# Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 50 | Category: By State (Affordable)
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-massachusetts

## Methodology

Ranked by lowest net price in Massachusetts

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing a college is a significant decision, especially when affordability is a top concern. In Massachusetts, several colleges stand out not just for their low net prices, but also for their potential return on investment. For instance, the average net price among the top five schools on this list is just $5,621, making them accessible options for many families.

What sets these schools apart are their outcomes: average earnings, graduation rates, and student debt levels. The average earnings for graduates from these institutions is around $59,800, while the average graduation rate is 52%. This means that while affordability is essential, the potential for future earning power and completion rates are also vital factors to consider when exploring these options.

Take Middlesex Community College and Massachusetts Bay Community College, for example. Middlesex has a net price of $2,624 and graduates earn an average of $50,651, while Massachusetts Bay’s net price is higher at $7,169, with earnings of $52,654. This contrast highlights that lower costs can lead to solid outcomes, but it's important to weigh these factors against individual needs and goals as you explore your options further.

## Key Findings

- Middlesex Community College has the lowest net price on this list at $2,624.
- The average earnings for graduates from these schools is $59,800.
- Massachusetts Bay Community College graduates have a higher earning potential than Northern Essex despite a higher net price.
- The average graduation rate across these schools is 52%, indicating a significant opportunity for students.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Middlesex Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/middlesex-community-college) | Bedford, MA | 23% | $50,651 | $2,624 | $7,291 | 0.14x |
| 2 | [Springfield Technical Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/springfield-technical-community-college) | Springfield, MA | 29% | $36,966 | $5,662 | $6,570 | 0.18x |
| 3 | [Northern Essex Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-essex-community-college) | Haverhill, MA | 20% | $42,862 | $6,046 | $9,000 | 0.21x |
| 4 | [Bristol Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bristol-community-college) | Fall River, MA | 22% | $38,663 | $5,547 | $8,243 | 0.21x |
| 5 | [Massachusetts Bay Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massachusetts-bay-community-college) | Wellesley Hills, MA | 16% | $52,654 | $7,169 | $6,500 | 0.12x |
| 6 | [Greenfield Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/greenfield-community-college) | Greenfield, MA | 26% | $37,132 | $7,679 | $8,307 | 0.22x |
| 7 | [Mount Wachusett Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mount-wachusett-community-college) | Gardner, MA | 27% | $41,118 | $7,931 | $10,252 | 0.25x |
| 8 | [Bunker Hill Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bunker-hill-community-college) | Boston, MA | 16% | $47,618 | $7,818 | $10,500 | 0.22x |
| 9 | [Holyoke Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/holyoke-community-college) | Holyoke, MA | 31% | $37,277 | $8,068 | $8,250 | 0.22x |
| 10 | [Cape Cod Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cape-cod-community-college) | West Barnstable, MA | 22% | $43,670 | $8,296 | $12,000 | 0.27x |
| 11 | [Massasoit Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massasoit-community-college) | Brockton, MA | 21% | $46,111 | $8,460 | $10,000 | 0.22x |
| 12 | [Quinsigamond Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/quinsigamond-community-college) | Worcester, MA | 21% | $45,949 | $9,090 | $16,575 | 0.36x |
| 13 | [North Shore Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-shore-community-college) | Danvers, MA | 18% | $45,391 | $9,000 | $9,000 | 0.2x |
| 14 | [Berkshire Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/berkshire-community-college) | Pittsfield, MA | 21% | $38,832 | $9,921 | $12,053 | 0.31x |
| 15 | [Worcester State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/worcester-state-university) | Worcester, MA | 58% | $60,624 | $13,381 | $19,500 | 0.32x |
| 16 | [Fitchburg State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fitchburg-state-university) | Fitchburg, MA | 54% | $53,874 | $14,262 | $24,239 | 0.45x |
| 17 | [Southeastern Technical Institute](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southeastern-technical-institute) | South Easton, MA | 69% | N/A | $7,060 | $8,846 | N/A |
| 18 | [Bay Path University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bay-path-university) | Longmeadow, MA | 51% | $55,383 | $14,271 | $24,901 | 0.45x |
| 19 | [Bridgewater State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bridgewater-state-university) | Bridgewater, MA | 54% | $57,466 | $16,383 | $24,286 | 0.42x |
