15 Cheapest Universities in Massachusetts for International Students

Search Courses:

In 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 Massachusetts, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 69 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Massachusetts, make sure to read more!

Apply for 2025 Intake!

Applications for 2025 Intake are open. Search through the degrees around the world!

Apply Now

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Worcester State University 970 USD - 7,050 USD 98%
Fitchburg State University 7,050 USD 84%
Cambridge College 13,500 USD - 14,500 USD 69%
Massachusetts Maritime Academy 15,900 USD 64%
Bridgewater State University 17,200 USD 61%
Salem State University 19,000 USD 56%
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 20,600 USD 53%
Boston Architectural College 25,800 USD 41%
Gordon College 26,100 USD 40%
Eastern Nazarene College 26,800 USD 38%
Massachusetts College of Art and Design 27,500 USD 37%
Framingham State University 28,200 USD 35%
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 30,200 USD 30%
Lesley University 30,600 USD 30%
Pine Manor College 30,700 USD 29%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 43,100 USD for universities in Massachusetts.

Search Bachelor's Courses for International Students!

Search through the bachelor's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. Worcester State University

As it strives to be a center for innovation, Worcester State University offers students academic programs that mold them to be future leaders of the community. Worcester is also known for its competitive curriculums that sharpen students’ skills. A dynamic and vibrant community is also present within the campus through various organizations, activities, and facilities.

2. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University is a public university in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 25 academic fields. Students at Fitchburg State benefit from small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities.

3. 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.

4. Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a specialized public institution on the Northern side of the US. It was first established to produce American civilian mariners, although its goals and programs have expanded since then. Despite such development, though, the training and programs (undergrad and grad) at MMA are still focused on the maritime field.

MMA is ranked 501st in the US by Times Higher Education. It is ranked 5th among Northern Regional Colleges by US News.

5. Bridgewater State University

With more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, Bridgewater State University is divided into 6 colleges and 10 research centers and institutes. Its main campus is located in Bridgewater, but the university also has other three campuses throughout the state of Massachusetts. It offers degrees in various areas of study, but it’s mainly famous for its programs in education, which are among the best ones in the US. Regarding recreation and student life, Bridgewater State University has over 20 sports teams and around 140 student organizations, which include fraternities and sororities, a radio station, and cultural groups.

6. Salem State University

Salem State University is one of Massachusetts’ biggest public institutions that provides comprehensive educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It offers various academic disciplines in business, arts and sciences, healthcare, law, and education. The university aims to prepare students for their future careers by providing good quality education and necessary training to develop their talents and reach their full potential. The faculty wholly supports and encourages its students to achieve their personal and academic goals.

7. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts primarily offers undergrad programs. However, it also has a minimal number of grad programs, some of which are provided in online mode only. MCLA is a member of the state’s university system. It is ranked 601 among US colleges by Times Higher Education.

8. 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.

9. Gordon College

Gordon College is a Christian institution that’s perfect for prospective students that want to continue practicing their faith while getting a quality education. It offers about 35 undergraduate programs and around 10 graduate programs. Master’s degree programs are available for studying on-campus, online, or in a hybrid modality. Gordon College also has many extracurricular activities that include sports, volunteering, student organizations’ activities, Chapel service, and worship groups.

10. Eastern Nazarene College

Eastern Nazarene College is a higher education institute in Quincy, Massachusetts that offers multiple major and minor bachelor’s programs, but a limited number of graduate-level programs. The school is a liberal arts college with around 1000 students holding the school’s core values of holistic learning, Christian faith, civility, hospitality, servanthood, transparency, honesty, excellence, and accountability. It was founded in 1900 with the mission of providing transformational education and a vision of innovative, renowned, as well as recognized Christian education.

11. 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.

12. Framingham State University

Framingham State University aims to expand students’ perspectives of themselves and the community. It encourages students to engage in numerous organizations and companies to widen their experience and to allow them to explore all their career options. The university has been successful in its goal of strengthening its internationalization through research.

13. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is one of the five campuses that make up the University of Massachusetts system. The university is widely recognized for its world-class education and impactful research in different areas of study. It has also conducted several strategic collaborations with other universities, business institutions, and non-profit organizations. 

14. Lesley University

Lesley University was originally founded by Edith Lesley to serve as a training institution for teachers in 1909 with its first class session held at her own home. The school was quickly recognized and expanded to have its own classroom, buildings, and even a dormitory space. The academic scope of the college was further broadened when the college started to offer graduate studies in 1950 which became the catalyst for the establishment of other programs together with the renaming of the college to Lesley University.

15. 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.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Worcester State University 3,042 USD 87%
Fitchburg State University 6,246 USD 73%
Gordon College 6,300 USD - 14,400 USD 72%
Western New England University 6,375 USD - 19,200 USD 72%
American International College 6,975 USD - 24,300 USD 69%
College of Our Lady of the Elms 7,425 USD - 14,000 USD 67%
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 7,638 USD 66%
Bay Path University 8,250 USD - 17,700 USD 64%
Anna Maria College 8,775 USD - 13,500 USD 61%
Bridgewater State University 8,793 USD 61%
Cambridge College 8,880 USD - 10,200 USD 61%
Lesley University 9,750 USD - 17,900 USD 57%
Endicott College 9,954 USD - 15,700 USD 56%
Salem State University 10,700 USD 53%
Emmanuel College 11,000 USD - 13,000 USD 52%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 22,400 USD for universities in Massachusetts.

