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Cheapest Computer Science Colleges in Massachusetts

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Williams College offers the lowest net price for Computer Science in Massachusetts at just $14,852, despite its $64,860 sticker price. This reflects how elite private schools can become surprisingly affordable through financial aid, while public options like Fitchburg State University cost $15,432 net despite an $11,046 in-state tuition. Harvard and MIT graduates earn over $127,000 annually in Computer Science roles, capitalizing on Massachusetts' position as a tech powerhouse with companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft maintaining major operations in the Boston area. The state's 20 Computer Science programs range from $14,852 to $29,562 in net costs, creating pathways into an industry where even mid-tier programs like UMass-Lowell produce graduates earning $71,575. Public universities maintain acceptance rates above 80%, while elite institutions like Harvard accept just 3.24% of applicants, yet both feed into the same thriving regional tech ecosystem.
33
Programs
$14,852 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$83,997
Avg. Program Earnings
74.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,852 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
2 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
3 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
4 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
5 $17,970 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
6 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
7 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
8 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
9 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
10 $18,627 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
11 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
12 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
13 $23,691 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
14 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
15 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
16 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
17 $26,996 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
18 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
19 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
20 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
21 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
22 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
23 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
24 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
25 $33,885 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
26 $34,170 $41,010 68.6% 92.3%
27 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
28 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
29 $36,868 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
30 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
31 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
32 $39,866 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
33 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Williams College the most affordable Computer Science option in Massachusetts?

Williams College costs just $14,852 net despite a $64,860 sticker price, making it cheaper than many public universities. The college's generous financial aid brings down costs dramatically while maintaining a 96.60% graduation rate. Computer Science graduates earn $96,183 annually, well above the national average. This combination of low net cost and strong outcomes makes Williams exceptionally valuable for qualifying students.

How do public university Computer Science programs compare in Massachusetts?

Public options range from Fitchburg State at $15,432 net to UMass-Amherst at $23,691 net cost. UMass-Lowell offers the best value among public schools with a $18,627 net cost and $71,575 graduate earnings. Most public programs maintain acceptance rates above 80%, with UMass-Amherst being more selective at 63.52%. Graduation rates vary significantly, from 51.10% at UMass-Boston to 83.20% at UMass-Amherst.

Is the earnings gap between elite and mid-tier programs worth the admission difficulty?

Harvard and MIT Computer Science graduates earn over $127,000 annually compared to $60,623 at Bridgewater State. However, these elite schools accept under 4% of applicants versus 87.71% at Bridgewater State. Mid-tier options like UMass-Lowell produce graduates earning $71,575 with much higher acceptance rates. The $50,000+ earnings gap reflects both program quality and networking opportunities in Massachusetts' competitive tech market.

Does graduation debt vary significantly across Massachusetts Computer Science programs?

Graduate debt ranges from $11,077 at MIT to $27,000 at Westfield State University. Elite private schools often carry less debt due to generous financial aid, with Williams College graduates owing just $12,208. Public university graduates typically carry $22,000-$27,000 in debt despite lower sticker prices. The debt-to-earnings ratio favors elite institutions, where high starting salaries quickly offset educational investments.

Where do Computer Science graduates find the best job opportunities in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts hosts major tech employers including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and numerous biotech companies concentrated around Boston and Cambridge. The state's highest-in-nation college concentration creates a skilled workforce that attracts continued tech investment. Computer Science graduates from programs like UMass-Lowell earning $71,575 can access these opportunities without attending elite institutions. Regional demand keeps starting salaries high across all program tiers, with even mid-range graduates earning above national averages.

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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.