Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

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Here are the best colleges and universities in Massachusetts based on the academic achievements of faculty and alumni associated with the schools. The best colleges in Massachusetts have rich histories of hiring stellar faculty and producing influential alumni.

10 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

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  1. Harvard University
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  3. Boston University
  4. Tufts University
  5. Brandeis University
  6. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  7. Boston College
  8. Northeastern University
  9. Amherst College
  10. Williams College
  1. Harvard University
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  3. Boston University
  4. Brandeis University
  5. Tufts University
  6. Amherst College
  7. Williams College
  8. Smith College
  9. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  10. Wellesley College
  1. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 96%
  2. Wentworth Institute of Technology 92%
  3. Suffolk University 87%
  4. University of Massachusetts Lowell 86%
  5. University of Massachusetts Boston 81%
  6. Stonehill College 73%
  7. Hampshire College 69%
  8. University of Massachusetts Amherst 64%
  9. Bentley University 58%
  10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 57%
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst 18 to 1
  2. University of Massachusetts Lowell 17 to 1
  3. Wentworth Institute of Technology 17 to 1
  4. Northeastern University 16 to 1
  5. University of Massachusetts Boston 16 to 1
  6. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 15 to 1
  7. Emerson College 15 to 1
  8. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 13 to 1
  9. Suffolk University 13 to 1
  10. Boston College 12 to 1
  1. Tufts University $65,222
  2. Boston College $64,176
  3. Amherst College $64,100
  4. Boston University $62,360
  5. Brandeis University $62,322
  6. Wellesley College $61,920
  7. Williams College $61,770
  8. Northeastern University $60,192
  9. Smith College $58,768
  10. Mount Holyoke College $58,498
  1. Williams College $61,775
  2. Boston University $61,050
  3. Smith College $58,480
  4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $57,590
  5. Brandeis University $55,104
  6. Tufts University $54,196
  7. Harvard University $52,456
  8. Clark University $47,650
  9. Bentley University $43,440
  10. Wentworth Institute of Technology $40,285
  1. Wentworth Institute of Technology
  2. Stonehill College
  3. Bentley University
  4. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  5. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  6. Emerson College
  7. Hampshire College
  8. University of Massachusetts Boston
  9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  10. Suffolk University
  1. Wentworth Institute of Technology
  2. Stonehill College
  3. Bentley University
  4. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  5. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  6. Emerson College
  7. Suffolk University
  8. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  9. University of Massachusetts Boston
  10. Hampshire College
  1. Harvard University 3%
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4%
  3. Amherst College 7%
  4. Northeastern University 7%
  5. Williams College 8%
  6. Tufts University 10%
  7. Wellesley College 14%
  8. Boston University 14%
  9. Boston College 17%
  10. Smith College 23%
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  2. Williams College 6 to 1
  3. Amherst College 7 to 1
  4. Harvard University 7 to 1
  5. Wellesley College 7 to 1
  6. Smith College 8 to 1
  7. Mount Holyoke College 9 to 1
  8. Clark University 9 to 1
  9. Brandeis University 10 to 1
  10. Tufts University 10 to 1
  1. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $14,179
  2. University of Massachusetts Boston $14,542
  3. University of Massachusetts Lowell $15,462
  4. University of Massachusetts Amherst $16,186
  5. Wentworth Institute of Technology $38,760
  6. Suffolk University $43,332
  7. Stonehill College $52,000
  8. Clark University $52,352
  9. Emerson College $53,232
  10. Hampshire College $54,452
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst $14,364
  2. University of Massachusetts Lowell $14,956
  3. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $16,390
  4. University of Massachusetts Boston $18,894
  5. Northeastern University $26,715
  6. Mount Holyoke College $27,268
  7. Worcester Polytechnic Institute $28,980
  8. Stonehill College $31,867
  9. Emerson College $32,376
  10. Boston College $33,912

Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts

Some of the most talked about universities in Massachusetts are its private schools, including Boston University, Harvard University, Northeastern University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which also happen to be the largest. Tuition for these prestigious schools runs between $50,000 and $54,000. Students here have access to some of the top programs in the country in fields such as biology, literature, law, education, engineering, and religious studies. The alumni from New England schools are equally as impressive, including Martin Luther King Jr., Bill Gates, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The public higher education institutes also boast top-notch programs, allowing students to pursue associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields like mathematics, social work, medicine, and economics. The University of Massachusetts Amherst, the state’s largest public university, offers tuition around $16,000 and serves over 28,000 students. Additionally, students who are interested in attending a religiously affiliated school have 17 options to choose from, most of which feature high graduation rates for their students. For future dental, medical, or mental health professionals, Massachusetts also offers loan forgiveness programs for those working in underserved communities.

