Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
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
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 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
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: $59,076Expenses: $27,629Starting Salary: $139,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Harvard University known for?
Harvard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 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: $60,156Expenses: $22,574Starting Salary: $153,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Biology
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $65,168Expenses: $21,195Starting Salary: $75,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Boston University known for?
Boston University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Social Work
- Communications
- Religious Studies
- Education
- Political Science
- Business
- History
- Philosophy
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Boston University’s Online Degrees
BS in Undergrad Completion Program
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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: $64,946Expenses: $21,296Starting Salary: $69,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Brandeis University known for?
Brandeis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Physics
- History
- Literature
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $67,844Expenses: $20,456Starting Salary: $103,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tufts University known for?
Tufts University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $67,280Expenses: $20,360Starting Salary: $83,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Amherst College known for?
Amherst College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Law
- Political Science
- Education
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- History
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $64,860Expenses: $20,000Starting Salary: $89,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Williams College known for?
Williams College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Economics
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $61,568Expenses: $24,462Starting Salary: $51,100Cost Recoup Time: 22 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Smith College known for?
Smith College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Literature
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Education
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $67,680Expenses: $21,925Starting Salary: $92,500Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Boston College known for?
Boston College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $64,320Expenses: $21,970Starting Salary: $71,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wellesley College known for?
Wellesley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Political Science
- Physics
- Education
- Economics
- History
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $63,141Expenses: $21,590Starting Salary: $74,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northeastern University known for?
Northeastern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Business
- Law
- Engineering
- Education
- Biology
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $55,160Expenses: $13,540Starting Salary: $54,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Clark University known for?
Clark University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $64,142Expenses: $20,838Starting Salary: $53,900Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mount Holyoke College known for?
Mount Holyoke College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Education
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Political Science
- History
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $60,850Expenses: $19,650Starting Salary: $88,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is College of the Holy Cross known for?
College of the Holy Cross’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Literature
- History
- Psychology
- Communications
- Education
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $56,630Expenses: $17,644Starting Salary: $39,900Cost Recoup Time: 23 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hampshire College known for?
Hampshire College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Communications
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $58,870Expenses: $20,472Starting Salary: $84,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Worcester Polytechnic Institute known for?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $45,380Expenses: $22,860Starting Salary: $59,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Suffolk University known for?
Suffolk University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $54,816Expenses: $25,220Starting Salary: $51,200Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Emerson College known for?
Emerson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $58,150Expenses: $21,810Starting Salary: $95,400Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bentley University known for?
Bentley University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Business
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Medical
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $32,780Expenses: $22,800Starting Salary: $40,500Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lesley University known for?
Lesley University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Literature
- Communications
- Education
- Political Science
- Medical
- History
- Biology
- Sociology
- Mathematics
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
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
79%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Stonehill College
Cost of Degree: $53,400Expenses: $19,505Starting Salary: $66,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stonehill College known for?
Stonehill College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Business
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
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: $46,430Expenses: $17,960Starting Salary: $61,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western New England University known for?
Western New England University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Law
- Business
- Education
- Political Science
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
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: $41,010Expenses: $22,170Starting Salary: $67,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wentworth Institute of Technology known for?
Wentworth Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
65%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Bard College at Simon's Rock
Cost of Degree: $66,593Expenses: $19,888Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 23 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bard College at Simon's Rock known for?
Bard College at Simon's Rock’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #14 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #18 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #8 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$17K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Cambridge College
Cost of Degree: $18,072Starting Salary: $40,000What is Cambridge College known for?
Cambridge College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Find Massachusetts’ Best Private School in Your Area Interest
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.