Massachusetts College Costs & 529 Plan Guide

Average tuition, fees, room & board for Massachusetts colleges in 2026-2027. Compare costs and plan your 529 savings.

🎓 Massachusetts College Cost Overview

PUBLIC IN-STATE (ANNUAL)

$25,200

$100,800 for 4 years

PUBLIC OUT-OF-STATE (ANNUAL)

$42,800

$171,200 for 4 years

UMASS AMHERST

$33,500

$134,000 for 4 years

PROJECTED IN 10 YEARS (5% INFLATION)

$164,193

$41,048/yr in 2035

💰 Massachusetts 529 Plan Tax Benefits

STATE TAX DEDUCTION

None

No state deduction for 529 contributions

FEDERAL TAX BENEFIT

Tax-Free Growth

All 529 earnings grow and are withdrawn tax-free for education

Massachusetts does not offer a state income tax deduction for 529 plan contributions. However, you still benefit from federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses.

Calculate Your Savings Plan →

College Savings Strategies for Massachusetts Families

To cover the full 4-year in-state cost at today's prices ($100,800), a Massachusetts family starting at birth would need to save approximately $467/month. Factoring in 5% annual cost inflation and 7% investment returns in a 529 plan, the recommended monthly savings increases to approximately $563.

Monthly Savings Targets for Massachusetts In-State

Starting Age	Monthly Savings Needed	Total Contributed	Est. 529 Growth
Age 0 (18 years)	$563/mo	$121,654	+$120,933
Age 5 (13 years)	$750/mo	$117,046	+$73,027
Age 10 (8 years)	$1,162/mo	$111,522	+$37,405
Age 13 (5 years)	$1,797/mo	$107,817	+$20,832