15 Cheapest Universities in Boston for International Students

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In Boston, Massachusetts, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Boston, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 18 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Boston, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Boston for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Boston ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Cambridge College 13,500 USD - 14,500 USD 69%
Boston Architectural College 25,800 USD 41%
Massachusetts College of Art and Design 27,500 USD 37%
Pine Manor College 30,700 USD 30%
University of Massachusetts Boston 35,600 USD 19%
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 36,100 USD 17%
Wentworth Institute of Technology 37,100 USD 15%
Suffolk University 42,800 USD 2%
Simmons University 43,000 USD - 47,100 USD 1%
Emmanuel College 44,500 USD -2%
Emerson College 52,300 USD -20%
New England Conservatory 54,300 USD -25%
Northeastern University 59,100 USD -36%
Boston University 61,100 USD -40%
Boston College 63,000 USD -45%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 43,400 USD for universities in Boston.

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1. Cambridge College

Founded 50 years ago, Cambridge College is a private institution that’s known for being an affordable option and famous for its education, management, and business administration degrees. It offers 11 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 23 master’s degree programs. Its main campus is located in Boston, but the college has 4 regional campuses throughout the US in Puerto Rico, Lawrence, Springfield, and Southern California. It also has an online campus with multiple degree and non-degree programs.

2. Boston Architectural College

Boston Architectural College is a private college located in Boston, Massachusetts. They provide undergraduate and graduate programs in interior architecture, landscape architecture, and design studies. In addition, the college hosts exhibits of alumni artwork and spatial design.

3. Massachusetts College of Art and Design

The Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the sole educational institution for art to receive public funding in the entire United States. With a rich history of advocating for the recognition of art education in the country, it actively holds and participates in programs broadening the accessibility of art. The Massachusetts College of Art and Design presents degree offerings for undergraduates, graduates, and professionals to cultivate a passion for art that serves the people.

4. Pine Manor College

Pine Manor College (PMC) is a private college in Boston, Massachusetts. It is located in the affluent neighborhood of Chestnut Hill and was established in 1911 as Pine Manor Junior College, a higher education institution exclusive to women. PMC offers nine associate and undergraduate majors in the field of arts and science.

5. University of Massachusetts Boston

The University of Massachusetts Boston is one of the five campuses that make up the University of Massachusetts system. It offers a supportive and diverse environment with smaller classes to encourage close interaction between faculty and students. It is also one of the leading universities in the US for research. 

6. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences also referred to as MCPHS, is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a research-focused institution well known for its science and medicine programs. Students from MCPHS have access to the world’s finest healthcare institutions in central Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

7. Wentworth Institute of Technology

Wentworth University is a private institution for technology and engineering. It offers numerous in-demand programs that are designed to prepare students with knowledge and skills that are highly valued in different industries to prepare them to thrive in the professional world. The latest figures show that 96% of the university’s alumni were able to land high-paying jobs within the first 6 months post-graduation. 

8. Suffolk University

Established in 1906, Suffolk University is a premier private institution known to be significantly influential in the city of Boston. The university offers countless opportunities for its students, from study abroad programs, training, internships, and networking events. In addition, its campus is located in downtown Boston where many international and large companies are situated. Students will have a high chance of building meaningful network connections with these prestigious firms. Of which will significantly benefit their future career paths.

9. Simmons University

Simmons University was established over a hundred years ago with the primary intention of providing more opportunities for women. At present, the university offers undergraduate programs for women as well as co-ed graduate programs. Programs at the university are designed to encourage intellectual exploration and develop skills and values that  meet the needs of today’s industries.

10. Emmanuel College

Emmanuel College in Boston is a Catholic institution that has been in the education industry since 1919. Students are presented with countless opportunities to meet their desired academic expectations. The college excels in all educational aspects, with most graduates have found success in their chosen career paths. Today, it continues to improve its education system as it thrives on being among the top private institutions in the US.

