BOSTON – Families and students in Massachusetts are grappling with the stark reality that the cost of attending college in the state has surged past the $90,000 mark per year. This staggering figure includes tuition, fees, room, and board, making Massachusetts one of the most expensive places in the nation to pursue higher education. The skyrocketing costs have sparked widespread concern about accessibility and affordability, raising questions about who can afford to attend college and how students will manage the burden of student loan debt.
The rising cost of college in Massachusetts reflects broader trends in higher education, where tuition and fees have consistently outpaced inflation for decades. Factors driving the increase include declining state funding for public universities, growing administrative expenses, and investments in campus infrastructure and amenities to attract students. As a result, even middle-class families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the cost of a college education, leading many students to take on substantial debt or forego higher education altogether.
In response to the affordability crisis, colleges and universities in Massachusetts are facing mounting pressure to address rising costs and make higher education more accessible to all students. Some institutions have implemented measures such as increasing financial aid, freezing tuition rates, or offering more generous scholarship programs. However, achieving long-term affordability will require systemic changes, including increased state investment in public higher education and innovative approaches to reducing administrative bloat and streamlining operations.
