Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2026

Badge for BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Interested in attending a STEM school in Massachusetts? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

Key Takeaways

  • The best research universities in Massachusetts have many excellent STEM programs.
  • Massachusetts is home to some of the best research universities in the world, including Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
  • Going to a well known research university in Massachusetts can open the door to excellent career opportunities.

10 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts in 2026

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

This guide evaluates the leading research universities in Massachusetts for 2026, focusing on the factors that matter to prospective graduate students, faculty, and research partners: breadth and strength of doctoral programs, research activity and output, funding and facilities, and interdisciplinary capacity. Rather than a single metric, the selections prioritize institutions that sustain sustained, peer-recognized research programs across multiple disciplines and provide the infrastructure to translate scholarship into impact.

Use the profiles that follow to compare institutional strengths, common research concentrations, and indicators of graduate training quality so you can match research priorities, funding opportunities, and career goals to the universities most likely to support them.

Best Research Universities in Massachusetts

  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 Grad Schools 2026 #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 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 Grad Schools 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 Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges 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

    University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Amherst , MA
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2026 #7 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1405/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Cost of Degree: $17,357
    Expenses: $17,309
    Starting Salary: $80,486
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Amherst known for?

    University of Massachusetts Amherst’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Online Degrees

    BA in Film And Media Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Bachelor Of Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Hospitality And Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Arts Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: 1 year
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Sustainable Food And Farming
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    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
  9. #8

    Northeastern University

    Boston , MA
    #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) #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts

    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
  10. #9

    Clark University

    Worcester , MA
    #16 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges 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
  12. #10

    University of Massachusetts Boston

    Boston , MA
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2026 #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Boston

    Cost of Degree: $15,495
    Expenses: $21,578
    Starting Salary: $70,597
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Boston known for?

    University of Massachusetts Boston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    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
  14. #12

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2026 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2026 #2 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,570
    Expenses: $17,994
    Starting Salary: $77,989
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Lowell known for?

    University of Massachusetts Lowell’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology Second Degree
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology: Business Minor
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in English Literature And Criticism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BLA in Liberal Arts
    • 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
  15. #13

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    North Dartmouth , MA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2026 #3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2026 #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $15,208
    Expenses: $21,112
    Starting Salary: $68,878
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Dartmouth known for?

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in General Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management-Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • E-Commerce/Digital Business
    • Technology & Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in English Literature And Criticism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sociology And Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Women'S And Gender Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Healthcare Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Second Degree Accelerated Bs In Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Simmons University

    Boston , MA
    #4 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates) #6 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs 2026 #9 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Simmons University

    Cost of Degree: $45,538
    Expenses: $20,934
    Starting Salary: $79,784
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Simmons University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Simmons University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business And Management
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communications
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    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
  19. #16

    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

A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 16 research universities in Massachusetts. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

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Find the Best Research Universities in Massachusetts for Your Area of Interest

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Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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