Choosing a college in Massachusetts doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Massachusetts are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Massachusetts , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 12 four-year Massachusetts Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $25,121, reflecting a 2.19% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 12 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 11 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
Fitchburg State University ranks as the least expensive public Massachusetts colleges. With tuition and fees at just $17,426, Fitchburg State University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Worcester State University at$17,866 and Bridgewater State University at$17,874 both consistently recognized among the Massachusetts Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Massachusetts Public Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 88.18%, and the average SAT score is 1,183, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, MAPublic, 4-year | $17,426 ($11,346) $300 | $6,246 ($6,246) - | 86.93% | 5,892 | 1,150 | 55.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 2 - | Worcester State University Worcester, MAPublic, 4-year | $17,866 ($11,786) $500 | $6,813 ($6,813) $720 | 87.99% | 5,745 | 1,150 | 61.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 3 - | Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, MAPublic, 4-year | $17,874 ($11,734) $345 | $9,297 ($9,297) $256 | 87.81% | 9,727 | 1,170 | 53.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 4 - | Framingham State University Framingham, MAPublic, 4-year | $18,000 ($11,920) $290 | $13,470 ($10,965) $145 | 83.61% | 4,002 | 1,180 | 48.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 5 - | Westfield State University Westfield, MAPublic, 4-year | $18,259 ($12,179) $297 | $8,676 ($8,676) $414 | 81.41% | 4,588 | - | 54.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 6 - | Salem State University Salem, MAPublic, 4-year | $19,531 ($12,338) $570 | $11,069 ($9,360) $322 | 95.88% | 6,230 | - | 50.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 7 - | Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, MAPublic, 4-year | $21,381 ($12,436) $552 | $8,181 ($8,181) $328 | 89.74% | 896 | - | 56.00% | 8 to 1 |
| 8 - | Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buzzards Bay, MAPublic, 4-year | $23,722 ($11,420) $188 | $19,984 ($19,984) - | 94.70% | 1,488 | - | 74.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 9 - | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MAPublic, 4-year | $32,567 ($15,612) $817 | $30,589 ($17,269) $336 | 90.64% | 7,968 | 1,170 | 52.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 10 - | University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, MAPublic, 4-year | $36,264 ($16,966) $868 | $29,118 ($16,434) $692 | 83.04% | 16,598 | 1,280 | 65.00% | 17 to 1 |
| Average | $22,289 ($12,774) | $14,344 ($11,323) | 88.18% | 6,313 | 1,183 | 56.80% | 14 to 1 |