Top 10 Most Affordable Colleges in New England

Fall foliage, charming towns, and high-quality education… without breaking the bank?

New England is the answer, this region is considered by many to be a costly study destination, If you are an aspiring student, you have nothing to fear because we have compiled a list of the most affordable colleges in New England for interested students. These colleges offer an exceptional education at an affordable price.

About New England: New England is a stunning region in the northeastern United States that comprises six states: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, and Connecticut. New England is bordered by the state of New York to the west by the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick to the northeast and Quebec to the north.

The state is home to prestigious universities, colleges, and research centers that make it a hub for education attracting students from different parts of the world to these universities, and colleges in New England. The natural beauty of this state embedded with its cultural contributions makes it a distinctive and vibrant region within the United States.

Most of the colleges included in this article are located in Massachusetts, and Massachusetts is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence. It offers students an enriching and unique educational journey and has made substantial investments in education, especially in low-income schools.

New England’s cultural richness and diversity foster a stimulating learning environment, enabling students to interact with a variety of perspectives and experiences. Let’s dive into these schools!

Top 11 Most Affordable Colleges in New England

There are many affordable colleges in New England compared to other states in the United States. This article is not just about the affordable colleges but the most affordable ones among the affordable colleges. Kindly go through this article carefully and select the school of your choice, but before selection ensure to visit each school’s website for more detailed information.

The following are the top best most affordable colleges in New England:

• Framingham State University 
• Salem State University
• Westfield State University
• Worcester State University
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
• Bristol Community College
• Bunker Hill Community College
• Kennebec Valley Community College
• Cape Cod Community College
• Quincy College

#1. Framingham State University 

Framingham State University is the first school on our list of affordable colleges in New England. This noble institution is a public university located in Framingham, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1839 as the first state-supported normal school in the United States.

Framingham offers students an affordable, high-quality education. They assist students in imagining their future in new ways, finding their path, leaving their mark, and feeling empowered in a variety of ways. This university has received more Higher Education Excellence Awards (HEED) than any other public university in Massachusetts.

Framingham State may be inexpensive, but it is one of the best colleges in Massachusetts. It attracts practical, interested, career-focused undergraduates and graduates who are eager to learn and grow.

Teachers at Framingham are the best, they challenge students and help them reach their highest potential. They produce the best students who are confident in themselves and their abilities.

Tuition Fee: In-state is $11,630, on-campus tuition is $17,710

Click here to the website and apply

#2. Salem State University

Salem State University is the second on our list, it is a public university in Salem, Massachusetts. This university is part of the state university system in Massachusetts established in 1854 and is one of the largest state universities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Salem State University offers 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate programs in various fields. They provide students with the opportunity to succeed without discrimination, whether they are first-year students, transfer students, international students, graduates, or continuing education and professional students. At Salem State University, everyone has the opportunity to achieve their dreams.

Salem is a good choice when searching for a unique, noble, and affordable college in New England. The college experience at Salem will allow you to explore your passions, connect with new people, and develop into a confident leader.

Tuition Fees: In-State fee is $11,978.80, Out-of-State tuition is $18,961.20.

Click here to the website and apply

#3. Westfield State University

Westfield State University is one of the most affordable colleges in New England. The school offers 50+ majors and minors, 30+ graduate programs, certificate programs, licensure, professional development, and CEUs in flexible learning formats online, on campus, or a combination of both.

Students of Westfield State are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and character that aid their success in the future. The university strives to be the premier public comprehensive institution in the Northeast region through its commitment to student engagement and success.

Westfield State is home to over 4000 students seeking a brighter future through academics. The university is named a college of distinction for the 2023-2024 academic year due to its high commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, vibrant campus life, and successful outcomes.

The college has shown excellence in these areas, providing its students with a well-rounded, practical education that prepares them for successful careers and lives.

Tuition Fees: MA Resident tuition fee is $970, Non-Resident tuition is $7,050.

Click here to the website and apply

#4. Worcester State University

Worcester State University is among the affordable colleges in New England. Worcester State prepares students to take on real-world challenges with portfolios that include critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, technology, and global awareness skills.

The university offers over 60 undergraduate majors and minors, 29 master’s degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates, graduate programs, and online and noncredit professional training.

It is a state-supported college that is not only cheap but provides an excellent undergraduate and graduate education rooted in the liberal arts and sciences which has earned them the reputation of being the only Massachusetts state university to receive the “Best in the Northeast” ranking for 14 consecutive years and have made it to the Princeton Review’s list of the nation’s “Best Value Colleges”.

Worcester State University was established in 1874 as a public university in Worcester, Massachusetts. New England. It is the fourth largest of the commonwealth’s nine universities.

Tuition Fees: In-state tuition is $11,286, and Out-of-State tuition is $17,366.00

Click here to the website and apply

#5. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is among the most affordable colleges in New England. The college is located in North Adams. MCLA was established in 1894 and offers quality education that is accessible to a large number of students from all over the world.

The liberal arts education offered at Massachusetts College of liberal arts prepares students for successful careers and engaged citizenship. Strategic budgeting and financial aid programs at MCLA enable it to strive to make higher education affordable and attainable for all.

