6 Cheapest Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

6 Cheapest Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • The cheapest colleges in Massachusetts should provide a high-value education that aligns with a student’s Christian faith.
  • Students can apply for grants at Christian universities to help lower their tuition expenses even further.
  • Gordon College is a reasonably priced school that is especially suited for international students.

Cheapest Christian Colleges in Massachusetts

Sort by:
  1. College of the Holy Cross
  2. Stonehill College
  3. Eastern Nazarene College
  4. Gordon College
  5. Anna Maria College
  6. Elms College
  1. College of the Holy Cross
  2. Stonehill College
  3. Eastern Nazarene College
  4. Gordon College
  5. Anna Maria College
  6. Elms College
  1. Gordon College 92%
  2. Elms College 91%
  3. Stonehill College 73%
  4. Anna Maria College 70%
  5. Eastern Nazarene College 62%
  6. College of the Holy Cross 36%
  1. Gordon College 14 to 1
  2. Stonehill College 12 to 1
  3. Anna Maria College 12 to 1
  4. Elms College 10 to 1
  5. College of the Holy Cross 10 to 1
  6. Eastern Nazarene College 9 to 1
  1. College of the Holy Cross $58,360
  2. Stonehill College $52,000
  3. Anna Maria College $41,010
  4. Elms College $40,635
  5. Eastern Nazarene College $27,990
  6. Gordon College $27,040
  1. Stonehill College $31,867
  2. Elms College $16,776
  3. Eastern Nazarene College $10,598
  4. Anna Maria College $10,530
  5. Gordon College $6,490
  1. Elms College
  2. Anna Maria College
  3. Gordon College
  4. Eastern Nazarene College
  5. Stonehill College
  6. College of the Holy Cross
  1. Elms College
  2. Anna Maria College
  3. Gordon College
  4. Eastern Nazarene College
  5. Stonehill College
  6. College of the Holy Cross
  1. College of the Holy Cross 36%
  2. Eastern Nazarene College 62%
  3. Anna Maria College 70%
  4. Stonehill College 73%
  5. Elms College 91%
  6. Gordon College 92%
  1. Eastern Nazarene College 9 to 1
  2. Elms College 10 to 1
  3. College of the Holy Cross 10 to 1
  4. Stonehill College 12 to 1
  5. Anna Maria College 12 to 1
  6. Gordon College 14 to 1
  1. Gordon College $27,040
  2. Eastern Nazarene College $27,990
  3. Elms College $40,635
  4. Anna Maria College $41,010
  5. Stonehill College $52,000
  6. College of the Holy Cross $58,360
  1. Gordon College $6,490
  2. Anna Maria College $10,530
  3. Eastern Nazarene College $10,598
  4. Elms College $16,776
  5. Stonehill College $31,867

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best and cheapest Christian colleges in Massachusetts saw no change in ranking positions. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.

According to a study by Biola’s Rosemead School of Psychology, 82% of respondents felt that attending a Christian college positively impacted their purpose. Additionally, 66% reported that their college education contributed to their spiritual development.

It can be hard to find affordable colleges that provide high-value education with spiritual growth according to your faith. If you’re based in Massachusetts, luckily, it is home to several colleges offering secular and religious education.

This article lists the cheapest Christian colleges in Massachusetts with value-based education.

Empty church pews at a church

Cheapest Christian Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, known for its rich history and progressive values, places a strong emphasis on understanding diversity and culture. Practicing Christians in Massachusetts search for colleges that not only offer academic excellence yet also align with their faith and values.

Below is the list of Christian colleges in Massachusetts with diverse educational programs.

  1. #1

    College of the Holy Cross

    Worcester , MA
    #1 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #22 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #23 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at College of the Holy Cross

    Cost of Degree: $60,850
    Expenses: $19,650
    Starting Salary: $88,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Tuition Fee: $55,880/Semester
    • Location: Worcester
    • Acceptance Rate: 64%

    What do we love about College of the Holy Cross?

