Cheapest Classics and Classical Languages Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts classics programs show remarkable financial extremes, from Hellenic College's $14,334 net price to Tufts at $35,435. This gap reflects both the state's elite private institutions and its commitment to accessible education through strong financial aid. Harvard and Williams, despite sticker prices near $60,000, rank among the most affordable through generous need-based aid that brings actual costs below many mid-tier schools. The field connects naturally to Massachusetts' museum sector, with institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Harvard Art Museums regularly hiring classics graduates for curatorial and research positions. Public options remain limited to UMass campuses, where Amherst offers the stronger program at $23,691 net cost. The state's 18 programs serve a region where classical education has deep historical roots, dating to Harvard's founding in 1636. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Hellenic College's 44% to Harvard's 97%, reflecting different student populations and academic approaches. Small class sizes characterize most programs, making personal attention from faculty a key advantage regardless of price point.

Programs

$14,334 – $39,866

Net Price Range

$21,508

Avg. Program Earnings

79.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Brookline, Massachusetts	$14,334	$22,490	44.4%	57.9%
2	Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts	$14,852	$64,860	96.6%	8.5%
3	Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$16,816	$59,076	97.3%	3.2%
4	Amherst College Amherst, Massachusetts	$18,246	$67,280	93.4%	7.3%
5	University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, Massachusetts	$18,282	$15,496	51.1%	80.8%
6	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, Massachusetts	$23,691	$17,357	83.2%	63.5%
7	Hampshire College Amherst, Massachusetts	$25,810	$56,630	57.2%	68.9%
8	Smith College Northampton, Massachusetts	$26,181	$61,568	89.7%	22.9%
9	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$26,996	$65,168	90.0%	14.4%
10	Clark University Worcester, Massachusetts	$27,711	$55,160	77.1%	50.3%
11	Assumption University Worcester, Massachusetts	$28,853	$49,414	74.6%	82.3%
12	Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts	$29,562	$64,142	85.0%	39.8%
13	Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Norton, Massachusetts	$30,934	$62,080	75.7%	79.5%
14	Brandeis University Waltham, Massachusetts	$33,885	$64,946	86.1%	39.4%
15	Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts	$35,435	$67,844	93.3%	9.7%
16	Bard College at Simon's Rock Great Barrington, Massachusetts	$36,684	$66,594	54.2%	95.5%
17	College of the Holy Cross Worcester, Massachusetts	$36,868	$60,850	89.6%	36.4%
18	Boston College Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts	$39,866	$67,680	91.0%	16.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

How do elite colleges make classics affordable in Massachusetts?

Harvard charges $59,076 in tuition but nets just $16,816 after aid, while Williams drops from $64,860 to $14,852. These schools use massive endowments to provide need-based aid that often covers 70-80% of costs. Families earning under $75,000 typically pay nothing at Harvard, making it more affordable than many state schools.

What makes Hellenic College the cheapest option at $14,334?

Hellenic College specializes in Greek Orthodox theology and classical studies, serving a specific religious community with subsidized education. The school's 44% graduation rate reflects its unique mission and student body. Its Brookline location provides access to Boston's academic resources while maintaining significantly lower costs than secular institutions.

Is UMass the best public option for classics students?

UMass Amherst offers the state's primary public classics program at $23,691 net cost with an 83% graduation rate. UMass Boston costs less at $18,282 but has a 51% graduation rate and more limited classics offerings. The Amherst campus provides stronger research opportunities and faculty resources for classical studies.

Where do Massachusetts classics graduates typically find employment?

The state's museum sector actively recruits classics graduates, with positions at Harvard Art Museums, MFA Boston, and smaller cultural institutions. Teaching opportunities exist throughout the region's numerous prep schools and colleges. Many graduates also enter Boston's legal sector, where classical training provides strong analytical foundations. Graduate school placement rates remain high at top programs like Harvard and Williams.

More Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Rankings

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.