Every experience at MCLA is intended to help students develop as individuals, leaders, and communicators who are fully prepared to make a positive difference in the world. Classes at MCLA are taught by educators who are passionate about teaching and seeing students succeed in all areas and levels.

If you are yet to choose the best affordable college, MCLA is a good option, 93% of MCLA graduates land jobs or get accepted into some of the finest grad schools in the country.

Tuition Fee: Massachusetts Residents fee is $11,885, New York/New England fees is $12,400, Out-of-State/International students tuition is $20,830.

Click here to the website and apply

#6. Bristol Community College

Bristol Community College is among the most affordable colleges in New England. It is a public community college established in 1965 and instituted by the Massachusetts Board of Regional Community Colleges.

The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and it offers associate degrees and certificates in over 150 academic programs. Bristol provides an accessible, innovative, and inclusive education that prepares students to navigate and succeed in the ever-changing world.

Bristol commits to fostering a diverse college community that respectfully embraces and affirms individual perspectives and identities to create an environment that promotes inclusion and equity for all.

The college provides a relevant and fulfilling education that is designed to empower their students to meet their academic and non-academic needs, their academic programs and learning experiences promote personal growth and prepare the diverse student body for the future, with clear pathways to successful completion, transfer, and employment.

Tuition Fee: MA Residents fee is $24, Massachusetts Non-Residents fee is $230.

Click here to the website and apply

#7. Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College is among the most affordable colleges in New England. This college is an open-access, multi-campus, urban institution and the largest community college in Massachusetts that enrolls more than 16,000 students annually.

BHCC is very affordable and accessible to all, the college offers a comprehensive array of more than 100 academic programs which leads to associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to four-year universities. BHCC’s dedicated faculty and advisors are committed to guiding students toward their personal, educational, and career aspirations. 

The college also offers an additional traditional program and provides non-credit courses, corporate training, and skilled credentials through the Division of Workforce and Economic Development.

BHCC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and recognized as a Network College at Achieving the Dream and designated as a Gateway to College Institution.

Over 600 international students from about 92 countries of the world are part of Bunker Hill Community College, 65% identifying as people of color, 58% as women, and an average age of 26.

Tuition Fees: In-state tuition is $24 per credit, and Out-of-State student tuition is $230 per credit.

Click here to the website and apply

#8. Kennebec Valley Community College

Kennebec Valley Community College is among the most affordable colleges in New England. This college is one of the seven community colleges that operate under the authority of the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees.

Kennebec Valley Community College was established in 1969 and has been twice recognized by the Aspen Institute as a top 100 community college. With its small class sizes, this college pays maximum attention to its students individually.

KVCC is not just known for its affordability but also known for its strong commitment to students’ success. The college has a graduation rate of 35.7% for first-time, full-time students, and over 80% of its graduates find employment within one year of graduation.

The college’s programs are designed to give students the skills they need to get good jobs in today’s economy.

The school environment is supportive with a strong sense of community and offers a variety of resources to help students to succeed, both academically and personally.

Tuition Fees: Maine residents tuition is $96 while non-residents tuition is $192.

Click here to the website and apply

#9. Cape Cod Community College

Cape Cod Community College is among the most affordable colleges in New England, and the ninth school on our list. It is a public college in West Barnstable, Massachusetts. It’s called “4Cs” because of its name.

Cape Cod Community College awards Associate In Arts and Associate in Science degrees and many other academic certificates in a variety of programs. The college offers access to on-campus bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in partnership with the following universities: Bridgewater State University, Boston University, Lesley University, Salem State University, Suffolk University, UMass Boston, and UMass Dartmouth.

Courses are offered at Cape Cod Community College in a broad array of delivery modes including day, evening, weekend classes, face-to-face, and entirely online, or a hybrid of that system to meet students’ needs.

Cape Cod Community College is vibrant, it reflects and includes all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Consider enrolling at Cape Cod Community College for a wonderful academic experience that is both affordable and encouraging.

Tuition Fees: MA residents tuition is $6,690, Non-resident tuition is $12,870.

Click here to the website and apply

#10. Quincy College

Quincy College is among the most affordable colleges in New England. Quincy was founded in 1958 and it currently serves about 3,500 students at campuses located in Quincy & Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Quincy offers three baccalaureate degree programs, 35 associate degree programs, and 21 certificate programs in a variety of disciplines including those with professional programs, liberal arts, natural and health sciences, and nursing.

The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and licensed by the Board of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to grant degrees of Associate in Arts and Associate in Science;  a Bachelor of Science in Business Management; and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Quincy College has a rolling admissions policy, so students can apply any time. Yet to apply? Quincy is one of the best options available to you. Apply now and kickstart your academic journey.

Tuition Fees: $400 per credit hour

Click here to the website and apply

Conclusion

This post is all about the affordable colleges in New England. There are many other affordable colleges in New England aside from the ones mentioned here. According to research, the 10 on our list are currently the most affordable colleges in New England. Kindly apply and kickstart your academic journey without having to break the bank.

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