Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024

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Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Massachusetts offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts

Sort by:
  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. Smith College
  10. Clark University
  1. Harvard University
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  3. Boston University
  4. Brandeis University
  5. Tufts University
  6. Smith College
  7. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  8. Boston College
  9. Clark University
  10. Northeastern University
  1. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 96%
  2. American International College 89%
  3. Western New England University 88%
  4. Suffolk University 87%
  5. University of Massachusetts Lowell 86%
  6. Lesley University 86%
  7. University of Massachusetts Boston 81%
  8. Springfield College 76%
  9. Simmons University 76%
  10. Endicott College 73%
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst 18 to 1
  2. University of Massachusetts Lowell 17 to 1
  3. Northeastern University 16 to 1
  4. University of Massachusetts Boston 16 to 1
  5. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 15 to 1
  6. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 13 to 1
  7. Suffolk University 13 to 1
  8. Boston College 12 to 1
  9. Bentley University 12 to 1
  10. American International College 12 to 1
  1. Tufts University $65,222
  2. Boston College $64,176
  3. Boston University $62,360
  4. Brandeis University $62,322
  5. Northeastern University $60,192
  6. Smith College $58,768
  7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $57,986
  8. Harvard University $57,261
  9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute $57,096
  10. Bentley University $56,500
  1. Boston University $61,050
  2. Smith College $58,480
  3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $57,590
  4. Brandeis University $55,104
  5. Tufts University $54,196
  6. Harvard University $52,456
  7. Clark University $47,650
  8. Bentley University $43,440
  9. Suffolk University $39,622
  10. Springfield College $34,140
  1. American International College
  2. Endicott College
  3. Simmons University
  4. Springfield College
  5. Lesley University
  6. Cambridge College
  7. Western New England University
  8. Bentley University
  9. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  10. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  1. Endicott College
  2. American International College
  3. Cambridge College
  4. Western New England University
  5. Lesley University
  6. Simmons University
  7. Bentley University
  8. Springfield College
  9. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  10. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  1. Harvard University 3%
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4%
  3. Northeastern University 7%
  4. Tufts University 10%
  5. Boston University 14%
  6. Boston College 17%
  7. Smith College 23%
  8. Brandeis University 39%
  9. Clark University 50%
  10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 57%
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  2. Harvard University 7 to 1
  3. Simmons University 7 to 1
  4. Cambridge College 8 to 1
  5. Smith College 8 to 1
  6. Clark University 9 to 1
  7. Brandeis University 10 to 1
  8. Tufts University 10 to 1
  9. Lesley University 10 to 1
  10. Boston University 11 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. Cambridge College $17,190
  6. Lesley University $31,364
  7. Endicott College $37,776
  8. American International College $40,550
  9. Springfield College $41,694
  10. Suffolk University $43,332
  1. American International College $13,037
  2. Endicott College $13,084
  3. University of Massachusetts Amherst $14,364
  4. University of Massachusetts Lowell $14,956
  5. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $16,390
  6. Cambridge College $16,923
  7. Western New England University $17,550
  8. University of Massachusetts Boston $18,894
  9. Lesley University $18,900
  10. Northeastern University $26,715

Key Takeaways

  • Many of the best grad schools in Massachusetts are private institutions known worldwide for their academic excellence and research innovations. Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology lead the pack.
  • Tuition for these graduate schools are among the highest in the country, but their alumni agree that the cost of graduate education is well worth it. Their graduate school experience not only contributed to their personal growth but also improved their professional opportunities.
  • Prospective graduate students must look into the financial aid options offered by the graduate schools they’re planning on applying for admission. This is true regardless of your chosen graduate degree—computer science, art education, or business administration.

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


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Massachusetts: The Ivy League Grad School Hub

Graduate school refers to higher education consisting of advanced programs of study with particular focus on a profession or a discipline. As such, graduate education can fall into one of three major categories, namely:

  • Academic, meaning the program of study centers on the generation of original research studies in specific disciplines;
  • Professional, meaning students develop their advanced knowledge and skills in specific professions or disciplines; and
  • Academic and professional, meaning the program of study balances between academic research and professional development

For example, Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education has a more professional approach, but many of its graduate schools also have an academic research-centered philosophy. Graduate students at MIT are encouraged to contribute to new knowledge in STEM fields like engineering and computer science.

