Online Colleges in Massachusetts

This page provides an overview of online programs in the state, including average tuition costs, admission requirements, and information on transferring credit. It also includes a ranking of the best and most affordable online schools in Massachusetts.
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Updated September 21, 2023

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According to a report by WBUR one of Boston's public news stations, two key sectors should dominate job growth in Massachusetts through 2024: health care and computer technology. The majority of new positions in these two fields require some form of postsecondary education to earn the required certification or compete in the labor market.

Attending an online college in Massachusetts positions you for these new opportunities. This page provides an overview of online programs in the state, including average tuition costs, admission requirements, and information on transferring credit. It also includes a ranking of the best and most affordable online schools in Massachusetts.

Keep reading to learn about your best options for earning an affordable online degree in Massachusetts.

To compile this ranking of the best and most affordable online colleges in Massachusetts, we considered several factors. We researched the cost of earning a degree at these institutions, including tuition rates, discounts for in-state and regional students, and financial aid availability. We also examined the quality of education offered by these schools using data regarding student-to-teacher ratios and academic support services. All schools on this list hold regional or national accreditation.

Why Choose Massachusetts for Online Higher Education?

According to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 186 fully online programs in Massachusetts serve approximately 36,000 distance learners. Many of these students seek the flexibility of an online program to schedule coursework around the demands of work or caregiving. Others may study online to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a new professional interest or leave an industry with declining employment.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Massachusetts's Top Affordable Online Colleges

#1 Online Colleges in Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

  • Amherst, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Prospective students can explore University of Massachusetts-Amherst's affordable online degrees. The Massachusetts college offers a comprehensive catalog of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The institution offers programs to prepare learners for entry-level jobs and career advancement and offers full-time and part-time enrollment options. 

Online students need not log on to classes at a set time. Nontraditional students enjoy flexibility with hybrid programs’ online and traditional face-to-face instruction. 

Degree-seekers can choose from seven associate and 84 bachelor’s programs. Students pay affordable tuition and receive an average $7,894 financial aid package.

University of Massachusetts-Amherst Facts:

Status of School: Public

Number of Online Learners: 4,643

Online Programs Available: 45

Bachelor’s Available Online: 9

Learners awarded Aid: 90%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,791
Out-of-state
$35,112
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,014
Out-of-state
$29,529
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
31,350
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Lesley University

  • Cambridge, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private postsecondary school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University offers 24 online degrees. Programs builds reliable analytical and critical thinking skills. Degree-seekers can join student organizations to network with other students and access professional development opportunities.

Nontraditional learners pursue online undergrad degrees at Lesley University. With transfer credits, students can finish bachelor’s degrees in 18-36 months. Nontraditional learners pay $28,500 in-state tuition for bachelor’s degrees. Master's students can complete master’s degrees in about two years. Learners pay an $18,540 in-state tuition rate for graduate degrees. 

According to the school, 99% of degree-seekers receive financial aid and 66% take out loans.

Multiple start terms provide enrollment flexibility. Online students can expect a 75% admission rate. Programs help learners gain the knowledge and skills they need to secure roles in their field. Degree-seekers can use college admissions tests to strengthen their application. 

Lesley University has received accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education, an independent, regional accrediting agency.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,500
Out-of-state
$28,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,540
Out-of-state
$18,540
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
4,510
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
20% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Fitchburg State University

  • Fitchburg, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

At Fitchburg State University, enrollees earn affordable online degrees. Online learners can pursue various undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Massachusetts school. Nontraditional learners pursue the institution’s degrees for career preparation and advancement. Students can enroll on a full- or part-time basis. The school's online programs offer a flexible asynchronous format. Hybrid degrees feature both online classes and traditional courses. Small classes promote personalized learning.

Graduates can choose from among six online master's programs. Students can use affordable tuition and generous financial aid to pay for their degrees.

