Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and program formats across every accredited Massachusetts LPN school.
Massachusetts' demand for licensed practical nurses is rising sharply, driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare services. But which LPN program in Massachusetts aligns best with your budget and career goals? Program costs vary dramatically: net prices among the nine ranked schools range from $6,046 to $17,126, while median debt loads span $6,500 to $16,575. NCLEX pass rates, salary trajectories, and LPN-to-RN bridge options differ considerably from campus to campus, making it essential to weigh both upfront cost and long-term earning potential.
Our 2026 ranking of the best LPN programs in Massachusetts emphasizes affordability and outcomes, highlighting schools that combine low net prices with strong NCLEX-PN pass rates, job placement, and graduate earnings. By weighing federal data alongside program-specific research, we identify programs that deliver real value for aspiring practical nurses across the state.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Greenfield Community College | Greenfield, MA | $8,000/yr (net price) | Western MA job-seekers prioritizing placement rates | |
Greenfield Community College's Practical Nursing certificate is a compact 10-month, 43-credit program located in Western Massachusetts. The program boasts an 86% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and a 100% job placement rate for 2025 graduates, with strong local clinical pipelines. It's MABORN-approved and offers a clear pathway to an associate degree in nursing.
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| #2 | Holyoke Community College | Holyoke, MA | $8,000/yr (net price) | Pioneer Valley students with CNA background | |
Holyoke Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is a 45-credit program that blends classroom theory with hands-on clinical experiences in the Pioneer Valley region. Students study anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals, emphasizing evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam, with ACEN and MABORN accreditation ensuring quality. Admission requires specific prerequisites, including recent science courses and a background check.
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| #3 | Northern Essex Community College | Haverhill, MA | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | Merrimack Valley bilingual nursing candidates | |
Northern Essex Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate prepares students for entry-level LPN careers through classroom, lab, and clinical experiences. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing skills, with supervised patient care in diverse settings. With an 85% licensure pass rate and 100% job placement, the program offers a practical path into nursing. Credits can transfer to NECC's associate degree in nursing.
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| #4 | Massachusetts Bay Community College | Wellesley Hills, MA | $7,000/yr (net price) | ||
Massachusetts Bay Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is a 40-week, full-time program starting each fall at the Framingham campus. It blends theory, lab, and clinical experiences, building skills in patient-centered care and evidence-based practice. The program boasts a perfect 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate and prepares graduates for diverse healthcare settings. Small cohorts and dedicated faculty support a direct path to LPN licensure.
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| #5 | North Shore Community College | Danvers, MA | $9,000/yr | ||
North Shore Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is an intensive ten-month program preparing students for LPN licensure. The curriculum combines theory with hands-on clinical practice in state-of-the-art facilities, emphasizing technical skills and critical thinking. With a 95% licensure pass rate, 89% job placement, and scholarships available, it offers a stable entry into nursing careers on the North Shore and beyond.
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| #6 | Mount Wachusett Community College | Gardner, MA | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Mount Wachusett Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is a 7-course program preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The curriculum covers essential nursing skills, with clinical experiences in regional facilities. With a 96% first-time pass rate and selective admissions requiring the TEAS exam, the program responds to high LPN demand in Massachusetts, projecting 12% job growth through 2026.
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| #7 | Berkshire Community College | Pittsfield, MA | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Berkshire Community College's Practical Nurse Certificate integrates lecture, lab, and clinical courses to prepare students for LPN licensure. Core topics include gerontology, family health, and adult health, with a 95% NCLEX-PN pass rate. The program features a debt-free Talent Pipeline option with Berkshire Health Systems and the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program for CNAs, making it a strong choice for Western Massachusetts.
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| #8 | Quinsigamond Community College | Worcester, MA | $6,000 – $11,000/yr | ||
Quinsigamond Community College offers two hybrid Practical Nursing programs designed for currently certified LPNs seeking to advance their education. Both the daytime and evening tracks combine online and on-campus learning, with in-state tuition of $223 per credit, and focus on patient-centered care, therapeutic communication, and transfer to bachelor's programs. The flexible schedules accommodate working nurses in Central Massachusetts.
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| #9 | Quincy College | Quincy, MA | $17,000/yr | ||
Quincy College's Certificate of Completion in Practical Nursing is a focused, 10-month program preparing students for the NCLEX-PN. The concept-based curriculum includes hands-on clinical experience at top Boston-area facilities and covers anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing across the continuum. With a 92% job placement rate and fall/spring start options across two campuses, it serves the Greater Boston and South Shore regions effectively.