11. Emerson College

Located in Boston, Emerson College is a private higher education institution that offers almost 30 undergraduate programs and 16 master’s degree programs in its two schools. Although its main campus is located in Massachusetts, this college has buildings in the Netherlands and a campus in Los Angeles, which gives the opportunity of taking classes and doing internships in Hollywood. Additionally, the college also offers many options to study abroad and has multiple programs that are taught online. It also has many extracurricular activities, with 130 student organizations and 14 athletics teams.

12. New England Conservatory

New England Conservatory is the oldest and most prestigious independent music conservatory in the country. The conservatory offers preparatory education, continuing education, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees. A double degree program with Harvard University and Tufts University is also offered in the institution.

13. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a perfect place for you to experience one-of-a-kind educational training. Its connections enable students to participate in various collaborative activities and solve challenges in the actual industry. The university’s goal is to provide an environment where students will get to seize opportunities and gain the necessary skills for their future careers.

14. Boston University

Boston University was established over 180 years ago and has long been considered one of the top universities in the United States and the world. It offers more than 300 study programs in a wide range of disciplines which are taught by notable experts in their respective academic fields. Boston University is also known for conducting innovative research and is an active member of a prominent research organization called the Association of American Universities. 

15. Boston College

Founded in 1863, Boston College (BC) is among the first private institutions to offer higher education in the city of Boston. The university is deeply rooted in Jesuit and Catholic ideals. Its primary goal is not only to educate countless talented students but also to cultivate trustworthy individuals who have a sense of responsibility to the human race and society. BC’s legacy continues to live on, and as a forerunner of higher education, the university leads in providing academic excellence and internationally recognized programs.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Boston for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Boston ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Cambridge College 8,880 USD - 10,200 USD 68%
Emmanuel College 11,000 USD - 13,000 USD 61%
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 11,500 USD - 19,900 USD 59%
Wentworth Institute of Technology 13,200 USD - 14,100 USD 52%
Boston College 15,300 USD - 63,200 USD 45%
Boston Architectural College 18,400 USD - 25,300 USD 34%
Simmons University 20,000 USD - 24,300 USD 28%
MGH Institute of Health Professions 22,900 USD - 33,600 USD 17%
Emerson College 24,300 USD 12%
Boston University 26,600 USD - 61,200 USD 4%
Northeastern University 28,400 USD - 54,200 USD -3%
Suffolk University 32,800 USD - 49,200 USD -19%
Massachusetts College of Art and Design 34,700 USD -26%
University of Massachusetts Boston 36,900 USD -34%
Berklee College of Music 53,700 USD -95%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 27,500 USD for universities in Boston.

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1. Cambridge College

Founded 50 years ago, Cambridge College is a private institution that’s known for being an affordable option and famous for its education, management, and business administration degrees. It offers 11 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 23 master’s degree programs. Its main campus is located in Boston, but the college has 4 regional campuses throughout the US in Puerto Rico, Lawrence, Springfield, and Southern California. It also has an online campus with multiple degree and non-degree programs.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Cambridge College should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 8,880 USD to 10,170 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Emmanuel College

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Emmanuel College. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Emmanuel College is 10,960 USD to 12,905 USD.

Emmanuel College in Boston is a Catholic institution that has been in the education industry since 1919. Students are presented with countless opportunities to meet their desired academic expectations. The college excels in all educational aspects, with most graduates have found success in their chosen career paths. Today, it continues to improve its education system as it thrives on being among the top private institutions in the US.

3. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences also referred to as MCPHS, is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a research-focused institution well known for its science and medicine programs. Students from MCPHS have access to the world’s finest healthcare institutions in central Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

The tuition fee at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for incoming international master’s students is 11,475 USD to 19,875 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Wentworth Institute of Technology

Another affordable university to consider in Boston is Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Wentworth University is a private institution for technology and engineering. It offers numerous in-demand programs that are designed to prepare students with knowledge and skills that are highly valued in different industries to prepare them to thrive in the professional world. The latest figures show that 96% of the university’s alumni were able to land high-paying jobs within the first 6 months post-graduation. 