Fitchburg State University Fast Facts:

Institution Status: Public

Students Pursuing Online Degrees: 2,683

Number of Online Programs: 11

Bachelor’s Programs Available Online: 3

Tuition Rate Per Credit: 397

Percentage of Enrollees Receiving Aid: 91%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$970
Out-of-state
$7,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,186
Out-of-state
$3,186
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
7,251
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#4 Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Westfield State University

  • Westfield, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A degree from Westfield State University helps graduates advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. A total of 2,396 online learners enroll at the school. Certificates and programs use video lectures, assignments, and class discussions. Students choose from various degrees.

Nontraditional learners can transfer credits to complete a bachelor’s degree in 18-36 months. Learners pay the in-state tuition rate of $970 for bachelor’s degrees. Online learners typically complete master's programs in two years. Finishing a doctoral degree typically takes four or more years. Students pursuing graduate degrees pay $1,890 in-state tuition. The school’s average aid package of $6,448 helps students pay for their education. Enrollees use private and institutional scholarships to help pay for their degree.

The institution's website provides details about how to earn credit for internships. The school enrolls students at an admission rate of 87%. The school requires the submission of school transcripts. The school may request some applicants’ test scores. Westfield State University holds accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education, a regional accrediting body.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$970
Out-of-state
$7,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$1,890
Out-of-state
$1,890
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
5,795
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#5 Online Colleges in Massachusetts

Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network

  • Boston, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A top online institution, the private Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The accredited school enrolls 6,176 distance learners in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution offers 14 bachelor's programs and 26 master's programs for online degree-seekers.

Remote programs in top fields like business, STEM, and healthcare help the school meet the needs of students with diverse career goals. Participants stay engaged in the online programs because of their virtual learning environments. The institution generally lets virtual learners complete in-person requirements in their local area. Online students benefit from student services tailored specifically for them, such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring.

Most bachelor's degree-seekers graduate in four years. Students can graduate faster by bringing in credits from previous college experience. Prospective enrollees can also investigate accelerated program options.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,298
Out-of-state
$29,298
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,933
Out-of-state
$24,933
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,857
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

Cost of Attending an Online College in Massachusetts

Massachusetts residents can receive substantial discounts when attending school in the state. At the University of Massachusetts – Boston, for example, in-state students pay $563 per undergraduate credit, while out-of-state students pay $1,361 per credit. The school charges the same rate regardless of whether you study online or in person, though distance learners may waive certain fees for campus-related services.

Some public universities charge a flat rate for online students, regardless of residency. At the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, for instance, online undergraduate courses cost $380 per credit, while in-person undergraduate courses cost $340 per credit. Check with your school to determine the tuition rates for online education.

In-State Tuition

$23,389 – public, four-year institution
$4,559 – public, two-year institution

Out-of-state tuition

$27,736 – public, four-year institution
$9,944 – public, two-year institution

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Students pursuing a degree at an online college in Massachusetts often pay more in tuition than the national average, though this varies by school.

Many institutions in Massachusetts charge the same rate per credit, regardless of whether students study online or on campus. Distance learners may need to pay a technology fee, though they save on room and board. To reduce the cost of your education further, consider earning an associate degree before transferring to a four-year institution.

Considering a Massachusetts School as an Out-of-State Student

Just over 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students study exclusively online in Massachusetts while living in another state. Many of these students reside in other New England states and take advantage of tuition discounts offered by the New England Board of Higher Education's Regional Student Program, better known as the Tuition Break Program. To qualify for this program, you must be a full-time resident of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont.

Out-of-State Undergraduate Students Studying Exclusively Online in Massachusetts: 3,629

Out-of-State Graduate Students Studying Exclusively Online in Massachusetts: 11,695

Tuition Discounts:

Close to 900 undergraduate and graduate programs at 82 public universities in New England participate in the Tuition Break program. During the 2016-2017 academic year, over 9,000 students saved an estimated $60 million in tuition, with the average full-time undergraduate student saving more than $8,000 that year.

