State Comparison • 2026 Data

California vs Massachusetts

Complete comparison of college tuition costs, university options, and educational value between California and Massachusetts.

California

Lower Cost

Avg In-State

$29,815

Avg Out-of-State

$50,425

Universities

3

Avg SAT

1465

View California universities →

Massachusetts

Avg In-State

$59,790

Avg Out-of-State

$59,790

Universities

3

Avg SAT

1510

View Massachusetts universities →

Potential Savings

By choosing California over Massachusetts, you could save approximately:

$29,975

Per year (in-state)

$119,900

Over 4 years

Top Affordable Universities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is California or Massachusetts cheaper for college?

California has lower average tuition by $29,975 for in-state students.

How many universities are in California vs Massachusetts?

California has 3 universities in our database, while Massachusetts has 3 universities.

Which state has more selective universities?

Massachusetts has more selective universities on average, with a 7% acceptance rate.

Can I get in-state tuition in California as an out-of-state resident?

Yes, most states including California allow you to establish residency after 12 months, which can unlock in-state tuition rates and save you $20,610 per year.

What are the average SAT scores for California and Massachusetts colleges?

The average SAT score for California universities is 1465, while Massachusetts averages 1510.

IPEDS Data
Official government data
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Updated 2026
Current academic year

Data sourced from U.S. Department of Education IPEDS