Best Online Education Programs in Worcester, MA (2026)
Worcester, Massachusetts has a population of about 205,501. The city’s median household income is $67,544 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 34.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Worcester, with tuition ranging from $11,882 to $26,435 per year. In the Worcester, MA metro area, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, K-12 at a median $123,060 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Worcester
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Worcester city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg, MA | 22.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rhode Island College | Providence, RI | 34.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Providence, RI | 36.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Merrimack College | North Andover, MA | 44.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Westfield State University | Westfield, MA | 51.4 mi | $11,882 - $26,435 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Massachusetts schools on the Massachusetts education page.
Education Wages Near Worcester
Worcester is part of the Worcester, MA metro area (BLS area code 49340). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Massachusetts statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $87,210 | Worcester, MA | $85,083 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $80,480 | Worcester, MA | $78,517 |
| Middle School Teacher | $80,620 | Worcester, MA | $78,654 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $72,740 | Worcester, MA | $70,966 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $123,060 | Worcester, MA | $120,059 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $105,530 | Worcester, MA | $102,956 |
| Tutor | $47,610 | Worcester, MA | $46,449 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $77,400 | Worcester, MA | $75,512 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Worcester at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $67,544 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 34.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 102.5 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Worcester County | 11,446 workers, 316 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Worcester-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Marlborough, MA – 14.4 mi away (39,697 pop)
- Leominster, MA – 17.4 mi away (119,538 pop)
- Fitchburg, MA – 22.2 mi away (40,414 pop)
- Gardner, MA – 23.5 mi away (20,430 pop)
- Woonsocket, RI – 24.4 mi away (41,406 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Worcester, MA?
Our directory lists 5 education programs within 100 miles of Worcester. The closest is Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA (22.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Westfield State University (51.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Worcester?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Worcester are: Education Administrator, K-12 ($123,060), Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($105,530), Secondary School Teacher ($87,210). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Massachusetts statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Marlborough instead of Worcester?
Marlborough, MA is 14.4 miles from Worcester and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Worcester an affordable place to study education?
Worcester’s median household income of $67,544 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Worcester while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Massachusetts public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
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