Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

Badge for BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

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.

Key Takeaways

  • Massachusetts is home to world-renowned institutions like Harvard University, MIT, and Amherst College, offering cutting-edge research opportunities, interdisciplinary programs, and access to leading faculty across diverse fields. These schools emphasize both academic rigor and hands-on learning experiences.
  • Colleges in Massachusetts are part of a vibrant academic ecosystem, with strong alumni networks and connections to industries like technology, healthcare, and finance. The proximity to Boston—a hub for innovation—provides students with numerous internship and career opportunities.
  • With a strong emphasis on student life, Massachusetts colleges offer a rich blend of extracurricular activities, from student-run clubs to athletics and cultural organizations. These opportunities allow students to engage with peers, develop leadership skills, and explore their interests outside the classroom.

10 Best Colleges in Massachusetts in 2025

  1. Harvard University
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  3. Boston University
  4. Brandeis University
    +1
  5. Tufts University
    –1
  6. Amherst College
    +3
  7. University of Massachusetts Amherst
    –1
  8. Williams College
    +2
  9. Smith College
    +3
  10. Boston College
    –3

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best colleges in Massachusetts saw a considerable amount of movement. Amherst College rose three ranking positions due to the college’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, with a major initiative to decarbonize the campus by transitioning to a low-temperature hot water geothermal system. This project will reduce the college’s reliance on fossil fuels by using renewable energy to heat and cool campus buildings, significantly enhancing energy efficiency.

Additionally, Amherst is expanding its inclusive academic support with the Amherst College Textbooks (ACTS) program, which provides all students with free access to required course materials, aiming to reduce financial barriers and improve educational equity.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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.

Best Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
    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: $59,076
    Expenses: $27,629
    Starting Salary: $139,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Harvard University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    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: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $153,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    #19 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025
    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: $65,168
    Expenses: $21,195
    Starting Salary: $75,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Boston University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Boston University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Undergrad Completion Program
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    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: $67,280
    Expenses: $20,360
    Starting Salary: $83,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Amherst College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Amherst , MA
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025
    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: $17,357
    Expenses: $17,309
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Amherst known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    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: $64,860
    Expenses: $20,000
    Starting Salary: $89,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Williams College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    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: $61,568
    Expenses: $24,462
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Smith College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    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 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
    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: $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
  13. #11

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    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: $64,320
    Expenses: $21,970
    Starting Salary: $71,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wellesley College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Northeastern University

    Boston , MA
    #8 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts
    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: $63,141
    Expenses: $21,590
    Starting Salary: $74,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northeastern University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Clark University

    Worcester , MA
    #16 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $55,160
    Expenses: $13,540
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Clark University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Hampshire College

    Amherst , MA
    #4 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampshire College

    Cost of Degree: $56,630
    Expenses: $17,644
    Starting Salary: $39,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hampshire College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of Massachusetts Boston

    Boston , MA
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

    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: $15,495
    Expenses: $21,578
    Starting Salary: $53,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Boston known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Suffolk University

    Boston , MA
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts

    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: $45,380
    Expenses: $22,860
    Starting Salary: $59,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Suffolk University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Emerson College

    Boston , MA
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #9 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology #12 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs

    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: $54,816
    Expenses: $25,220
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Emerson College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    North Dartmouth , MA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
    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: $15,208
    Expenses: $21,112
    Starting Salary: $51,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
    Compare school
  26. #22

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
    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: $16,570
    Expenses: $17,994
    Starting Salary: $57,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Lowell known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Bentley University

    Waltham , MA
    #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025
    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: $58,150
    Expenses: $21,810
    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

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Stonehill College

    Easton , MA
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

    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
  30. #25

    Wentworth Institute of Technology

    Boston , MA
    #1 Best Accredited Online Trade Schools for Vocational Skills

    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: $41,010
    Expenses: $22,170
    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

    Compare school
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Find the Best Schools in Massachusetts for Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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. 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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