Levels of Education in Massachusetts Graduate Schools

Like all institutions of higher education, the best grad schools in Massachusetts offer students three levels of graduate education.

  • Specialist degrees. These are typically post-master’s degrees that require students to take on additional coursework, professional training, and/or internship/externship experiences. While specialist degrees differ in their desired results, these graduate degrees prepare students for licensing or certification. Examples include Specialist in Education (Ed.S), Specialist in Community College Teaching (SCCT), and Specialist in School Psychology (SSP).
  • Master’s degrees. These are post-bachelor’s degrees in a wide range of disciplines, from business administration and social sciences to STEM fields. While time-to-completion varies between graduate programs, the average is 2-3 years for full-time students. Master’s degree designations include Master of Science (MS), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
  • Doctoral degrees. These are terminal degrees intended to create new knowledge and/or contribute to applied research through independent research projects (i.e., dissertations). The average time-to-completion is 5-7 years with doctorate degree holders considered as reliable experts in their fields. Examples include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D).

The best grad schools in Massachusetts are among the most selective schools in the United States, too. Prospective students must meet stringent admission requirements including above-average academic performance and potential, GRE/GMAT scores, and potential for research contributions.

  • Students in these graduate schools must also be prepared for these common characteristics:
  • Focused program of study with emphasis on research methodologies and dissertation courses
  • Fewer elective course options
  • Rigorous coursework and evaluations
  • Smaller class sizes with emphasis on peer-to-peer and student-to-professor collaborations
  • Independent research resulting in original work
  • Work experience via graduate or teaching assistantships and/or internships

Suffice it to say that graduate school isn’t for the faint of heart! Adult students with high levels of motivation are more likely to succeed in graduate schools.

Tackling the Cost of Education in Massachusetts Graduate Schools

Graduate education can be expensive, sometimes prohibitively so in private institutions. Fortunately, graduate students have several financial aid options available in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

  • The Graduate Tuition Waiver provides incentives to students enrolled in graduate programs at public colleges and universities in Massachusetts. The University of Massachusetts, the only public research university system of its kind in the state, offers the tuition assistance program.
  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a popular financial aid option for graduate students regardless of their current financial status. Available federal financial aid options include direct unsubsidized loans, direct PLUS loans, TEACH grants, Pell grants, and the federal work-study scheme.
  • Institutional and external scholarships are also available to graduate students in Massachusetts graduate schools. Examples include the Fulbright Program, Rhodes Scholarship, and Marshall Scholarship.
  • The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) loans are also a viable option. But remember that MEFA is a private lender despite its status as a state lending authority, thus, different rules and regulations apply.

Indeed, earning a graduate degree from the best grad schools in Massachusetts is well worth the cost—and financial aid definitely helps!

There are 23 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Massachusetts. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Massachusetts is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools 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
  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
  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

    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
  9. #10

    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
  10. #11

    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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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

  14. #16

    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

  15. Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Western New England University

    Cost of Degree: $44,500
    Expenses: $17,730
    Starting Salary: $61,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Western New England University known for?

    Western New England University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #19

    Lesley University

    Cambridge , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lesley University

    Cost of Degree: $31,364
    Expenses: $21,988
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lesley University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #20

    Springfield College

    Springfield , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Springfield College

    Cost of Degree: $41,694
    Expenses: $17,270
    Starting Salary: $48,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #22

    Endicott College

    Beverly , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Endicott College

    Cost of Degree: $37,776
    Expenses: $20,262
    Starting Salary: $56,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Endicott College known for?

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

  19. Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at American International College

    Cost of Degree: $40,550
    Expenses: $18,200
    Starting Salary: $50,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is American International College known for?

    American International College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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Massachusetts’s Best Grad School for Your Interest!

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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. Boston University
  4. Tufts University
  5. Brandeis University
  6. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  7. Northeastern University
  8. Boston College
  9. Smith College
  10. Clark University
  11. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  12. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  13. Bentley University
  14. Suffolk University
  15. Simmons University
  16. Lesley University
  17. Western New England University
  18. Springfield College
  19. Endicott College
  20. American International College
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