10 Affordable Universities in the Boston Main Area for Indian Students
One of the main reasons why Boston is ranked the #1 best student city in the USA is the affordability of higher education that its universities offer to international students.Â
The average cost of study in the universities of Boston is around USD 30,000-60,000 or INR 26 Lakhs-51 Lakhs per year, depending on the course level, course, and the university.Â
UMass Boston is a world-renowned public university in Boston for offering quality higher education at the cheapest price, which is around USD 28,000-37,000 or INR 24 Lakhs-31 Lakhs. Apart from this, there are several community colleges and private institutions that also offer affordable education, which we have discussed in this blog.
List of Affordable Universities in Boston
- Below, we have tabulated the list of affordable universities in Boston, along with their average tuition fees per year.Â
- The affordable universities in Boston are those that charge tuition fees between USD 35,000 and 40,000 or INR 30-35 lakhs per year.
| University | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| UMass Boston | USD 28,000-37,000 or INR 24 Lakhs-31 Lakhs |
| Suffolk University | USD 30,946 (INR 26 Lakhs) |
| Roxbury Community College | USD 11,000 or INR 9 Lakhs |
| Bunker Hill Community College | USD 6,000-10,000 or INR 5 Lakhs-14 Lakhs |
| Massachusetts College of Arts & Design | USD 30,000-40,000 or INR 25 Lakhs-35 Lakhs |
| Cambridge College | USD 11,000-25,000 or INR 9 Lakhs-21 Lakhs |
| Boston Architectural College | USD 15,000-21,000 or INR 12 Lakhs-17 Lakhs |
University of Massachusetts or UMass Boston
- The University of Massachusetts at Boston (UMass Boston) is the only major public research university, located in Boston City.Â
- It offers a comprehensive and wide range of academic programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at affordable tuition rates.
- The average tuition fee in UMass Boston is around USD 28,000-37,000 or INR 24 Lakhs-31 Lakhs.
- It is a part of the University of Massachusetts System.
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 1000 |
| US News & World Report Ranking 2024 | 675 |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% |
| Total No. of Students | 16,000 |
| 5 Popular Programs | Artificial Intelligence Business Management Computer Science Public Policy Nursing Sciences |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | USD 28,000-37,000 or INR 24 Lakhs-31 Lakhs |
Suffolk University
- Suffolk University is a private institute of higher learning and research, located in Boston’s main area.Â
- It was founded in 1906 and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.Â
- It has 3 main departments- law school, college of arts and sciences, and business school.
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | - |
| US News & World Report 2024 | 259 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85% |
| Total No. of Students | 6,473 |
| 5 Popular Programs | Accounting Business Management Computer Science Finance Political Science |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | USD 30,946 or INR 26 Lakhs |
Roxbury Community College
- Roxbury Community College is one of the best public institutes of higher learning offering associate degrees, certifications, and transfer programs.Â
- The mission of the college is to provide a thriving atmosphere where students from every background are provided with opportunities for innovation and excellence.
| Acceptance Rate | 100% |
| Total No. of Students | 2,300 |
| 5 Popular Programs | Biology Business Management Criminal Justice Information Technology Mathematics |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | USD 11,000 or INR 9 Lakhs |
Bunker Hill Community College
- Bunker Hill Community College is an open-access, multi-campus, and urban institution of higher learning offering associate degrees, certifications, and transfer programs.
- It is one of the most affordable community colleges in the Greater Boston area.Â
| Acceptance Rate | 92% |
| Total No. of Students | 16,000 |
| 5 Popular Programs | Business Management Computer Science Information Technology Mathematics Natural Science |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | USD 6,000-10,000 or INR 5 Lakhs-14 Lakhs |
Massachusetts College of Arts & Design (MassArt)
Massachusetts College of Arts & Design (MassArt) is the USA’s only independent public college of arts and design. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate, professional, and continuing education for students who want to pursue higher education in the field of arts and design.
Some of the popular courses offered at the college include animation, architecture, communication design, fashion design, film video, and painting.
| Location | Huntington Avenue, Boston |
| Total No. of Students | 2,000 |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | USD 30,000-40,000 or INR 25 Lakhs-34 Lakhs |
| Acceptance Rate | 77% |
Cambridge College
Cambridge College, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a renowned institution known for its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population.Â
With a strong focus on adult learners, working professionals, and career changers, it offers flexible programs designed to accommodate busy schedules.Â
| Acceptance Rate | 30% |
| Total No. of Students | 2,500 |
| 5 Popular Programs | Animation Architecture Communication Design Fashion Design Film Video Editing |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | USD 11,000-25,000 or INR 9 Lakhs-21 Lakh |
Boston Architectural College
Boston Architectural College (BAC) is a distinguished institution located in the heart of Boston, known for its specialised focus on architecture and design education.Â
As New England’s largest independent design college, BAC offers a unique learning model that integrates academic coursework with real-world practice.Â
| Acceptance Rate | 77% |
| Total No. of Students | 2,000 |
| 5 Popular Programs | Animation Architecture Communication Design Fashion Design Film Video Editing |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | USD 30,000-40,000 or INR 25 Lakhs-34 Lakhs |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Studying at affordable universities in Boston helps students save their money while still gaining access to quality education, diverse academic programs, and valuable career opportunities.
These institutions often provide lower tuition fees, financial aid options, and flexible learning models, making higher education more accessible for both domestic and international students. By choosing an affordable university in Boston, students can reduce financial stress and focus more on their academic growth and personal development.
FAQs
What are the affordable universities in Boston for MS courses?
Some of the affordable universities in Boston for MS programs are UMass Boston, Suffolk University, Massachusetts College of Arts & Design, Cambridge College, and Boston Architectural College
What are the best universities in Boston for computer science programs?
The best universities in Boston for computer science majors are Harvard University (Boston Campus), Boston University, Northeastern University, and the University of Massachusetts.
How much affordable higher education in Boston cost?
The affordable higher education in Boston costs around USD 28,000-37,000 or INR 24 Lakhs-31 Lakhs, depending on the institute, course, and course level.
What is the cost of living in Boston for international students
The cost of living in Boston for international students ranges between USD 2,286-3,000 or INR 1.85 Lakhs-2.56 Lakhs per month, depending on the location and lifestyle preferences of the students.
Does Boston have any public universities?
The University of Massachusetts is the only public research university in the Boston area that offers a wide range of academic programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
