Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Massachusetts
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Massachusetts5 schools
5 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Massachusetts.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Williams College
Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofitHonor RollExceptional: Compass grade A+
- Net price $17,716 a year
- 94% graduate
- 2
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofitIvy LeagueHonor RollExceptional: Compass grade A+
- Net price $19,066 a year
- 98% graduate
- 3
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA · PublicTop 20% for earnings
- Net price $17,163 a year
- 65% graduate
- 4
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Chicopee, MA · Private nonprofitTop 24% for graduation
- Net price $17,545 a year
- 68% graduate
- 5
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
North Adams, MA · PublicGood: Compass grade B
- Net price $16,068 a year
- 56% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams College | $17,716 | $12,761 | $88,665 | 94% |
| Harvard University | $19,066 | $14,000 | $101,817 | 98% |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | $17,163 | $23,704 | $64,874 | 65% |
| College of Our Lady of the Elms | $17,545 | $25,000 | $51,540 | 68% |
| Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts | $16,068 | $23,750 | $48,102 | 56% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.