Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Massachusetts

Bay Path University breaks the mold for computer science affordability in Massachusetts, offering a net price of just $14,590 despite being a private institution. This creates an unusual situation where a private college costs less than most public alternatives in the state. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with Worcester State and Fitchburg State following closely at $14,738 and $15,432 respectively. Massachusetts benefits from a concentrated tech ecosystem centered around Boston, where companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and countless biotech firms actively recruit computer science graduates. The earnings potential reflects this market strength, with Salem State graduates earning $67,660 annually and UMass Dartmouth graduates reaching $68,858. Even at the premium end, Wellesley College produces graduates earning $86,867 with remarkably low debt loads of $13,350. The state's MassGrant Plus program helps bridge affordability gaps for in-state students, making public options even more accessible. This combination of strong regional job markets and financial aid creates multiple pathways for students to enter the technology workforce without excessive debt burdens.

Programs

$14,590 – $38,787

Net Price Range

$63,449

Avg. Program Earnings

61.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Bay Path University Longmeadow, Massachusetts	$14,590	$37,227	56.9%	75.6%
2	Worcester State University Worcester, Massachusetts	$14,738	$11,286	55.5%	87.7%
3	Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, Massachusetts	$15,432	$11,046	52.7%	86.1%
4	Framingham State University Framingham, Massachusetts	$16,698	$11,630	49.5%	87.4%
5	Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, Massachusetts	$17,733	$28,610	35.3%	61.9%
6	University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, Massachusetts	$18,282	$15,496	51.1%	80.8%
7	Salem State University Salem, Massachusetts	$18,441	$11,978	55.0%	92.7%
8	Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, Massachusetts	$18,707	$11,884	49.1%	92.5%
9	University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, Massachusetts	$20,605	$15,208	49.0%	95.5%
10	College of Our Lady of the Elms Chicopee, Massachusetts	$21,436	$42,061	64.7%	90.9%
11	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, Massachusetts	$23,691	$17,357	83.2%	63.5%
12	Lasell University Newton, Massachusetts	$24,944	$26,000	53.2%	73.2%
13	Wellesley College Wellesley, Massachusetts	$25,008	$64,320	91.2%	13.6%
14	Fisher College Boston, Massachusetts	$25,702	$35,013	28.4%	74.2%
15	Simmons University Boston, Massachusetts	$27,313	$45,538	71.2%	76.5%
16	Clark University Worcester, Massachusetts	$27,711	$55,160	77.1%	50.3%
17	Assumption University Worcester, Massachusetts	$28,853	$49,414	74.6%	82.3%
18	Springfield College Springfield, Massachusetts	$29,187	$43,707	67.6%	75.6%
19	Curry College Milton, Massachusetts	$29,504	$46,220	48.3%	87.5%
20	Suffolk University Boston, Massachusetts	$30,031	$45,380	59.8%	86.8%
21	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
22	Merrimack College North Andover, Massachusetts	$37,899	$51,786	72.1%	74.6%
23	Bentley University Waltham, Massachusetts	$38,787	$58,150	88.2%	57.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bay Path University so affordable compared to other private colleges?

Bay Path University offers a net price of $14,590, making it cheaper than most public universities in Massachusetts. This private nonprofit institution provides substantial financial aid that brings costs below even state schools. The net price represents what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, demonstrating Bay Path's commitment to accessibility.

How do public university costs compare across Massachusetts?

Public universities range from $14,738 at Worcester State to $23,691 at UMass Amherst for computer science programs. Worcester State, Fitchburg State, and Framingham State cluster around $14,000-$16,000 in net costs. UMass Amherst costs more but offers an 83.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than other public options averaging around 50%.

Is there a connection between school cost and graduate earnings?

The relationship varies significantly across Massachusetts schools. Salem State graduates earn $67,660 annually with a net cost of $18,441, while Worcester State graduates earn $46,087 at a lower $14,738 cost. Wellesley College represents the premium tier with graduates earning $86,867, though its net price reaches $25,008.

Does acceptance rate indicate program competitiveness?

Acceptance rates span from 13.57% at Wellesley College to 95.52% at UMass Dartmouth. Most affordable options maintain high acceptance rates above 80%, suggesting accessible entry points. Wellesley stands as the clear outlier with highly selective admissions but also produces the highest-earning graduates at $86,867 annually.

Where do graduates find the best debt-to-income ratios?

Wellesley College offers the strongest ratio with graduates earning $86,867 while carrying only $13,350 in debt. UMass Boston provides solid value with $51,551 earnings and $21,585 debt loads. Worcester State creates another favorable scenario with $46,087 earnings and $20,500 in debt, making it accessible for middle-income families.

More Computer and Information Sciences, General 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.