learners of all backgrounds.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Massachusetts is an especially fruitful place to pursue education and professional training. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm/” target=”_blank”]strong correlation[/hen-ui-link] between education and employment opportunities, and the Bay State consistently outperforms other states in these areas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As virtual learning continues to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.forbes.com/sites/ilkerkoksal/2020/05/02/the-rise-of-online-learning/?sh=381a40b972f3/” target=”_blank”]grow in popularity[/hen-ui-link], many [hen-ui-link href=”/local/ma/”]schools in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-link] have expanded online offerings that allow students to earn degrees in a flexible, convenient format. This guide explores common questions related to earning an online degree in Massachusetts, including a ranked list of the best options for prospective degree-seekers. We consider prominent degree types offered by these schools, along with their delivery methods.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read on to learn more about the best online colleges in Massachusetts and how they can help you pursue your dream career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”employment”]Employment in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The overall [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.ma.htm/” target=”_blank”]unemployment rate[/hen-ui-link] in Massachusetts rests at 9.6% as of September 2020. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm#00-0000/” target=”_blank”]BLS data[/hen-ui-link], the annual mean wage for all workers in the state is $65,680. Meanwhile, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/massachusetts/” target=”_blank”]cost of living index[/hen-ui-link] is 127.2, compared to the U.S. average for all states, which is 100. This means Massachusetts residents have higher living expenses than residents of most states.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To help you identify good career options, we’ve curated the fastest-growing, highest-paying roles employing more than 15,000 people in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. At the time of publication, many of the most highly-compensated roles were not projected to see an increase in employment opportunities in Massachusetts between 2018 and 2028, so many of them were left off the list.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most of the listed professions correlate with major industries in Massachusetts, as reported by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/regions/new-england/massachusetts.htm#tab-1/” target=”_blank”]BLS New England Information Office[/hen-ui-link]. These industries include construction and manufacturing, finance, trade and transportation, information, and health or education services. Many of the best online colleges in Massachusetts offer programs in these areas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying, Fastest-Growing Careers[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Computer and Information Systems Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$159,180[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]9.4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Financial Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$153,650[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]13.1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Marketing Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$144,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]6.8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]General and Operations Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$137,870[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]5.6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Medical and Health Services Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$132,960[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]9.5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Management Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$110,390[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]10.9%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$106,610[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]5.3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm/” target=”_blank”]BLS, [/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm/” target=”_blank”]ProjectionsCentral[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list of the fastest-growing careers only includes roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Fastest-Growing Careers[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Statisticians[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$119,620[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]31.3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Information Security Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$106,550[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]29.1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Operations Research Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$90,960[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]23.9%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Software Developers, Applications[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$115,270[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]23.4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Respiratory Therapists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Salary”]$74,280[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)”]21%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm/” target=”_blank”]BLS, [/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm/” target=”_blank”]ProjectionsCentral[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”degrees”]Online Associate and Graduate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges and universities offer many educational pathways to meet the needs of aspiring professionals, including those interested in earning online degrees in Massachusetts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Distance learners usually choose to pursue an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online learning model[/hen-ui-link] because of personal preference, existing work schedules, or the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the best online colleges in Massachusetts offer expanded distance learning options to accommodate more degree-seekers. Learners with previous academic experience can easily [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer their credits[/hen-ui-link] to most online colleges and universities, reducing their time to degree completion.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online programs use [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]delivery methods[/hen-ui-link] that offer added flexibility for students. For example, learners with full schedules may find asynchronous delivery — courses that are accessible anytime, from anywhere — more useful, while others prefer programs with structured, synchronous sessions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online learners in Massachusetts have access to many majors and areas of study. For example, those interested in pursuing a two-year course of study can earn associate degrees in business, information technology, or the liberal arts, among others.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate students enjoy similar offerings: Available specializations include business administration, cybersecurity and information assurance, and applied behavior analysis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”faq”]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Online College Cheaper in Massachusetts?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College can cost less for learners who earn online degrees in Massachusetts, but tuition rates vary by school. Costs generally depend on the type of school (public or private) and whether it offers in-state tuition rates to online students.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Massachusetts?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online learning typically takes less time than on campus programs in the Bay State, but it depends on the student and program. In an accelerated program with the right transfer credits, for example, learners can complete an undergraduate degree in just over a year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Most Popular Degree in Massachusetts?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business management and marketing, social science, and the humanities rank among the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d16/tables/dt16_319.30.asp/” target=”_blank”]most popular fields[/hen-ui-link] of study in Massachusetts.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Does an Online Degree Have the Same Value as an On-Campus Degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers typically consider [hen-ui-link href=”/magazine/employers-online-degrees/”]online degrees[/hen-ui-link] to be as prestigious as their traditional equivalents, but prospective learners should always vet potential schools. Understanding how online learning works and what to expect will also help make the experience more rewarding. For many, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80″ target=”_blank”]increased popularity[/hen-ui-link] and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic have normalized online education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Massachusetts a Good State For Higher Education?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Massachusetts performs very well in terms of [hen-ui-link href=”https://ncses.nsf.gov/indicators/states/indicator/state-support-for-higher-education-per-fte-student/” target=”_blank”]state support for higher education[/hen-ui-link]. It consistently ranks as the most educated state in the U.S. and enjoys a high concentration of colleges and universities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are Online Colleges in Massachusetts Accredited?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best online colleges in Massachusetts hold [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]regional accreditation[/hen-ui-link]. Prospective learners should always conduct additional research to ensure they earn their credentials from pograms that have been vetted by the proper agencies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”970,289,1089″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]