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Becoming a licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts follows a clear, regulated path. Most students complete the journey in 12 to 18 months, depending on program pace. Here is how to go from applicant to licensed LPN.
LPN program costs in Massachusetts vary, but most community college programs offer affordable tuition, especially for in-state residents. The table below compares in-state and out-of-state tuition along with the average net price, the amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships, though these figures are institution-wide averages and may differ for nursing students. Many programs qualify for federal Pell Grants (with recipient rates at these colleges ranging from 73% to 80%), federal student loans, and state grants through the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance. For those seeking a completely free pathway, employer-sponsored programs like Berkshire Health Systems' Talent Pipeline (which covers tuition for students who work part-time during school) or state-funded initiatives such as the Career Ladder Program for CNAs (providing a weekly stipend and exam fee coverage) and the DDS LPN Certificate Program (up to $20,000 tuition coverage with a service commitment) can eliminate out-of-pocket costs.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Essex Community College | $6,732 | $12,516 | $6,046 |
| Massachusetts Bay Community College | $5,856 | $10,800 | $7,169 |
| Greenfield Community College | $5,810 | $11,930 | $7,679 |
| Mount Wachusett Community College | $6,160 | $11,080 | $7,931 |
| Holyoke Community College | $5,988 | $10,932 | $8,068 |
| North Shore Community College | $5,352 | $10,920 | $9,000 |
| Quinsigamond Community College | $6,262 | $11,206 | $9,090 |
| Berkshire Community College | $6,164 | $11,468 | $9,921 |
| Quincy College | $8,938 | $8,938 | $17,126 |
NCLEX-PN pass rates are the single most reliable indicator of how well an LPN program prepares its students for licensure. While no single metric tells the whole story, a program’s first-time pass rate reveals whether its curriculum, clinical training, and faculty support align with the exam’s demands.
Passing the NCLEX-PN is the gateway to LPN licensure. Programs with high first-time pass rates demonstrate that they teach the right material, provide adequate clinical hours, and ensure students are ready on their first attempt. Consistently low pass rates can signal curriculum gaps, insufficient exam preparation, or weak student support, all red flags for prospective students.
The table below presents first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates for the Massachusetts LPN programs with publicly available 2024 data, alongside statewide and national benchmarks.
| School | Pass Rate Year | First-Time Pass Rate | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School | 2024 | 98% | 77.3% |
| Massachusetts (All LPN Programs) | 2024 | 92% | 77.3% |
| United States (National Benchmark) | 2025 | 77.3% | 77.3% |
Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School’s 98% first-time pass rate1 far exceeds both the Massachusetts state average and the national benchmark. That level of performance suggests a program with rigorous standards and effective teaching.
When evaluating other LPN programs where individual school data is not yet published, pay attention to how each program’s pass rate compares to the national average. A program that falls significantly below 77%2, especially over multiple years, may not be providing adequate preparation. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the NCSBN publish annual pass rate reports; always check the most recent figures before enrolling.
A program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate is a direct measure of its commitment to your success, so make it a cornerstone of your decision.
LPN programs in Massachusetts accommodate different schedules by offering full-time day, part-time evening, and accelerated 10-month tracks. While the daytime format is the most common, evening and condensed pathways provide flexibility for working students. The table below highlights key differences across these three schedule types.
| Full-Time Day | Part-Time Evening | Accelerated 10-Month |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Array | |
| Availability | Array | |
| Schedule | Array | |
| Hybrid/Online Options | Array | |
| Admission Cycle | Array |
A composite TEAS score of at least 55% is a common threshold for Massachusetts LPN programs; Quinsigamond Community College sets its minimum at exactly that mark, with a limit of three attempts within five years. Most programs treat the TEAS as the primary entrance exam, and several also require minimum subscores in reading, math, science, and English, though cutoffs vary by school.
Competitive applicants typically aim well above the floor. While a 55% composite may meet eligibility, successful candidates often present scores of 65% or higher, especially when cohort sizes are small. Quinsigamond’s three-attempt rule rewards students who retest for improvement, but a low first attempt can still delay admission. Other programs, including those at Quincy College and Mount Wachusett Community College, also require the TEAS, though they may set slightly different minimums or weigh subscores differently. Check each program’s specific requirements, because missing a subscore threshold can disqualify an application outright.
