Best colleges in Massachusetts
Join the Masses
Make history in one of the nation’s oldest state
With some of the oldest cities and universities in the nation, Massachusetts has a long-standing reputation of world-class education: 114 colleges and universities, including public, private, land-grant, medical, and law schools.* The Bay State has major metro centers in Boston, Worcester, Springfield and more. Despite being the 7th smallest state in the U.S., Massachusetts still has an unemployment rate of 5.8%, less than the national average, and an average weekly wage of $1,131, much higher than the national average.* Popular industries around The Old Colony State include higher education, finance, biotechnology, healthcare, technology and tourism. Recent job growth supports an increase in jobs by 1.2%, and 13 Fortune 500 companies consider Massachusetts home.*
The Bay State is rolling in geographic and topographic features. Mountains, river valleys, sandy beaches, and rocky shorelines offer gorgeous views, scenic vacation spots, and outdoor fun for sport and nature lovers. For all the history buffs, visit Battleship Cove, the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum, or Old Sturbridge Village. Or show your American spirit when Boston puts on one of the best 4th of July fireworks shows in the country. Enjoy your weekends with Café Fleuri’s chocolate bar buffet, or sip that Boston tea at Twig’s Café in Boylston. Whatever you do, just don’t forget to join the masses who call Massachusetts home.
Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*Bureau of Labor Statistics *classifications.carnegiefoundation.org *www.bestplaces.net/economy/state/Massachusetts *www.fortune.com *www.visit-massachusetts.comBest Four Year Universities in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers 122 degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 3,766 students graduated with students earning 1,936 Master's degrees, 1,146 Bachelor's degrees, and 684 Doctoral degrees.
As the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, Harvard University already makes a good impression when it’s about choosing where to get some more education. So many years of experience and knowledge can’t be wrong! Harvard is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. Its goal is to push the boundaries of human knowledge – and that’s why it attracts the most talented young adults from our whole planet. The unique and diverse students of Harvard University become leaders in various disciplines and make a difference all around the globe. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of such a unique community?
Amherst College offers 39 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 461 students graduated with students earning 461 Bachelor's degrees.
Williams College offers 41 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a outlying town. In 2023, 610 students graduated with students earning 572 Bachelor's degrees, and 38 Master's degrees.
Wellesley College offers 57 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 589 students graduated with students earning 589 Bachelor's degrees.
Smith College offers 61 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 778 students graduated with students earning 622 Bachelor's degrees, 130 Master's degrees, 13 Certificates, and 13 Doctoral degrees.
Boston University, or BU, is a private institution that was founded in 1839 in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 35,000 students who attend classes on a campus that runs along Commonwealth Avenue and the Boston metro rail or “The T,” which provides excellent transportation for students, faculty, and visitors. BU is on a semester-based academic calendar, and the university provides ample merit and need-based scholarships.
BU is made up of 15 colleges including the competitive Questrom School of Business and the Henry M Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Students get to choose from a variety of housing options both on and off-campus, with a majority of undergraduates staying in the iconic Warren Towers and the campus brownstones.
BU offers small, intimate classes and boasts a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. BU provides current students with over 70 study abroad options through their many globally-partnered institutions. Beyond academics, BU students can explore historic Boston and stop by Faneuil Hall, picnic in the Boston Common, or visit local rivals Harvard or Boston College. Notable alumni include Bill O’Reilly, actress Julianne Moore, and radio host Howard Stern.
Northeastern University offers 256 degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 9,772 students graduated with students earning 4,654 Master's degrees, 4,492 Bachelor's degrees, 619 Doctoral degrees, and 7 Certificates.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering offers 3 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 85 students graduated with students earning 85 Bachelor's degrees.
Mount Holyoke College offers 56 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 559 students graduated with students earning 501 Bachelor's degrees, and 58 Master's degrees.
Best Community Colleges in Massachusetts
Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing offers 2 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2023, 100 students graduated with students earning 100 Associate's degrees.
Springfield Technical Community College offers 86 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2023, 608 students graduated with students earning 599 Associate's degrees, and 9 Certificates.
Quincy College offers 77 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 276 students graduated with students earning 244 Associate's degrees, 29 Certificates, and 3 Bachelor's degrees.
Holyoke Community College offers 91 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2023, 533 students graduated with students earning 526 Associate's degrees, and 7 Certificates.
Greenfield Community College offers 48 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a faraway town. In 2023, 160 students graduated with students earning 137 Associate's degrees, and 23 Certificates.
Mount Wachusett Community College offers 73 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a midsize suburb. In 2023, 448 students graduated with students earning 409 Associate's degrees, and 39 Certificates.
Bunker Hill Community College offers 109 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2023, 938 students graduated with students earning 938 Associate's degrees.
Berkshire Community College offers 35 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2023, 205 students graduated with students earning 189 Associate's degrees, and 16 Certificates.
Quinsigamond Community College offers 121 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2023, 859 students graduated with students earning 754 Associate's degrees, and 105 Certificates.
Massasoit Community College offers 74 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2023, 706 students graduated with students earning 689 Associate's degrees, and 17 Certificates.
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| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA | 9 : 1 | 11,920 | |
|
Harvard University Cambridge, MA | 17 : 1 | 30,386 | |
|
Amherst College Amherst, MA | 7 : 1 | 1,910 | |
|
Williams College Williamstown, MA | 7 : 1 | 2,168 | |
|
Wellesley College Wellesley, MA | 7 : 1 | 2,418 | |