Best Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts for 2026
Massachusetts is known for its world-class colleges, but that doesn’t mean a high-quality education has to come with an overwhelming price tag. The best affordable colleges in Massachusetts for 2026 combine academic excellence with strong financial support, giving students access to valuable degrees without excessive debt.
Our team at Colleges of Distinction has hand-picked these schools for their commitment to student-centered learning, career preparation, and affordability. Whether you’re interested in a top-ranked research institution like UMass Amherst, a private college offering generous aid like Wellesley College, or a public university like Framingham State, you’ll find smart choices here that support your budget and your goals.
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1863, Boston College is a leading Jesuit, Catholic university that combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to service, leadership, and ethical engagement. Located just outside of downtown Boston, the university offers students the intellectual energy of a top research institution alongside the support of a vibrant liberal arts community. With rigorous academic programs, Division I athletics, and a strong tradition of service learning, Boston College prepares students to think critically, act justly, and make a difference in the world. Its strong alumni network and proximity to one of the nation’s most dynamic cities provide students with abundant opportunities for internships, research, and professional growth.
Acceptance rate 16% • Net price $32,590 • SAT Range 1430-1540 • Students submitting SAT scores 28%
Total Undergrad Population 10,083 • Setting City: Small • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 91% • Retention rate 95% • Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1
Boston University
Boston, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
In the heart of one of the world’s most innovative cities, Boston University offers students a dynamic blend of academic rigor, global perspective, and real-world opportunity. As a major private research university, BU is home to more than 300 programs of study, a diverse community representing over 130 countries, and a proud tradition of innovation and discovery. Students benefit from close ties to Boston’s industries, hospitals, and cultural institutions, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for impactful careers. With nationally recognized faculty, a commitment to inclusion, and a campus alive with energy, BU empowers students to push boundaries, think globally, and become leaders in their fields.
Acceptance rate 11% • Net price $27,551 • SAT Range 1400-1520 • Students submitting SAT scores 28%
Total Undergrad Population 18,656 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 90% • Retention rate 95% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
Dean College
Franklin, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Dean College is a private, residential New England College grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Graduates are lifelong learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility, and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.
A PARTNER EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Unlike most other colleges, Dean pairs every student with a dedicated personal advisor whose sole job is to help them navigate the challenges of upper-level coursework and to keep them on the right track. Advisors work with their students individually, helping them choose their classes, monitor their progress, and provide them with access and direction toward one-of-a-kind academic opportunities. Personal advisors are dedicated to getting their students involved on campus, ensuring that their educational investments enrich their lives and set promising precedents for their future careers.
Acceptance rate 74% • Net price $31,472 • SAT Range 0-0 • Students submitting SAT scores %
Total Undergrad Population 1,151 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 37% • Retention rate 76% • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
Framingham State University
Framingham, MA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
FSU is a beautiful, small campus with a strong sense of community that will provide every student with an outstanding education, ample social and extracurricular activities, and support services that will keep them on track toward graduation. With over fifty percent of students being the first in their family to attend college, Framingham State University is committed to providing support as an inclusive, supportive, and career-building environment.
Acceptance rate 85% • Net price $16,640 • SAT Range 1070-1255 • Students submitting SAT scores 7%
Total Undergrad Population 2,817 • Setting City: Small • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 50% • Retention rate 72% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1837, Mount Holyoke College is a private liberal arts college located in South Hadley, Massachusetts. As the first of the historic Seven Sisters, the College has long championed rigorous education for women. Today, Mount Holyoke is a nonsectarian, gender-diverse institution that welcomes applications from cisgender women, transgender men and women, and nonbinary or gender nonconforming individuals.
Mount Holyoke’s academic experience is rooted in intellectual curiosity and purposeful exploration. Its liberal arts curriculum emphasizes cross-disciplinary learning and real-world application; students are encouraged to pursue research, internships and creative projects that link theory and practice. The College offers particular depth in STEM fields, with robust support for student research and faculty collaboration.
Acceptance rate 38% • Net price $35,782 • SAT Range 1350-1500 • Students submitting SAT scores 20%
Total Undergrad Population 2,209 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 85% • Retention rate 90% • Student-to-faculty ratio 9:1
Northeastern University
Boston, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Northeastern University’s approach to education contains research, experiential learning, and active engagement. Northeastern gives its students the tools they need to succeed, both in the classroom and beyond. Students are developed into hard-working leaders that recognize their duties to the global community.
FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE
Northeastern’s First Year Experience is meant to be a preparatory program. Students are welcomed to campus and introduced to the community. The FYE is both foundational and transformative. Students are given the tools they will need to succeed for the rest of their college careers. They are also expected to put those skills into practice and prepare for upcoming academic challenges. The FYE has four main pillars: Personal Development, Academic Success, Experiential Learning, and Community Development.
Acceptance rate 20% • Net price $37,738 • SAT Range 1410-1540 • Students submitting SAT scores 54%
Total Undergrad Population 15,156 • Setting City: Large • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 90% • Retention rate 97% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
Tufts University
Medford, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Tufts University, established in 1852, is a prestigious private research university located in Medford, Massachusetts, with additional facilities in Boston and Grafton. Known for its commitment to inclusive and nonsectarian education, Tufts offers a dynamic academic environment that fosters innovation, intellectual growth, and a strong sense of community. With a diverse student body and a faculty composed of leading scholars and practitioners, Tufts prepares its students to become active global citizens and leaders in their respective fields.
