Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2023

BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS PRIVATE COLLEGES
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Massachusetts.

10 Best Private 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. Wellesley College
  10. Boston College
  1. Western New England University 90%
  2. Wentworth Institute of Technology 90%
  3. Suffolk University 88%
  4. Lesley University 87%
  5. Bard College at Simon's Rock 80%
  6. Hampshire College 75%
  7. Stonehill College 72%
  8. Bentley University 61%
  9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 60%
  10. Mount Holyoke College 52%
  1. Wentworth Institute of Technology 16 to 1
  2. Boston College 14 to 1
  3. Northeastern University 14 to 1
  4. Suffolk University 14 to 1
  5. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 13 to 1
  6. Emerson College 13 to 1
  7. Hampshire College 12 to 1
  8. Western New England University 12 to 1
  9. Bentley University 11 to 1
  10. Stonehill College 11 to 1
  1. Bard College at Simon's Rock $63,583
  2. Tufts University $63,000
  3. Boston College $61,706
  4. Amherst College $61,150
  5. Wellesley College $60,752
  6. Brandeis University $60,006
  7. Boston University $59,816
  8. Williams College $59,660
  9. Northeastern University $57,592
  10. College of the Holy Cross $56,540
  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. Cambridge College
  2. Western New England University
  3. Bard College at Simon's Rock
  4. Wentworth Institute of Technology
  5. Stonehill College
  6. Lesley University
  7. Bentley University
  8. Emerson College
  9. Suffolk University
  10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  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. Bard College at Simon's Rock 6 to 1
  5. Amherst College 7 to 1
  6. Smith College 7 to 1
  7. Wellesley College 7 to 1
  8. Lesley University 9 to 1
  9. Mount Holyoke College 9 to 1
  10. Clark University 9 to 1
  1. Cambridge College $16,442
  2. Lesley University $29,550
  3. Wentworth Institute of Technology $37,650
  4. Western New England University $40,380
  5. Suffolk University $41,648
  6. Stonehill College $47,808
  7. Clark University $50,302
  8. Emerson College $52,190
  9. Hampshire College $52,738
  10. Bentley University $54,910
  1. Cambridge College $16,409
  2. Lesley University $18,900
  3. Northeastern University $25,801
  4. Mount Holyoke College $25,833
  5. Western New England University $26,640
  6. Worcester Polytechnic Institute $28,980
  7. Emerson College $31,248
  8. Stonehill College $31,867
  9. Boston College $32,616
  10. Wentworth Institute of Technology $38,600

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Massachusetts's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 45 private universities in Massachusetts. To be included in the list below of the 25 best private universities in Massachusetts, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges 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 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
  9. #8

    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
  10. #9

    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
  11. #10

    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

    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
  26. #22

    Bard College at Simon's Rock

    Great Barrington , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    <1K

    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

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Western New England University

    Springfield , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Western New England University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  29. #25

    Lesley University

    Cambridge , MA
    #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2023 #13 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Lesley University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Lesley University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Liberal Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Management
    • Marketing Or Nonprofit Management
    • Human Services
    • Marketing Or Nonprofit Management
    • Human Services
    • Development Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in User Experience
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Find Massachusetts’ Best Private School in Your Area Interest

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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. Tufts University
  6. Wellesley College
  7. Williams College
  8. Smith College
  9. Mount Holyoke College
  10. Boston University
  11. Clark University
  12. Emerson College
  13. Boston College
  14. College of the Holy Cross
  15. Northeastern University
  16. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  17. Stonehill College
  18. Wheaton College
  19. Bentley University
  20. Endicott College
  21. Bay Path University

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

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