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.com

Best 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.

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

 

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?

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Amherst College
Amherst, MA

Amherst College offers 40 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city.

Williams College
Williamstown, MA

Williams College offers 38 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a outlying town.

Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA

Wellesley College offers 57 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb.

Smith College
Northampton, MA

Smith College offers 61 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city.

Boston University
Boston, MA

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.

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.

Northeastern University offers 261 degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city.

College of the Holy Cross offers 30 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city.

Best Community Colleges in Massachusetts

North Bennet Street School offers 8 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a large city.

Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School of Nursing offers 1 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a large suburb.

National Aviation Academy of New England offers 1 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a large suburb.

FINE Mortuary College
Norwood, MA

FINE Mortuary College offers 2 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a large suburb.

Springfield Technical Community College offers 86 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a midsize city.

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.

Roxbury Community College
Roxbury Crossing, MA

Roxbury Community College offers 25 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a large city.

Greenfield Community College offers 47 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a faraway town.

Cape Cod Community College
West Barnstable, MA

Cape Cod Community College offers 89 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city.

Holyoke Community College offers 89 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area.

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List of all colleges in Massachusetts

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Logo Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA
5/5
9 : 1 11,886
Harvard University Logo Harvard University Cambridge, MA
5/5
17 : 1 30,259
Amherst College Logo Amherst College Amherst, MA
5/5
6 : 1 1,914
Williams College Logo Williams College Williamstown, MA
5/5
7 : 1 2,164
Wellesley College Logo Wellesley College Wellesley, MA
5/5
7 : 1 2,407