Acceptance rate 10% • Net price $33,333 • SAT Range 1460-1550 • Students submitting SAT scores 36%
Total Undergrad Population 6,877 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 93% • Retention rate 96% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Life at UMass Amherst is as bold and dynamic as the students who call it home. As the flagship campus of the UMass system, it offers the academic power of a top-tier research university alongside the community spirit of a classic New England college town. Students can choose from more than 100 majors, join hundreds of clubs and organizations, and enjoy one of the nation’s best campus dining programs. With opportunities ranging from groundbreaking research to Division I athletics, UMass Amherst encourages students to dream big and achieve more. Its strong alumni network, innovative programs, and commitment to affordability make it a launchpad for success in Massachusetts and around the globe.
Acceptance rate 58% • Net price $22,954 • SAT Range 1300-1480 • Students submitting SAT scores 27%
Total Undergrad Population 23,936 • Setting City: Small • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 83% • Retention rate 91% • Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Whether or not students enter college with a dedicated career plan, UMass Lowell can propel them into the professional world with a clear and a sturdy purpose that is altogether backed by an immense range of experiences. The University offers programs in an endless array of fields, ensuring that its students can delve into their interests and discover new ones.
The university’s five pillars of excellence (Transformational Education, Global Engagement & Inclusive Culture, Innovative Research & Entrepreneurship, Leverage Our Legacy and Our Place, and Entrepreneurial Stewardship in Higher Education) serve as the foundation for successful scholars to be ready to contribute their expertise to global challenges.
RESEARCH THAT MATTERS
UMass Lowell strives to conduct innovative research that provides solutions to many of today’s global challenges. The institution’s research specializations include flexible electronics and smart textiles, robotics, public health, and energy. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty, industry partners, startups, and communities.
SERVICE-LEARNING
UMass Lowell encourages students to engage with their community and work together to find solutions to real-world issues. Through a number of service-learning initiatives, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with local nonprofits and underserved communities. In addition to community-based projects, UMass Lowell offers 50 service-learning courses each year, merging classwork with real action.
Acceptance rate 85% • Net price $17,624 • SAT Range 1180-1350 • Students submitting SAT scores 30%
Total Undergrad Population 12,128 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 70% • Retention rate 82% • Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Located just outside of Boston, Wellesley College is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts institutions and a global leader in women’s education. Since its founding in 1870, Wellesley has been committed to empowering women through rigorous academics, close faculty mentorship, and a vibrant campus community. Students benefit from small class sizes, a collaborative learning environment, and access to a worldwide network of accomplished alumnae who are dedicated to supporting one another long after graduation. With its strong liberal arts foundation and abundant opportunities for research, leadership, and professional development, Wellesley prepares students not only for successful careers but also for lives of purpose and impact.
Acceptance rate 14% • Net price $21,501 • SAT Range 1440-1550 • Students submitting SAT scores 42%
Total Undergrad Population 2,418 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 91% • Retention rate 96% • Student-to-faculty ratio 7:1
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Westfield State University offers students the best of both worlds: the value of a public education and the personal support of a welcoming campus community. As one of the most affordable options in Massachusetts, Westfield State makes it possible for students of all backgrounds to pursue a high-quality degree without overwhelming debt. With small classes, accessible professors, and a wide range of academic programs, students are encouraged to explore their passions while gaining practical skills for their careers. Beyond the classroom, opportunities for internships, leadership, and community engagement help students build confidence and connections. At Westfield State, affordability and student-centered learning go hand in hand, preparing graduates for meaningful lives and successful futures.
Acceptance rate 81% • Net price $17,723
Total Undergrad Population 3,788 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 55% • Retention rate 71% • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
Affording College in Massachusetts: FAQs 💸
Yes! Schools like Westfield State University and Framingham State University offer low in-state tuition, and even top private schools like Boston College provide substantial financial aid.
Absolutely. Many affordable colleges—such as UMass Lowell and Northeastern University—are nationally ranked and provide excellent research, faculty support, and career development programs.
Typically, yes—especially for in-state students. But don’t overlook private schools like Dean College or Mount Holyoke College, which often offer generous scholarships that can match or beat public school costs.
Affordability includes tuition, net price after aid, graduation rates, student loan debt, and average earnings after graduation. We consider all these factors in our evaluations.
Start by submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Most Massachusetts schools, including Tufts and UMass Amherst, use it to award federal, state, and institutional aid.
How We Chose the Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts
Every school featured on this list has earned the College of Distinction designation through a rigorous selection process focused on four key distinctions: Engaged Teaching, Student Success, Community Engagement, and Career Development.
- Low net price relative to academic quality
- Strong institutional and need-based aid availability
- High graduation and retention rates
- Low student loan default rates
- Post-graduation earnings potential
Data Sources: We combine quantitative data from the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS database and the College Scorecard with qualitative insights from direct communication with schools, faculty interviews, and publicly available program information.
Author: Colleges of Distinction Staff
Reviewed by: Katie Creel
Last updated in September 2025 with data from IPEDS and College Scorecard.
Explore More Colleges of Distinction in Massachusetts:
- 📍 Best Colleges in Massachusetts
- 💸 Best Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts
- 🏫 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts
- 🏛️ Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts
- 🩺 Best Undergraduate Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
- 📊 Best Undergraduate Business Schools in Massachusetts
- ⚙️ Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Massachusetts