College Costs in Boston, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 24 colleges in Boston, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,167
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$60,730
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,571
per month
Colleges & Universities
24
institutions
Boston Overview
Population
675,647
Student Population
40,388 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
137 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
76/100
Transit Score
48/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Boston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$114,360
Total After Financial Aid
$114,360
Annual Cost
$28,590
Annual After Aid
$28,590
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $114,360 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,299 |
| Total Interest | $41,464 |
| Total Loan Cost | $155,824 |
Universities in Boston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Private | $62,360 |
| Northeastern University | Private | $59,100 |
| University of Massachusetts Boston | Public | $14,167 |
| Bunker Hill Community College | Community | $5,760 |
| Roxbury Community College | Community | $5,280 |
Boston has 24 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Boston vs. National Average
| Category | Boston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,167 | $10,940 | +$3,227 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,571 | $1,050 | +$521 |
| Cost of Living Index | 137 | 100 | +37 |
Boston's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Boston
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
40,388 students
Boston has a total population of 675,647, with approximately 40,388 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Boston offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Boston
$72,866
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Boston earn a median starting salary of $72,866, which is $37,866 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $114,360 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,458 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Worcester
11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
Springfield
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
Cambridge
6 colleges · Avg tuition $13,207
Amherst
3 colleges · Avg tuition $16,952
Northampton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
Williamstown
4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
Stockbridge
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Lowell
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Brockton
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Quincy
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
New Bedford
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Lynn
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Boston
How we compile Boston college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Boston institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Boston's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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