Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has 12 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 771 recent graduates. Graduates in Massachusetts earn $38,475 on average within two years — 11% above the national average of $34,594, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Northeastern University graduates earn $59,124 while Lesley University graduates earn $20,687 — a $38,437 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

12
Schools in MA
$38,475
MA Avg. Earnings
$34,594
National Avg.
311
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Massachusetts

Public Schools (2)
$34,298
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (9)
$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

#1
N

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private

$59,124
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,115
Graduates: 53
Acceptance: 5.7%
#2
W

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Boston, MA · Private

$49,939
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $50,498
Graduates: 100
Acceptance: 85.4%
#3
E

Endicott College

Beverly, MA · Private

$45,435
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $44,958
Graduates: 47
Acceptance: 72.3%
#4
S

Suffolk University

Boston, MA · Private

$44,551
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,636
Graduates: 30
Acceptance: 84.7%
#5
B

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $46,444
Graduates: 24
Acceptance: 10.8%
#6
S

Stonehill College

Easton, MA · Private

$41,789
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 72.6%
#7
A

Assumption University

Worcester, MA · Private

$35,954
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 86.5%
#8
M

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Boston, MA · Public

$34,298
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,792
Graduates: 278
Acceptance: 77.5%
#9
U

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

North Dartmouth, MA · Public

$34,298
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,703
Graduates: 81
Acceptance: 92.2%
#10
L

Lasell University

Newton, MA · Private

$31,038
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,782
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 82.3%
#11
M

Montserrat College of Art

Beverly, MA ·

$21,899
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $16,029
Graduates: 56
Acceptance: N/A
#12
L

Lesley University

Cambridge, MA · Private

$20,687
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,949
Graduates: 66
Acceptance: 94.4%

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 12 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 $38,475 within two years of graduation. This is 11% above the national average of $34,594 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 69.5%.
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 2 public and 9 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Massachusetts

All colleges in Massachusetts →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.