| 20 | [Framingham State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/framingham-state-university) | Framingham, MA | 49% | $52,349 | $16,114 | $25,000 | 0.48x |
| 21 | [Roxbury Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/roxbury-community-college) | Roxbury Crossing, MA | 17% | $38,773 | $12,244 | N/A | N/A |
| 22 | [Westfield State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/westfield-state-university) | Westfield, MA | 55% | $57,346 | $16,721 | $22,457 | 0.39x |
| 23 | [Salem State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/salem-state-university) | Salem, MA | 52% | $56,662 | $15,996 | $25,000 | 0.44x |
| 24 | [Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massachusetts-college-of-liberal-arts) | North Adams, MA | 52% | $48,102 | $16,068 | $23,750 | 0.49x |
| 25 | [Williams College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/williams-college) | Williamstown, MA | 95% | $88,665 | $17,716 | $12,761 | 0.14x |
| 26 | [University of Massachusetts-Lowell](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-lowell) | Lowell, MA | 67% | $64,874 | $17,163 | $23,704 | 0.37x |
| 27 | [Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/benjamin-franklin-cummings-institute-of-technology) | Boston, MA | 46% | $57,556 | $15,488 | $12,000 | 0.21x |
| 28 | [University of Massachusetts-Boston](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-boston) | Boston, MA | 50% | $65,865 | $17,707 | $21,974 | 0.33x |
| 29 | [College of Our Lady of the Elms](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-our-lady-of-the-elms) | Chicopee, MA | 66% | $51,540 | $17,545 | $25,000 | 0.49x |
| 30 | [Harvard University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/harvard-university) | Cambridge, MA | 97% | $101,817 | $19,066 | $14,000 | 0.14x |
| 31 | [Quincy College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/quincy-college) | Quincy, MA | 16% | $52,506 | $17,126 | $13,874 | 0.26x |
| 32 | [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology) | Cambridge, MA | 96% | $143,372 | $20,111 | $14,768 | 0.1x |
| 33 | [University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-dartmouth) | North Dartmouth, MA | 51% | $68,804 | $20,927 | $25,000 | 0.36x |
| 34 | [Massachusetts Maritime Academy](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massachusetts-maritime-academy) | Buzzards Bay, MA | 77% | $82,392 | $21,582 | $25,000 | 0.3x |
| 35 | [University of Massachusetts-Amherst](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-amherst) | Amherst, MA | 83% | $71,631 | $22,383 | $22,763 | 0.32x |
| 36 | [Amherst College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/amherst-college) | Amherst, MA | 94% | $77,644 | $23,367 | $13,740 | 0.18x |
| 37 | [American International College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/american-international-college) | Springfield, MA | 44% | $53,124 | $23,274 | $27,000 | 0.51x |
| 38 | [Boston University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/boston-university) | Boston, MA | 89% | $83,238 | $24,402 | $23,250 | 0.28x |
| 39 | [Hampshire College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hampshire-college) | Amherst, MA | 56% | $46,938 | $24,034 | $26,893 | 0.57x |
| 40 | [Massachusetts College of Art and Design](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massachusetts-college-of-art-and-design) | Boston, MA | 69% | $43,582 | $24,100 | $25,755 | 0.59x |
| 41 | [Gordon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gordon-college) | Wenham, MA | 68% | $52,119 | $24,883 | $26,250 | 0.5x |
| 42 | [Simmons University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/simmons-university) | Boston, MA | 72% | $63,494 | $25,265 | $24,840 | 0.39x |
| 43 | [Wellesley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wellesley-college) | Wellesley, MA | 91% | $84,803 | $25,496 | $10,000 | 0.12x |
| 44 | [Mount Holyoke College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mount-holyoke-college) | South Hadley, MA | 85% | $58,418 | $26,441 | $22,902 | 0.39x |
| 45 | [Franklin W Olin College of Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/franklin-w-olin-college-of-engineering) | Needham, MA | 94% | $129,455 | $25,171 | $19,500 | 0.15x |
| 46 | [Fisher College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fisher-college) | Boston, MA | 28% | $49,669 | $26,649 | $25,000 | 0.5x |
| 47 | [Western New England University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-new-england-university) | Springfield, MA | 64% | $73,157 | $27,290 | $25,500 | 0.35x |
| 48 | [Emmanuel College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/emmanuel-college) | Boston, MA | 67% | $68,245 | $26,706 | $27,000 | 0.4x |
| 49 | [Smith College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/smith-college) | Northampton, MA | 89% | $64,027 | $27,579 | $17,550 | 0.27x |
| 50 | [Lasell University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lasell-university) | Newton, MA | 56% | $49,705 | $27,511 | $26,000 | 0.52x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-massachusetts

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.