Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

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By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

For prospective college students looking for schools that align with their Christian faith and demonstrate academic excellence, here are the best Christian colleges in Massachusetts.

10 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts

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  1. Boston College
  2. College of the Holy Cross
  3. Stonehill College
  4. Gordon College
  5. Anna Maria College
  6. Merrimack College
  7. Eastern Nazarene College
  8. Emmanuel College
  9. Assumption University
  10. Elms College
  1. Boston College
  2. College of the Holy Cross
  3. Stonehill College
  4. Merrimack College
  5. Emmanuel College
  6. Eastern Nazarene College
  7. Gordon College
  8. Anna Maria College
  9. Assumption University
  10. Elms College
  1. Gordon College 92%
  2. Elms College 91%
  3. Assumption University 82%
  4. Emmanuel College 80%
  5. Merrimack College 75%
  6. Stonehill College 73%
  7. Anna Maria College 70%
  8. Eastern Nazarene College 62%
  9. College of the Holy Cross 36%
  10. Boston College 17%
  1. Gordon College 14 to 1
  2. Emmanuel College 13 to 1
  3. Merrimack College 13 to 1
  4. Boston College 12 to 1
  5. Stonehill College 12 to 1
  6. Anna Maria College 12 to 1
  7. Assumption University 11 to 1
  8. Elms College 10 to 1
  9. College of the Holy Cross 10 to 1
  10. Eastern Nazarene College 9 to 1
  1. Boston College $64,176
  2. College of the Holy Cross $58,360
  3. Stonehill College $52,000
  4. Merrimack College $49,196
  5. Assumption University $47,508
  6. Emmanuel College $44,908
  7. Anna Maria College $41,010
  8. Elms College $40,635
  9. Eastern Nazarene College $27,990
  10. Gordon College $27,040
  1. Boston College $33,912
  2. Merrimack College $32,896
  3. Stonehill College $31,867
  4. Elms College $16,776
  5. Emmanuel College $14,319
  6. Assumption University $14,130
  7. Eastern Nazarene College $10,598
  8. Anna Maria College $10,530
  9. Gordon College $6,490
  1. Elms College
  2. Assumption University
  3. Emmanuel College
  4. Eastern Nazarene College
  5. Merrimack College
  6. Anna Maria College
  7. Gordon College
  8. Stonehill College
  9. College of the Holy Cross
  10. Boston College
  1. Elms College
  2. Assumption University
  3. Anna Maria College
  4. Gordon College
  5. Eastern Nazarene College
  6. Emmanuel College
  7. Merrimack College
  8. Stonehill College
  9. College of the Holy Cross
  10. Boston College
  1. Boston College 17%
  2. College of the Holy Cross 36%
  3. Eastern Nazarene College 62%
  4. Anna Maria College 70%
  5. Stonehill College 73%
  6. Merrimack College 75%
  7. Emmanuel College 80%
  8. Assumption University 82%
  9. Elms College 91%
  10. Gordon College 92%
  1. Eastern Nazarene College 9 to 1
  2. Elms College 10 to 1
  3. College of the Holy Cross 10 to 1
  4. Assumption University 11 to 1
  5. Boston College 12 to 1
  6. Stonehill College 12 to 1
  7. Anna Maria College 12 to 1
  8. Emmanuel College 13 to 1
  9. Merrimack College 13 to 1
  10. Gordon College 14 to 1
  1. Gordon College $27,040
  2. Eastern Nazarene College $27,990
  3. Elms College $40,635
  4. Anna Maria College $41,010
  5. Emmanuel College $44,908
  6. Assumption University $47,508
  7. Merrimack College $49,196
  8. Stonehill College $52,000
  9. College of the Holy Cross $58,360
  10. Boston College $64,176
  1. Gordon College $6,490
  2. Anna Maria College $10,530
  3. Eastern Nazarene College $10,598
  4. Assumption University $14,130
  5. Emmanuel College $14,319
  6. Elms College $16,776
  7. Stonehill College $31,867
  8. Merrimack College $32,896
  9. 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

The following list of the best Christian schools consists entirely of colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. We’ve identified 10 Christian colleges in Massachusetts. In order to be included in this ranking list of best Christian colleges and universities, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.

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Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2023

  1. #1

    Boston College

    Chestnut Hill , MA
    #3 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #9 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #7 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $67,680
    Expenses: $21,925
    Starting Salary: $92,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Boston College known for?

    Boston College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    College of the Holy Cross

    Worcester , MA
    #1 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #22 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #23 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at College of the Holy Cross

    Cost of Degree: $60,850
    Expenses: $19,650
    Starting Salary: $88,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of the Holy Cross known for?

    College of the Holy Cross’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Stonehill College

    Easton , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stonehill College

    Cost of Degree: $53,400
    Expenses: $19,505
    Starting Salary: $66,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stonehill College known for?

    Stonehill College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Gordon College

    Wenham , MA
    #6 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1199/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Gordon College

    Cost of Degree: $28,100
    Expenses: $14,850
    Starting Salary: $47,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gordon College known for?

    Gordon College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Gordon College ’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Finance
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Anna Maria College

    Paxton , MA
    #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #18 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #23 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025 #24 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Anna Maria College

    Cost of Degree: $43,064
    Expenses: $20,310
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Anna Maria College known for?

    Anna Maria College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Anna Maria College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Fire Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Merrimack College

    North Andover , MA
    #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Merrimack College

    Cost of Degree: $51,786
    Expenses: $22,495
    Starting Salary: $62,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Merrimack College known for?

    Merrimack College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Eastern Nazarene College

    Quincy , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Nazarene College

    Cost of Degree: $28,610
    Expenses: $15,250
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eastern Nazarene College known for?

    Eastern Nazarene College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Emmanuel College

    Boston , MA
    #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025 #16 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Emmanuel College

    Cost of Degree: $46,686
    Expenses: $20,368
    Starting Salary: $54,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Emmanuel College known for?

    Emmanuel College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Assumption University

    Worcester , MA
    #13 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #7 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #8 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #19 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Assumption University

    Cost of Degree: $49,414
    Expenses: $17,946
    Starting Salary: $61,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Assumption University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Assumption University ’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Digital Marketing
    • Human Resource Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Self-Designed Concentration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services And Rehabilitation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • English
    • History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  11. #10

    Elms College

    Chicopee , MA
    #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #19 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #20 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Elms College

    Cost of Degree: $42,061
    Expenses: $19,016
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Elms College known for?

    Elms College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Elms College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Computer Information Technology And Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Find Massachusetts’s best Christian colleges in your area of interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. Boston College
  2. College of the Holy Cross
  3. Stonehill College
  4. Gordon College
  5. Emmanuel College
  6. Merrimack College
  7. Elms College
  8. Assumption University
  9. Eastern Nazarene College
  10. Anna Maria College
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