Best Public Policy Schools in Massachusetts (2026)

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Massachusetts Public Policy At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Public Policy Salary $108,952
Salary Outlook Massachusetts offers competitive wages for public policy 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 public policy degree in Massachusetts offers a flexible path into public policy careers. Massachusetts offers competitive wages for public policy 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 Public Policy Schools in Massachusetts

The following schools offer accredited online public policy 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.

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#1

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
90.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 98%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $101,817
Avg net price $19,066/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 98%
  • Programs offered: 174

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

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

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#3

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
79.0 BOC Score
Graduation rate 81%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $71,631
Avg net price $22,383/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 91%
  • Programs offered: 166

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Massachusetts

Public Policy 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)
Political Scientists $133,930
Management Analysts $134,720
Economists $106,380
Social and Community Service Managers $81,380
Survey Researchers $74,890
Compliance Officers $102,060
General and Operations Managers $127,220
Financial and Investment Analysts $111,040

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


Why Pursue an Online Public Policy 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 public policy 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 Public Policy pay in Massachusetts compare to other states?

Massachusetts offers competitive wages for public policy 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 public policy 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 Public Policy 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


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