Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

Badge for BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • We have identified 45 of the best private institutions in Massachusetts, each offering an intimate campus experience.
  • Many of the best private colleges in Massachusetts offer a dynamic campus life, helping to create a strong sense of community and a balanced college experience that blends academics with student life.
  • Many of the best private colleges in Massachusetts emphasize small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships.

10 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts in 2026

  1. Harvard University
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  3. Boston University
  4. Tufts University
    +1
  5. Brandeis University
    –1
  6. Amherst College
  7. Smith College
    +1
  8. Williams College
    –1
  9. Boston College
  10. Wellesley College

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.

Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #1 Best Universities in the World 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $59,076
    Expenses: $27,629
    Starting Salary: $121,957
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1550/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $152,553
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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 2026 #24 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #3 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    45K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1475/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $65,168
    Expenses: $21,195
    Starting Salary: $89,087
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Tufts University

    Medford , MA
    #23 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #25 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #4 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Tufts University

    Cost of Degree: $67,844
    Expenses: $20,456
    Starting Salary: $89,187
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tufts University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Brandeis University

    Waltham , MA
    #24 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #5 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2026 #5 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Brandeis University

    Cost of Degree: $64,946
    Expenses: $21,296
    Starting Salary: $85,519
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brandeis University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $67,280
    Expenses: $20,360
    Starting Salary: $95,161
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Amherst College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $67K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1480/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Smith College

    Cost of Degree: $61,568
    Expenses: $24,462
    Starting Salary: $69,936
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Smith College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $73K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $64,860
    Expenses: $20,000
    Starting Salary: $95,954
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Williams College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Boston College

    Chestnut Hill , MA
    #3 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #7 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #9 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Boston College

    Cost of Degree: $67,680
    Expenses: $21,925
    Starting Salary: $112,178
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Boston College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $70K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $64,320
    Expenses: $21,970
    Starting Salary: $90,458
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wellesley College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Northeastern University

    Boston , MA
    #8 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2026 #9 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #3 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)

    Tuition + fees

    $69K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Northeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $63,141
    Expenses: $21,590
    Starting Salary: $99,371
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northeastern University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Clark University

    Worcester , MA
    #16 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #9 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1374/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Clark University

    Cost of Degree: $55,160
    Expenses: $13,540
    Starting Salary: $67,223
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Clark University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Mount Holyoke College

    South Hadley , MA
    #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #18 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount Holyoke College

    Cost of Degree: $64,142
    Expenses: $20,838
    Starting Salary: $66,117
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mount Holyoke College known for?

    Mount Holyoke College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    College of the Holy Cross

    Worcester , MA
    #1 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #17 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #23 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #25 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/29

    Career Outlook for degree at College of the Holy Cross

    Cost of Degree: $60,850
    Expenses: $19,650
    Starting Salary: $100,485
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of the Holy Cross known for?

    College of the Holy Cross’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Hampshire College

    Amherst , MA
    #4 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #8 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampshire College

    Cost of Degree: $56,630
    Expenses: $17,644
    Starting Salary: $47,422
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hampshire College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    Worcester , MA
    #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2026 #8 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2026 #13 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    Cost of Degree: $58,870
    Expenses: $20,472
    Starting Salary: $113,513
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Worcester Polytechnic Institute known for?

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Suffolk University

    Boston , MA
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Suffolk University

    Cost of Degree: $45,380
    Expenses: $22,860
    Starting Salary: $75,345
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Suffolk University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Emerson College

    Boston , MA
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #9 12 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology #12 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Emerson College

    Cost of Degree: $54,816
    Expenses: $25,220
    Starting Salary: $67,317
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Emerson College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Bentley University

    Waltham , MA
    #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026 #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Bentley University

    Cost of Degree: $58,150
    Expenses: $21,810
    Starting Salary: $126,427
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Lesley University

    Cambridge , MA
    #8 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2026 #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lesley University

    Cost of Degree: $32,780
    Expenses: $22,800
    Starting Salary: $57,844
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in User Experience
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Stonehill College

    Easton , MA
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stonehill College

    Cost of Degree: $53,400
    Expenses: $19,505
    Starting Salary: $84,633
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stonehill College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Western New England University

    Springfield , MA
    #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Western New England University

    Cost of Degree: $46,430
    Expenses: $17,960
    Starting Salary: $81,107
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Wentworth Institute of Technology

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

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Wentworth Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $41,010
    Expenses: $22,170
    Starting Salary: $94,995
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Bard College at Simon's Rock

    Great Barrington , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $69K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    <1K

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

    Cost of Degree: $66,593
    Expenses: $19,888
    Starting Salary: $54,555
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 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

    Compare school
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Find Massachusetts’ Best Private School in Your Area Interest

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

Looking for the best private colleges in Massachusetts for 2026? This guide focuses on the institutions that consistently matter to applicants and families: academic quality across disciplines, undergraduate outcomes, research and internship access, campus environment, and the availability of financial aid. Rather than a single “best” label, we frame choices by program strengths and student fit—liberal arts, engineering, business, and specialized professional training—so you can match priorities (academic rigor, career pathways, or campus culture) to the schools that serve them best.

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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here