As one of the most educated states in the country, Massachusetts is famous as a hub of higher learning. World-renowned schools like Harvard and MIT call the Bay State home, but plenty of other affordable colleges in Massachusetts offer a quality education.
Our ranking of the top Massachusetts colleges highlights affordability, meaning you won't have to break the bank to earn a degree. You'll also find information on fast-growing careers, state scholarships, and popular majors for Massachusetts students.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Affordable Online Colleges in Massachusetts
#1 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Amherst, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Prospective students can explore University of Massachusetts-Amherst's affordable online degrees. The Massachusetts college offers a comprehensive catalog of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The institution offers programs to prepare learners for entry-level jobs and career advancement and offers full-time and part-time enrollment options.
Online students need not log on to classes at a set time. Nontraditional students enjoy flexibility with hybrid programs’ online and traditional face-to-face instruction.
Degree-seekers can choose from seven associate and 84 bachelor’s programs. Students pay affordable tuition and receive an average $7,894 financial aid package.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Facts:
Status of School: Public
Number of Online Learners: 4,643
Online Programs Available: 45
Bachelor’s Available Online: 9
Learners awarded Aid: 90%
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Massachusetts
Lesley University
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private postsecondary school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University offers 24 online degrees. Programs builds reliable analytical and critical thinking skills. Degree-seekers can join student organizations to network with other students and access professional development opportunities.
Nontraditional learners pursue online undergrad degrees at Lesley University. With transfer credits, students can finish bachelor’s degrees in 18-36 months. Nontraditional learners pay $28,500 in-state tuition for bachelor’s degrees. Master's students can complete master’s degrees in about two years. Learners pay an $18,540 in-state tuition rate for graduate degrees.
According to the school, 99% of degree-seekers receive financial aid and 66% take out loans.
Multiple start terms provide enrollment flexibility. Online students can expect a 75% admission rate. Programs help learners gain the knowledge and skills they need to secure roles in their field. Degree-seekers can use college admissions tests to strengthen their application.
Lesley University has received accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education, an independent, regional accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
20%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Massachusetts
Fitchburg State University
- Fitchburg, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Fitchburg State University, enrollees earn affordable online degrees. Online learners can pursue various undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Massachusetts school. Nontraditional learners pursue the institution’s degrees for career preparation and advancement. Students can enroll on a full- or part-time basis. The school's online programs offer a flexible asynchronous format. Hybrid degrees feature both online classes and traditional courses. Small classes promote personalized learning.
Graduates can choose from among six online master's programs. Students can use affordable tuition and generous financial aid to pay for their degrees.
Fitchburg State University Fast Facts:
Institution Status: Public
Students Pursuing Online Degrees: 2,683
Number of Online Programs: 11
Bachelor’s Programs Available Online: 3
Tuition Rate Per Credit: 397
Percentage of Enrollees Receiving Aid: 91%
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Massachusetts
Westfield State University
- Westfield, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A degree from Westfield State University helps graduates advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. A total of 2,396 online learners enroll at the school. Certificates and programs use video lectures, assignments, and class discussions. Students choose from various degrees.
Nontraditional learners can transfer credits to complete a bachelor’s degree in 18-36 months. Learners pay the in-state tuition rate of $970 for bachelor’s degrees. Online learners typically complete master's programs in two years. Finishing a doctoral degree typically takes four or more years. Students pursuing graduate degrees pay $1,890 in-state tuition. The school’s average aid package of $6,448 helps students pay for their education. Enrollees use private and institutional scholarships to help pay for their degree.
The institution's website provides details about how to earn credit for internships. The school enrolls students at an admission rate of 87%. The school requires the submission of school transcripts. The school may request some applicants’ test scores. Westfield State University holds accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education, a regional accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Massachusetts
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A top online institution, the private Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The accredited school enrolls 6,176 distance learners in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution offers 14 bachelor's programs and 26 master's programs for online degree-seekers.
Remote programs in top fields like business, STEM, and healthcare help the school meet the needs of students with diverse career goals. Participants stay engaged in the online programs because of their virtual learning environments. The institution generally lets virtual learners complete in-person requirements in their local area. Online students benefit from student services tailored specifically for them, such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring.
Most bachelor's degree-seekers graduate in four years. Students can graduate faster by bringing in credits from previous college experience. Prospective enrollees can also investigate accelerated program options.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
Boston's tuition-free community college plan fully funds up to three years of study at partner colleges throughout the city.
10 Fast-Growing Careers in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Economic Research projects major growth in career fields like information technology, business, and healthcare. As the chart below indicates, the state expects to see huge gains in business logistics careers, with high demand for professionals such as statisticians, logisticians, and operations research analysts. Tech jobs are also well represented, alongside popular healthcare careers like nurse practitioner and physician assistant.