The tuition fee in Wentworth Institute of Technology for master’s program for foreign students starts from 13,200 USD.

5. Boston College

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Boston College has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 15,300 USD yearly.

Founded in 1863, Boston College (BC) is among the first private institutions to offer higher education in the city of Boston. The university is deeply rooted in Jesuit and Catholic ideals. Its primary goal is not only to educate countless talented students but also to cultivate trustworthy individuals who have a sense of responsibility to the human race and society. BC’s legacy continues to live on, and as a forerunner of higher education, the university leads in providing academic excellence and internationally recognized programs.

6. Boston Architectural College

Boston Architectural College is a private college located in Boston, Massachusetts. They provide undergraduate and graduate programs in interior architecture, landscape architecture, and design studies. In addition, the college hosts exhibits of alumni artwork and spatial design.

7. Simmons University

Simmons University was established over a hundred years ago with the primary intention of providing more opportunities for women. At present, the university offers undergraduate programs for women as well as co-ed graduate programs. Programs at the university are designed to encourage intellectual exploration and develop skills and values that  meet the needs of today’s industries.

8. MGH Institute of Health Professions

MGH Institute of Health Professions is a medical specialized higher education institution founded in 1977, and located in Boston, Massachusetts. The graduate school was founded by the Massachusetts General Hospital and offers only graduate-level programs to a driven, diverse, and innovative student population. The school provides important medical experience on the campus and outside to over 600 clinical sites in the United States.

9. Emerson College

Located in Boston, Emerson College is a private higher education institution that offers almost 30 undergraduate programs and 16 master’s degree programs in its two schools. Although its main campus is located in Massachusetts, this college has buildings in the Netherlands and a campus in Los Angeles, which gives the opportunity of taking classes and doing internships in Hollywood. Additionally, the college also offers many options to study abroad and has multiple programs that are taught online. It also has many extracurricular activities, with 130 student organizations and 14 athletics teams.

10. Boston University

Boston University was established over 180 years ago and has long been considered one of the top universities in the United States and the world. It offers more than 300 study programs in a wide range of disciplines which are taught by notable experts in their respective academic fields. Boston University is also known for conducting innovative research and is an active member of a prominent research organization called the Association of American Universities. 

11. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a perfect place for you to experience one-of-a-kind educational training. Its connections enable students to participate in various collaborative activities and solve challenges in the actual industry. The university’s goal is to provide an environment where students will get to seize opportunities and gain the necessary skills for their future careers.

12. Suffolk University

Established in 1906, Suffolk University is a premier private institution known to be significantly influential in the city of Boston. The university offers countless opportunities for its students, from study abroad programs, training, internships, and networking events. In addition, its campus is located in downtown Boston where many international and large companies are situated. Students will have a high chance of building meaningful network connections with these prestigious firms. Of which will significantly benefit their future career paths.

13. Massachusetts College of Art and Design

The Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the sole educational institution for art to receive public funding in the entire United States. With a rich history of advocating for the recognition of art education in the country, it actively holds and participates in programs broadening the accessibility of art. The Massachusetts College of Art and Design presents degree offerings for undergraduates, graduates, and professionals to cultivate a passion for art that serves the people.

14. University of Massachusetts Boston

The University of Massachusetts Boston is one of the five campuses that make up the University of Massachusetts system. It offers a supportive and diverse environment with smaller classes to encourage close interaction between faculty and students. It is also one of the leading universities in the US for research. 

15. Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music ranks highly among performing arts schools around the globe. The Alma Mater of countless Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award recipients, offers world-class education on the different genres and styles of music like jazz, rock, and pop. On top of formal degree programs, Berklee College of Music also hosts several music workshops and seminars to enrich the students’ appreciation for music.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Boston, Massachusetts?

Applying to cheap universities in Boston requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Boston?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Boston. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Boston is the Boston Architectural College, which offers Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Landscape Architecture to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Berklee College of Music offers Film Scoring, Global Jazz, and Music Business.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Boston for international students was helpful!