As the port of destination for the Mayflower, home to the Plymouth colony, and site of the Salem Witch Trials, Massachusetts looms large in United States history, but this most populous New England state isn’t just for history buffs. The Bay State is also known for its delicious cuisine, beautiful coastlines, and devout sports fans. Not to mention, it has over 100 colleges for students to choose from.

Find a program that’s right for you and explore the best schools Massachusetts has to offer.


What are Massachusetts’ Colleges & Universities?

Massachusetts’ Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Massachusetts' Best Colleges and Universities Badge
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We’ve identified a total of 57 colleges and universities in Massachusetts that meet our criteria. This list of the top 25 colleges in Massachusetts below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Massachusetts. For those who are interested in an associate’s degree, check out our ranking of top online associate’s in Massachusetts.

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Best Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts 2023

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $57,261
    Expenses: $26,277
    Starting Salary: $139,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $57,986
    Expenses: $21,864
    Starting Salary: $153,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $62,360
    Expenses: $20,400
    Starting Salary: $75,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Boston University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Undergrad Completion Program
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #5

    Brandeis University

    Waltham , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1450/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Brandeis University

    Cost of Degree: $62,322
    Expenses: $19,592
    Starting Salary: $69,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Cost of Degree: $16,952
    Expenses: $16,523
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Online Degrees

    BA in Film And Media Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Bachelor Of Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality And Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Arts Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #7

    Boston College

    Chestnut Hill , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1487/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Boston College

    Cost of Degree: $64,176
    Expenses: $19,570
    Starting Salary: $92,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Northeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $60,192
    Expenses: $21,230
    Starting Salary: $74,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $64,100
    Expenses: $19,550
    Starting Salary: $83,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #10

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1525/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $61,770
    Expenses: $19,230
    Starting Salary: $89,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #11

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $61,920
    Expenses: $21,130
    Starting Salary: $71,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #12

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Smith College

    Cost of Degree: $58,768
    Expenses: $23,366
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #13

    Clark University

    Worcester , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Clark University

    Cost of Degree: $52,352
    Expenses: $12,914
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #16

    Suffolk University

    Boston , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Suffolk University

    Cost of Degree: $43,332
    Expenses: $22,132
    Starting Salary: $59,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Boston

    Cost of Degree: $15,132
    Expenses: $19,618
    Starting Salary: $53,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #19

    Hampshire College

    Amherst , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampshire College

    Cost of Degree: $54,452
    Expenses: $16,922
    Starting Salary: $39,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #20

    Emerson College

    Boston , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Emerson College

    Cost of Degree: $52,496
    Expenses: $24,138
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1259/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,182
    Expenses: $16,550
    Starting Salary: $57,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology Second Degree
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology: Business Minor
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Literature And Criticism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BLA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $14,854
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $51,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Dartmouth known for?

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management-Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • E-Commerce/Digital Business
    • Technology & Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Literature And Criticism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology And Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Women'S And Gender Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #23

    Bentley University

    Waltham , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1339/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Bentley University

    Cost of Degree: $56,500
    Expenses: $21,270
    Starting Salary: $95,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bentley University known for?

    Bentley University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. #24

    Stonehill College

    Easton , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stonehill College

    Cost of Degree: $50,762
    Expenses: $17,600
    Starting Salary: $66,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  21. Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Wentworth Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $38,760
    Expenses: $18,620
    Starting Salary: $67,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wentworth Institute of Technology known for?

    Wentworth Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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Find the Best Schools in Massachusetts for Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Harvard University
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  3. Amherst College
  4. Brandeis University
  5. Hampshire College
  6. Tufts University
  7. Wellesley College
  8. Williams College
  9. Smith College
  10. Mount Holyoke College
  11. Boston University
  12. Clark University
  13. Emerson College
  14. Boston College
  15. College of the Holy Cross
  16. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  17. Northeastern University
  18. Simmons University
  19. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  20. Stonehill College
  21. Wheaton College
  22. Bentley University
  23. Gordon College
  24. Springfield College
  25. Western New England University
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