On this page
Key Takeaways
Best network administration degree programs: Wentworth Institute of Te..., Northeastern, Bentley
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $576 to $66,410/year
Springfield Technical Com... offers the most affordable option at $600/yr
Network Administration degree programs available: 7 associate's, 6 master's, 1 doctoral in Massachusetts
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online network administration 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
Network Administration 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 Network Administration programs
We rank 19 accredited network administration 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 Network Administration Degree Programs in Massachusetts Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Network Administration Degree Rankings in Massachusetts
Compare the top-ranked Network Administration programs in Massachusetts by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Network Administration Programs in Massachusetts
Program Landscape
Massachusetts offers 7 accredited associate's degree programs in network administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Springfield Technical Com..., Quinsigamond Community Co..., Northern Essex Community ..., 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 $1,289/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 network administration schools in Massachusetts, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their network administration degrees in Massachusetts.
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Bunker Hill Community College | Boston, MA | Public | $576 | — | 40.9 |
| #7 | Holyoke Community College | Holyoke, MA | Public | $5,520 | — | 38.1 |
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Massachusetts
Program Landscape
Massachusetts ranks among the nation's top destinations for network administration education, with 5 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 0 public and 5 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Wentworth Institute of Te..., Northeastern, Bentley, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Massachusetts network administration 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 $40,095 to $62,000 annually, with an average of $49,841/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 93%, 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 network administration degrees in Massachusetts, these top-ranked network administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Northeastern University
Best Master's Network Administration Programs in Massachusetts
Program Landscape
Massachusetts offers 6 master's degree programs in network administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Northeastern, Boston College, Tufts, 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 $63,479/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 network administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Northeastern University
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | Private | $57,960 | 83% | 51.4 |
Best Doctoral Network Administration Programs in Massachusetts
Program Landscape
Massachusetts is home to 1 doctoral programs in network administration, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Northeastern are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Massachusetts PhD holders earning a median of $160,800, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Boston, Cambridge, Worcester region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Amazon, Google, HubSpot.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Massachusetts programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing network administration degrees in Massachusetts, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Network Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Massachusetts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $33,947/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $84,868/year |
| Community college tuition | $8,487/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $203,684 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $50,920 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Network Administration Students in Massachusetts
State Aid Programs
Massachusetts provides substantial state-funded aid for technology students. The Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship awards up to $10,000/year for full-time students in STEM programs at universities, or $5,000/year at community colleges (MA High Demand Scholarship). Information technology and networking programs qualify as high-demand fields. State financial aid programs:
- MASSGrant: Need-based grants for Massachusetts residents (MASSGrant)
- Massachusetts No Interest Loan (NIL): 0% interest while enrolled
- High Technology Scholar/Intern Tuition Waiver: For students in tech internships
- Gilbert Matching Grant: For students at private institutions Federal financial aid:
- Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 for 2024-25 (need-based)
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Additional need-based grants
- Federal Work-Study: Part-time employment opportunities
- Direct Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized options Employer tuition assistance: Many Massachusetts employers offer education benefits:
- Raytheon: Education assistance programs
- Fidelity Investments: Up to $10,000/year tuition reimbursement
- Healthcare systems: Mass General Brigham employee benefits
- Major tech companies: Google, Microsoft education support Important deadlines: FAFSA deadline June 30, 2025 for 2025-2026. Complete by March for best state aid packages. Technology employers frequently reimburse certification exam fees for employees. Some also cover certification preparation courses and study materials. Students should factor in employer education benefits when planning educational investments. Professional development budgets often cover ongoing certification renewal requirements.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Massachusetts
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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
Network Administration 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 Network Administration Graduates in Massachusetts
Find network administration jobs in Massachusetts. These major employers across Massachusetts metro areas are actively hiring network administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Network Administration 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 Network Administration Degrees in Massachusetts
State Transfer System
MassTransfer enables affordable degree completion by transferring community college credits to state universities (MassTransfer). Network administration students can complete foundational coursework, networking basics, operating systems, and general education, at community college prices before transferring to complete advanced curriculum at four-year institutions. MassTransfer program components:
- A2B Pathways: Associate-to-Bachelor's degree maps for IT and computing programs
- Gen Ed Foundation: 34 credits transfer as a complete block
- Commonwealth Commitment: Additional savings for full-time students maintaining 3.0+ GPA
- Guaranteed admission: B average in associate degree ensures state university admission Community college networking programs:
- Middlesex Community College: Computer Information Technology (Middlesex CC)
- Northern Essex Community College: Networking and cybersecurity programs
- Bristol Community College: IT transfer pathways (Bristol CC Transfers)
- Bunker Hill Community College: Technology programs in Boston area Transfer planning strategies: 1. Complete AAS in Computer Information Technology or similar 2. Earn CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ during community college 3. Verify course equivalencies using MassTransfer lookup tools 4. Apply by March for fall transfer to state universities 5. Meet with transfer advisors at target institutions Students completing two years at community college save $15,000-$25,000 compared to four years at public university. Community college networking programs often include certification preparation as part of curriculum. Students can earn CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ during associate degree programs. These credentials provide employment options even without completing bachelor's degrees. Transfer students bring practical credentials alongside academic preparation.
