Massachusetts is home to world-famous colleges and universities, but for many students the real challenge isn’t getting accepted, it’s actually affording tuition. College costs can run higher than the national average, with public in-state tuition averaging nearly $15,000 a year (as seen below). That can feel discouraging if you’re trying to balance your career goals with a realistic budget.
The good news is that Massachusetts also offers a wide range of affordable options, from low-tuition state schools to online degree programs, targeted scholarships, and in-state community colleges. In this guide, you’ll find the cheapest colleges in Massachusetts, details on financial aid, and tips to help you choose a school that aligns with both your academic ambitions and your wallet.
Key Takeaways
• Massachusetts has some of the most expensive schools in the U.S., but several public universities and community colleges that can keep tuition relatively affordable.
• Tuition at in-state public schools is significantly lower compared to out-of-state or private institutions, though the mandatory fees can add to the total cost.
• Online colleges in Massachusetts provide flexible and budget-friendly degree pathways for working adults and career changers.
• Scholarships, grants, and programs like MassTransfer and Commonwealth Commitment can help reduce tuition and fees.
• Graduates of Massachusetts colleges often see strong job prospects, with high-paying jobs in healthcare, engineering, and information technology.
Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts: The Basics
Massachusetts offers several affordable public universities where in-state tuition is significantly lower than private or out-of-state options.
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Salem State University | Salem | $12,708/year (in state), $20,116.80/year (out of state)1 |
| Worcester State University | Worcester | $11,786/year (in state), $17,866/year (out of state)3 |
| Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg | $11,346/year (in state), $17,426/year (out of state)4 |
| Framingham State University | Framingham | $12,221/year (in state), $18,301/year (out of state)7 |
| Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater | $11,808/year (in state), $17,948/year (out of state)8 |
| Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts | North Adams | $12,914/year (in state), $21,859/year (out of state)9 |
| University of Massachusetts Dartmouth | Dartmouth | $15,208/year (in state), $31,750/year (out of state)10 |
| University of Massachusetts Lowell | Lowell | $16,966/year (in state), $36,264/year (out of state)11 |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | Hampshire County | $17,772/year (in state), $40,449/year (out of state)12 |
| Boston University | Boston | $68,102/year13 |
Cheapest Universities in Massachusetts: A Closer Look
The cheapest universities in Massachusetts include public schools like Worcester State, Fitchburg State, and Bridgewater State.
Cheapest Online Colleges in MA
There are multiple Massachusetts colleges that provide great and affordable online degree programs that allow students to complete their coursework with increased flexibility.
Fitchburg State University (Online)
Fitchburg State offers a variety of affordable online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can pursue bachelor’s completion programs, online master’s degrees, and certificates in fields like business, nursing, and education. Tuition rates are $150 per credit for undergraduates and $195 per credit for graduate students.14
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Online)
UMass Dartmouth Online provides more than 40 fully online degree and certificate programs. Options range from bachelor’s completion programs in business administration and nursing to master’s programs in education and public policy. Tuition is $370 per credit for undergraduate courses and $435 to $617 per credit for graduate courses depending on your chosen graduate program.15
Northpoint Bible College and Seminary (Online)
Northpoint Bible College offers faith-based online degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Programs focus on theology, ministry, and biblical studies, making this an affordable option for students pursuing careers in religious leadership. Online tuition is $425 per credit.16
Cambridge College (Online)
Cambridge College delivers flexible online programs for working adults, including bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and doctoral programs. Popular areas of study include business, human services, psychology, and education. Tuition is $502 per credit for undergraduates and $639-$700 per credit for graduate students.17
University of Massachusetts Boston (Online)
UMass Boston Online offers a wide selection of programs across disciplines such as management, nursing, and applied linguistics. Degrees include bachelor’s completion programs, graduate certificates, and doctoral pathways. Tuition for in-state undergraduates is $688.30 per credit and for out-of-state undergraduates is $1,638.60 per credit. For MA graduates, tuition is $885.50 per credit hour, and for non-MA resident graduate students, tuition is $1,692.30 per credit hour.18
Cheapest Colleges in MA by In-State Tuition
In-state tuition at Massachusetts colleges is generally much lower than nonresident costs, but eligibility will depend on the specific school’s residency requirements. Eligibility generally requires establishing Massachusetts residency for at least 12 months prior to enrollment in the program.
Cheapest Colleges in MA by Out-of-State Tuition
Out-of-state tuition in Massachusetts can be reduced for regional students through programs like NEBHE Tuition Break. Explore the website for the most up-to-date information and learn how to find an applicable program.
