Best Colleges in Massachusetts
Whether you know Massachusetts as “The Pilgrim State,” “The Old Colony State,” or as “The Baked Bean State,” it’s embedded in American history as the location of the first colony in New England. Massachusetts is also home to the oldest institution of higher education in the US, Harvard University, which was founded in 1636. Despite being one of the smallest states in the US, there are more than 80 colleges in Massachusetts, largely public or private not-for-profit institutions. This New England state has cold winters and warm summers, and its primary industries are Life Sciences, Finance, Information Technology, and Manufacturing. Top attractions are Martha’s Vineyard, the Freedom Trail, and Cape Cod.
How Were the Top Schools in Massachusetts Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Harvard College is an undergraduate liberal arts school located in Cambridge, MA, within Harvard University. Founded in 1636, this private, very selective, Ivy League college is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and was...
With its liberal arts focus, Harvard provides the type of education that helps you to become a better thinker. You probably won't gain as much concrete knowledge here as you would at a non-liberal arts college, but I think this has more to do with...
” – Cindy
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, more commonly referred to as MIT, is a private research university that focuses on scientific and technological research. Located on 166 acres of land in Cambridge, MA, MIT maintains five schools hosting 30...
MIT is the #1 Engineering school in the nation and perhaps the world. However, even those studying other subjects have come to a University that pushes the limits of time management and, quite plainly, one's genius. This University requires its...
” – Aaron from Farmington Hills, MI
Founded with funding from the estate of a Massachusetts Bay colonist, Williams College is a liberal arts institution in northwest Massachusetts. Williams is home to three divisions of Mathematics & Science, Languages, and Social Sciences conferring...
The classes are fast paced and challenging, particularly the math and science courses. If you keep up with the coursework, reading, and go to office hours, you definetly learn a lot. English classes are not much different than high school. You have...
” – Marsha from belmont, MA
Amherst College is a highly selective private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts, that was founded in 1821. As a member of the Five College Consortium that has replaced student loans with grants on their financial aid plans, Amherst is...
I love my classes. Our class sizes are REALLY small. My class sizes range from 8-25 students. Professors put you on the spot and ask you if you're sick if you missed class, and they know you by name the second day of class. We're reading original...
” – Anonymous from CA
Tufts University is a 4-year private institution with three campuses in the Boston area. Tufts is home to 12 colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in over 90 academic majors and minors. The school is known for their popular a capella...
Tufts is often called a baby-ivy meaning that the quality of education here is at par with or better than what students receive at Ivy League schools. The only difference is that it isn't quite as famous as schools like Harvard or Yale. Classes are...
” – Caitlyn from Plainville, MA
Founded in 1870, Wellesley College is a 4-year liberal arts college for women in eastern Massachusetts as well as a member of the Seven Sisters Colleges and Three-College Alliance. Wellesley confers undergraduate degrees in over 50 departmental and...
Wellesley is an excellent liberal arts school because, in a nutshell, they teach you how to figure the world out for yourself. They have excellence in everything: faculty, location, students, campus, dining, residential staff, dorms, comprehensive...
” – Christine from Salt Lake City, UT
Founded in 1919, Babson College is a college of business in the greater Boston area. Babson offers an undergraduate curriculum in Business and Entrepreneurship and the college includes an accelerated degree program that enables students to graduate...
Definitely will learn about setting up and running a business. Students work a lot in groups, so learning about people and cultures is a good thing.
” – CK from Southern California
Boston College is a 4-year Jesuit Catholic University and the first institution of higher learning founded in the city of Boston. BC is home to eight schools and colleges conferring degrees in over 50 fields of study. As a Catholic university, Boston...
BC lives up to its Jesuit ideal in offering a well rounded, liberal arts experience. Small class sizes and engaging professors are essential parts of all classes. BC accepts a great deal of AP and SAT II credits, exempt students from less interesting...
” – Andrea from Lake Forest, CA
A private research institution located in Boston, Northeastern University was founded in 1898. Northeastern is home to nine colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 90 academic majors. Additionally, the university operates a...
I'm learning so much from Northeastern. I'm currently a psychology major and a music industry minor. I absolutely love it here because there is so many diverse majors and minors that I can do. One of the greatest things here is that I can always see...
” – Xiangling from Staten Island`, NY
Smith College is an all-female liberal arts institution in western Massachusetts and the largest all-women’s college in the country. The biggest school among the Seven Sisters Colleges, Smith offers degrees and certificates in over 50 areas of study...
The academics at Smith are amazing. There are no core classes and the professors are excellent. If there's something Smith doesn't have, you can easily enroll in a class at one of the other colleges of the Five College Consortium.
” – Veronica from Plymouth, MA
Boston University is a private, non-profit university with a heavy emphasis on research. BU’s main location is right in its name—Boston, MA—but the university has flagship locations around the world, including in London, Sydney, and Washington, DC...
