Studying engineering in the US is usually the dream of many students. This is basically because they have the best technical colleges. Interestingly, these colleges are in Boston, Massachusetts.
In fact, studying in Boston will help you develop the skills you need to build a career. However, the question could be which of these universities should I attend? No worries, this article is for you.
It proffers answers to all your concerns about the best technical schools and which one you should attend. So, just read along with me and you will enjoy this.
However, technical colleges in Massachusetts are traditionally two-year colleges that prepare students to enter the workforce after they receive an associate degree.
Also, other options include using courses as credit transferable to four-year universities. Though, programs always combine classroom lessons in theory with practicals of the lessons which the students learn.
Besides, students attending technical colleges usually take courses related to their major during their first term. Technical colleges focus on hands-on training and give internship experience in an important firm.
Please, see the table of content below for an overview of what to expect in this article.
Table of contents
- What is a technical college?
- Is UMass a good engineering college in Massachusetts?
- How long will it take me to go to a trade school in MA?
- How do I apply to a vocational college in MA?
- How do I find the right technical college for myself?
- How much does an engineering college in Massachusetts cost?
- Best Technical Colleges in Massachusetts in 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recommendations
What is a technical college?
A technical college is a college that provides special training in a particular career field, trade, or profession. However, the career field includes:
- computer technology
- business administration
- culinary arts
- electronics
- medical assisting
- legal assisting
- automotive technology
- cosmetology
Well, programs at technical colleges in Massachusetts can take anywhere from less than two years up to four years to complete. Thus, the student gets a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree.
Besides, associate’s degree options include an Associate of Arts, an Associate of Science, and an Associate of Applied Science.
Is UMass a good engineering college in Massachusetts?
Yes. Honestly, the College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst has 188 full-time faculty on staff. Also, it is ranked No. 58 (tie) in Best Engineering Schools.
However, schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
How long will it take me to go to a trade school in MA?
Actually, almost all technical colleges in Massachusetts programs can be finished in less than two years. Meanwhile, getting a degree from a community college normally takes two years, and getting a traditional college degree usually takes at least four years to complete. However, many students need a fifth or sixth year to get their degrees.
How do I apply to a vocational college in MA?
Well, completing high school is an important step, since most trade and technical schools (as well as many apprenticeships) require a high school diploma. Alternatively, you can get your GED. Fees for taking the GED vary from state to state, but the cost for all four sub-tests is generally around $120.
However, one way you can get paid to get your GED is by enrolling in the Job Corps program. Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program offers low-income youth between the ages of 16 and 24 the chance to get a GED or high school diploma and free career training in a wide range of trades.
Also, not every trade requires this, but employers often recommend it. Honestly, it can be a big boost for your career prospects. Depending on the trade you are interested in and the type of training you want, you could complete an associate degree (which typically takes two years) or a certificate program(which could take anywhere from a few months to a year or more).
Many schools also offer short pre-apprenticeship programs that allow you to develop foundational skills and get an overview of what it would be like to work in a particular trade.
Furthermore,
Actually, one of the most common ways to learn a skilled trade is through on-the-job training in the form of an apprenticeship. With apprenticeships, you get paid to learn from experienced professionals in real work environments while also completing formal classroom training.
However, apprenticeships generally take between one and six years. You’ll start out earning roughly half of what you would make as a fully qualified worker, and the amount will increase as you acquire skills and complete your training. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average wage for a beginner apprentice is about $15 an hour.
Also, federal regulations specify that apprentices cannot be younger than 16 (and must be at least 18 for hazardous occupations).
How do I find the right technical college for myself?
Nothing else about the technical college in Boston Massachusetts matters if it doesn’t have the program you want. So, this is your first step. If you’re interested in a specific program/certificate, make sure the school offers exactly what you’re looking for.
Well, you can also ask admissions counselors at the trade school which jobs the program will qualify you for.
However, it’s important the school you attend has a good reputation so people who hire you will have confidence in the program you completed.
Also, your school might have specific accreditation which you should research. You should also read online reviews and speak to current and former students to see if they would recommend the school and program.
Unfortunately, there are many technical colleges in Massachusetts that exist mostly as diploma mills. In fact, such technical colleges in Massachusetts will take a lot of your money without giving you a good education in return. So, doing your research early will help you avoid this.
Finally, you also need to make sure you can afford tuition costs. Make sure that the times the classes are offered align with your schedule.
Also, the technical college in MA should also be able to estimate how many hours a week you should be devoted to the program.
Then, make sure you’re able to manage that workload or look into part-time options.
How much does an engineering college in Massachusetts cost?
Honestly, a degree in an average technical college in Massachusetts costs $33,000, which, compared to a $127,000 bachelor’s degree. This means a savings of $94,000.
But that’s not all! Because, if you assume that students are fully financing their education with loans at 4% over 10 years, the bachelor’s degree will cost $154,000. Besides, the trade school degree will cost only $40,000. That’s a savings of $114,000 just on the degree.
