Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2023
Here are the most affordable colleges in Massachusetts ranked in order of academic excellence. Our list will help you find the best school for you, at a price you can afford.
10 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts 2022
- Bridgewater State University 19 to 1
- Worcester State University 16 to 1
- Westfield State University 15 to 1
- Salem State University 14 to 1
- Fitchburg State University 14 to 1
- Cambridge College $16,442
- Cambridge College $16,409
- Salem State University $2,520
- Cambridge College 10 to 1
- Framingham State University 13 to 1
- Salem State University 14 to 1
- Fitchburg State University 14 to 1
- Westfield State University 15 to 1
- Worcester State University 16 to 1
- Salem State University $2,520
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts has one of the finest higher education and prestigious schools, such as Harvard University, Boston Baptist College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, and .
- Massachusetts may not be the home of the cheapest colleges in the United States, but it offers abundant small private liberal arts colleges and public universities, including the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, with an average of $10k tuition and fees per year.
- Worcester State University is known for being one of today’s most inclusive and cheapest colleges in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts: Excellent, Inexpensive College Education
Massachusetts may not be the biggest state in the United States by land area, but it is one of the best to provide the highest caliber of education, from elementary education to graduate degrees in both public and private schools. After all, it was the first state in the US to mandate that communities should build community colleges. These historical foundations have helped make better online colleges available.
Colleges in Massachusetts are not only known to be among the best STEM-focused institutions in the world, but also some of the best in providing high-quality liberal arts education with an average student-to-faculty ratio.
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is one of the world’s most renowned liberal arts institutions. And while not being one of the most expensive places to live and study, the state provides a sufficient amount of federal student aid to attracts local and international students alike to the school.
Massachusetts also isn’t letting its success stand still. Because of the quantity and caliber of start-ups that have come out of the Boston suburb of Kendall Square, it has been dubbed “the most innovative square mile on the planet.”
Financial Aid Opportunities in Massachusetts
To make an affordable college education even more affordable, college-bound students need to obtain student financial assistance. Plenty of federal student aid exists in Massachusetts and is surprisingly easy to obtain. Eligible students should expect a significant higher education tuition and fees reduction.
Here are some of the few financial aid opportunities in Massachusetts:
Grants:
- Cash Grant Program
- Foster Child Grant
- Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program
- MASSGrant & MASSGrant Plus
- Part-Time Grant Program
- Public Service Grant Program
- Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program
Scholarships:
- Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program
- Paul Tsongas Scholarship
- Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program
- Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship Program
- Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program
- John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
- One Family Scholarship Program
Tuition Waivers:
- Graduate Tuition Waiver
- High Technology Scholar/Intern Tuition Waiver
- Career Advancement Program Tuition Waiver
- Categorical Tuition Waiver
- Exchange Tuition Waiver
- Washington Center Program Tuition Waiver
- Valedictorian Program Tuition Waiver
Loans:
Colleges in Massachusetts that offer the most varied financial aid opportunities are Bridgewater State University, Cambridge College, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Salem State University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Worcester State University, and Westfield State University.
Massachusetts Colleges With the Best Programs for Bachelor’s Degree Holders
It’s critical to consider your return on investment together with the cost of tuition and academic options while deciding on one of Massachusetts’ most inexpensive institutions.
Here is a list of the top three Massachusetts colleges mentioned above ranked from lowest ROI to highest ROI for on-campus, in-state programs finished without receiving any financial aid based on data gathered from PayScale.
| School | 20-Year Net ROI |
|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $434,000 |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | $573,000 |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy | $783,000 |
Most In-Demand Jobs in Massachusetts
A degree can open doors for you that you didn’t even know existed, whether you obtain it in the “conventional” manner or online. Go full speed ahead if you already have a general idea of the industry or area you wish to enter! But some students are unsure of what major to study.