Massachusetts practical nursing programs typically expect a minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, but the competitive range often sits above 3.0. Prerequisite course grades matter more than overall GPA: a strong showing in anatomy and physiology, math, and English composition can offset a lower cumulative average. Quinsigamond, for instance, requires a health information session before applying, signaling that they value academic performance and informed commitment. Admissions officers look for consistent performance in science prerequisites rather than a single high mark.
The standard prerequisite lineup includes high school algebra, biology with a lab, and college-level English composition. Anatomy and physiology is the most heavily weighted course; many programs mandate a C+ or better, and recent completion (often within seven years) is sometimes required. Some schools also accept or require an active Certified Nursing Assistant credential, which can demonstrate clinical readiness and may satisfy a prerequisite. Check each program’s catalog: for example, Quincy College lists specific prerequisite courses such as MAT103, HSC149, and PSY216, while Berkshire Community College requires biology, English, and psychology courses prior to enrollment.
Cohort sizes in Massachusetts LPN programs generally range from 20 to 40 students. Small cohorts create intense competition, and many programs use fixed application windows with strict deadlines. Waitlists are common, particularly for high-demand programs like those at Quinsigamond or Quincy College. North Shore Community College’s practical nursing program was closed for Fall 2026, illustrating how quickly seats fill. Students should plan to apply early, complete prerequisites well in advance, and confirm application windows directly with each school.
The College Scorecard sometimes reports an institutional admissions rate, but these figures are typically not program-specific. Many community colleges have open-door policies, yet their practical nursing programs are highly selective. Using institutional data alone can be misleading; the TEAS and prerequisite-GPA screens within the nursing department create a far narrower funnel. When researching competitiveness, look for program-level benchmarks like average admitted GPA or TEAS medians, not college-wide acceptance rates.
Massachusetts licensed practical nurses earn wages significantly above the national average, with a state median annual salary of $76,560. The table below summarizes the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics wage and employment data for LPNs in the Commonwealth. Metro-area breakdowns are not available in the current dataset, but LPNs in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester typically command higher wages due to local demand.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Employment | 15,210 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $76,400 |
| 25th Percentile Annual Wage | $66,960 |
| Median Annual Wage | $76,560 |
| 75th Percentile Annual Wage | $81,010 |
Program-specific earnings data for Massachusetts LPN programs is not yet published, but statewide figures offer a reliable salary benchmark. Licensed practical nurses in the state earn a mean annual wage of $63,530, according to the latest BLS data.
Transitioning from LPN to RN is the single most effective career move a Massachusetts practical nurse can make. Advanced credentials unlock higher pay, greater autonomy, and a wider range of clinical settings. Massachusetts nursing schools offer multiple streamlined bridge programs, including LPN-to-ADN (associate degree) and LPN-to-BSN (bachelor's degree) options, at public community colleges and private institutions.
LPN-to-ADN programs typically culminate in an Associate Degree in Nursing and RN licensure, while LPN-to-BSN programs lead directly to a bachelor's degree. Both paths acknowledge the experience and knowledge practicing LPNs already have, often granting advanced standing or credit. Quincy College, for example, offers an LPN-to-RN bridge that can be completed in three semesters of full-time study. Massasoit Community College provides a part-time evening/weekend LPN-to-RN track designed for working nurses. Labouré College's LPN-to-BSN program is structured for career changers and current LPNs seeking a faster route to a bachelor's degree. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing maintains an up-to-date list of all approved LPN-to-RN and LPN-to-BSN programs; always verify a program's status before applying.
While each school sets its own requirements, most bridge programs expect a valid Massachusetts LPN license, a minimum number of work hours, and completed prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Some institutions require a TEAS exam and a minimum GPA. Program length varies: a full-time LPN-to-ADN student can finish in 12-18 months, whereas part-time and online-hybrid formats extend to 24 months or longer. BSN bridge programs typically take two to three years. Admissions can be competitive in popular metro areas, so contact the schools directly: Quincy College, Massasoit Community College, and Labouré College all list current cutoffs on their websites.
The financial incentives for advancing from LPN to RN are significant. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirm that registered nurses in Massachusetts earn a substantial wage premium over licensed practical nurses, with BSN-prepared nurses at the top of the pay scale. In addition to higher base salaries, RNs have more opportunities for overtime, charge roles, and specialized certifications that further boost earnings. When deciding which bridge program to pursue, compare completion costs against this long-term income lift by reviewing BLS.gov data for both national and state-level projections.
Choosing an LPN program involves many practical questions. Here are answers to the most common inquiries from aspiring nurses in Massachusetts, covering timelines, costs, and career paths.
