5 Cheapest Private Colleges Massachusetts
Key Takeaways
- A majority of private colleges in Massachusetts offer scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to assist students financially.
- Several affordable universities in Massachusetts provide in-state tuition between $10,000 and $60,000.
- It is important that the private college you choose still aligns with your objectives, schedule preferences, and learning goals.
Massachusetts is home to the country’s top-ranking schools. According to U.S. News & World Report, the Bay Area is the state’s second-best place for higher education.
However, the financial outlay for these institutes is higher. This causes many students to rethink their decision to pursue education in private colleges in Massachusetts. With this in mind, we have developed a list of the cheapest private colleges in Massachusetts to help you get the best education without worrying over a hefty price tag.
Cheapest Private Colleges Massachusetts
Massachusetts, home to the esteemed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is a dream place for many to pursue higher education. Many of Massachusetts’s private universities keep their tuition low so that more students can afford college in this state. In addition, a majority of private colleges offer scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to assist students financially.
Here is a list of the top private colleges with low tuition in Massachusetts.
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #14 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #18 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #8 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$17K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Cambridge College
Cost of Degree: $18,072Starting Salary: $40,000Overview of Cambridge College
- Location: Boston
- In-State/Out-State Tuition: $17,190 per semester
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
What do we love about Cambridge College?
The Massachusetts-based Cambridge College has been around for more than 45 years. It has three campuses in Massachusetts (Boston, Lawrence, and Springfield). For students, Cambridge College has been a lynchpin in their journey to academic success.
A wide range of bachelor’s degree and certificate programs are available at this school, including options in criminal justice, management studies, and finance. Human Services, Health Care Management, and Human Services Management are just a few of the many courses available at Cambridge College.
- Cambridge College is great for students who: Value a flexible learning environment that caters to working professionals and adult learners.
- Cambridge College might not be the best fit for students who: Are seeking a traditional campus experience with a wide range of on-campus extracurricular activities and residential living
- #12 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #13 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #22 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies #23 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Northpoint Bible College
Cost of Degree: $14,160Expenses: $18,102Starting Salary: $33,500Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of Northpoint Bible College
- Location: Haverhill
- In-State/Out-State Tuition: $393/$393 per credit hour
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
What do we love about Northpoint Bible College?
With an emphasis on its Baccalaureate Degree program, the institute also offers Associate’s and Master’s degrees. Students have the opportunity to double major in Biblical Studies and a variety of ministries, including student ministry, intercultural ministry, pastoral ministry, worship arts, children and families, and ministry leadership.
The nine-building campus of Northpoint Bible College in Haverhill, Northeast Massachusetts, covers 297,000 square feet, offering students a peaceful setting to study and reflect on their faith.
- Northpoint Bible College is great for students who: Are seeking a focused biblical education with a low student-to-faculty ratio for more personalized attention.
- Northpoint Bible College might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a large, secular university setting with a broad array of non-religious programs and diverse viewpoints.
Northpoint Bible College’s Online Degrees
BA in Student Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Intercultural Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Ministry Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Pastoral Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
25%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Boston Baptist College
Cost of Degree: $14,304Expenses: $14,891Starting Salary: $37,500Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of Boston Baptist College
- Location: Boston
- In-State/Out-State Tuition: $12,600
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
What do we love about Boston Baptist College?
Boston Baptist College is cherished for its commitment to providing a strong Christian education, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to lead impactful ministries. The college fosters a sense of community where relationships thrive, and the bonds formed often last a lifetime, as seen through alums who frequently return to visit.
With a focus on real-world skills within a biblical framework, students are prepared to communicate the Gospel effectively and lead with both love and truth. Furthermore, the college’s location in Boston allows for a unique blend of academic and spiritual life amidst the historical and cultural richness of the city.
- Boston Baptist College is great for students who: Are seeking a small, tight-knit Christian community with a focus on ministry and biblical studies
- Boston Baptist College might not be the best fit for students who: Are looking for a large, secular, or non-religious institution with a wide variety of majors and extracurricular activities.
- #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: $28,100Expenses: $14,850Starting Salary: $47,700Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of Gordon College
- Location: Wenham
- In-State/Out-State Tuition: $26,250 per semester
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
What do we love about Gordon College?
Gordon College is one of Massachusetts’s best and most reasonably priced institutions. This university features 36 academic departments in both undergraduate and graduate programs, all emphasizing academic, professional, and social excellence.
Currently, around 2000 students are enrolled in the institutes, with 67% of students graduating every year. Around 86% of Gordon graduates secure their first job within one year of graduation.
- Gordon College is great for students who: Are looking for a strong Christian liberal arts education in a close-knit community
- Gordon College might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a non-religious or secular academic environment with a more urban campus setting.
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
- #16 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #20 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
Tuition + fees
$22K
Graduation
23%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Boston Architectural College
Cost of Degree: $26,800Starting Salary: $50,900Overview of Boston Architectural College
- Location: Boston
- In-State/Out-State Tuition: $21,924 per semester
- Acceptance Rate: 5.1%
What do we love about Boston Architectural College?
The Boston Architectural College is New England’s largest private institution specializing in spatial design. This well-known and reasonably priced university in Massachusetts offers affordable undergraduate degrees in interior design and landscape architecture, specializing in sustainable building technologies and computational design.
BAC has open admissions, which means they accept students motivated to pursue a college degree. Surprisingly, about 97% of BAC graduates find employment on the day they graduate.
Students gain practical professional experience during their academic journey by participating in real-world work opportunities and practical projects.
- Boston Architectural College is great for students who: Are passionate about design and architecture and value practical, hands-on experience in a vibrant urban setting.
- Boston Architectural College might not be the best fit for students who: Are not interested in a curriculum focused heavily on architecture and design disciplines.
Boston Architectural College’s Online Degrees
BS in Architecture
- Required Credits: 132
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tips to Choose the Best Cheapest College in Massachusetts
When looking for the cheapest college in Massachusetts, it’s important to consider things like tuition, scholarships, and how each school fits in with your plans.
Scholarships are a great way to lower the cost of college because they give money to students based on their academic performance or financial need. They help bring down the cost of tuition and other associated expenses while also making education more accessible. You should also look into each school’s financial aid program.
Student Submitted Questions About the Cheapest Private Colleges in Massachusetts
What is the average fee for college in Massachusetts?
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a college education in Massachusetts is $13,729 per year. Massachusetts colleges and universities have a COA of 31% more than the national average. However, several affordable universities in the state provide in-state tuition between $10,000 and $60,000.
Can I study for free in Massachusetts?
No, Massachusetts colleges do not offer free tuition. However, students who qualify for scholarships, grants, work-study programs, or loans may be able to get their tuition expenses waived/compensated.
How many private colleges are there in Massachusetts?
MU is the home to 68 private colleges with 279,634 students enrolled in them.
Conclusion
Choosing the cheapest private colleges in Massachusetts that align with your objectives, schedule preferences, and learning goals is important. Sometimes, the college that first caught your eye may not be the best fit for you. Thus, in order to make the best choice for yourself, figuring out which institutions align with your ambitions is important.
This process can be exciting, and if you take your time to weigh your alternatives, you can choose an institution that will provide you with your desired academic experience without having to worry about paying hefty tuition.