Why Is College So Expensive?
Like the rest of the country, college in Massachusetts is expensive due to tuition, fees, and rising costs for housing, food, and campus services. According to the College Board’s 2024 Trends in College Pricing, the largest drivers of rising tuition are administrative costs, student services, and facility maintenance.5
How to Save Money in College
Students in Massachusetts can save money through transfer pathways, tuition freezes, and careful budgeting. Massachusetts-specific strategies include:
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Commonwealth Commitment, which freezes tuition and fees for eligible students who maintain a 3.0 GPA and graduate within four years.
MassTransfer Pathway, which allows students to begin at a community college and transfer to a four-year university with guaranteed credit transfer and tuition discounts^5.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Massachusetts
Applying for financial aid in Massachusetts starts with the FAFSA and includes state-based programs like MASSGrant and Adams Scholarships. The Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) administers programs like the MASSGrant Plus and John & Abigail Adams Scholarship. Students should apply early, as many state aid programs are first-come, first-served once FAFSA data is released in the fall.
Scholarships for Students in Massachusetts
Massachusetts students can apply for state and private scholarships that help lower tuition and fees.
- MASSGrant Plus offers need-based aid to full-time students at public colleges in MA.
- The John & Abigail Adams Scholarship provides a tuition waiver at Massachusetts public universities for students who score in the top 25% on MCAS exams.
- MassReconnect (which was launched in 2023) covers tuition and fees at community colleges for Massachusetts residents aged 25 and older without a prior degree.
How to Choose a Cheap College in Massachusetts
Choosing the cheapest college in Massachusetts will depend on tuition, scholarships, and how well the programs align with your specific career goals. Students should also consider transfer pathways, student-faculty ratios, and prospective program accreditation.
Highest Paying Jobs for College Graduates
The highest-paying jobs for college graduates include roles in IT, healthcare, and engineering. Updated national BLS 2025 data shows:
- Computer and Information Systems Manager: $171,200 median salary.20
- Physician Assistant: $133,260 median salary.21
- Construction Manager: $106,980 median salary.22
- Biomedical Engineer: $106,950 median salary.23
- Computer Programmer: $98,670 median salary.24
- Financial Analyst: $101,910 median salary.25
- Civil Engineer: $99,590 median salary.26
- Graphic Designer: $61,300 median salary.27
- Dietitian: $73,850 median salary.28
- Exercise Physiologist: $58,160 median salary.29
Best Jobs for College Grads in MA: Explained
Top jobs for Massachusetts graduates include physician assistants, dietitians, and programmers, each with different salaries and growth outlooks.
- Computer and Information System Managers – Job growth is projected to grow by 15% in the next decade, which is much faster than the national average.20
- Bioengineers – Job growth is projected to grow by 5% in the next decade, which is faster than the national average.23
- Physician Assistant – Still among the fastest-growing fields, physician assistants have a 20% projected growth nationally over the decade.21
Is a Cheap College in MA Worth It?
A cheap college in Massachusetts can absolutely be worth it thanks to solid graduate earnings and lower debt for in-state students. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, graduates of Massachusetts public universities typically earn median salaries between $45,000 and $140,000+ ten years after enrollment.18
Cheapest Colleges in MA FAQ
Students often ask about tuition-free colleges, total institutions, and the best cities for affordable education in Massachusetts.
- How many colleges are in MA? There are over 60 degree-granting institutions in Massachusetts as of 2025.19
- What colleges are free in Massachusetts? While there are no colleges that are universally free, the MassReconnect program provides tuition-free community college for residents that are 25 and older and don’t have a prior degree.
Sources:
- https://www.salemstate.edu/admissions-and-aid/tuition-and-fees
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/salem-state-2188
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/worcester-state-university-2190
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- https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/Trends-in-College-Pricing-and-Student-Aid-2024-ADA.pdf
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/framingham-state-2185
- https://www.framingham.edu/admissions-aid/cost-aid/tuition-fees
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/bridgewater-state-university-2183
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- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/umass-amherst-2221
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/boston-university-2130
- https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/fitchburg-state-university-165820?edu-2401-variation=true
- https://www.umassd.edu/online/tuition-and-fees/
- https://northpoint.edu/application-process/financial-aid/
- https://www.cambridgecollege.edu/tuition-aid/tuition-fees
- https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/search/?page=0&search=massachusetts&sort=threshold_earnings:desc
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/ma?_sort=rank&_sortDirection=asc
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm
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