The faculty is usually attentive and pretty entertaining. Most professors know exactly what they're talking about and provide insight into difficult fields with ease. I took the Core Curriculum and am learning much about history and philosophy. I...
” – Alex from Waco, TX
Brandeis University is a private, nonsectarian institution founded by the Jewish community and named after the Supreme Court’s first Jewish justice. The 235-acre campus is located in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, and home to more than 100...
Brandeis is an all inclusive school with everything a student could wish for. Busting at the seams with student diversity, clubs of all kinds, and professors that you can approach at almost any time, the smaller community of Brandeis University is...
” – ManOfLaMancha
Bentley University is a private institution in the Boston area with a focus on combining business education with arts and sciences. Bentley confers undergraduate degrees in 25 academic fields of study and also enables students to customize a major...
Bentley University is centered on educating prospective business majors with a good variety of courses that prepare students for the business world. They also offer a liberal arts major known as the LSM for students who either stray away from...
” – Christopher from Attleboro, MA
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering is a private engineering school in the greater Boston area dedicated to training future innovators. Olin features a curriculum that encourages collaboration and culminates in undergraduate degrees in...
Olin has a very positive and unique environment. The college encourages students to experiment and pursue their interests by providing resources and help from faculty. Olin is also very small, so you get to know everyone quickly.
” – Anonymous from California
Founded in 1837, Mount Holyoke College is a 4-year women’s liberal arts college in western Massachusetts. The oldest college among the Seven Sisters, Mount Holyoke grants undergraduate degrees in 48 academic majors and also gives students the...
Mount Holyoke is a great school with great facilities. There is also a great 5 College consortium that allows you to further expand your depth of knowledge and connections with students/professors in your field. The small class sizes give students a...
” – Nia
Founded in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a school of engineering and technology in central Massachusetts. WPI grants bachelor’s degrees in 32 technical and scientific fields of study. In addition, every academic program is centered around...
Classes are fast paced and can be difficult but there are many resources to help you. Professors are generally willing to help, as are other students. The Math and Science Help Center (MASH) is extremely useful for early math and science classes. An...
” – Alana from Taunton, MA
Founded by Jesuits, the College of the Holy Cross is a liberal arts college in Worcester and the oldest Roman Catholic school in New England. Holy Cross confers bachelor’s degrees in 30 academic fields of study and is also home to 10 student-designed...
The academics at Holy Cross seem intense, and the students here study more than at most other colleges. With a Princeton Review academic rating of 98, only five other colleges and university's place above it. More than just pure academics, Holy Cross...
” – Kaylie from Ashburnham, MA
Clark University is a private institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Clark offers more than 30 undergraduate majors and minors structured around Clark’s Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP) curriculum which includes a small...
I have, quite honestly, learned more in my first semester at Clark than I ever have in my entire life. The academics here are very good but in some cases you have to step up your own learning, it isn't always handed to you. All my professors are...
” – Olivia from West Hartford, CT
Emerson College is liberal arts college focusing on communication and the arts located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1880 as a "school of oratory," Emerson still focuses largely on communication, just through 26 majors that culminate in a...
Emerson is teaching me a great deal about the arts that I was never able to learn in my basic college-prep high school program. As a Writing, Literature, and Publishing major, I'm learning a lot about how real world events influence the creation of...
” – Erika from Trainer, PA
The largest public university in New England, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the original campus in the UM System. UMass is a land-grant university with the “Highest Research Activity" and the U.S. News & World Report ranks the UMass...
For a great undergraduate education you don't need to spend tons of money, especially if you are planing to continue you education after undergrad. UMass Amherst has understanding professors, knowledgeable teaching assistants, award winning dining...
” – Naja from Millville, MA
Wheaton College is a 4-year, coeducational college located halfway between Boston and Providence in Norton, Massachusetts. Students can choose between more than 100 majors and minors, all of which are influenced by the requirements-light Compass...
Wheaton is a small, intensive liberal arts college in Norton, MA. While the town of Norton isn't a great college town and the campus is small, Wheaton has a great campus community with active and engaged students, faculty, and staff. Classes are...
” – Nicholas from Loudonville, NY
Founded by the Congregation of the Holy Cross, Stonehill College is a Catholic liberal arts college in southeast Massachusetts. Stonehill confers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 academic programs and all students are required to participate in a...
At Stonehill, I feel as though I am learning a lot. I am currently a biology major. My classes are challenging although they are doable. There are only 2,500 students in my school which leads to an average classroom size of 25. My professors all...
” – Nina from Mount Sinai, NY
Simmons University is a private, liberal arts university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Simmons offers a women’s undergraduate education in 60+ majors and programs, as well as four graduate schools for its co-ed graduate population. The university...