To receive funding through the program, you must reside in a New England state for at least one year prior to enrollment, though members of the armed forces and their families can waive this requirement. You must also enroll in a program not available in your home state.

State Authorizations For Online Learning:

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education authorizes all online programs in the state. In 2017, Massachusetts joined the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), a group of 47 states making it easier for students to earn an online degree out of state. California is the only state that's not a member or in the process of becoming a member of NC-SARA. If you live in California, check with your school to determine if it holds an individual reciprocity agreement with your state.

Check with an admissions or financial officer: Tuition rates are ultimately program and institution based. Ask someone from a prospective program about what rates apply to you specifically as a potential member of a specific program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts's Online Schools

The following are answers to frequently asked questions by students considering online colleges in Massachusetts. While this information applies generally to most institutions in the state, check with individual schools for answers to specific questions.

Do Online Credits Cost More or Less in Massachusetts?

Most public universities in Massachusetts charge the same amount to take an online course as an on-campus course. Students at the University of Massachusetts – Boston, for example, pay the same tuition regardless of whether they study online or in person. The University of Massachusetts – Lowell charges online students $40 more per credit than on-campus students.

Many private institutions take a similar approach to those in the University of Massachusetts system. Students at Boston University's Metropolitan College and Boston College's Woods College of Advancing Studies pay the same tuition whether studying on campus or at a distance.

To save money, consider attending one of the 15 colleges in the Massachusetts Community College System. Not only do these schools charge considerably less than four-year institutions, but many offer fully online programs. After you earn an associate degree, you can transfer up to 60 credits toward a bachelor's degree at a public university.

Which Massachusetts Schools Accept the Most Transfer Credits?

Through the Commonwealth Commitment and Mass Transfer Programs, students attending community college in Massachusetts can easily transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree at one of the state's public universities. If you maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in community college, you can apply to any public four-year institution as a junior and potentially complete your undergraduate studies in just two additional years.

Some private institutions also participate in these or similar transfer agreement programs. Suffolk University offers guaranteed admission to qualified students from Massachusetts community colleges. These students can transfer 35-60 credits and potentially receive a $12,500 scholarship to continue their education at Suffolk.

Dean College, a private institution in Franklin, Massachusetts, features an even more generous transfer policy. Students can transfer up to 90 credits from another accredited school toward a bachelor's degree, or 30 credits toward an associate degree.

To transfer credits, request a copy of your transcripts from your former college's registrar. Some schools may charge a fee to evaluate whether you can transfer your credits toward one of their programs, while others offer a preliminary evaluation for free.

Will Any Online Colleges in Massachusetts Accept a GED?

Yes. Almost all online colleges in Massachusetts allow students to apply if they hold a GED instead of a high school diploma. Some schools may set a minimum score for GED applicants, usually requiring at least a 520 on all four subject tests.

You may find it more difficult to gain admission to more selective institutions with just a GED. To improve your odds of acceptance, consider ways you can strengthen your application. For example, you may take either the SAT or ACT to demonstrate that you possess the skills and knowledge needed to succeed academically. You may also ask former teachers to write letters of recommendation on your behalf. In addition, you can use the application essay to provide context as to why you earned a GED rather than a high school diploma.

Some schools allow students to take college-level courses before applying to a program. Doing well in an undergraduate course may convince admissions officers you are ready to begin working toward your bachelor's.

How Many Academic Terms per Year Do Online Colleges in Massachusetts Offer?

Generally, no, you cannot attend an online college in Massachusetts that offers weekly or monthly start dates. All state schools require students to enroll at the start of the fall, spring, or summer terms. The majority of private institutions in Massachusetts follow a similar schedule, though some may allow you to begin taking courses before applying to a program.

If you want to begin your studies right away, consider applying to a school with flexible enrollment policies, such as Walden UniversityCapella University, or Purdue University Global. These institutions cater to online students, and they often feature weekly, monthly, or bimonthly start dates to help working professionals and single parents balance responsibilities.

