Massachusetts State has quite a number of prestigious universities like the renowned Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Williams College, and Amherst College. It also has a network of colleges offering top-notch education at costs that won’t leave you in debt. If you are worried that you can’t obtain exceptional education at a low cost, this article will clear your doubts.
We have listed the 10 cheapest colleges in Massachuessets that promise not just affordable tuition but also financial aid and great quality education. Some of the colleges mentioned in this article have consistently ranked as some of the best colleges in the Nation. See the full list below.
Top 10 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts
1. Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA)
Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) founded in 1891 is a public college located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. It specializes in maritime-related programs and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Undergraduate programs offered at this institution include Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, Facilities Engineering, Emergency Management, International Maritime Business, and Marine Science, Safety, and Environmental Protection. At the graduate level, students can study Emergency Management, Facilities Management, and Maritime Business Management.
MMA operates the TS Kennedy, a training ship used for practical, hands-on maritime education. The tuition fee for this college is very affordable with students paying $1,890 and $17,010 (In-state and out-of-state)=
2. Boston Baptist College
Boston Baptist College founded in 1976 is a private Christian college located in Boston, Massachusetts. This college focuses on providing a biblically-based education with emphasis on ministry and leadership within a Christian context.
Boston Baptist College offers several undergraduate programs, primarily focused on biblical studies and ministry. They offer Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies, and Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies. It is one of the cheapest colleges in Massachusetts and charges a tuition of $11,400 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
3. Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University (BSU) established in 1840 is a public university in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. It offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong commitment to teaching, research, and community service.
BSU offers over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations in fields such as arts and humanities, business, education, science and mathematics, social sciences, and more. This college also has 40 graduate programs, including master’s degrees, postbaccalaureate certificates, and post-master’s certificates in education, business, public administration, counseling, and more.
There are also special programs like the Honors Program, Study Abroad opportunities, and internships to enhance the academic experience. The cost of tuition for this institution is $910 and $7,050 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
4. Salem State University
Salem State University (SSU) is a public university located in Salem, Massachusetts, with a history dating back to the founding of Salem Normal School in 1854. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
SSU offers over 40 undergraduate majors offers numerous master’s degrees, certificate programs, and doctoral programs in various fields, including education, business, counseling, nursing, and social work.
The colleges in this college include College of Arts and Sciences, Bertolon School of Business, School of Education, School of Nursing, School of Social Work, School of Graduate Studies. The cost of tuition at this college is $910 and $7,050 depending on residence.
5. Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg State University (FSU) founded in 1894 is a public university located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Established in 1894, it has a long history of providing comprehensive undergraduate and graduate education with a focus on practical, career-oriented programs.
FSU offers over 25 undergraduate majors across disciplines such as business, education, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and arts. The university provides several master’s degrees, certificate programs, and professional licensure programs in fields including education, business administration, nursing, counseling, social work, and more. It is one of the cheapest colleges in Massachusetts, tuition costs about $970 and $7,050.
6. Framingham State University
Framingham State University (FSU) is a public university located in Framingham, Massachusetts. It was established in 1839 as the United State’s first normal school.
Framingham State University offers a wide range of affordable programs through its various colleges and schools. FSU offers over 40 undergraduate majors across disciplines such as arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and health professions. The tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $970 and $7,050 respectively.
7. Westfield State University
Framingham State University (FSU) established in 1839 is a public university located in Framingham, Massachusetts. There are over 40 undergraduate majors across disciplines such as arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and health professions.
The university also offers several master’s degrees, certificate programs, and professional licensure programs in fields including education, business administration, nutrition, communication disorders, and more. The tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $970 and $7,050 respectively.
8. Worcester State University
Worcester State University (WSU) is a public university located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Established in 1874, it offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on liberal arts, sciences, education, business, and health professions.
WSU offers over 50 undergraduate majors across disciplines such as arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, health professions, and more. The tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $970 and $7,050 respectively.
9. Massachusetts College of Art and Design – MassArt
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is a public college of visual and applied art located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was established in 1873 as one of the oldest art schools in the United States and is known for its innovative programs, talented faculty, and vibrant artistic community.
MassArt offers bachelor’s degrees in areas such as Fine Arts, Design, Media Arts, Art Education, and Art History. The college provides master’s degrees in disciplines such as Fine Arts, Design Innovation, Teaching, and Art Education. The tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $1,030 and$26,630 respectively.
10. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), formerly known as North Adams State College, is a public liberal arts college located in North Adams, Massachusetts. MCLA is part of the Massachusetts State University system and has a total enrollment of around 1,974 students.
MCLA offers a variety of undergraduate programs leading to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. They also have a Master of Education program and some graduate programs in business administration.
Tuition at this college is very affordable, in-state tuition for undergraduates is around $11,590, while out-of-state tuition is $20,535.
Average Cost of Tuition For Colleges in Massachusetts
The average in-state tuition for public and private colleges is around $29,849, which is significantly higher than the national average. Public universities are more affordable, in-state tuition is around $16,952, while private school tuition can reach $63,804. Out-of-state students often pay double or triple the in-state rate.
Tuition is just the starting point, factor in additional fees for housing, dining, textbooks, and activities, adding another $5,000 to $10,000 per year. Many Massachusetts colleges offer generous financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. You can research these aid programs and apply for them to reduce the cost of college education.
Scholarships and Financial Aid For Students in Massachusetts
The cost of college tuition these days is high but there are ways you can reduce the cost of attending college. You can do this by taking advantage of the many financial aid programs offered by the state, see detailed explanation below:-
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MASSGrant & MASSGrant Plus: These grants are need-based and awarded to Massachusetts residents attending in-state colleges. The amount you are entitled to depends on financial need and enrollment status (full-time or part-time).
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Massachusetts also offers a variety of grant programs for specific student groups, such as foster children, healthcare professionals, and early childhood educators.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This is the gateway to federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans, and work-study programs. Completing the FAFSA is crucial for most scholarships and grants.
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Merit-based Scholarships: These awards are based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, or talents.
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Need-based Scholarships: Many colleges and private organizations in Massachusetts offer scholarships based on financial need. Research scholarships offered by your chosen schools and local organizations.
Most In-Demand Jobs in Massachusetts
Here are some of the jobs that are most popular and pay high in Massachusetts:-
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $128,447 |
| Software Engineer | $115,000 |
| Salesperson | Varies |
| Project Manager | $108,690 |
| DevOps Engineer | $110,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $121,430 |
| Data Scientist | $126,840 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $103,560 |
| Marketing Manager | $114,270 |
| Accountant | $77,250 |
These are just a few examples, and salary ranges depend on your experience, location, and specific job duties, research the specific positions you are interested in to get the most accurate salary information.