My classes at Simmons have proved to be exciting and stimulating, and there are also a lot of social opportunities at Simmons. This includes frequent events such as plays, movie nights, sporting events, city outings, special guests and more. Not to...
” – Anne from Philadelphia
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is the second largest public university in the state and maintains six colleges that collectively offer more than 120 majors. Programs at UMass Lowell span and interconnect the disciplines of business, education...
UMass Lowell won't just teach you about writing, math, and science- it takes you beyond to learn about yourself. One must learn to manage time well with so many campus activities. The school also has a great amount of diversity, which helps students...
” – Jessica from Bradford, MA
Endicott College is a private, four-year college located on Boston’s North Shore. With three private beaches, Endicott’s oceanfront campus, in Beverly, Mass., draws a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students from 30 states and 38...
Endicott's professors WANT you to succeed. None of your classes will have more than 25 students, so your teacher knows your name. They all have office hours to make themselves available to you for some extra help or whatever you need to stay on top...
” – Kaila from Tewksbury, MA
Bay Path University is an all-female undergraduate univeresity in southern Massachusetts with co-educational programs at the graduate level. Bay Path confers bachelor’s degrees in 58 programs of study and also operates the first all-female online...
GREAT academics with a handful of amazing professors i.e. Professor Semprebon, Professor Drewniak, Professor Bacon..Forensic Science major WHOOP WHOOP=).
” – Brianna from Elmont, NYAssumption College is a private institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, founded by the Augustinians of the Assumption. It offers a liberal arts curriculum grounded in Catholic tradition and is a member of both the International Federation of...
You might think that all you could learn at a Liberal Arts College is art appreciation and how to analyze someone. Assumption College does offer that and much more. At first, I did not want to go here, my mother encouraged me to, but then I got to...
” – Giovanna from Billerica, MA
Emmanuel College is a 4-year, private Catholic liberal arts and sciences college in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1919 as the first Catholic college in the city of Boston, Emmanuel has grown to be a strong institution...
The professors really make an effort to make sure students understand the material. The small student-to-faculty ratio allows for better comprehension and focused learning.
” – Sarah from East Hartford, CTThe New England Conservatory of Music is a private, musical education institution established in Boston, Massachusetts. As the oldest school of music in the country, as well as one of the most distinguished, NEC offers undergraduate and graduate...
The Conservatory is an inspirational environment that fosters incredible talent without the cut-throat aura that most top music schools come with. As a top Music school in the world, the professors come from near and far with a level of expertise...
” – Corey from Boston, MA
The Berklee College of Music is a school of the musical and performing arts in Boston and one of the largest contemporary music colleges in the world. Berklee consists of the College of Music and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee conferring bachelor...
about the music business
” – Lynne from Suisun City, CAFounded in 1856, Mars Hill University is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in western North Carolina and the region’s oldest institution of higher learning operating on its original site. Nestled among the mountains, Mars Hill confers bachelor...
The classes are small so the professors really pay attention to you and help you out.
” – Libby from MA
One of the fastest-growing educational institutions in the country, Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students from 36 states and 42 countries. Over 100+ academic programs...
The Classes are great. The Professors are always there for you.
” – PRESTON from Wareham, MA
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a 4-year college offering maritime-related degrees. MMA students are required to wear regimental-style uniforms in accordance with the Regiment of Cadets. The Academy operates the TS Kennedy, on which students...
They drill it everything you need to know into you.
” – Wolfgang
Founded in 1874, Worcester State University is a liberal arts and sciences institution situated in Worcester, Massachusetts. The campus includes wooded areas and wetlands. Worcester offers curriculum oriented around a teamwork and problem solving...
worcester state university offers a great education for a great price. college is very expensive and its nice to know i wont be even close to $100,000 in debt upon graduation (especially since i want to obtain a masters degree later on). commuting...
” – Kayla from Grafton, MA
Gordon College is a nondenominational Christian liberal arts college in Wenham, Massachusetts. Gordon offers undergraduate degrees in 30 academic majors as well as the new Center for Career and Connection Institute to help students create life plans...
Being at a Christian Liberal Arts school allows me to explore a wide variety of issues regarding faith and practice, while integrating course material in daily life.
” – Teresa from Lake Saint Louis, MO
Founded in 1873, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is the first freestanding public college of art and design in the country and the first to grant a degree. Located in Boston’s hub of arts and culture along the Avenue of the Arts...
I am learned so much about art and about myself as an artist. MassArt starts with a studio foundation year which helps students sharpen their skills and find out what they want to do (you don't have to declare your major untill the second semester)...
” – Deanna from Newington, CT
Wentworth Institute of Technology is 4-year college in Boston, Massachusetts. Wentworth is comprised of four colleges: Architecture, Design, and Construction Management; Arts and Sciences; Engineering and Computer Science; and Professional and...
