Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

Badge for BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. 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. Tufts University
  5. Brandeis University
  6. Boston College
  7. Northeastern University
  8. Amherst College
  9. Williams College
  10. Wellesley College
  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. Bard College at Simon's Rock 95%
  2. Wentworth Institute of Technology 92%
  3. Western New England University 88%
  4. Suffolk University 87%
  5. Lesley University 86%
  6. Stonehill College 73%
  7. Hampshire College 69%
  8. Bentley University 58%
  9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 57%
  10. Clark University 50%
  1. Wentworth Institute of Technology 17 to 1
  2. Northeastern University 16 to 1
  3. Emerson College 15 to 1
  4. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 13 to 1
  5. Suffolk University 13 to 1
  6. Boston College 12 to 1
  7. Bentley University 12 to 1
  8. Stonehill College 12 to 1
  9. Boston University 11 to 1
  10. Hampshire College 11 to 1
  1. Tufts University $65,222
  2. Bard College at Simon's Rock $64,951
  3. Boston College $64,176
  4. Amherst College $64,100
  5. Boston University $62,360
  6. Brandeis University $62,322
  7. Wellesley College $61,920
  8. Williams College $61,770
  9. Northeastern University $60,192
  10. Smith College $58,768
  1. Williams College $61,775
  2. Boston University $61,050
  3. Smith College $58,480
  4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $57,590
  5. Brandeis University $55,104
  6. Tufts University $54,196
  7. Harvard University $52,456
  8. Clark University $47,650
  9. Bentley University $43,440
  10. Wentworth Institute of Technology $40,285
  1. Lesley University
  2. Cambridge College
  3. Western New England University
  4. Bard College at Simon's Rock
  5. Wentworth Institute of Technology
  6. Stonehill College
  7. Bentley University
  8. Emerson College
  9. Hampshire College
  10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  1. Cambridge College
  2. Bard College at Simon's Rock
  3. Wentworth Institute of Technology
  4. Stonehill College
  5. Western New England University
  6. Lesley University
  7. Bentley University
  8. Emerson College
  9. Suffolk University
  10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  1. Harvard University 3%
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4%
  3. Amherst College 7%
  4. Northeastern University 7%
  5. Williams College 8%
  6. Tufts University 10%
  7. Wellesley College 14%
  8. Boston University 14%
  9. Boston College 17%
  10. Smith College 23%
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  2. Bard College at Simon's Rock 6 to 1
  3. Williams College 6 to 1
  4. Wellesley College 7 to 1
  5. Amherst College 7 to 1
  6. Harvard University 7 to 1
  7. Smith College 8 to 1
  8. Cambridge College 8 to 1
  9. Clark University 9 to 1
  10. Mount Holyoke College 9 to 1
  1. Cambridge College $17,190
  2. Lesley University $31,364
  3. Wentworth Institute of Technology $38,760
  4. Suffolk University $43,332
  5. Western New England University $44,500
  6. Stonehill College $52,000
  7. Clark University $52,352
  8. Emerson College $53,232
  9. Hampshire College $54,452
  10. Bentley University $56,500
  1. Cambridge College $16,923
  2. Western New England University $17,550
  3. Lesley University $18,900
  4. Northeastern University $26,715
  5. Mount Holyoke College $27,268
  6. Worcester Polytechnic Institute $28,980
  7. Stonehill College $31,867
  8. Emerson College $32,376
  9. Boston College $33,912
  10. Suffolk University $39,622

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 2023

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $57,261
    Expenses: $26,277
    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 Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $57,986
    Expenses: $21,864
    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 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $62,360
    Expenses: $20,400
    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
  7. #6

    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
    Other Rankings

    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: $64,176
    Expenses: $19,570
    Starting Salary: $92,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  8. #7

    Northeastern University

    Boston , MA
    #8 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts
    Other Rankings

    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: $60,192
    Expenses: $21,230
    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
  9. #8

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    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
    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 Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #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
    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
    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 Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #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
    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
    What is Wellesley College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    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
    What is Smith College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Clark University

    Worcester , MA
    #13 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #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: $52,352
    Expenses: $12,914
    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
  17. #15

    Suffolk University

    Boston , MA
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #22 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: $43,332
    Expenses: $22,132
    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
  20. #17

    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: $54,452
    Expenses: $16,922
    Starting Salary: $39,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 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
  21. #18

    Emerson College

    Boston , MA
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #9 11 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: $52,496
    Expenses: $24,138
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 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
    #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts
    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

    Compare school
  23. #20

    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: $50,762
    Expenses: $17,600
    Starting Salary: $66,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  25. #21

    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: $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

    Compare school
  26. #22

    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

    Compare school
  27. #23

    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: $44,500
    Expenses: $17,730
    Starting Salary: $61,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  29. #25

    Lesley University

    Cambridge , MA
    #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024 #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: $31,364
    Expenses: $21,988
    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
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Find Massachusetts’ Best Private School in Your Area Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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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