Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

Badge for BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Small colleges in Massachusetts are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

  • Massachusetts is home to some of the best small colleges in the country.
  • While tuition at small colleges in Massachusetts can be more expensive, students are able to build great networks and take advantage of excellent alumni networks.
  • The best small colleges in Massachusetts have produced some highly influential people such as Margaret Mitchell, Sylvia Plath, and Robert H. Goddard.

10 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts in 2025

  1. Amherst College
  2. Williams College
  3. Smith College
    +1
  4. Wellesley College
    –1
  5. Clark University
  6. Mount Holyoke College
    +1
  7. College of the Holy Cross
    –1
  8. Hampshire College
  9. Wheaton College
    +8
  10. Springfield College
    +5

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 small colleges in Massachusetts saw a large amount of shift, with Wheaton College gaining eight ranking positions. This was due to the college’s new Center for Faith and Science Integration, which offers interdisciplinary programs that explore the intersection of theology, ethics, and scientific discovery. The college has also expanded its global education programs with a new study-abroad initiative focused on service and leadership in developing countries. In addition, Wheaton has modernized its student housing with energy-efficient facilities and introduced sustainability initiatives, such as a campus-wide commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030.

The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Massachusetts is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 35 small colleges in Massachusetts. The list below of the 25 best small colleges in Massachusetts. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts

  1. #1

    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
    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: $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
  2. #2

    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 #7 Best Private 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: $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
  3. #3

    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 #7 Best Grad Schools 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: $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
  4. #4

    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 #10 Best Private 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: $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
  6. #5

    Clark University

    Worcester , MA
    #16 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 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
  7. #6

    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 #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
    Other Rankings

    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
  9. #8

    Hampshire College

    Amherst , MA
    #4 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #7 Best Liberal Arts 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
  10. #9

    Wheaton College

    Norton , MA
    #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Wheaton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,080
    Expenses: $17,430
    Starting Salary: $55,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wheaton College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Springfield College

    Springfield , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Springfield College

    Cost of Degree: $43,707
    Expenses: $17,852
    Starting Salary: $48,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Springfield College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    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
    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: $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
  14. #12

    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
  15. #13

    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
  16. #14

    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
  18. #15

    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
  19. #16

    Becker College

    What is Becker College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Becker College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 93
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Framingham State University

    Framingham , MA
    #10 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Framingham State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,630
    Expenses: $17,364
    Starting Salary: $49,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Framingham State University known for?

    Framingham State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Eastern Nazarene College

    Quincy , MA
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Nazarene College

    Cost of Degree: $28,610
    Expenses: $15,250
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eastern Nazarene College known for?

    Eastern Nazarene College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Gordon College

    Wenham , MA
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #6 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1199/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Gordon College

    Cost of Degree: $28,100
    Expenses: $14,850
    Starting Salary: $47,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gordon College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Gordon College ’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Finance
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Endicott College

    Beverly , MA
    #7 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates) #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #15 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Endicott College

    Cost of Degree: $39,212
    Expenses: $20,676
    Starting Salary: $56,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Endicott College known for?

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

    Compare school
  26. #22

    American International College

    Springfield , MA
    #12 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #20 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at American International College

    Cost of Degree: $42,970
    Expenses: $19,330
    Starting Salary: $50,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is American International College known for?

    American International College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    American International College’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Dean College

    Franklin , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dean College

    Cost of Degree: $44,960
    Expenses: $21,692
    Starting Salary: $38,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dean College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Anna Maria College

    Paxton , MA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #18 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #23 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Anna Maria College

    Cost of Degree: $43,064
    Expenses: $20,310
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Anna Maria College known for?

    Anna Maria College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Anna Maria College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Fire Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Bay State College

    Boston , MA
    #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Bay State College known for?

    Bay State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Bay State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Fashion Merchandising
    Degree Concentrations
    • Fashion Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Entertainment Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Music Industry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Digital Marketing
    • Healthcare Management
    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Finance
    • Human Resource Management
    • Finance
    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • Marketing/Digital Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Analytics
    • Web And Mobile Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Digital Forensics And Cybersecurity
    • Domestic And International Security
    • Cloud Security Risk Management
    • Domestic And International Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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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. Amherst College
  2. Hampshire College
  3. Wellesley College
  4. Williams College
  5. Smith College
  6. Mount Holyoke College
  7. Clark University
  8. Emerson College
  9. College of the Holy Cross
  10. Stonehill College
  11. Wheaton College
  12. Lesley University
  13. Bentley University
  14. Gordon College
  15. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
  16. Springfield College
  17. Western New England University
  18. Emmanuel College
  19. Wentworth Institute of Technology
  20. Merrimack College
  21. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
  22. Endicott College
  23. Elms College
  24. Bay Path University
  25. Assumption University
  26. Lasell University
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