The classes are a constant challenge. Everyday is a day full of knowledge.
” – Danielle from Atkinson, NHOriginally founded as a satellite campus of Northeastern University, Western New England University is a 4-year private school in south central Massachusetts. Western New England confers bachelor’s degrees in over 45 academic majors and also houses...
Not only is the campus beautiful, but the students and faculty are welcoming and very friendly. It is a great school, very safe, and gives all students the opportunity to get involved. Professors and coaches are helpful and extremely inviting.
” – Alona from Fair Lawn, NJ
Originally founded as a pair of state-chartered textile schools, the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is a public school in southeast Massachusetts and a campus of the UMass system. UMass Dartmouth is home to seven colleges and schools...
I am only a freshman here and I love it already! Academically I enjoy attending my classes. I have many friends who moan and groan about going to class and I am EAGER to do so here! I have 4 classes now in lecture halls of about 200 students but the...
” – female from Brockton, MA
The University of Massachusetts Boston is a four-year public research institution and part of the UMass system. We are defined by our deep connection to the City of Boston, our remarkably diverse student body, our focus on ground-breaking research...
I love the classes and my teachers. Its really cool to be in such a diverse environment.
” – Emily
Elms College is a 4-year liberal arts institution located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, MA, Elms is a Catholic college and offers mass Monday through Thursday, as well as missions trips, programs...
Elms College is best described as a friendly, tight knit family. Being a smaller college, students quickly become familiar and comfortable with their professors and fellow students. With a diverse population of students, a beautiful campus, and...
” – Rachel from Ellington, CT
Located a short walk from the Massachusetts State House and Boston Common, Suffolk University is a private university in Boston. Suffolk confers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 100 fields of study. For students interested in learning in a...
The professors are really great. They tell personal experiences that you can learn from and relate to and are always available for extra help or a question. They really help you learn and care about your success.
” – Ashley from Everett, MAMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, 4-year institution established in the city of North Adams. Beyond their traditional course offerings, MCLA also features a variety of additional academic opportunities, including travel courses...
the information that I have seen on this school is outstanding the size counts a lot. I feel I can learn here and get a fun college experience
” – Katlynn from Bucksport, ME
Founded as a home for new ideas in higher education, Hampshire College is a 4-year liberal arts college in western Massachusetts. Hampshire challenges all students to create an individualized curriculum culminating in a year-long advanced study...
You'll be stressed, and getting through the Hampshire system does take a lot of work and patience, but if you put in the time you'll learn so much you can't even fathom it.
” – Eliza from Columbia, MD
Founded in 1815, Nichols College is a private nonprofit institution based in Dudley, Massachusetts. Nichols College offers a business-centered curriculum founded on a liberal arts education. It is a designated military-friendly school and provides...
The teachers are always there for you and are only an email away when outside the classroom. It is impossible to fail because the teachers are always caring and they want you to succeed.
” – Joanna from Lawrence, MA
Originally founded as a school for immigrants in 1855, American International College is a 4-year liberal arts college in southern Massachusetts. AIC is home to three schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic majors. To help students...
the school AIC is great. it is small which makes it easier to get around campus and for teachers to get to know you on a personal level. the area of Springfield that the school is placed in isn't very safe but the campus police make sure its safe on...
” – Sofia from Mass
Lesley University is a 4-year private school in the greater Boston area. Originally founded as a teacher training institution, Lesley is now home to colleges of Art & Design, Liberal Arts, Education, and Social Sciences granting undergrad degrees in...
Within a semester, I was already prepared with a new arsenal of ideas and knowledge. Compared to what I've learned here, I learned nothing in high school. The staff, services, resources, and most of all other students are all there to help you...
” – Riva from New Gloucester, MEFounded in 1838 by educational activist and politician Horace Mann, Westfield State University is a 4-year public school in south western Massachusetts. Westfield State is noteworthy for being the first co-educational college to admit students of all...
The classes are challenging and interesting. I do not feel over-whelmed at all. The classes in my major (Criminal Justice) are the most interesting. They are so fun to attend that it makes learing easy!
” – Kelsey from Templeton, MA
Founded in 1839, Framingham State University is a public institution based in Framingham, Massachusetts. Framingham operates the Center for Social Research, the Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Center for Education and Teaching Excellence, and the John C...
The professors here are great. They are extremely willing to help you out if you ever need help. They want you to succeed, and they will do anything they can if you just ask.
” – Lauren from Wrentham, MA
Founded in 1889, Boston Architectural College is the largest college of spatial design in New England. The bachelor of architecture program curriculum combines classwork with professional employment at a design firm or through projects or...
I am a Master's of Design Studies Student focusing in Historic Preservation through BAC's distance learning program, and what I love most about the school is the responsiveness of the professors. They have all been wonderful resources for the...
” – Jamie from Columbia, IL