After taking a few classes at one of these schools, you can apply to transfer the credits you earned to an online university in Massachusetts. To make the transfer process easier, attend a college with regional accreditation. Each of the institutions listed above boasts regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Which Online Colleges Will Accept FAFSA in Massachusetts?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for various forms of financial aid, including federal grants, work-study opportunities, and low-interest student loans. Many states and private scholarship organizations also use information from the FAFSA to provide aid to students.

The federal government only provides financial aid to students attending regionally or nationally accredited institutions. In Massachusetts, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges is the regional accreditor. If your school holds national accreditation, it may work with accrediting agencies like the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation's online directory to confirm that your program holds one of these two forms of accreditation.

Are There Any Free Online Classes I Can Take From Massachusetts Colleges?

While you can take online classes for free at several high-value universities in Massachusetts, you generally cannot receive credit toward a postsecondary degree for completing these courses.

A massive open online course (MOOC) platform known as edX provides free access to courses taught by faculty from Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston University, as well as elite institutions worldwide. You can study subjects such as entrepreneurship in emerging economies, ancient Egyptian art, matrix algebra, or data science.

In addition to exposing you to a new subject, MOOCs can help you develop valuable professional skills or decide whether to pursue an area of study. Although students cannot receive credit at Harvard or MIT for these classes, edX allows you to purchase a certificate of completion for some courses. These certificates usually cost $50-$100.

Some schools may allow you to sample an online course for a brief period of time before requiring you to pay. If you do not withdraw from the course before the shopping period ends, however, you must pay the class' tuition and fees in full. Contact individual schools to inquire about online course shopping opportunities.

How Can I Find the Online Program Options at Massachusetts's Colleges?

Start by visiting UMassOnline. This portal features a searchable database of all online programs available at each of the six institutions in the University of Massachusetts system. You can search by degree level or major. You can also review nondegree online options, such as graduate certificates, digital badges, and courses that meet continuing education unit requirements. The site also includes a course demo to help prospective students understand the online learning experience.

You should also visit Massachusetts Colleges Online, a website for the state's 15 community colleges and nine state universities. Students can research the consortium's more than 225 fully online programs, watch testimonials from current and former online students, and request additional information. The site also features an interactive map of participating institutions for students who may want to enroll in a hybrid program.

Massachusetts Scholarships and Grants

After determining whether you qualify for federal aid, you should research grant and scholarship programs offered by the Massachusetts state government and private organizations. Five scholarships for students attending or applying to online colleges in Massachusetts are detailed below.




MASS Grant

The MASS Grant provides need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students attending school in Massachusetts. To qualify, you must be enrolled full time at an accredited institution with an expected family contribution of less than $5,486. The state automatically determines your eligibility for this program when you complete the FAFSA.

Scholarship Amount: Varies

View Details




John and Abigail Adams Scholarship

The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship supports high-performing students earning their first bachelor's degree. Eligible students must receive an advanced score in at least one of the subject areas of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exam and at least a proficient score on both of the others. The combined score must also rank within the top 25% of the district.

Scholarship Amount: Up to the full cost of tuition at a state university

View Details




Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship

The Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship supports students who overcame major adversity. To receive funding, you must exhibit difficult personal circumstances, strong financial need, and exceptional academic promise. You must also maintain at least a 2.5 GPA during high school and in any college-level courses taken.

Scholarship Amount: Up to the full cost of tuition

View Details




Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship

The Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship offers financial aid to students from rural areas of Massachusetts. Eligibility depends on financial need, academic merit, and residence in a city or town of fewer than 15,000 inhabitants. To apply, you must receive a nomination from the public college or university you plan to attend.

Scholarship Amount: Varies

View Details




Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund

This private fund provides renewable scholarship awards to students living in any of the New England states. To qualify, you must pursue a bachelor's degree in a "demanding course of study," though the fund does not require a specific major. You must also maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and report an expected family contribution of less than $10,000.

Scholarship Amount: $3,000-$15,000

View Details




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