Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2023

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

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Key Takeaways

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:

Scholarships:

Tuition Waivers:

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.

20-Year Net ROI
School20-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
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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?

Massachusetts’ Best Overall

Massachusetts's Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts 2022

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/29

    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
  2. Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    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
  3. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/23

    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
  4. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/22

    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
  5. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    6K

    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
  6. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/22

    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
  7. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    5K

    Fitchburg State University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/25

  9. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/19

  10. #13

    Massachusetts Maritime Academy

    Buzzards Bay , MA

    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

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Most affordable colleges in Massachusetts for your area of interest

2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
  2. Worcester State University
  3. Framingham State University
  4. Bridgewater State University
  5. Westfield State University
  6. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
  7. Salem State University
  8. Fitchburg State University
  9. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  10. University of Massachusetts Boston
  11. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  12. Cambridge College
  13. University of Massachusetts Amherst