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Most Popular Schools in the New England Region

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2023 Most Popular Schools in the New England Region

151 Schools Ranked
$47,275 Average Earnings
$21,999 Avg Student Debt

A student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Grad Degree Search has created its Most Popular Schools in the New England Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 151 schools in the New England Region to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts
7,983 Total Awards
$78,371 Average Earnings
$26,098 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Harvard University to be the most popular school for students in the New England Region . Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 7,983 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,098 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Harvard graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $78,371 during the early year of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Harvard University Report

#2

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire
7,968 Total Awards
$46,640 Average Earnings
$30,063 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Southern New Hampshire University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the New England Region . SNHU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Manchester, New Hampshire. The school has a large population, and it awarded 7,968 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,063 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $294, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, SNHU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,640 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Full Southern New Hampshire University Report

#3

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts
6,431 Total Awards
$55,473 Average Earnings
$22,561 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 151 schools in the New England Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Boston University landed the # 3 spot on the list. Boston, Massachusetts is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 6,431 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,561 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $630, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Boston U graduates make an average of $55,473 annually. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Boston University

#4

Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts
3,799 Total Awards
$63,894 Average Earnings
$25,731 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Northeastern University. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the New England Region list. Northeastern is a private not-for-profit institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3,799 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,731 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $462, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Northeastern graduates make an average of $63,894 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

Full Northeastern University Report

#5

University of Connecticut

Storrs, Connecticut
3,303 Total Awards
$51,207 Average Earnings
$22,048 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 151 schools in the New England Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Connecticut landed the # 5 spot on the list. Located in Storrs, Connecticut, the large public school handed out 3,303 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,048 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $416, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UCONN, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,207 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

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#6

Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut
2,951 Total Awards
$64,868 Average Earnings
$15,684 Avg Student Debt

Yale University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Yale is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in New Haven, Connecticut. It awarded 2,951 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,684 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Yale, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $64,868 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Read full report on Yale University

2,787 Total Awards
$63,021 Average Earnings
$26,193 Avg Student Debt

Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the New England Region ranking. Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network is a private not-for-profit institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,787 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,193 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $476. Once they receive their degree, Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $63,021 during the early year of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network

#8

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts
2,371 Total Awards
$94,282 Average Earnings
$12,518 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Massachusetts Institute of Technology did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Cambridge, Massachusetts is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 2,371 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from MIT accumulate an average of $12,518 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $627.After graduating from MIT, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $94,282 during the early years of their career. Around 37% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Massachusetts Institute of Technology Report

#9

Tufts University

Medford, Massachusetts
2,312 Total Awards
$58,524 Average Earnings
$15,823 Avg Student Debt

Tufts University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Medford, Massachusetts, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 2,312 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,823 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $704, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Tufts graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $58,524 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Tufts University Report

#10

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts
2,173 Total Awards
$47,385 Average Earnings
$23,018 Avg Student Debt

University of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Amherst, Massachusetts is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,173 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,018 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $288, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UMass Amherst, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,385 during the early years of their career. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Massachusetts Amherst

#11

Simmons University

Boston, Massachusetts
1,941 Total Awards
$55,531 Average Earnings
$24,691 Avg Student Debt

Simmons University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Simmons is located in Boston, Massachusetts and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,941 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $24,691 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $733, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Simmons graduates make an average of $55,531 annually. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Simmons University

#12

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
1,793 Total Awards
$57,535 Average Earnings
$15,477 Avg Student Debt

Boston College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,793 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Boston College accumulate an average of $15,477 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $639, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Boston College graduates make an average of $57,535 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Boston College Report

#13

University of Massachusetts - Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts
1,592 Total Awards
$56,705 Average Earnings
$26,600 Avg Student Debt

University of Massachusetts - Lowell landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This fairly large public school is located in Lowell, Massachusetts, and it awarded 1,592 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,600 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $171, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UMass Lowell graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $56,705 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