Why Pursue a Network Administration Degree in Massachusetts?
Industry & Workforce
Massachusetts offers exceptional career opportunities for network administrators, driven by the state's concentration of healthcare systems, financial institutions, defense contractors, and technology companies, all requiring strong, secure network infrastructure. The Boston-Cambridge metro area employs thousands of network professionals across diverse industries. Network and computer systems administrators earn a national median salary of $96,800, with Massachusetts positions paying $95,000-$140,000 for experienced professionals (BLS OEWS May 2024). Healthcare creates unique demand for network expertise. Mass General Brigham, one of the nation's largest healthcare systems, operates complex networks spanning dozens of hospitals and clinics requiring HIPAA-compliant infrastructure. Boston's biotech corridor, with over 1,200 companies in Kendall Square alone, needs secure networks for research data and clinical trial systems (Built In Boston Biotech). Massachusetts enforces strict data protection through 201 CMR 17.00, requiring network security expertise for compliance (MassCyberCenter). Defense and financial sectors add premium opportunities. Raytheon, General Dynamics, MITRE, and Draper Laboratory require network administrators with security clearances. Fidelity Investments, State Street, and Wellington Management operate mission-critical trading networks requiring near-zero downtime. Entry-level positions start at $65,000-$80,000 in the Boston area, with senior roles commanding $120,000-$160,000+. Compare programs in California or explore our national rankings. For students interested in security specialization, explore cybersecurity programs or information security degrees. Network administration provides essential infrastructure for Massachusetts' technology economy. Every technology company, healthcare system, financial institution, and research laboratory depends on reliable network infrastructure. The shift to hybrid work has increased demand for professionals who can design and manage distributed network architectures. Software-defined networking and network automation create opportunities for professionals who combine traditional networking with programming skills.
Network Administration Job Growth in Massachusetts
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Network Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Massachusetts
Employment Outlook
Network administrators face steady demand across Massachusetts industries, though the BLS projects modest 2% overall growth from 2024-2034 as cloud computing shifts some traditional roles (BLS OOH Network Administrators). However, hybrid cloud environments, cybersecurity requirements, and complex enterprise networks maintain demand for skilled professionals. Massachusetts ranks among the top states for technology employment, with the Boston-Cambridge metro employing thousands of network professionals. Salary ranges reflect experience and specialization:
- Entry-level Network Administrator: $65,000-$85,000
- Mid-level Network Engineer: $90,000-$115,000
- Senior Network Architect: $125,000-$160,000
- Network Security Specialist: $110,000-$150,000
- Director of Network Operations: $160,000-$200,000+ PayScale reports Boston network administrators earn approximately $86,485 on average, while Glassdoor shows $104,657 including total compensation (PayScale Boston Network Admin 2025). Senior roles at major employers like Fidelity, Mass General Brigham, and defense contractors command premium compensation. Randstad reports Boston network administrator estimates reaching $139,242 at higher experience levels (Randstad USA). High-demand specializations include: cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Networks), network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS, zero-trust), software-defined networking (SDN), wireless infrastructure, and network automation (Ansible, Python scripting). Healthcare and financial sectors specifically seek professionals understanding compliance frameworks (HIPAA, SOX, PCI-DSS). Related growing fields include cloud computing and data analytics. For management paths, see information systems. Cybersecurity concerns have elevated the importance of network security skills. Network administrators with security certifications command premium salaries. Zero-trust network architecture implementation creates project-based opportunities. Cloud networking skills are increasingly essential as organizations adopt hybrid infrastructure. The internet of things expands network scope beyond traditional IT environments.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Network Administration Programs in Massachusetts
Online Programs
2 available in Massachusetts
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Network Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $15,500
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $44,100
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $36,500
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $4,500
- Total Programs
- 53
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
Network Administration Degree Programs in Massachusetts: FAQ
What are the best network administration degree programs in Massachusetts?
How much do network administration degree programs cost in Massachusetts?
What salary can network administration degree graduates earn in Massachusetts?
Are there online network administration degree programs in Massachusetts?
What companies hire network administration degree graduates in Massachusetts?
Is a network administration degree program worth it in Massachusetts?
How long do network administration degree programs take in Massachusetts?
What financial aid is available for network administration 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.