Most
Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Massachusetts offers access to a diverse economy spanning finance, healthcare, technology, and education. Programs typically cover accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, operations, and data analytics, with internships and team projects building practical skills. Graduates often pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, sales representatives, or operations managers. Popular Massachusetts choices include the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Boston University, Northeastern University, Bentley University, and Babson College, among others.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Massachusetts offers opportunities to explore human behavior through courses in developmental, cognitive, social, abnormal, counseling, and research psychology, alongside statistics and laboratory methods. Popular choices include Harvard University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Graduates with a bachelor's degree commonly pursue roles in human resources, behavioral health support, case management, market research, or education. Advanced study is generally required for licensed psychologist and therapist positions.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Massachusetts offers access to world-renowned universities and a thriving technology sector. Programs typically cover programming languages, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Popular choices include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Northeastern University, Boston University, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Graduates often pursue careers as software developers, data scientists, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or IT project managers. Internships and research can help students build experience.

Counseling

Counseling programs in Massachusetts cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, and multicultural practice. Programs often include supervised fieldwork in schools, clinics, or community agencies. Graduates may pursue careers as school counselors, mental health counselors, substance-use counselors, or college student advisors, depending on degree level and state licensure. Popular Massachusetts options include Boston University, Northeastern University, UMass Boston, and Salem State University. Typical employment settings include schools, hospitals, and community mental-health centers statewide.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Massachusetts offers pathways from associate and bachelor's degrees to advanced study, with clinical experience in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, ethics, and clinical rotations. Graduates pursue registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care, or public health. Popular Massachusetts options include UMass Amherst, Northeastern University, Boston College, Simmons University, and MGH Institute of Health Professions. Programs prepare students for licensure.

Best Colleges in Massachusetts Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $41,984.0, compared with $66,692.0 at schools in the top 10%, making the overall median $24,708.0 lower.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall, compared with 61.2% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 61.2%. Schools receive an average of 11,416.22 applicants, while those in the top 10% average 26,141.0 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 2,132.0 men and 3,660.5 women.
• Average test scores are 1,266.17 on the SAT and 28.95 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 5,150.49; the averages for enrolled men and women are 379.2 and 449.09, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 65.99%, compared with 92.8% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 61.0% for men and 71.0% for women.
• There are 27 institutions offering associate's degrees, 76 offering bachelor's degrees, 65 offering master's degrees, and 27 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 68 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with financial-aid availability, and consider how selectivity, applicant volume, test scores, and graduation outcomes fit your priorities. Degree offerings and the coeducational-school count can also help narrow your options.

How much does studying at a college in Massachusetts cost?

The available estimate puts the average total cost of studying in Massachusetts at $40,255.34. A separate figure lists average tuition and fees at $42,078.23, with average room and board at $17,912.28 and books and supplies at $1,181.08. Since these averages do not reconcile as one itemized budget, do not add them together; use them as separate planning benchmarks. Your own price will depend on the institution, housing, and financial aid. If you're comparing colleges, familiar Massachusetts options include Harvard University, Boston University, Northeastern University, UMass Amherst, and the University of Massachusetts Boston. To estimate your degree cost, multiply a yearly budget by your program's length, then account for grants and scholarships. Housing choices and charges can shift your total, so compare each school's cost information before deciding. The good news: early aid comparisons can make Massachusetts college options feel achievable and help you choose a school that fits your budget.

How long does it take to finish college in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two; some majors, co-op schedules, or part-time enrollment can extend that timeline. At schools such as UMass Amherst, Boston University, and Northeastern, your pace depends on course load, program requirements, and whether you bring in prior credits.

The average graduation rate is 65.99%, compared with 92.8% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 61.91% for men and 68.42% for women. These figures show many students complete their studies, and staying on track and choosing a supportive fit can make a difference.

To graduate faster, Massachusetts students can:

• Use AP, IB, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits accepted by their college to reduce required coursework.
• Take summer classes, heavier course loads, or an accelerated program when available, while confirming prerequisites and financial-aid rules with an adviser.

Salary

College graduates in Massachusetts earn a median alumni salary of about $51,664. At schools in the top 10% nationally, the median is about $80,429. Your own earnings will depend on your field, experience, and school, but these figures offer a helpful sense of the opportunities a degree can open up.

Massachusetts offers many paths to a degree, from large public universities such as UMass Amherst to private institutions such as Northeastern University, Boston University, and Harvard University. When comparing schools, consider the cost of attendance alongside likely career paths and salary outcomes.

• Median alumni salary: approximately $51,664.
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: approximately $80,429.
• These are alumni salary figures, not a guarantee of what you will earn in your first job.

People also ask

What college in Massachusetts has the lowest tuition?

Massachusetts community colleges are generally among the lowest-cost choices for in-state students. I can't reliably name one as the lowest without current, comparable figures for tuition and mandatory fees, since costs vary by college, residency, program, and course load. Comparing the colleges' published in-state costs for your intended program is the safest way to find your best fit.

What college in Massachusetts has the lowest GPA requirement?

There isn't enough information to identify one Massachusetts college as having the lowest GPA requirement. Community colleges often have open-admission policies for general enrollment, so a minimum GPA may not be required; selective programs can set separate standards. If your GPA is a concern, contacting a college's admissions office can help you understand your options and feel confident about applying.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Massachusetts Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a large public university in Massachusetts, with 31,318 enrolled students. Its 83% graduation rate is the strongest among these five options, while its 60% acceptance rate suggests a selective but accessible admissions profile. Listed total study cost is $39,683, and median alumni salary is $55,960. For a Massachusetts-based student seeking a broad campus community and degree choices, UMass Amherst offers scale and comparatively strong completion outcomes; consider costs alongside your academic goals and financial aid options.

Sattler College is a small Massachusetts college with just 60 enrolled students. Its reported 81% graduation rate is high among these schools, and its 69% acceptance rate may appeal to applicants seeking a less crowded setting. The listed total study cost is $0, while median alumni salary data is unavailable. For a Massachusetts student considering a close-knit college community, Sattler offers a small-school option; verify tuition, programs, and aid details before applying, since the reported cost may not capture expenses.

North Shore Community College enrolls 5,743 students and offers a public community-college pathway for Massachusetts residents seeking an accessible route to a degree. Its reported graduation rate is 18%, and acceptance-rate data are unavailable. Total study cost is listed at $6,168, the lowest nonzero amount among these schools; median alumni salary is $50,057. Students can consider North Shore for lower-cost study close to home, while checking transfer options, program availability, and how completion measures fit their individual educational plans carefully.

Salem State University is a Massachusetts public university with 6,230 enrolled students, offering a mid-sized campus option for students pursuing a degree in the state. Its 50% graduation rate is paired with a 96% acceptance rate, the highest acceptance figure in this group. Listed total study cost is $7,050, and median alumni salary is $50,240. Applicants may value its broadly accessible admissions profile and should compare academic programs, campus experience, and financial aid to decide whether Salem fits their goals.

Westfield State University is a public Massachusetts university serving 4,588 enrolled students, making it a smaller campus choice than UMass Amherst but larger than Sattler College. Its graduation rate is 54%, and 81% of applicants are accepted. The listed total study cost is $7,050, while median alumni salary is $46,198. For students seeking a degree with a student population, Westfield merits comparison; explore available majors, campus support, and financial aid to see how it matches your educational and budget priorities.