Education Degree in Boston, MA — Salary & ROI 2026
Education degree analysis for Boston, MA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$0
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$0
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
N/A
in Boston
Cost of Living
137
index (100 = avg)
Education in Boston, MA Overview
Boston is one of Massachusetts's top college towns, with 24 institutions and a student population of 40,388. Public tuition averages $14,167/year here — near the national average for public universities. Education enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in . The adjusted starting salary in Boston is approximately $0.
Category
Education
Local Colleges
24
Public Tuition
$14,167/yr
Private Tuition
$60,730/yr
Room & Board
$14,423/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$10,458/yr
Unemployment
4.5%
Graduation Rate
56%
Education Salary in Boston (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Boston's cost of living index of 137 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Education salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Boston adjustment factor: 1.37x based on the local cost of living index.
Education ROI Calculator for Boston
Estimate your return on investment for a Education degree using local Boston tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $14,167 | Private avg: $60,730
Boston avg aid: $10,458/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$114,360
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-47,950
vs HS diploma in Boston
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Boston
$-114,360
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($114,360)
Student Loan Payoff for Education in Boston
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Boston for Education
Boston University
private
$62,360/yr
$249,440 total
Northeastern University
private
$59,100/yr
$236,400 total
University of Massachusetts Boston
public
$14,167/yr
$56,668 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Bunker Hill Community College
$5,760/yr
Roxbury Community College
$5,280/yr
Top Employers for Education in Boston
Boston offers opportunities in School districts, Universities, EdTech companies for Education graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Boston Hiring Sectors for Education
School districts
Universities
EdTech companies
Non-profits
Training organizations
Common Education Job Titles
Education in Nearby Massachusetts Cities
Worcester, MA
$0 starting · COL 117
11 colleges
Springfield, MA
$0 starting · COL 133
6 colleges
Cambridge, MA
$0 starting · COL 133
6 colleges
Lowell, MA
$0 starting · COL 112.5
5 colleges
Brockton, MA
$0 starting · COL 108.5
5 colleges
Quincy, MA
$0 starting · COL 128.5
4 colleges
New Bedford, MA
$0 starting · COL 102.5
4 colleges
Lynn, MA
$0 starting · COL 118.5
4 colleges
Other Education Majors in Boston
Instructional Design & Technology
$69K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Educational Psychology
$69K starting · 5 yr ROI
Higher Education Administration
$69K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Elementary Education
$69K starting · 5 yr ROI
Special Education
$69K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Music Education
$69K starting · 6 yr ROI
Physical Education
$69K starting · 5 yr ROI
Early Childhood Education
$69K starting · 6 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Education degree outcomes in Boston, MA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Education programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Massachusetts.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Boston using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Education graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Education career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Education grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Boston Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Massachusetts students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Massachusetts programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "massachusetts higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Education Degree in Boston — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Education ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Boston.