Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

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Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Massachusetts offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts

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  1. Amherst College
  2. Williams College
  3. Wellesley College
  4. Smith College
  5. College of the Holy Cross
  6. Mount Holyoke College
  7. Suffolk University
  8. Hampshire College
  9. Emerson College
  10. Bentley University
  1. Amherst College
  2. Williams College
  3. Smith College
  4. Wellesley College
  5. Mount Holyoke College
  6. College of the Holy Cross
  7. Hampshire College
  8. Suffolk University
  9. Emerson College
  10. Wheaton College
  1. Bard College at Simon's Rock 95%
  2. Salem State University 93%
  3. Wentworth Institute of Technology 92%
  4. Gordon College 92%
  5. Bridgewater State University 88%
  6. Suffolk University 87%
  7. Fitchburg State University 86%
  8. Westfield State University 82%
  9. Wheaton College 79%
  10. Springfield College 76%
  1. Bridgewater State University 17 to 1
  2. Wentworth Institute of Technology 17 to 1
  3. Emerson College 15 to 1
  4. Gordon College 14 to 1
  5. Westfield State University 14 to 1
  6. Suffolk University 13 to 1
  7. Merrimack College 13 to 1
  8. Bentley University 12 to 1
  9. Anna Maria College 12 to 1
  10. Endicott College 12 to 1
  1. Bard College at Simon's Rock $64,951
  2. Amherst College $64,100
  3. Wellesley College $61,920
  4. Williams College $61,770
  5. Wheaton College $60,230
  6. Smith College $58,768
  7. Mount Holyoke College $58,498
  8. College of the Holy Cross $58,360
  9. Bentley University $56,500
  10. Hampshire College $54,452
  1. Williams College $61,775
  2. Smith College $58,480
  3. Bentley University $43,440
  4. Wentworth Institute of Technology $40,285
  5. Suffolk University $39,622
  6. Springfield College $34,140
  7. Merrimack College $32,896
  8. Emerson College $32,376
  9. Stonehill College $31,867
  10. Mount Holyoke College $27,268
  1. Bay State College
  2. Merrimack College
  3. Endicott College
  4. Anna Maria College
  5. Wheaton College
  6. Fitchburg State University
  7. Gordon College
  8. Bridgewater State University
  9. Springfield College
  10. Salem State University
  1. Bay State College
  2. Anna Maria College
  3. Endicott College
  4. Fitchburg State University
  5. Gordon College
  6. Cambridge College
  7. Bridgewater State University
  8. Bard College at Simon's Rock
  9. Merrimack College
  10. Westfield State University
  1. Amherst College 7%
  2. Williams College 8%
  3. Wellesley College 14%
  4. Smith College 23%
  5. College of the Holy Cross 36%
  6. Mount Holyoke College 40%
  7. Emerson College 43%
  8. Bay State College 48%
  9. Bentley University 58%
  10. Hampshire College 69%
  1. Williams College 6 to 1
  2. Bard College at Simon's Rock 6 to 1
  3. Amherst College 7 to 1
  4. Wellesley College 7 to 1
  5. Cambridge College 8 to 1
  6. Smith College 8 to 1
  7. Mount Holyoke College 9 to 1
  8. Bay State College 9 to 1
  9. College of the Holy Cross 10 to 1
  10. Springfield College 11 to 1
  1. Salem State University $910
  2. Bridgewater State University $910
  3. Fitchburg State University $970
  4. Westfield State University $970
  5. Cambridge College $17,190
  6. Gordon College $27,040
  7. Bay State College $29,500
  8. Endicott College $37,776
  9. Wentworth Institute of Technology $38,760
  10. Anna Maria College $41,010
  1. Bridgewater State University $1,260
  2. Westfield State University $1,775
  3. Salem State University $2,520
  4. Fitchburg State University $3,510
  5. Gordon College $6,490
  6. Anna Maria College $10,530
  7. Endicott College $13,084
  8. Cambridge College $16,923
  9. Mount Holyoke College $27,268
  10. Stonehill College $31,867

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

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A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 41 liberal arts universities in Massachusetts. To be ranked among the 25 best liberal arts colleges in Massachusetts, schools must fully accredited institutions.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2023

  1. #1

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    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: $64,100
    Expenses: $19,550
    Starting Salary: $83,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    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: $61,770
    Expenses: $19,230
    Starting Salary: $89,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    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: $61,920
    Expenses: $21,130
    Starting Salary: $71,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    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
  5. #6

    Mount Holyoke College

    South Hadley , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount Holyoke College

    Cost of Degree: $58,498
    Expenses: $19,180
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #7

    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
  7. #8

    Hampshire College

    Amherst , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    60%

    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
  8. #9

    Emerson College

    Boston , MA

    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: $52,496
    Expenses: $24,138
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #10

    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

  10. #11

    Stonehill College

    Easton , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    79%

    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
  11. 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: $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

  12. #13

    Bard College at Simon's Rock

    Great Barrington , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bard College at Simon's Rock

    Cost of Degree: $64,951
    Expenses: $19,200
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bard College at Simon's Rock known for?

    Bard College at Simon's Rock’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Westfield State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,500
    Expenses: $16,906
    Starting Salary: $48,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Westfield State University known for?

    Westfield State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Westfield State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Salem State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,978
    Expenses: $17,938
    Starting Salary: $47,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Salem State University known for?

    Salem State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Salem State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Corporate Finance And Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Hospitality Management
    • Human Resources
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Operations And Decision Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Occupational Health Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Fire Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Education: Early Education And Care
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BLS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Healthcare Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  15. #17

    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
  16. #18

    Bridgewater State University

    Bridgewater , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Bridgewater State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,051
    Expenses: $18,262
    Starting Salary: $47,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bridgewater State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #19

    Gordon College

    Wenham , MA

    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: $27,040
    Expenses: $14,350
    Starting Salary: $47,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Fitchburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,921
    Expenses: $16,816
    Starting Salary: $47,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fitchburg State University known for?

    Fitchburg State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Fitchburg State University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #21

    Wheaton College

    Norton , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Wheaton College

    Cost of Degree: $60,230
    Expenses: $16,800
    Starting Salary: $55,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #22

    Anna Maria College

    Paxton , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Anna Maria College

    Cost of Degree: $41,010
    Expenses: $21,890
    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
  21. #23

    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:

  22. #24

    Merrimack College

    North Andover , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Merrimack College

    Cost of Degree: $49,196
    Expenses: $20,745
    Starting Salary: $62,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  23. #25

    Bay State College

    Boston , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bay State College

    Cost of Degree: $29,500
    Expenses: $23,842
    Starting Salary: $34,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bay State College known for?

    Bay State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Bay State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Fashion Merchandising
    Degree Concentrations
    • Fashion Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Entertainment Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Music Industry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Digital Marketing
    • Healthcare Management
    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Finance
    • Human Resource Management
    • Finance
    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • Marketing/Digital Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Analytics
    • Web And Mobile Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Digital Forensics And Cybersecurity
    • Domestic And International Security
    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Domestic And International Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Find the Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts for Your 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. Amherst College
  2. Hampshire College
  3. Wellesley College
  4. Williams College
  5. Smith College
  6. Mount Holyoke College
  7. Emerson College
  8. College of the Holy Cross
  9. Stonehill College
  10. Wheaton College
  11. Bentley University
  12. Gordon College
  13. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
  14. Springfield College
  15. Emmanuel College
  16. Wentworth Institute of Technology
  17. Merrimack College
  18. Endicott College
  19. Elms College
  20. Bay Path University

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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