Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2023

BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By James Barham
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.

10 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

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  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. 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.

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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

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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.

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Best Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts 2022

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #1 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #1 Best Universities in the World 2023 #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    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
    #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #3 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    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 2023 #21 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #3 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1405/32

    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

    University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Amherst , MA
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2023 #1 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #6 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/29

    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
  10. #9

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #20 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023 #21 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    What is Amherst College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #23 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023 #24 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Williams College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #8 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    What is Wellesley College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #2 Best Online Associate in Information Technology #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    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
  26. #22

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    North Dartmouth , MA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2023 #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/23

    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
  29. #25

    Wentworth Institute of Technology

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

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    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 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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