6 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

If you want to earn a college degree but are worried about the cost, you should apply at one of the several affordable online college in Massachusetts.

As the costs of on-campus higher education continue to rise, more and more Massachusetts-based students are turning to online learning for more affordable tuition costs and flexible enrollment opportunities.

The best online colleges in Massachusetts provide fully online learning experiences from the associate up to doctoral level. Learners are able to earn accredited degrees without sacrificing in-state tuition or state-based financial aid from affordable online colleges and traditional students alike.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts college students can complete online degree programs at some of the cheapest colleges in the state. Each of these inexpensive colleges provides different degrees and concentration options, so prospective students should review multiple schools to make sure they find the best school for their career goals, budget, and schedule.

1. University of Massachusetts Lowell

There are 11 undergraduate and 30 master's programs available to online learners through the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Students can earn degrees in criminal justice, information technology, psychology, and many more. In addition to full degrees, UMass Lowell offers certificate programs at multiple education levels for learners looking to expand their education.

The online tuition rate at UMass Lowell is $385 per credit for bachelor's degrees and $600 to $750 per credit for graduate programs, depending on the field of study. Students who submit their FAFSA forms will be able to apply for grants and scholarships based on their degree level.

2. Fitchburg State University

Students at Fitchburg State University can complete online bachelor's degrees in business administration, interdisciplinary studies with a humanities concentration, and an RN to BS in Nursing bridge program. The school offers additional minor options, including art, philosophy, and entrepreneurship, that can be added to these online programs.

Fitchburg State University has some of the most affordable tuition rates anywhere. In-state students can pay as low as $40.42 per credit hour for qualifying programs, with an average academic year costing around $11,046 after tuition and fees.

3. Lesley University

Lesley University offers over 20 online degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in business management, a Bachelor of Science in human services, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Learners can use transfer credits and previous learning to reduce their total course load.

The online tuition rate for undergraduate programs is $525 per credit hour. Students can qualify for scholarships, grants, and work-study programs and utilize no-interest payment plans to spread out their tuition costs.

4. University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass Amherst's online education offerings include 16 undergraduate degrees and 19 master's degrees. Popular degrees include film studies, public policy, and sociology. Most of these fields of study are offered at multiple degree levels, ranging from bachelor's to doctoral degrees, allowing students to continue their education online.

UMass Amherst charges $708.50 per college credit hour, but the school also offers expansive financial aid programs. Students can qualify for institutional grants, scholarships, tuition credits, and part-time employment to cover and reduce costs.

5. Westfield State University

Westfield State University offers nine different degree completion programs for students with an associate degree from a community college or other university. These online courses allow students to earn a four-year degree while utilizing their previous college experience. Students can choose to finish degrees in finance, history, and management.

Undergraduate students pay $368 per credit hour for these continuing education programs. There are also need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and federal work-study programs that can cover costs.

6. Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers 10 online degrees and 6 certificate programs. Online coursework at NU includes healthcare administration, project management, and analytics. The tuition cost at Northeastern University is $541 per credit hour.

In addition to other grants and scholarship programs, many Northeastern University students qualify for the Lowell Institute Scholarship, which can result in awards of up to $10,000.

Our Selection Criteria

These cheap online colleges were selected for our rankings using strict criteria from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. There are many high-quality degrees in the New England region, but not all of them meet affordability and flexibility standards.

Affordability: We chose programs that have tuition rates around $500 per credit hour. The programs that go above this threshold offer financial aid programs that can cover or reduce these costs.
Multiple degree options: These schools all offer multiple undergraduate and graduate programs, which will allow students the ability to find the best program for them. This extends to minors and certificate options to expand education.
Accreditation: We only selected accredited programs. Accreditation ensures that your degree meets U.S. Department of Education standards and will qualify you for careers and graduate programs.

How Much Does a Cheap College in Massachusetts Cost?

The tuition rates at cheap colleges in Massachusetts will vary due to schools with much lower than average tuition, like Fitchburg State University. Students can find multiple degree programs offered by in-state schools with tuition as low as around $10,000 before any financial aid is applied.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

Earning an online degree is a significant step towards a brighter future, but the cost can be intimidating.

However, numerous strategies can make this investment more manageable. Learn more on how to make an online degree more affordable below:

FAQs About Online Programs at the Cheapest Colleges in Massachusetts

Students looking to find the cheapest colleges in Massachusetts often have questions about the available degrees. Common questions include which is the cheapest college, what the admission requirements are, and if any programs are free.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Massachusetts?

The cheapest online college in Massachusetts is Fitchburg State University since tuition rates can be as low as $970 per academic year for in-state students. The out-of-state rates are higher but still are only around $7,050 per year. Students looking for affordable online colleges should start with nonprofit public schools.

Are There Any Free Online College Degrees in Massachusetts?

There are several Massachusetts-based schools with free online courses, including Harvard University, but these free programs don't count for college credit. It is possible to complete college-level coursework for free, but there aren't any free degree programs.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Massachusetts?

Fitchburg State University has a 90% acceptance rate, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, making it one of the easiest online colleges to get admitted to. The school considers standardized test scores but doesn't require them.

Why Should I Choose an Accredited Online College in Massachusetts?

Accredited online colleges in Massachusetts provide flexible and affordable learning opportunities. Students can pursue a variety of enrollment options, including both part- and full-time scheduling. Accredited degrees carry more value in the eyes of employers and graduate programs.

Explore Accredited Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Students across Massachusetts can find access to accredited online bachelor's degree programs. Our school profiles have all the information you need to help select the best university for your goals. Once you've narrowed down the best college for you, use our resources to reach out and start your application process today.