Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

Badge for BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
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 2026

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

The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Massachusetts focuses on primarily four‑year undergraduate institutions with enrollments under 5,000 students, though a few also offer graduate programs. We identified 35 small colleges across the state; the list below highlights the top 25 that meet our inclusion criteria (fully accredited, predominantly undergraduate, student population below 5,000).

This introduction is designed to help prospective students and advisors quickly assess fit: you’ll find campuses that emphasize close faculty mentoring, residential communities, specialized programs, and varied levels of selectivity. Use the profiles to compare academic strengths, campus culture, location (urban, suburban, or rural), and the kinds of student experiences—research, internships, and study away—that are most common at small Massachusetts colleges.

Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts

  1. #1

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $67,280
    Expenses: $20,360
    Starting Salary: $95,161
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $67K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1480/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Smith College

    Cost of Degree: $61,568
    Expenses: $24,462
    Starting Salary: $69,936
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
  3. #3

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $73K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $64,860
    Expenses: $20,000
    Starting Salary: $95,954
    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
  4. #4

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $70K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $64,320
    Expenses: $21,970
    Starting Salary: $90,458
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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 2026 #9 Best Research Universities 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
  7. #6

    Mount Holyoke College

    South Hadley , MA
    #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #18 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount Holyoke College

    Cost of Degree: $64,142
    Expenses: $20,838
    Starting Salary: $66,117
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
  8. #7

    College of the Holy Cross

    Worcester , MA
    #1 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #17 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #23 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #25 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/29

    Career Outlook for degree at College of the Holy Cross

    Cost of Degree: $60,850
    Expenses: $19,650
    Starting Salary: $100,485
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of the Holy Cross known for?

    College of the Holy Cross’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 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampshire College

    Cost of Degree: $56,630
    Expenses: $17,644
    Starting Salary: $47,422
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 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 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Wheaton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,080
    Expenses: $17,430
    Starting Salary: $71,967
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    $47K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Springfield College

    Cost of Degree: $43,707
    Expenses: $17,852
    Starting Salary: $59,623
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
    #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026 #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Bentley University

    Cost of Degree: $58,150
    Expenses: $21,810
    Starting Salary: $126,427
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
    #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
  15. #13

    Stonehill College

    Easton , MA
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stonehill College

    Cost of Degree: $53,400
    Expenses: $19,505
    Starting Salary: $84,633
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    $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
  18. #15

    Framingham State University

    Framingham , MA
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Framingham State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,630
    Expenses: $17,364
    Starting Salary: $63,249
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  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
      BS in Legal Studies
      • Required Credits: 93
      • Completion Time: 3-4 years
      BS in Criminal Justice
      • Required Credits: 121
      • Completion Time: 4 years
      BSN in Nursing
      • Required Credits: 51
      • Completion Time: 2 years
      • Format: Fully online
      Compare school
    • #17

      Gordon College

      Wenham , MA
      #6 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #11 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2026

      Tuition + fees

      $34K

      Acceptance

      69%

      Graduation

      71%

      Student body

      2K

      Median SAT/ACT

      1242/28

      Career Outlook for degree at Gordon College

      Cost of Degree: $28,100
      Expenses: $14,850
      Starting Salary: $59,863
      Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
      • Completion Time: 3 years
      • Format: Fully online
      BA in Business Administration
      • Completion Time: 3 years
      • Format: Fully online
      BA in Finance
      • Completion Time: 1-2 years
      • Format: Fully online
      BA in Communication Arts
      • Completion Time: 3 years
      • Format: Fully online
      Compare school
    • #18

      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 #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2026

      Tuition + fees

      $43K

      Acceptance

      71%

      Graduation

      74%

      Student body

      5K

      Median SAT/ACT

      1266/27

      Career Outlook for degree at Endicott College

      Cost of Degree: $39,212
      Expenses: $20,676
      Starting Salary: $77,059
      Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
    • #19

      Eastern Nazarene College

      Quincy , MA
      #7 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

      Tuition + fees

      $29K

      Acceptance

      59%

      Student body

      <1K

      What is Eastern Nazarene College known for?

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

      Most Influential Alumni

      Compare school
    • #21

      American International College

      Springfield , MA
      #13 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #20 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2026

      Tuition + fees

      $46K

      Acceptance

      100%

      Graduation

      38%

      Student body

      3K

      Career Outlook for degree at American International College

      Cost of Degree: $42,970
      Expenses: $19,330
      Starting Salary: $66,151
      Cost Recoup Time: 15 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: 15 months
      • Format: Fully online
      Compare school
    • #22

      Dean College

      Franklin , MA

      Tuition + fees

      $48K

      Acceptance

      74%

      Graduation

      53%

      Student body

      1K

      Career Outlook for degree at Dean College

      Cost of Degree: $44,960
      Expenses: $21,692
      Starting Salary: $47,982
      Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
    • #23

      Anna Maria College

      Paxton , MA
      #8 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #16 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #22 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2026

      Tuition + fees

      $46K

      Acceptance

      50%

      Graduation

      46%

      Student body

      2K

      Career Outlook for degree at Anna Maria College

      Cost of Degree: $43,064
      Expenses: $20,310
      Starting Salary: $67,751
      Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
      • Format: Fully online
      Compare school
    • #24

      Bard College at Simon's Rock

      Great Barrington , MA

      Tuition + fees

      $69K

      Acceptance

      96%

      Graduation

      59%

      Student body

      <1K

      Career Outlook for degree at Bard College at Simon's Rock

      Cost of Degree: $66,593
      Expenses: $19,888
      Starting Salary: $54,555
      Cost Recoup Time: 21 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
    • #25

      Bay State College

      Boston , MA
      #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2026

      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: 4 years
      • Format: Fully online
      BS in Entertainment Management
      Degree Concentrations
      • Music Industry
      • Required Credits: 120
      • Completion Time: 4 years
      • Format: Fully 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: 4 years
      • Format: Fully online
      BS in Information Technology
      Degree Concentrations
      • Business Analytics
      • Web And Mobile Development
      • Required Credits: 120
      • Completion Time: 4 years
      • Format: Fully 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: 4 years
      • Format: Fully online
      Nursing: RN to BSN in Nursing
      • Completion Time: 4 years
      • Format: Fully 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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