Fast-Growing Careers in Massachusetts
| Job |
Projected Growth |
Annual Mean Wage in Massachusetts, May 2023 |
| Information Security Analysts |
50.7% |
$129,500 |
| Statisticians |
57.5% |
$105,360 |
| Nurse Practitioners |
55.7 |
$144,010 |
| Data Scientists |
50.7% |
$125,100 |
| Operations Research Analysts |
45.8% |
$96,930 |
| Logisticians |
42.4% |
$95,670 |
| Veterinarians |
42% |
$162,030 |
| Software Developers |
38.9% |
$146,580 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
38.6% |
$158,540 |
| Physician Assistants |
35.8% |
$132,550 |
Source: BLS, ONET OnLine
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Massachusetts' Job Market
This section highlights four popular majors to prepare you for fast-growing career fields in Massachusetts. Most of the affordable colleges in Massachusetts offer programs in these areas or other related majors.
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Information Technology/Computer Science
Information technology can prepare you for jobs with businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. This major builds skills like programming and computer networking and trains you to work in fields such as software development and information security. The widespread use of technology in business makes this a highly versatile area of study.
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Statistics/Data Science
Majors in statistics and data science train you to make information-based predictions to aid businesses and other organizations. Combining computer science and mathematical modeling, this area of study applies to many professional fields. Common career paths may include finance, information technology, and marketing.
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Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Logistics focuses on methods to improve the movement of goods and services for businesses. Raw materials and finished products move through several stages before they reach customers, and logistics experts make sure these processes run efficiently. A logistics degree can prepare you for positions with companies that manufacture consumer goods, giving you plenty of job options after graduation.
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Nursing/Health Sciences
Programs in health sciences prepare you for different roles in the healthcare industry. Some programs, such as nursing, focus on direct patient care. Others, such as healthcare administration or health information management, focus on organizing health services and making sure care operates effectively.
Cost of Living in Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks among the most expensive states in the U.S., with a cost of living high above the national average. Thankfully, the most affordable colleges in Massachusetts can help you save on tuition while also cutting down on living expenses.
Online learning makes it possible to live outside of expensive metro areas like Boston while still receiving a quality education. You may also be able to save money on other expenses like transportation or childcare.
Average Cost of Living in Massachusetts
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Cost Per Month |
| Housing |
$1,742 |
| Groceries and Food |
$407 |
| Transportation |
$816 |
| Medical Care |
$290 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator, using data for one adult without children
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Massachusetts
Even if you're attending one of the most affordable colleges in Massachusetts, scholarships and grants can help you reduce your tuition costs even further. Both grants and scholarships offer financial assistance that never needs to be repaid. Scholarships usually provide aid based on your academic performance, while grants usually provide aid based on financial need.
This list highlights four popular scholarships for Massachusetts college students.
The High Demand program provides aid for students pursuing majors in STEM, education, or health professions. To qualify, you must reside in Massachusetts for at least one year before the start of your first semester and maintain a GPA of 3.0 during college.
If you attended high school in Massachusetts and scored highly on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, this scholarship offers aid for undergraduate education. You must be enrolled at a Massachusetts public college to receive this award.
If you're a head-of-household with children under age 18, the One Family Scholarship can provide full tuition at any Massachusetts college. To qualify, you must demonstrate financial need and participate in One Family Inc.'s Leadership Seminar program.
The Paul Tsongas Scholarship provides aid for graduating Massachusetts high school students with a GPA above 3.75 and an SAT score above 1200. Only students planning to attend certain Massachusetts public colleges are eligible to apply. Eligible schools include Framingham State University, Salem State University, and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Massachusetts
Massachusetts participates in the Tuition Break program, which offers reduced tuition if you live in a neighboring New England state. While you still won't pay the in-state tuition rate in Massachusetts, Tuition Break may allow you to save thousands of dollars on college. Not all residents are eligible, and the Tuition Break may not apply to all schools. Eligible states include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Massachusetts
Do online credits cost more or less in Massachusetts?
In some instances, online credits are more affordable than in-person credits in Massachusetts. For example, for the 2024-2025 school year, UMass Amherst charges state residents approximately $709 per undergraduate credit. UMass Global, the school's online learning program, charges just $500 per undergraduate credit. However, tuition rates vary widely among schools, so you should always do your research.
What is the cheapest online college in Massachusetts?
The most affordable college in Massachusetts that offers online courses is Quincy College, with an estimated full-time tuition rate of just $7,540 for the 2023-2024 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. A two-year community college, Quincy hosts several online courses and programs. Other affordable colleges in Massachusetts with online programs include the Urban College of Boston and Sattler College.
Can you do online school in Massachusetts?
You can choose from many affordable colleges in Massachusetts that offer online courses. Major public colleges like UMass Global host online programs at all levels of study. Private schools like Emerson College and Boston University also offer online graduate degrees and professional certificates in specialized fields, such as copy editing.
How long do you have to live in Massachusetts to get in-state tuition?
You must live in Massachusetts for at least 12 months prior to the start of your first college semester to qualify for in-state tuition (six months for community colleges). However, you can't obtain state residency if you're still a dependent and your parents live outside of Massachusetts. If you're classified as independent, you must obtain a state driver's license, register to vote, and provide proof of housing.
What is the best online college in Massachusetts?
With regard to academic reputation, Harvard and MIT are the most prestigious colleges in Massachusetts with online programs. Harvard offers graduate degrees and certificates through its Harvard Extension program. MIT also offers professional certificates and "MicroMasters" programs online.
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