Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

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 2025

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

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

The top 3 colleges in our 2025 ranking of the best private colleges in Massachusetts remain unchanged this year. Brandeis gains 1 position to move into the top 4 spot, while both Amherst and Williams Colleges have gained 2 positions to move up to the 6th and 7th spots.

Brandeis University is launching an interdepartmental engineering major, integrating a liberal arts education with engineering principles, set to commence by 2025.

Additionally, Brandeis is expanding its science facilities with the Science 2A project, adding approximately 100,000 square feet of new and renovated space for research labs, state-of-the-art classrooms, and maker spaces, with construction expected to begin in late 2023 and last about two to three years.

In April 2024, Williams College received a $25 million anonymous gift to support three major initiatives: constructing a new, purpose-built art museum slated to open in 2027, developing comprehensive athletics and wellbeing facilities, and endowing the all-grant financial aid program, which replaces loans and work-study requirements with grants.

Additionally, Williams has launched new majors in Environmental Science and Environmental Policy, reflecting its commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.

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 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025

    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: $59,076
    Expenses: $27,629
    Starting Salary: $139,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 Grad Schools 2025 #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    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: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $153,600
    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 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $65,168
    Expenses: $21,195
    Starting Salary: $75,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Brandeis University

    Waltham , MA
    #21 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #23 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #25 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $64,946
    Expenses: $21,296
    Starting Salary: $69,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
  6. #5

    Tufts University

    Medford , MA
    #24 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #24 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Tufts University

    Cost of Degree: $67,844
    Expenses: $20,456
    Starting Salary: $103,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  7. #6

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $67,280
    Expenses: $20,360
    Starting Salary: $83,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $64,860
    Expenses: $20,000
    Starting Salary: $89,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  9. #8

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $61,568
    Expenses: $24,462
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 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
  10. #9

    Boston College

    Chestnut Hill , MA
    #3 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #9 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

    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: $67,680
    Expenses: $21,925
    Starting Salary: $92,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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 2025 #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $64,320
    Expenses: $21,970
    Starting Salary: $71,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #3 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)

    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: $63,141
    Expenses: $21,590
    Starting Salary: $74,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $55,160
    Expenses: $13,540
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
    #18 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #18 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $64,142
    Expenses: $20,838
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 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 2025 #22 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #23 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at College of the Holy Cross

    Cost of Degree: $60,850
    Expenses: $19,650
    Starting Salary: $88,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampshire College

    Cost of Degree: $56,630
    Expenses: $17,644
    Starting Salary: $39,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 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 2025 #9 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025 #13 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    Cost of Degree: $58,870
    Expenses: $20,472
    Starting Salary: $84,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts

    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: $45,380
    Expenses: $22,860
    Starting Salary: $59,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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 2025 #9 12 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology #12 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs

    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: $54,816
    Expenses: $25,220
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 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
    #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025

    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: $58,150
    Expenses: $21,810
    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

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Lesley University

    Cambridge , MA
    #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025 #13 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lesley University

    Cost of Degree: $32,780
    Expenses: $22,800
    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

    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
  25. #21

    Stonehill College

    Easton , MA
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stonehill College

    Cost of Degree: $53,400
    Expenses: $19,505
    Starting Salary: $66,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    $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: $46,430
    Expenses: $17,960
    Starting Salary: $61,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    $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: $41,010
    Expenses: $22,170
    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

    Compare school
  28. #24

    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: $66,593
    Expenses: $19,888
    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

    Compare school
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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.

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.

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