Boston is considered one of the best cities for students because it is one of the United States’ major intellectual and higher education hubs. In the Boston metropolitan area, there are more than 50 colleges and universities and about 250,000 students. The city also attracts students from around the United States and the world. In addition, there are great culinary options for you to enjoy.
Thanks to the fact that immigrants from all over the world have made Boston home, you can try meals from almost any corner of the world. Winters can be harsh in Boston. However, it’s nothing a thick coat and an ensemble of gloves, hats, and a scarf can’t beat.
Something that you’ll love about Boston is that it’s easy to walk around the city and visit historical places. Everything seems to be very close! Thanks to its rich history, you’ll be surrounded by places with a story, making your life in the city all the more enjoyable.
You’ll have a lot of options for universities and colleges. If you have a limited budget to finance your studies, you can consider affordable institutions in Boston. This article lists cheap universities and colleges in Boston that prospective international students can consider, including current tuition information and links below.
Affordable Schools in Boston for International Students
1. University of Massachusetts Boston
The University of Massachusetts Boston is Boston’s only public research university. It was established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1964 and opened in 1965. This institution focuses on public research and urban engagement. UMass Boston enrolls more than 16,000 students and has a highly diverse student body, including more than 2,000 international students from more than 136 countries.
Furthermore, the university emphasizes access and inclusion for students from a wide range of backgrounds. The Integrated Sciences Complex and University Hall are part of the university’s long-term campus development plan and support its research and teaching mission.
The programs offered range from bachelor’s to doctorate programs, as well as certificates. The areas of study include nursing and health, liberal arts and social sciences, business, education and counseling, policy and global studies, and science and mathematics. The university also has research centers and institutes where faculty and students can pursue research projects in different subjects.
2. Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology is now commonly known as Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, or Franklin Cummings Tech. It was founded in 1908 and traces its origins to Benjamin Franklin’s estate gift to the people of Boston. This private, nonprofit college focuses on technology and career-ready programs.
The college’s long-time South End campus has been replaced by a new Roxbury campus at 1011 Harrison Ave., which opened in January 2026. Franklin Cummings Tech offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in technical fields such as automotive technology, biotechnology, computer information technology, cybersecurity, construction management, engineering technology, opticianry, and business management.
Franklin Cummings Tech serves a small student population compared with many Boston universities, with 1,125 total students served across traditional, continuing and workforce, and early college programs. Its current fast facts report an 80% alumni job placement rate and a 57% three-year graduation rate.
Students should check financial aid carefully. Franklin Cummings Tech reports that 93% of students receive financial aid, and aid packages can include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Some program-specific aid may cover close to, or even full, tuition for qualifying students; for example, eligible low-income Greater Boston students in the Electrical Engineering BS program may receive NSF S-STEM support of up to $10,000 per year, which can be combined with Pell and Massachusetts grants.
3. Boston Architectural College
Boston Architectural College is New England’s largest private college of spatial design. Focused on space design careers, this private college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and design studies. It also offers online low-residency graduate degrees and certificate programs.
Interestingly, this higher education institution started as the Boston Architectural Club in 1889. The BAC also offers Summer Academy programs for high school students interested in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and related design fields.
The school’s McCormick Gallery is open to the public, and its exhibitions are free.
The schools mentioned above are only some of the affordable options in Boston. As you can see, even affordable options may still require a significant budget, but scholarships and financial aid options can help reduce costs. Boston is also an excellent place for building long-term business relationships, so if you’re interested in business or management studies, Massachusetts can be a strong place to study while enjoying your time there.
We hope this article on the cheapest universities in Boston was helpful. If you are interested, make sure to also check out the Study in the USA page and the Available Programs for International Students!