Full University of Massachusetts - Lowell Report

1,349 Total Awards
$69,235 Average Earnings
$29,350 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 1,349 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from MCPHS University accumulate an average of $29,350 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $785. During the early years of their career, MCPHS University graduates make an average of $69,235 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Read full report on Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

#15

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, Connecticut
1,278 Total Awards
$61,041 Average Earnings
$22,854 Avg Student Debt

Quinnipiac University landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Hamden, Connecticut is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,278 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Quinnipiac accumulate an average of $22,854 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $884, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Quinnipiac graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $61,041 during the early year of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Quinnipiac University

#16

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, Connecticut
1,214 Total Awards
$51,043 Average Earnings
$24,848 Avg Student Debt

Sacred Heart University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Sacred Heart University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Fairfield, Connecticut that handed out 1,214 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Sacred Heart accumulate an average of $24,848 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $657.After graduating from Sacred Heart, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,043 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Full Sacred Heart University Report

#17

Hult International Business School

Cambridge, Massachusetts
1,159 Total Awards
$47,998 Average Earnings

Hult International Business School came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the New England Region ranking. Cambridge, Massachusetts is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,159 students in 2020-2021.

After graduating from Hult International Business School, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,998 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 45% were women.

Read More…

#18

University of Massachusetts - Boston

Boston, Massachusetts
1,117 Total Awards
$48,855 Average Earnings
$26,776 Avg Student Debt

University of Massachusetts - Boston did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #18 on the list. UMass Boston is a public institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,117 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UMass Boston accumulate an average of $26,776 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $77 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UMass Boston graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,855 during the early year of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#19

Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island
1,045 Total Awards
$50,925 Average Earnings
$14,769 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Brown University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 1,045 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,769 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $507, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Brown, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,925 during the early years of their career. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Brown University Report

980 Total Awards
$42,868 Average Earnings
$23,977 Avg Student Debt

University of New Hampshire - Main Campus ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the New England Region list. Located in Durham, New Hampshire, the fairly large public school handed out 980 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,977 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $402.After graduating from UNH, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,868 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on University of New Hampshire - Main Campus

#21

Suffolk University

Boston, Massachusetts
976 Total Awards
$51,597 Average Earnings
$25,166 Avg Student Debt

Suffolk University ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the New England Region list. Suffolk University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Boston, Massachusetts that handed out 976 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,166 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $414. Once they receive their degree, Suffolk graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,597 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read More…

#22

University of New Haven

West Haven, Connecticut
1,016 Total Awards
$45,403 Average Earnings
$24,698 Avg Student Debt

University of New Haven did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #22 on the list. University of New Haven is located in West Haven, Connecticut and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,016 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from University of New Haven accumulate an average of $24,698 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $582. During the early years of their career, University of New Haven graduates make an average of $45,403 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Read More…

#23

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, Massachusetts
950 Total Awards
$41,148 Average Earnings
$25,315 Avg Student Debt

Fitchburg State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #23 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and it awarded 950 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,315 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $130, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Fitchburg State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,148 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Full Fitchburg State University Report

#24

Brandeis University

Waltham, Massachusetts
935 Total Awards
$45,920 Average Earnings

Brandeis University ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the New England Region list. Brandeis University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Waltham, Massachusetts that handed out 935 degrees in 2020-2021.

For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $731. During the early years of their career, Brandeis graduates make an average of $45,920 annually. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Brandeis University Report

#25

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, Massachusetts
900 Total Awards
$74,666 Average Earnings
$23,356 Avg Student Debt

Worcester Polytechnic Institute landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, and it awarded 900 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,356 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $532, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from WPI, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $74,666 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 30% were women.

Read full report on Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI
27 University of Hartford West Hartford, CT
28 Dartmouth College Hanover, NH
29 University of New England Biddeford, ME
30 Clark University Worcester, MA
31 University of Vermont Burlington, VT

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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