Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025
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 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.
In 2025, the top ten best research universities in Massachusetts remained fairly stable. Brandeis University was able to make this jump due to expanded financial aid opportunities, enhanced mental health services, and new interdisciplinary programs that promote innovation and collaboration. Additionally, the university has invested in upgrading campus facilities, with a focus on creating more sustainable and tech-friendly environments. The introduction of more flexible learning options, including hybrid and online courses, also enhances accessibility and convenience for students.
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
Best Research Universities in Massachusetts
- #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 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: $60,156Expenses: $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 Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Private 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
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
83%
Student body
37K
Median SAT/ACT
1370/31
Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst
Cost of Degree: $17,357Expenses: $17,309Starting Salary: $57,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Massachusetts Amherst known for?
University of Massachusetts Amherst’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Education
- Communications
- Business
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Online Degrees
BA in Film And Media Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Bachelor Of Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Hospitality And Tourism Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Arts Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Bachelor Of Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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 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) #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts
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 #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
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
51%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1190/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Boston
Cost of Degree: $15,495Expenses: $21,578Starting Salary: $53,700Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Massachusetts Boston known for?
University of Massachusetts Boston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Medical
- History
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
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
55%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Cost of Degree: $15,208Expenses: $21,112Starting Salary: $51,500Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Economics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management-Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Operations Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
- E-Commerce/Digital Business
- Technology & Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English Literature And Criticism
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology And Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Women'S And Gender Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Medical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
71%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1259/28
Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell
Cost of Degree: $16,570Expenses: $17,994Starting Salary: $57,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Massachusetts Lowell known for?
University of Massachusetts Lowell’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Literature
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology Second Degree
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology: Business Minor
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English Literature And Criticism
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BLA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates) #9 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #9 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
74%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1295/30
Career Outlook for degree at Simmons University
Cost of Degree: $45,538Expenses: $20,934Starting Salary: $58,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Simmons University known for?
Simmons University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Literature
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Medical
- Economics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Simmons University’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Business And Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communications
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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
$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
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).
Back to TopFind the Best Research Universities in Massachusetts for Your Area of Interest
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.