Planning your college budget for Massachusetts? This guide uses official 2025-26 data from the Education Data Initiative and College Board to show what students actually spend at public universities in Boston and across the state. Numbers cover both on-campus and off-campus living scenarios.
Annual Cost Breakdown — Public Universities (2025-26)
| Expense | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|
| Tuition & Fees (In-State) | $15,885 | $15,885 |
| Housing | $9,813 (dorm) | $13,200 (est. rent) |
| Meal Plan / Food | $6,786 (board) | $4,800 (groceries) |
| Books & Supplies | $1,240 | $1,240 |
| Transportation | $1,200 ($100/mo) | $1,200 ($100/mo) |
| Personal Expenses | $3,000 ($250/mo) | $3,000 ($250/mo) |
| Estimated Total | $37,924 | $39,325 |
Out-of-State Students: Tuition rises to $38,348, bringing the estimated on-campus total to approximately $60,387. Always check the official Cost of Attendance page at your specific school for the most accurate figure.
Sources: Education Data Initiative — Average Cost of College by State, AY2025-26 (educationdata.org). Books figure: College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Off-campus housing and personal estimates based on national student spending averages.
What to Know About Massachusetts
- Boston has one of the best public transit systems in the US (MBTA) — many students skip owning a car entirely
- Off-campus housing in Allston and Brighton is often cheaper than dorms for students who plan ahead
- Massachusetts has above-average tuition among public universities — financial aid is especially important to research here
- Grocery costs run high; Market Basket and Aldi are the go-to budget stores for students across the state
Money-Saving Tips for Massachusetts Students
- Get a CharlieCard and apply for the MBTA Student Pass — saves 50%+ on transit costs
- Apply for state aid through MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority)
- Share a 3-bedroom apartment in Allston or Brighton with roommates to beat dorm pricing
- Use campus meal plan flex dollars strategically rather than paying full restaurant prices near campus
How to Use This Budget
These are averages across public universities in Massachusetts. Your actual costs will vary based on your school, housing situation, and financial aid. Use this as a starting point to:
- Estimate how much you need to save, borrow, or earn before and during school
- Compare on-campus versus off-campus total costs side by side
- Identify which expenses can realistically be reduced
- Build a monthly spending plan once your housing and meal situation is confirmed