Best Nursing Programs in Massachusetts (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 168 accredited nursing programs across 37 schools in Massachusetts. The fastest listed completion time is 16 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $220,000. RNs in Massachusetts earn $112,610/year on average (BLS).
168
Programs
37
Schools
16 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
97
Online / Hybrid
$113K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Massachusetts nursing programs at a glance
- 168 accredited nursing programs across 37 schools in Massachusetts (0 LPN, 1 ADN, 10 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 16 months (Accelerated BSN at Regis College).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve Massachusetts students (3 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Massachusetts: $112,610 (BLS) · 5.3% projected job growth through 2032.
Massachusetts nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 168 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 37 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 1 ADN · 10 BSN · 66 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated BSN at Regis College — 16 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $220,000 |
| Delivery formats | 91 online · 6 hybrid · 3 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $112,610/yr (BLS) · 5.3% projected growth through 2032 |
All Nursing Programs in Massachusetts
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Showing 100 of 168 programs from our directory for Massachusetts.
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How to choose a nursing program in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (168 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Massachusetts ($112,610/year, BLS) run about 14% above the national average — tuition payback can be faster than in lower-wage states. RN employment in Massachusetts is projected to grow 5.3% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Massachusetts means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Massachusetts directory, the fastest listed completion time is 16 months. We track 168 accredited nursing programs in Massachusetts — including 11 entry-level RN pathways. Massachusetts is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state — plan to license in Massachusetts directly for in-state practice. Neighboring Connecticut and New York also require direct licensure or endorsement.
Key takeaways
- Screen Massachusetts programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Massachusetts.
- License in Massachusetts directly — endorsement from another state is available, but Massachusetts does not issue multistate compact privileges.
- Massachusetts lists 11 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in Massachusetts spans $13,500 to $220,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve Massachusetts students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- No — license in this state directly or via endorsement.
- CE at renewal
- 15 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $112,610 (BLS, May 2024) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Massachusetts
Programs by Degree Type
66
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
10
BSN Programs
1
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
3 accredited institutions with a campus in Massachusetts.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regis College | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Boston College | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Massachusetts Residents
34 accredited schools based outside Massachusetts that enroll Massachusetts residents online. Confirm clinical-placement arrangements and Massachusetts Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Liberty University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Walden University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Massachusetts?
There are 168 accredited nursing programs available in Massachusetts across 37 schools — including 0 LPN, 1 ADN, 10 BSN, 66 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Massachusetts?
Nursing program tuition in Massachusetts starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $220,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Massachusetts?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Massachusetts can be completed in 16 months (Accelerated BSN at Regis College). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Massachusetts?
Registered nurses in Massachusetts earn an average of $112,610 per year ($54/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Massachusetts is projected to grow 5.3% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Massachusetts?
Yes. There are 97 online and hybrid nursing programs (91 fully online, 6 hybrid) available to Massachusetts residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Massachusetts.
What are the nursing license requirements in Massachusetts?
To practice nursing in Massachusetts, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Massachusetts Board of Nursing. Massachusetts is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you will need separate licensure for each state you wish to practice in. License renewal is every 2 years with 15 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Massachusetts?
Yes. Like most states, Massachusetts is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 5.3% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Massachusetts?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Massachusetts vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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