Best Technical Colleges in Massachusetts in 2023
List of the best technical colleges in Massachusetts
Well, we in World Scholarship Forum have put together a list of the best technical colleges in Massachusetts that offer engineering degrees for you.
However, we selected our best 15 engineering colleges in Massachusetts based on uniRank’s ranking of world universities, our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial review.
Based on these criteria, here is a list of our best 15 technical colleges in Massachusetts:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
- Northeastern University
- Tufts University
- Boston University
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Smith College
- University of Massachusetts – Amherst
- University of Massachusetts – Lowell
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Bard College at Simon’s Rock
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- Western New England University
- University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
#1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. However, it is a small institution with an enrollment of 4,510 undergraduate students.
In fact, popular majors in this technical college in Massachusetts include Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematics.
Acceptance rate: 8%
Graduation rate: 94%
Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139
Tuition fee: $48,452
Student-Faculty Ratio: 3:1
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#2.Harvard University
However, this technical college is a large private university in a mid-sized city. Also, it has an enrollment of 7,147 undergraduate students. Besides, the popular majors in this technical college in Boston Massachusetts include Economics, Computer Science, and History.
Acceptance rate: 5%
Graduation rate: 96%
Address: Massachusetts Hall Cambridge, MA 02138
Tuition fee: $47,074
Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#3. Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
This is a private undergraduate engineering college in Needham, Massachusetts. Well, Olin College is noted in the engineering community for its youth, small size, and project-based curriculum. Also, it is a large endowment funded primarily by the F. W. Olin Foundation.
However, this technical college in Boston Massachusetts has an enrollment of 351 undergraduate students. But admission is very competitive here. Besides, popular majors include Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
Acceptance rate: 13%
Graduation rate: 95%
Address: 1000 Olin Way Needham, MA 02492
Tuition fee: $54, 252
Student-Faculty ratio: 7:1
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#4. Northeastern University
Well, this is a private research university in Boston, MA. However, it is one of the best engineering colleges in Massachusetts with an enrollment of 13,786 undergraduate students. Besides, admission is very competitive.
Also, popular majors include Business, Economics, and Mechanical Engineering. Though, graduates from this trade school in MA go on to earn a starting salary of $54,400.
Acceptance rate: 29%
Graduation rate: 87%
Address: 360 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115
Tuition fee: $26,210 per term
Student-Faculty ratio: 14:1
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#5.Tufts University
Well, this is a highly rated private technical college located in Somerville, Massachusetts. However, it is a mid-size trade school with an enrollment of 5,483 undergraduate students.
Similarly, admission to this university is extremely competitive. Also, popular majors include Economics, Biology, and International Relations.
Furthermore, it has an acceptance rate of 15% and a graduation rate of 93%. Finally, Tufts alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $51,200.
Address: 4 Colby St.Medford, MA 02155
Tuition fee: $57,324
Student-Faculty ratio: 9:1
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#6.Boston University
BU is a private teaching and research university. However, this technical college in Boston, Massachusetts has more than 3,900 faculty members and nearly 33,000 students.
Well, it has over 300 majors and minors, and more than 650 global courses. In short, this school has $1 million in research funding for undergraduates, and 100+ study abroad programs.
Furthermore, it has an acceptance rate of 29% and a graduation rate of 85%. Also, the student-faculty ratio is 10:1 $ while the tuition fee is $54,720.
Address: One Silber WayBoston, MA 02215
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#7.Worcester Polytechnic Institute
However, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a global leader in project-based learning and one of the nation’s first engineering and technology universities. Besides, this engineering college in Massachusetts is centered on engineering, science, technology, and mathematics.
Also, this trade school in MA’s high capacity and accurate curriculum allows students to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. However, WPI’s graduates receive some of the highest starting salaries among their peers.
Thus, WPI has an acceptance rate of 48% and a graduation rate of 85%. Similarly, the student-faculty ratio is 13:1. Though this technical college in Boston, Massachusetts has a tuition fee of $51,604.
Address: 100 Institute RoadWorcester, MA 01609
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#8.Smith College
Smith College is a highly rated private college located in Northampton, Massachusetts. However, its undergraduate programs are open to women only. Besides, it is a small institution with an enrollment of 2,505 undergraduate students.
However, admission is fairly competitive here. Also, popular majors include Research and Experimental Psychology, Economics, and Political Science and Government.
Well, this trade school in MA has an acceptance rate of 37% and a graduation rate of 88%. Also, Smith college being one of the best engineering colleges in Massachusetts has a student-faculty ratio of 9:1.
Besides, the tuition fee is $53,940. Finally, Smith alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $35,300.
Address: Elm St.Northampton, MA 01063
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
You can read our: 15 Best Civil Engineering Schools in Canada in 2024 Read more
#9. University of Massachusetts – Amherst
UMass is a highly rated public university located in Amherst Center, Springfield Massachusetts. However, it is a big technical college in MA with an enrollment of 21,577 undergraduate students.