Search Master's Courses for International Students!

Search through the master's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. Worcester State University

As it strives to be a center for innovation, Worcester State University offers students academic programs that mold them to be future leaders of the community. Worcester is also known for its competitive curriculums that sharpen students’ skills. A dynamic and vibrant community is also present within the campus through various organizations, activities, and facilities.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Worcester State University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 3,042 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Fitchburg State University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Fitchburg State University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Fitchburg State University is 6,246 USD.

Fitchburg State University is a public university in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 25 academic fields. Students at Fitchburg State benefit from small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities.

3. Gordon College

Gordon College is a Christian institution that’s perfect for prospective students that want to continue practicing their faith while getting a quality education. It offers about 35 undergraduate programs and around 10 graduate programs. Master’s degree programs are available for studying on-campus, online, or in a hybrid modality. Gordon College also has many extracurricular activities that include sports, volunteering, student organizations’ activities, Chapel service, and worship groups.

The tuition fee at Gordon College for incoming international master’s students is 6,300 USD to 14,400 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Western New England University

Another affordable university to consider in Massachusetts is Western New England University.

Western New England University is a student-centered educational institution. It supports individuals and guides them to become the best professionals someday. It highly attracts ambitious and curious students, especially since its campus is full of advanced facilities that can satisfy their learning.

The tuition fee in Western New England University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,375 USD.

5. American International College

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, American International 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 6,975 USD yearly.

American International College is a private university founded in Massachusetts in 1855 as a Protestant university in France. At the beginning of the university, it was established to create an institution that would provide higher education to local French Protestant minorities. Currently, American International College offers three academic-focused colleges for undergraduate students. The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor’s degrees from the College of Business, Arts and Sciences, and Health Sciences, as well as Master’s and Doctor’s degrees from the College of Education.

6. College of Our Lady of the Elms

College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private Catholic institution in Massachusetts. It was founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield as a girls’ preparatory school. Today, the college offers undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Its campus is equipped with modern facilities including libraries, bookstores, and student housing.

7. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts primarily offers undergrad programs. However, it also has a minimal number of grad programs, some of which are provided in online mode only. MCLA is a member of the state’s university system. It is ranked 601 among US colleges by Times Higher Education.

8. Bay Path University

Bay Path University offers many world-class undergraduate and graduate programs for its students. But, they especially take pride in being able to relate classroom learnings to real-world experiences, producing future leaders along the way. Bay Path is also committed to providing its students with the necessary facilities and extracurricular activities that will enhance their personal development and life on campus.

9. Anna Maria College

Anna Maria College merges a liberal arts education with a practical academic curriculum. The institution suggests a variety of undergraduate majors, as skillfully as many graduate and certificate programs, both on-ground and online. Its small student-faculty proportion allows for a favorably personalized learning experience, while the mediocre class and campus size foster optimal student involvement, cooperation, and fellowships.

10. Bridgewater State University

With more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, Bridgewater State University is divided into 6 colleges and 10 research centers and institutes. Its main campus is located in Bridgewater, but the university also has other three campuses throughout the state of Massachusetts. It offers degrees in various areas of study, but it’s mainly famous for its programs in education, which are among the best ones in the US. Regarding recreation and student life, Bridgewater State University has over 20 sports teams and around 140 student organizations, which include fraternities and sororities, a radio station, and cultural groups.

11. 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.

12. Lesley University

Lesley University was originally founded by Edith Lesley to serve as a training institution for teachers in 1909 with its first class session held at her own home. The school was quickly recognized and expanded to have its own classroom, buildings, and even a dormitory space. The academic scope of the college was further broadened when the college started to offer graduate studies in 1950 which became the catalyst for the establishment of other programs together with the renaming of the college to Lesley University.

13. Endicott College

Endicott College is a private institution that offers more than 30 bachelor’s degree programs and about 40 master’s degree programs in its 7 schools. Its main campus is located in Beverly, but the college also has buildings in Boston, along with an online campus and an international campus that offer degrees specially designed for international students. Education here focuses on obtaining real-life experience, so in order to obtain their degree, all undergraduate students must complete three internships. The university has different options, which include one-semester and four-year internship programs.

14. Salem State University

Salem State University is one of Massachusetts’ biggest public institutions that provides comprehensive educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It offers various academic disciplines in business, arts and sciences, healthcare, law, and education. The university aims to prepare students for their future careers by providing good quality education and necessary training to develop their talents and reach their full potential. The faculty wholly supports and encourages its students to achieve their personal and academic goals.

15. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Massachusetts. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Massachusetts 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 American International College offers Counseling Psychology, Educational Leadership and Supervision, and Mental Health Counseling.

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 Massachusetts, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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