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 92%
  2. Wentworth Institute of Technology 90%
  3. Suffolk University 88%
  4. University of Massachusetts Lowell 85%
  5. University of Massachusetts Boston 79%
  6. Hampshire College 75%
  7. Stonehill College 72%
  8. University of Massachusetts Amherst 66%
  9. Bentley University 61%
  10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 60%
  1. University of Massachusetts Lowell 19 to 1
  2. University of Massachusetts Boston 17 to 1
  3. University of Massachusetts Amherst 17 to 1
  4. Wentworth Institute of Technology 16 to 1
  5. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 15 to 1
  6. Boston College 14 to 1
  7. Northeastern University 14 to 1
  8. Suffolk University 14 to 1
  9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 13 to 1
  10. Emerson College 13 to 1
  1. Tufts University $63,000
  2. Boston College $61,706
  3. Amherst College $61,150
  4. Wellesley College $60,752
  5. Brandeis University $60,006
  6. Boston University $59,816
  7. Williams College $59,660
  8. Northeastern University $57,592
  9. College of the Holy Cross $56,540
  10. Mount Holyoke College $56,518
  1. Williams College $59,728
  2. Boston University $58,560
  3. Smith College $55,830
  4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $55,510
  5. Tufts University $54,196
  6. Brandeis University $53,498
  7. Harvard University $50,928
  8. Clark University $47,650
  9. Bentley University $42,200
  10. Suffolk University $39,450
  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. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4%
  2. Harvard University 4%
  3. Amherst College 9%
  4. Williams College 9%
  5. Tufts University 11%
  6. Wellesley College 16%
  7. Northeastern University 18%
  8. Boston College 19%
  9. Boston University 19%
  10. Smith College 30%
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  2. Harvard University 5 to 1
  3. Williams College 6 to 1
  4. Amherst College 7 to 1
  5. Smith College 7 to 1
  6. Wellesley College 7 to 1
  7. Mount Holyoke College 9 to 1
  8. Clark University 9 to 1
  9. Boston University 10 to 1
  10. Brandeis University 10 to 1
  1. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $13,833
  2. University of Massachusetts Boston $14,187
  3. University of Massachusetts Lowell $15,078
  4. University of Massachusetts Amherst $15,791
  5. Wentworth Institute of Technology $37,650
  6. Suffolk University $41,648
  7. Stonehill College $47,808
  8. Clark University $50,302
  9. Emerson College $52,190
  10. Hampshire College $52,738
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst $14,014
  2. University of Massachusetts Lowell $14,590
  3. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $16,390
  4. University of Massachusetts Boston $18,433
  5. Northeastern University $25,801
  6. Mount Holyoke College $25,833
  7. Worcester Polytechnic Institute $28,980
  8. Emerson College $31,248
  9. Stonehill College $31,867
  10. Boston College $32,616

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

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    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

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    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

    $60K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1405/32

    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

    $60K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    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

    $16K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/29

    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

    $62K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    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

    $58K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1475/34

    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

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    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

    $60K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    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

    $61K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    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

    $56K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    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

    $50K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/29

    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

    $42K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1106/23

    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

    79%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    19K

    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

    $53K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    62%

    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

    $52K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/29

    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

    85%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    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

    $14K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/23

    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

    $55K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/28

    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

    $48K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    85%

    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

    $38K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    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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