For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Massachusetts is $12,788 for Massachusetts residents and $24,623 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Massachusetts, the average tuition & fees are $46,911 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Massachusetts is $14,665 for Massachusetts residents and $20,283 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Massachusetts, the average graduate tuition is $33,020.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $19,051 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $16,433. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Massachusetts is $31,657 for residents and $43,491 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $67,426. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $7,231 for Massachusetts residents and $12,490 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Massachusetts Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $31,657 | $43,491 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $67,426 | |
| Community Colleges | $7,231 | $12,490 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Massachusetts, 139 out of 146 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 42 public and 62 private colleges in Massachusetts. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Massachusetts is $5,575 for Massachusetts residents and $17,349 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $45,506
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $942 for residents and $6,126 for out-of-state students.
| Massachusetts Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $5,575 | $17,349 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $45,506 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $942 | $6,126 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $16,396 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Massachusetts, 70 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Massachusetts is $10,032 for Massachusetts residents and $15,647 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $32,120
| Massachusetts Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $10,032 | $15,647 |
| Private Schools | $32,120 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Massachusetts is $385 for Massachusetts residents and $761 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,394
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $613 for Massachusetts residents and $913 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $1,282
| Massachusetts Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $385 | $761 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $1,394 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $149 | $368 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $613 | $913 |
| Private Schools | $1,282 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Massachusetts
At colleges in Massachusetts, the average living cost is $19,051 when a student lives on campus facility and $16,433 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $17,546 | $14,853 |
| Private Schools | $19,413 | $17,147 |
