Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has 15 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 824 recent graduates. Graduates in Massachusetts earn $40,063 on average within two years — 15% above the national average of $34,895, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Northeastern University graduates earn $59,124 while Lasell University graduates earn $31,038 — a $28,086 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in MA

$40,063

MA Avg. Earnings

$34,895

National Avg.

371

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Massachusetts

Public Schools (3)

$34,298

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (10)

$41,244

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $6,946 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Design and Applied Arts Schools in Massachusetts, Ranked by Earnings

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private

$59,124

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $45,115

Graduates: 53

Acceptance: 5.7%

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private

$42,682

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,444

Graduates: 24

Acceptance: 10.8%

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Boston, MA · Private

$49,939

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $50,498

Graduates: 100

Acceptance: 85.4%

Endicott College

Beverly, MA · Private

$45,435

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $44,958

Graduates: 47

Acceptance: 72.3%

Emmanuel College

Boston, MA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 80.6%

Suffolk University

Boston, MA · Private

$44,551

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $40,636

Graduates: 30

Acceptance: 84.7%

Northeastern University Professional Programs

Boston, MA ·

$59,124

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $45,115

Graduates: 53

Acceptance: N/A

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

North Dartmouth, MA · Public

$34,298

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,703

Graduates: 81

Acceptance: 92.2%

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Boston, MA · Public

$34,298

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,792

Graduates: 278

Acceptance: 77.5%

#10

Lesley University

Cambridge, MA · Private

$20,687

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,949

Graduates: 66

Acceptance: 94.4%

#11

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA · Public

Stonehill College

Easton, MA · Private

Assumption University

Worcester, MA · Private

$35,954

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 86.5%

#14

Montserrat College of Art

Beverly, MA ·

$21,899

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $16,029

Graduates: 56

Acceptance: N/A

#15

Lasell University

Newton, MA · Private

$31,038

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,782

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 82.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in Massachusetts?

Northeastern University ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in Massachusetts with median graduate earnings of $59,124 within two years of graduation. There are 15 schools offering Design and Applied Arts programs in the state.

How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates earn in Massachusetts?

Design and Applied Arts graduates in Massachusetts earn an average of $40,063 within two years of graduation. This is 15% above the national average of $34,895 for this major.

What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in Massachusetts?

Northeastern University is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in Massachusetts with an acceptance rate of 5.7%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 71.9%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $41,244 vs $34,298 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 10 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Massachusetts

Computer Science $83,997 Computer Engineering $80,525 Applied Mathematics $79,258 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $77,562 Chemical Engineering $70,218 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $66,917 Computer and Information Sciences, General $65,613 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $61,172

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Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.