A college education can be a valuable long-term investment. A degree can open doors in a career and in life that might otherwise be harder to access.
However, the cost of attendance at many higher education institutions can be high. Students looking for more affordable options in Massachusetts can consider the schools below, but international applicants should always confirm current tuition, fees, immigration requirements, program availability, and accreditation status directly with each institution before applying.
Affordable Schools in Massachusetts for International Students
1. MassBay Community College
MassBay Community College is a public community college that describes itself as the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest. Most Massachusetts residents who do not already hold a bachelor’s degree can attend MassBay tuition- and fee-free through free community college programs, provided they enroll in an eligible program and complete the required financial aid application. International students should budget for the out-of-state rate and any course, lab, insurance, or other fees that apply.
MassBay offers more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs, along with more than 200 classes. Students can explore programs in automotive technology, business and accounting, education and human services, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, legal studies and criminal justice, STEM, and online learning.
2. Cambridge College
Our next candidate on this list of affordable colleges in Massachusetts is Cambridge College, a private nonprofit institution known for serving adult learners. The college has been a leader and pioneer in adult learning for more than 50 years. Its main campus is in Boston, Massachusetts, and it also has a regional center in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The institution offers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. Program options include fields such as business, management, education, counseling, finance, health care management, human resources, and related professional areas. Some programs are offered online, on campus, remotely, or in hybrid formats, so students should confirm the delivery mode and campus availability for their specific program before applying.
Cambridge College’s curriculum is designed for working adults and career-focused learners. Its approach emphasizes practical knowledge, critical thinking, leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
3. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $13,066/year (Massachusetts residents) | $13,581/year (eligible New York and New England students) | $22,011/year (Out-of-state and international students)
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public institution in the Massachusetts public higher education system. Its campus is located in North Adams, in the Berkshires. MCLA describes itself as offering one of Massachusetts’ premier public liberal arts educations at the state’s lowest four-year public college cost.
This affordable college in Massachusetts emphasizes a liberal arts education, student-centered learning, applied knowledge, public service, and preparation for practical problem-solving. Students can benefit from a small-campus setting while studying in a region known for arts, culture, and outdoor opportunities.
MCLA now advertises more than 90 programs designed to support students at different stages of their academic journey. Students can explore undergraduate, accelerated and joint degree, graduate, licensure, and certificate options in areas such as the arts, sciences, business, education, health, and technology-related fields.
4. Bunker Hill Community College
Our final institution among the affordable Massachusetts colleges is Bunker Hill Community College. BHCC is an open-access, multi-campus public community college with campuses in Charlestown and Chelsea, as well as instructional centers across Greater Boston. It is the largest community college in Massachusetts, enrolling more than 16,000 students annually.
At this school, students can pursue programs of study that lead to Associate in Arts degrees, Associate in Science degrees, and certificates. Programs include general education requirements, career or liberal arts electives, and program requirements. BHCC also offers day, afternoon, evening, weekend, hybrid, and online course options.
The schools mentioned above show that more affordable options are available in Massachusetts. However, costs can change by academic year, residency status, program, course load, health insurance requirements, and fees. International students should carefully compare total cost of attendance, program availability, accreditation, and admissions requirements before choosing a school.
We hope this article on the cheapest colleges in Massachusetts was helpful! If you are interested, check out the Study in the USA and the Available Courses for International Students!