Zippia recently came out with a list of Massachusetts’s top 100 highest-paying jobs. This list can be the ideal place to start as you choose a college major. When you graduate, you may rest easy knowing that your degree will immediately put you in a career. Here are a handful of the positions on the list:
- Consultant and Sales Representative
- General Surgeon
- Revenue Officer
- Head of Security
- Pain Management Physician
- Vice President, Product and Marketing
- Senior Vice President, Sales
- Private Sector Executive
- Executive Vice President
- Staff Psychiatrist
Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts
Some of the most talked about universities in Massachusetts are its private schools, including Boston University, Harvard University, Northeastern University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which also happen to be the largest. Tuition for these prestigious schools runs between $50,000 and $54,000. Students here have access to some of the top programs in the country in fields such as biology, literature, law, education, engineering, and religious studies. The alumni from New England schools are equally as impressive, including Martin Luther King Jr., Bill Gates, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
The public higher education institutes also boast top-notch programs, allowing students to pursue associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields like mathematics, social work, medicine, and economics. The University of Massachusetts Amherst, the state’s largest public university, offers tuition around $16,000 and serves over 28,000 students. Additionally, students who are interested in attending a religiously affiliated school have 17 options to choose from, most of which feature high graduation rates for their students. For future dental, medical, or mental health professionals, Massachusetts also offers loan forgiveness programs for those working in underserved communities.
As the port of destination for the Mayflower, home to the Plymouth colony, and site of the Salem Witch Trials, Massachusetts looms large in United States history, but this most populous New England state isn’t just for history buffs. The Bay State is also known for its delicious cuisine, beautiful coastlines, and devout sports fans. Not to mention, it has over 100 colleges for students to choose from.
Find a program that’s right for you and explore the best schools Massachusetts has to offer.
What are Massachusetts’ Colleges & Universities?
- 16 Research Universities
- 41 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 23 Graduate Schools
- 12 Public Colleges & Universities
- 45 Private Colleges & Universities
- 10 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 35 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 13 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 16 Community Colleges
- 23 Online Colleges
Massachusetts’ Best Overall
There are 13 colleges and universities in Massachusetts with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Massachusetts is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.
Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts 2022
These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2023 #6 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #6 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2023
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
84%
Student body
30K
Median SAT/ACT
1295/29
What is University of Massachusetts Amherst known for?
University of Massachusetts Amherst’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Political Science
- Education
- Sociology
- Communications
- Nursing
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Online Degrees
BA in Film And Media Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Bachelor Of Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Hospitality And Tourism Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Arts Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Bachelor Of Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
49%
Student body
14K
What is University of Massachusetts Boston known for?
University of Massachusetts Boston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Literature
- Medical
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
69%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/26
What is University of Massachusetts Lowell known for?
University of Massachusetts Lowell’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology Second Degree
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology: Business Minor
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English Literature And Criticism
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BLA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
54%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/23
What is University of Massachusetts Dartmouth known for?
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Business
- Law
Most Influential Alumni
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Economics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management-Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Operations Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
- E-Commerce/Digital Business
- Technology & Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English Literature And Criticism
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology And Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Women'S And Gender Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Medical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$16K
Student body
2K
What is Cambridge College known for?
Cambridge College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
61%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/22
What is Westfield State University known for?
Westfield State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Biology
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- History
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Westfield State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Finance
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
57%
Student body
6K
What is Salem State University known for?
Salem State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Sociology
- Education
- Medical
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Salem State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance And Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Operations And Decision Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Occupational Health Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Fire Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Education: Early Education And Care
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BLS in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Healthcare Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
62%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/22
What is Bridgewater State University known for?
Bridgewater State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Economics
- Literature
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Bridgewater State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
57%
Student body
5K
What is Fitchburg State University known for?
Fitchburg State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Communications
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Fitchburg State University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 32
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
61%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/25
What is Worcester State University known for?
Worcester State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
51%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1040/22
What is Framingham State University known for?
Framingham State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Biology
- Economics
- History
- Sociology
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Business
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
58%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1070/19
What is Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts known for?
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Education
- Sociology
- Psychology
- History
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
78%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1107/24
What is Massachusetts Maritime Academy known for?
Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Most affordable colleges in Massachusetts for your area of interest
2021 Ranking Archive
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- Worcester State University
- Framingham State University
- Bridgewater State University
- Westfield State University
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
- Salem State University
- Fitchburg State University
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Cambridge College
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
