Best Online Liberal Arts 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 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Worcester, with tuition ranging from $58,150 to $77,082 per year. In the Worcester, MA metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $107,540 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Worcester
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Worcester city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | 0.3 mi | $59,070 - $75,678 | – |
| Lasell University | Newton, MA | 29.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Bentley University | Waltham, MA | 30.9 mi | $58,150 - $77,082 | – |
| Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | 33.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | 36.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Massachusetts schools on the Massachusetts liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $73,820 | Worcester, MA | $72,020 |
| Management Analyst | $107,540 | Worcester, MA | $104,917 |
| Technical Writer | $87,820 | Worcester, MA | $85,678 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $58,890 | MA statewide | $57,454 |
| Editor | $71,630 | Worcester, MA | $69,883 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $62,790 | Worcester, MA | $61,259 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $76,020 | Worcester, MA | $74,166 |
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 |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Worcester County | 1,746 workers, 101 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Worcester-Area Cities With Liberal Arts 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 liberal arts programs are near Worcester, MA?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Worcester. The closest is Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA (0.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Harvard University (36.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Worcester?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Worcester are: Management Analyst ($107,540), Technical Writer ($87,820), Human Resources Specialist ($76,020). 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 liberal arts 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 liberal arts?
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.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Massachusetts
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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