The 10 Cheapest Colleges in New England
What’s Covered:
- Tips for Saving Money on College
- Most Affordable Colleges in New England
- How Much Will You Pay for College?
New England is home to an incredible array of colleges, both public and private. However, the cost of education can also be limiting and restricting for many. The cost of college is undoubtedly an important factor for anyone considering attending, and for those looking to attend college in New England, here are 10 of the cheapest institutions in New England.
Tips for Saving Money on College
Apply for Schools that Meet 100% of Financial Need
With the cost of college generally rising across the U.S. over the past few decades, many schools have instituted their own programs for covering students’ entire financial needs. Take a look at a full list of schools that meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, and remember that it is always wise to look into any specific school you may be interested in to see if they have any similar programs.
Commuting
New England is home to a vast array of colleges, and there may be some affordable ones around your area. Housing costs can make up a large chunk of expenses for college, as financial aid will often be put towards tuition, so commuting from home can be a great way to save some money while still being able to attend a school of your choice.
Look for Scholarships
Most every school will offer a variety of scholarships to apply to, whether they’re need-based or merit-based. Scholarships are also often annual, meaning students can apply for more or less depending on if their financial situation changes throughout college. Many third-party organizations will offer scholarships as well, so don’t restrict yourself to scholarships within a given school.
Most Affordable Colleges in New England
1. Bridgewater State University
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $24,564/$30,704
Location: Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Undergrad Enrollment: 10,400
Established in 1840, Bridgewater State University prides itself on offering an affordable option for students seeking a college education. The school is host to 54 undergraduate and 43 graduate programs, and offers online and night options on top of its in-person education. Bridgewater is known for being one of the country’s top Fulbright-producing institutions and having a top-notch research program with their researchers boasting a 100% acceptance rate to graduate schools.
Bridgewater also has a large presence abroad, with 200 study-abroad programs in 50 countries to choose from. The school also has a strong campus environment, ranking fourth in safety overall and additionally priding itself on its diversity, both ethnically and financially.
Learn more about Bridgewater State University and what it takes to get accepted.
2. Fitchburg State University
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $22,320/$28,400
Location: Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Undergrad Enrollment: 4,500
Located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Fitchburg State University is only a little over an hour by train from Boston. The school has over 40 undergraduate programs and is known for having one of the best Undergraduate Nursing programs in the country. The school also is committed to placing students in real learning environments, such as students in the Education program working at local public schools. Fitchburg State also offers all of its curricula online for students looking for an alternative college experience.
Learn more about Fitchburg State University and what it takes to get accepted.
3. Framingham State University
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $24,420/$30,500
Location: Framingham, Massachusetts
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Undergrad Enrollment: 4,300
The first Public Normal School in the country, Framingham State University is host to a traditional New England campus only 20 miles from the heart of Boston. It primarily appeals to local students and those who want a more-specialized education, with the average class size being only 20 students and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school also has a prominent Fashion Design and Retailing Department, which prepares students for careers in every aspect of the fashion industry.
Learn more about Framingham State University and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Salem State University
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $26,265/$33,070
Location: Salem, Massachusetts
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Undergrad Enrollment: 4,300
With a population of just over 4,000 undergraduate students, Salem State University hosts a variety of liberal arts programs and a School of Continuing and Professional Studies that offers tracks for students who may be looking to complete their degree while being a part-time student or just continue their education through some of Salem State’s courses. The most popular majors at Salem State include its highly-ranked Nursing program, Psychology, and Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration. The school also prides itself on its diversity, with nearly 40% of its first-year students being people of color.
Learn more about Salem State University and what it takes to get accepted.
5. Westfield State University
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $23,336/$29,416
Location: Westfield, Massachusetts
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,200
Westfield State University was founded by Horace Mann in 1839 with the vision of being the first higher-learning institution without race, gender, or economic barriers, which remains the core pillar of Westfield. The school remains committed to diversity and was recently ranked as the most affordable college in Massachusetts by College Affordability Guide. With 33 majors and 14 Masters programs, the school is known for its business, education, criminal justice, psychology, and communication programs.
Learn more about Westfield State University and what it takes to get accepted.
6. Worcester State University
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $23,154/$29,234
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,800
After being recognized as an official State University in 2010, Worcester State University prides itself on its continued growth whilst maintaining its ability to provide an education to all, regardless of economic barriers. Additionally, the school has sustained its belief in small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. With more than two-thirds of its students receiving financial aid, Worcester State remains committed to providing an accessible education – every student who applies is also automatically considered for a merit scholarship. Popular programs at Worcester State include business, biomedical science, and teacher education.
Learn more about Worcester State University and what it takes to get accepted.
7. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $23,590/$32,535
Location: North Adams, Massachusetts
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,400
Ranked as one of the nation’s best public liberal arts schools, MCLA is located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts and is surrounded by mountain views and hiking trails. With only a little over 1,400 undergrads, MCLA is a small school that touts a personal education for each of its students, offering over 80 major programs across 50 fields of study, and is most notably host to a prestigious English program.
Learn more about Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and what it takes to get accepted.
8. University of Maine at Fort Kent
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $17,595/22,005
Location: Fort Kent, Massachusetts
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Undergrad Enrollment: 2,200
Located at the Northernmost tip of the state, the University of Maine at Fort Kent is surrounded by dense and lush nature, and the school boasts several unique environmental majors as a result, such as Applied Forest Management, Conservation Law Enforcement, and Rural Public Safety Administration. The school is also home to a prestigious Nursing program, which serves as one of the school’s most popular majors. The school has been highly touted for its campus safety overall and is known most uniquely for being home to the Acadian Archives, a center devoted to the study of Acadian life.
Learn more about University of Maine at Fort Kent and what it takes to get accepted.
9. University of Maine at Presque Isle
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $17,595/$22,005
Location: Presque Isle, Maine
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,900
Also located on the north side of Maine, the University of Maine at Presque Isle is ranked as a top 20 public school in the North, a top college for social mobility, as well as the top regional college in Maine for graduating students with the least debt. The school offers many different paths for a degree, ranging from in-person or online to part-time or full-time. Popular majors at UMPI include business, general studies and humanities, criminal justice and corrections, and education.
Learn more about University of Maine at Presque Isle and what it takes to get accepted.
10. Western Connecticut State University
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $25,657/$39,061
Location: Danbury Connecticut
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,200
Known for its fine arts and professional courses, WCSU is split between two campuses in Danbury, CT – a main campus named Midtown and a Westside campus three miles away. The school prides itself on its affordability and diversity, with about 50% of its entering class being from historically-underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The school offers 42 undergraduate programs, and by only being an hour from New York City, students can often secure internships and other professional opportunities close by.
Learn more about Western Connecticut State University and what it takes to get accepted.
Interested in more New England schools? Find more affordable colleges in New England.
How Much Will You Pay for College?
Keep in mind that the actual cost of college will vary for every student, and the sticker price listed above will likely not actually reflect the actual cost of attendance after financial aid and scholarships. In fact, expensive private colleges can wind up being cheaper than in-state public schools due to financial aid.
Want to estimate the cost of your attendance? You can use CollegeVine’s free Financial Aid Calculator to determine what the true estimated cost of college will be at New England schools and other institutions across the country.