    The College of the Holy Cross is a liberal arts institution with Roman Catholic roots. It is one of the few Jesuit colleges in the United States that only accept undergraduate students. With over 3,100 undergraduates enrolled, the institution has a graduation rate of 86%.

    Economics, English language and literature, philosophy and religious studies, history, and psychology are among the most popular undergraduate majors at Holy Cross. These selections demonstrate the wide range of academic interests among this Jesuit institution’s small student population.

    • College of the Holy Cross is great for students who: Seek a rigorous liberal arts education grounded in Jesuit traditions that encourages service and intellectual growth.
    • College of the Holy Cross might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a large university setting with a vast array of majors and research opportunities, as the College of the Holy Cross is a smaller, liberal arts-focused institution.
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Stonehill College

    Easton , MA
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stonehill College

    Cost of Degree: $53,400
    Expenses: $19,505
    Starting Salary: $66,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Tuition Fee: $47,808
    • Location: Easton
    • Acceptance Rate: 72%

    What do we love about Stonehill College?

    Stonehill College is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts college founded in 1948 by the Congregation of Holy Cross. The college offers many academic options, with over 80 majors and specializations. Popular disciplines include psychology, business administration, and communication.

    Stonehill College provides residential facilities, with various living alternatives available to its predominantly undergraduate student community. Its emphasis on community service and academic growth over athletics programs sets it apart. Although the college offers several extracurricular activities, it stands out by focusing on providing a well-rounded educational experience.

    • Stonehill College is great for students who: Value a holistic education that blends liberal arts learning with a strong foundation in moral and ethical reasoning in the Catholic tradition.
    • Stonehill College might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a large, research-intensive university, as Stonehill College offers a more personalized education with a focus on undergraduate teaching.
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Eastern Nazarene College

    Quincy , MA
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Nazarene College

    Cost of Degree: $28,610
    Expenses: $15,250
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Tuition Fee: $19,519/Semester
    • Location: Quincy
    • Acceptance Rate: 64%

    What do we love about Eastern Nazarene College?

    Eastern Nazarene College, located in Quincy, Massachusetts, is a Christian college for liberal science and art. The college offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in electrical engineering, Christian ministry, global business, pre-medicine, forensic science, religion, education, marriage and family therapy, and management.

    Student Government Association (SGA) is a student body at ENC that is responsible for clubs and activities. This includes campus ministries, intramural sports, the Veritas newspaper, and the Nautilus yearbook.

    • Eastern Nazarene College is great for students who: Value a small college experience with a strong Christian foundation and a commitment to integrating faith and learning across disciplines.
    • Eastern Nazarene College might not be the best fit for students who: Are seeking a large university atmosphere or a wide variety of secular degree programs, as Eastern Nazarene College is a smaller, faith-based institution.
    Compare school
    4. Man turning the pages of a bible
  5. #4

    Gordon College

    Wenham , MA
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #6 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1199/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Gordon College

    Cost of Degree: $28,100
    Expenses: $14,850
    Starting Salary: $47,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Tuition Fee: $26,250
    • Location: Wenham
    • Acceptance Rate: 77%

    What do we love about Gordon College?

    Gordon College is a private university offering undergraduate and graduate programs. It is affiliated with the nondenominational Christian and Missionary Alliance and offers a range of specializations.

    This college offers 33 majors, 38 specializations, 21 interdisciplinary and pre-professional minors, and graduate programs. Its popular programs include an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies, a Certificate in Biblical Studies, and a Bachelor of Bible Studies. These programs reflect Gordon College’s dedication to providing various educational options within its Christian and Missionary Alliance affiliation.

    • Gordon College is great for students who: Are seeking an education that integrates faith with a strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum in a Christian community.
    • Gordon College might not be the best fit for students who: Are looking for a diverse range of graduate programs, as Gordon College primarily focuses on undergraduate education with select graduate offerings.

