For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Massachusetts is $13,268 for Massachusetts residents and $25,271 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Massachusetts, the average tuition & fees are $48,324 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Massachusetts is $15,057 for Massachusetts residents and $20,810 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Massachusetts, the average graduate tuition is $33,457.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $19,908 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $17,543. 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.
You can compare all Massachusetts colleges in various ways:
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 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in Massachusetts is $33,501 for residents and $45,504 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $69,589. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $7,484 for Massachusetts residents and $12,743 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 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 | $33,501 | $45,504 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $69,589 | |
| Community Colleges | $7,484 | $12,743 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Massachusetts, 140 out of 147 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 $5,790 for Massachusetts residents and $17,719 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $46,923
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $954 for residents and $6,138 for out-of-state students.
| Massachusetts Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $5,790 | $17,719 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $46,923 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $954 | $6,138 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $16,771 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Massachusetts, 72 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Massachusetts is $10,289 for Massachusetts residents and $16,035 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $32,595
| Massachusetts Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $10,289 | $16,035 |
| Private Schools | $32,595 | |
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 $273 for Massachusetts residents and $669 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,423
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $515 for Massachusetts residents and $822 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $1,310
| Massachusetts Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $273 | $669 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $1,423 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $83 | $302 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $515 | $822 |
| Private Schools | $1,310 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Massachusetts
At colleges in Massachusetts, the average living cost is $19,908 when a student lives on campus facility and $17,543 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $18,807 | $16,449 |
| Private Schools | $20,173 | $18,030 |
