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Key Takeaways
Best information systems degree programs: U of Massachusetts-Lowell, Bridgewater State, Boston College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $576 to $66,410/year
Bunker Hill Community Col... offers the most affordable option at $576/yr
Information Systems degree programs available: 7 associate's, 15 master's, 1 doctoral in Massachusetts
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
5 online information systems degree programs in Massachusetts
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Massachusetts community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
7 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Amazon, Google, HubSpot, Wayfair
Tech hubs in Boston and Cambridge
Hakia Research 2026
Information Systems degree programs near 75+ cities across Massachusetts
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Massachusetts Information Systems programs
We rank 39 accredited information systems programs in Massachusetts using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Information Systems Degree Programs in Massachusetts Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Systems Degree Rankings in Massachusetts
Compare the top-ranked Information Systems programs in Massachusetts by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Systems Programs in Massachusetts
Program Landscape
Massachusetts offers 7 accredited associate's degree programs in information systems, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Bunker Hill Community Col..., Roxbury Community College, U of Massachusetts-Lowell, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Massachusetts offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $7,341/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $70,752 in Massachusetts.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Massachusetts's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Boston, Cambridge, Worcester areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Amazon, Google, HubSpot hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among information systems schools in Massachusetts, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information systems degrees in Massachusetts.
Best Bachelor's Information Systems Programs in Massachusetts
Program Landscape
Massachusetts ranks among the nation's top destinations for information systems education, with 16 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 public and 10 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Massachusetts-Lowell, Bridgewater State, Boston College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Massachusetts information systems programs earn a median salary of $109,344, 11% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Boston, Cambridge, Worcester metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Amazon, Google, HubSpot.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $910 to $66,410 annually, with an average of $34,108/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 90%, with the highest reaching 99%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Massachusetts's leading technology employers. For students seeking information systems degrees in Massachusetts, these top-ranked information systems schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Westfield State University | Westfield, MA | Public | $970 | 54% | 74.9 |
| #7 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | Private nonprofit | $41,984 | 68% | 74.8 |
| #8 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | North Dartmouth, MA | Public | $14,897 | 52% | 69.8 |
| #9 | Salem State University | Salem, MA | Public | $910 | 50% | 65.1 |
Best Master's Information Systems Programs in Massachusetts
Program Landscape
Massachusetts offers 15 master's degree programs in information systems, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Massachusetts Institute o..., Northeastern University P..., Clark, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $128,640, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Boston, Cambridge, Worcester creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Amazon, Google, HubSpot actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $46,788/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Massachusetts's information systems schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Information Systems Degree Costs & Tuition in Massachusetts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $33,369/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $83,423/year |
| Community college tuition | $8,342/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $200,216 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $50,054 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Systems Students in Massachusetts
State Aid Programs
Massachusetts provides substantial financial aid resources supporting information systems students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The High Demand Scholarship Program offers up to $10,000 per year for Massachusetts residents pursuing degrees in designated high-demand fields including STEM disciplines, with IS qualifying under technology categories (Mass.gov Financial Aid). This program specifically targets students at state universities and community colleges, recognizing workforce needs in technology sectors. MASSGrant provides need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students attending Massachusetts public and private colleges, with awards determined by FAFSA results and financial circumstances. The Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program supplements institutional aid at private colleges, while the Massachusetts Part-Time Grant assists students enrolled less than full-time. Community college students can access the Massachusetts Community College Tuition Waiver for eligible residents meeting income requirements. The MassTech Intern Partnership provides $3,200 annual stipends to students completing technology internships at small Massachusetts companies, offsetting employer costs while giving students valuable industry experience (MassTech). Federal aid including Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and work-study programs supplement state resources. Explore options: Affordable IS programs, Best value degrees.
Information Systems Degree ROI Calculator, Massachusetts
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information systems degree in Massachusetts. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Information Systems Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information systems degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$100,000
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Information Systems Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Massachusetts metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Boston | $142K |
| Cambridge | $135K |
| Worcester | $129K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Systems Graduates in Massachusetts
Find information systems jobs in Massachusetts. These major employers across Massachusetts metro areas are actively hiring information systems degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Systems Jobs in Boston/Cambridge
MABoston/Cambridge is a biotech and AI research hub, anchored by MIT, Harvard, and major tech company R&D centers.