    Gordon College ’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Finance
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Anna Maria College

    Paxton , MA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #18 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #23 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Anna Maria College

    Cost of Degree: $43,064
    Expenses: $20,310
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Tuition Fee: $40,208
    • Location: Paxton
    • Acceptance Rate: 73%

    What do we love about Anna Maria College?

    The coeducational Catholic Anna Maria College was founded by the Sisters of Saint Anne in 1946. Originally a women’s college in Marlborough, it relocated to its 190-acre campus in Paxton, Massachusetts, in 1952. The college is affiliated with the Interdenominational religion and focuses on building an inclusive spiritual atmosphere.

    Anna Maria College offers various academic programs, including certificates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in graphic design, forensic criminology, fire science, paramedic science, music therapy, sport management, criminal justice, counseling psychology, and health emergency management.

    The institution provides Bible studies, student-led fellowships, retreats, and service activities for individuals seeking spiritual development.

    • Anna Maria College is great for students who: Desire a career-oriented education in a Catholic institution that emphasizes community involvement and service learning.
    • Anna Maria College might not be the best fit for students who: Are seeking a large university environment, as Anna Maria College offers a more intimate campus experience with a focus on individual student attention.

    Anna Maria College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Fire Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Elms College

    Chicopee , MA
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #19 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #20 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Elms College

    Cost of Degree: $42,061
    Expenses: $19,016
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Tuition Fee: $39,449/Semester
    • Location: Chicopee
    • Acceptance Rate: 70%

    What do we love about Elms College?

    Elms College is a private Catholic institution in the Springfield, Massachusetts, area in Chicopee, Massachusetts. It’s a small town with around 885 undergraduates, and admission is relatively tough, with a 70% admittance rate.

    While many other majors are offered to students here, the most popular ones are biology, social work and youth services, and nursing. With 68% of students finishing their degrees, the college has a respectable graduation rate. Alumni from Elms College usually start their professions with an initial income of around $43,100.

    It ranks number 10 in the best Christian colleges in Massachusetts in 2024. This accolade emphasizes the university’s dedication to academic achievement and Jesuit principles in a more relaxed learning environment.

    • Elms College is great for students who: Are seeking a Catholic education that emphasizes social justice, ethical leadership, and a strong sense of community.
    • Elms College might not be the best fit for students who: Are looking for a large campus experience, as Elms College offers a more intimate setting with smaller class sizes and a close-knit community.

    Elms College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Computer Information Technology And Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
    8. Two students walking on a concrete path on their way to their school building
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Student Submitted Questions About the Cheapest Christian Colleges in Massachusetts

Tucker asks, “What is the cheapest Christian university for international students in Massachusetts?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Gordon College is reasonably priced for international students. However, it depends on your budget and other living expenses. It’s also important to consider what scholarships you might receive from certain schools. My advice is to meet with a financial advisor from the school and have them break down the costs as well as what aid you will receive. Getting the full picture will ensure you understand which college(s) you can afford.

Cate asks, “Can I apply for student grants in Christian colleges?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Yes, students can apply for grants at Christian universities to cover tuition expenses. Unlike student loans, these grants don’t need to be repaid and provide as much aid as $5,000 per year in some cases. Visit the respective college’s website for more information to see what is available to you. You should also be able to see what school-specific scholarships are available to you.

Brody asks, “Do these universities allow students to engage in any particular religious groups, activities, or events?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Many Christian institutions offer various religious clubs, activities, and events for students. This will differ based on the specific school, but an admissions advisor should be able to tell you about a few groups that are available. If you have a chance to visit the school, talking to current students is a great way to figure out which groups and events are popular.

Conclusion

When searching for Christian schools in Massachusetts, it is important to consider factors such as your faith, preferred program, and financial situation. Whether you study in Boston, Springfield, or another city, finding a school that aligns with your beliefs and offers a quality four-year education is crucial.

This list of the cheapest Christian colleges in Massachusetts can help you find a school that will provide religious education alongside the undergraduate or master’s program you desire.

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