Massachusetts, or officially the Commonwealth, is considered a pioneer in kindergarten and secondary education. The bay state is home to some of the country’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions, namely Harvard University, MIT, Boston University, among others.
According to NCES, Massachusetts has 107 degree-granting postsecondary institutions combining public, private not-for-profit, and private for-profit institutions.
As the demand for virtual learning continues to grow, colleges in Massachusetts are continually expanding their curriculum to allow students to earn degrees in a flexible and convenient format. The state currently has 43% of its degree-granting institutions categorized as “Better Prepared” for moving completely online. Continue reading to learn more about online colleges in Massachusetts.
Why choose Massachusetts for online colleges?
Ranked as 2nd Best State for Education, Massachusetts is an ideal location for distance learning. Despite being one of the smallest states in the U.S., it has a large selection of highly-ranked institutions as compared to other states. Online colleges in Massachusetts offer degrees that fulfill the need and goals of students of all backgrounds.
Technology & STEM, linguistics & humanitarian, agriculture, and entrepreneurial business are some of the most sought-after fields of study in Massachusetts. Students graduating in one of these fields will find themselves in an advantageous position in getting placements in the state’s growing economy.
Online colleges in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to many colleges best for online degrees. To ease your process, we have selected some of the better options for accredited four-year colleges considering the popularity, cost of education, degree options, and class flexibility.
Westfield State University
Non Sponsored School
Westfield, Massachusetts
Fitchburg State University
Non Sponsored School
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
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Bentley University
Non Sponsored School
Waltham, Massachusetts
Brandeis University
Non Sponsored School
Waltham, Massachusetts
Harvard University
Non Sponsored School
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost of attending college in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the average tuition for on-campus public institutions is $13,729 (in-state) and $39,894 (out-of-state). Educational expenses here are typically more expensive as compared to other states. However, students who enroll completely online save a significant amount as they don’t have to pay fees associated with the on-campus costs. The exact cost will vary depending on the college, your degree, and whether the institution offers in-state tuition to online students. Massachusetts is a member of the New England Board of Higher Education. Its tuition break program allows eligible out-of-state students to pay reduced tuition at public colleges and universities within New England. Alternatively, students can become residents to pay in-state tuition.Massachusetts Scholarships
In addition to scholarships provided by colleges in Massachusetts, students can further minimize their educational debt by applying for scholarships provided by several local and government organizations. Below, we have listed a few of the merit-based and need-based programs you can look into.| Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship Program | Scholarship Amount |
| Eligible candidate must be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts and be enrolled full-time at a certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree program from an eligible institution. | Varies See Scholarship |
| Paul Tsongas Scholarship | Scholarship Amount |
| It is a merit-based program eligible for candidates with a GPA of 3.75 and SAT score of at least 1200. The candidate must be a legal Massachusetts resident. | Full Tuition See Scholarship |
| Massachusetts Part-Time Grant Program | Scholarship Amount |
| Eligible candidates must be enrolled for at least 6 and less than 12 undergraduate credits per academic term. The applicant also has to demonstrate financial need. | $200 (Minimum) See Scholarship |
| Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program | Scholarship Amount |
| Eligible for candidates enrolled in a nursing program. Applicable for full-time students who have not yet earned a first diploma from a hospital or professional nursing program. | $200 to $2,500 per academic year See Scholarship |
| Massachusetts Cash Grant Program | Scholarship Amount |
| It is a need-based tuition waiver program designed to help students cover additional charges such as mandatory fees and non-state-supported tuition. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in at least three undergraduate credits per semester. | Varies See Scholarship |
Frequently Asked Questions
University of Massachusetts, Lesley University, and Framingham State University are some of the most affordable online colleges in Massachusetts.
Harvard University, Boston University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are some of the best online colleges in Massachusetts.
To be eligible for in-state tuition, the student must live in Massachusetts for a consecutive 12-month period and must show proof of intent to stay in the state as a permanent resident. You will not be allowed residency if your only purpose is to attend school. Click here for full details.