Nearby cities: Cambridge, Somerville, Waltham, Burlington, Quincy
Transfer Pathways for Information Systems Degrees in Massachusetts
State Transfer System
Massachusetts maintains one of the nation's most structured transfer systems through MassTransfer, enabling community college students to seamlessly continue their information systems education at four-year institutions. The MassTransfer A2B (Associate to Bachelor's) program guarantees admission and full credit transfer for students completing approved associate degrees at any Massachusetts community college before enrolling at state universities or UMass campuses (MassTransfer). Students receive tuition reductions and satisfy general education requirements at the receiving institution. Bristol Community College offers particularly strong IS transfer pathways, with articulation agreements enabling Computer Information Systems students to transfer to UMass Dartmouth's Management Information Systems program with full credit applicability. The agreement specifically maps courses to ensure students can complete the Technology and Management or E-Commerce concentration efficiently (Bristol CC Transfer). Additional Bristol articulation agreements connect IS students with Bryant University's Information Systems concentration, Fitchburg State's Computer Information Systems, and Johnson & Wales University's Computer Science program. The Massachusetts Independent College Transfer Guarantee extends transfer options to participating private institutions. UMass Lowell's online BS in Information Technology accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Learn more: Associate degrees in IT, Community college transfer options.
Why Pursue an Information Systems Degree in Massachusetts?
Industry & Workforce
Massachusetts represents one of the most dynamic information systems education environments in the nation, combining academic institutions with a thriving technology ecosystem centered in Greater Boston. The state hosts 16 Fortune 500 company headquarters including major technology employers like Raytheon Technologies, General Electric, and numerous healthcare and financial services firms that depend heavily on information systems professionals. The Boston-Cambridge-Newton metropolitan area employs over 2.79 million workers, with professional and business services comprising 19% of total employment and education/health services representing 22%, sectors that require strong information systems infrastructure (BLS Boston Area Employment). Students pursuing information systems degrees in Massachusetts benefit from proximity to the Route 128 technology corridor and Kendall Square innovation hub, where companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and hundreds of startups maintain offices. The state's concentration of hospitals, research institutions, and financial firms creates exceptional demand for IS professionals who can bridge technical capabilities with business strategy. UMass Dartmouth's AACSB-accredited Charlton College of Business offers Management Information Systems programs that prepare students for careers analyzing organizational systems, implementing technology solutions, and managing IT resources across industries. Related programs: Computer Science degrees in Massachusetts, Data Analytics programs, Cybersecurity degrees.
Information Systems Job Growth in Massachusetts
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Information Systems Job Market & Salary Data in Massachusetts
Employment Outlook
The Massachusetts information systems job market ranks among the strongest in the nation, driven by the state's concentration of technology companies, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions. Software developers and related IS professionals in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $133,080 annually, significantly higher than the national median, with projected job growth of 15% through 2034 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Information security analysts, a critical IS specialization, command median salaries of $124,910 with exceptional 29% projected growth, reflecting increasing cybersecurity demands across industries. The Boston metropolitan area's professional and business services sector employs over 530,000 workers, creating substantial demand for IS professionals who can implement enterprise systems, manage databases, and support digital transformation initiatives. Healthcare IS roles are particularly abundant given Massachusetts's position as a national healthcare hub, with systems like Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Lahey Health, and numerous biotechnology firms requiring sophisticated health information systems. Financial services firms in Boston's financial district employ thousands of IS professionals for trading systems, regulatory compliance, and customer-facing applications. Key employers include Fidelity Investments, State Street Corporation, Liberty Mutual, and John Hancock. Compare with: Software Engineering jobs, Database Administration careers.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Systems Programs in Massachusetts
Online Programs
5 available in Massachusetts
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Systems Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $13,500
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $45,100
- Total Programs
- 110
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $16,300
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $47,200
- Total Programs
- 133
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
Information Systems Degree Programs in Massachusetts: FAQ
What are the best information systems degree programs in Massachusetts?
How much do information systems degree programs cost in Massachusetts?
What salary can information systems degree graduates earn in Massachusetts?
Are there online information systems degree programs in Massachusetts?
What companies hire information systems degree graduates in Massachusetts?
Is an information systems degree program worth it in Massachusetts?
How long do information systems degree programs take in Massachusetts?
What financial aid is available for information systems degree students in Massachusetts?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Massachusetts salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.