Though, admission to this engineering college in Massachusetts is fairly competitive. Also, popular majors include Psychology, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Economics.
Also, Umass being one of the best engineering colleges in MA has an acceptance rate of 60% and a graduation rate of 77% of students. UMass alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $41,200. Besides, the student-faculty ratio is 18:1.
Finally, the tuition fee is $15,887 for Massachusetts residents and $34,570 for out-of-state students.
Address: 374 Whitmore Building 181 Presidents DriveAmherst, MA 01003
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#10.University of Massachusetts – Lowell
UMass – Lowell is an above-average public university located in Lowell, Boston, Massachusetts. However, it is a large institution with 10,495 undergraduate students.
But, admission is a bit competitive. Also, popular majors include Business, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, and Information Science.
However, this technical college in Boston, MA has an acceptance rate of 69% and a graduation rate of 60%. UMass – Lowell alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $41,600.
Finally, the tuition fee is $15,180 for in-state and $32,827 for out-of-state.
Address: 1 University AveLowell, MA 01854
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#11.Wentworth Institute of Technology
However, Wentworth is a private college located in Boston, Massachusetts. Well, it is a small technical college in Boston, Massachusetts, with an enrollment of 3,904 undergraduate students.
Besides, popular majors in this trade school in MA include Architecture, Construction Management, and Business Support Services. Honestly, Wentworth alumni earn a starting salary of $53,300.
Also, Wentworth has an acceptance rate of 92% and a graduation rate of 67%. The student-faculty ratio is 17:1. Above all, the tuition fee is $32,953.
Address: 550 Huntington AveBoston, MA 02115
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC).
#12.Bard College at Simon’s Rock
Well, Simon’s Rock is a private college located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. However, it is a small institution with an enrollment of 391 undergraduate students.
Besides, admission is a bit competitive in this technical college in Massachusetts. However, popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Computer Science, and Drama and Theatre Production.
Actually, Bard college being one of the best engineering colleges in Massachusetts has an acceptance rate of 66%. Also, the graduation rate is 60%. Simon’s Rock alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $21,700.
Finally, the student-faculty ratio is 6:1 while the tuition fee is $55,292.
Address: 84 Alford Rd.Great Barrington, MA 01230
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#13.Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is an above-average public college located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. However, it is a small institution with an enrollment of 1,607 undergraduate students.
Similarly, popular majors include Engineering, Marine Science, and International Business. However, this technical college in Massachusetts has an acceptance rate of 83% and a graduation rate of 75% of students.
Similarly, Massachusetts Maritime Academy alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $66,300. But, the student-faculty ratio is 15:1 while the tuition fee is $10,018 for in-state and $26,106 for out-of-state.
Address:101 Academy DrBuzzards Bay, MA 02532
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE).
#14.Western New England University
Actually, the Western New England University is a private, non-profit university in Springfield, Massachusetts. However, this trade school in MA have College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Engineering, School of Law, and College of Pharmacy.
Besides, the acceptance rate in this trade school in MA is 81% while the graduation rate is 59%. Also, the tuition fee is $36,804.
Address: 1215 Wilbraham Rd Springfield, MA 01119
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
#15. University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
UMass – Dartmouth is a public university located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Similarly, it is a mid-size institution with an enrollment of 5,790 undergraduate students.
Well, popular majors in this technical college in MA include Nursing, Psychology, and Business. Also, the acceptance rate is 84% while the graduation rate of 48%. The faculty-student ratio is 16:1.
However, this trade school alumni in MA earn a starting salary of $39,500. The tuition fee is $13,921 for in-state and $29,141 for out-of-state.
Address: 285 Old Westport RdNorth Dartmouth, MA 02747
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Colleges only offer undergraduate programs, mainly in the form of 2-year associate’s degrees. These degrees can often be used to transfer to a 4-year school. Technical colleges usually offer only certificates and associate degrees.
The top jobs you can find with an associate’s degree include:
Air Traffic Controllers.
Radiation Therapists.
Nuclear Technicians.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
Dental Hygienists.
Funeral Service Managers.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.
Registered Nurses.
Yes. For many, the experience at a technical college is a better fit for them after comparing technical college with a university education. Technical colleges offer more hands-on learning and require fewer unnecessary classes than four-year colleges.
A trade school, also known as a vocational college or technical school, is a post-secondary institution that is designed to give students the technical skills to prepare them for a specific occupation.
Conclusion
However, you can get a degree in fields like information technology, nursing and health sciences, automotive technician training, and medical assisting.
Besides, program lengths vary, but they can usually range from eight months to two years.
Also, you don’t graduate from a trade school with a bachelor’s degree. Usually, upon completion of the program, you will receive a diploma or trade certificate.
References
- The 50 Best Engineering Technology Programs in the World
- List of the Best Technical College Programs
- The 50 Best Community Colleges in the United States
- Technical Colleges USA, vocational schools, engineering
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