Best Child Development Schools in Massachusetts (2026)

Home > Programs > Child Development > States > Massachusetts


Massachusetts Child Development At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Child Development Salary $65,042
Salary Outlook Massachusetts offers competitive wages for child development professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body Massachusetts Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

Earning an online child development degree in Massachusetts offers a flexible path into child development careers. Massachusetts offers competitive wages for child development professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Massachusetts students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Child Development Schools in Massachusetts

The following schools offer accredited online child development programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Massachusetts.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

Sort:
#1

Boston University

Boston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
81.6 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 11%
Graduation rate 89%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $83,238
Avg net price $24,402/yr
Tuition
In‑state$68,102
Out‑of‑state$68,102
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 95%
  • Programs offered: 228

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Tufts University

Medford, MA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
77.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 94%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $83,214
Avg net price $39,998/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 96%
  • Programs offered: 130

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

Sponsored Ad
#3

Merrimack College

North Andover, MA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
65.7 BOC Score
Graduation rate 69%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $75,584
Avg net price $37,927/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 82%
  • Programs offered: 86

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Massachusetts

Child Development professionals in Massachusetts experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Massachusetts.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (Massachusetts)
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $45,890
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $70,320
Child, Family, and School Social Workers $75,570
Childcare Workers $40,900
Special Education Teachers, Preschool $99,070
Social and Human Service Assistants $47,130
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $84,100
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $57,360

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Child Development Degree in Massachusetts?

Choosing a program in Massachusetts can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Massachusetts offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Massachusetts economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online child development programs in Massachusetts accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Child Development pay in Massachusetts compare to other states?

Massachusetts offers competitive wages for child development professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Massachusetts a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for child development in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Massachusetts. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Child Development Programs by City in Massachusetts

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Amherst · Attleboro · Beverly · Boston · Braintree · Brockton · Cambridge · Chelsea · Chicopee · Everett · Fall River · Fitchburg · Gardner · Gloucester · Haverhill · Holyoke · Lawrence · Leominster · Lowell · Lynn · Malden · Marlborough · Medford · Melrose · Methuen · New Bedford · Newton · North Attleborough · Northampton · Peabody · Pittsfield · Quincy · Revere · Salem · Somerville · Springfield · Taunton · Waltham · Watertown · Westfield · Weymouth · Woburn · Worcester


Browse Other States