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How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country. For the US, pick the state, city and type of university (community college, public or private).
- 2Choose your level of study, lifestyle and number of years.
- 3Enter the tuition from your offer letter or I-20 if you have it, and review the yearly cost, the likely range and the total.
Tuition in Massachusetts for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In Massachusetts that averages $35,530 a year in 2025-26, compared with $15,900 for state residents. The national average is $31,880.
Fees differ widely between universities: flagship and research universities usually charge more than regional campuses, so check each university's own cost of attendance.
| Type of university | Typical tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Community college (international rate) | about $10,000 |
| Public university, out-of-state (Massachusetts average) | $35,530 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in Massachusetts
Tuition plus 12 months of living costs and health insurance (about $2,500 a year). Budget = sharing with two other students; average = sharing with one; comfortable = your own apartment.
| University type | Budget | Average | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | $32,080 | $38,483 | $51,881 |
| Public university | $57,610 | $64,013 | $77,411 |
| Private university | $67,080 | $73,483 | $86,881 |
Living costs in Massachusetts
Across Massachusetts's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $2,278 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $1,139 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $1,026 a month; prices in Massachusetts are 5.8% above the US average.
In total, expect about $2,165 a month for an average student lifestyle.
| City | Typical rent (whole home) | Your share (2 sharing) | Living cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston & Cambridge | $2,987 | $1,494 | $2,544 |
Massachusetts vs neighboring states
A year at a public university (out-of-state tuition, average lifestyle, 12 months):
| State | Out-of-state tuition | Living per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $23,620 | $1,839 | $48,184 |
| New Hampshire | $36,090 | $1,956 | $62,059 |
| Massachusetts ★ | $35,530 | $2,165 | $64,013 |
| Rhode Island | $36,680 | $2,075 | $64,084 |
| Connecticut | $36,530 | $2,095 | $64,169 |
| Vermont | $44,180 | $1,908 | $69,577 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in Massachusetts?
About $64,013 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $35,530, living about $25,983, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $73,483 and a community college about $38,483. That makes Massachusetts the 10th most expensive of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?
Your university's I-20 lists the estimated cost for one academic year (tuition plus living costs), and you must show funds to cover at least that amount, usually with bank statements, a sponsor letter or a scholarship letter.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term and full time in breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed through CPT or OPT, so plan to cover your costs without relying on a job.
