It is no surprise that Massachusetts is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the United States due to its big population. With world-renowned institutions like Harvard and MIT, Massachusetts offers students a wealth of educational opportunities. Whether you are looking for a top-ranked university or a smaller school with intimate class sizes, there is something for all students looking to attend school in this state. Our list showcases the top 10 best colleges and universities in Massachusetts. So, whether you are from Massachusetts or just looking for a great college experience, check out these schools!
10. Northeastern University
Private research institution, Northeastern University, is in Boston, Massachusetts. It categorizes as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. With that in mind, the university offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees in various subjects. Northeastern also is a member of 19 NCAA Division I sports teams and has won numerous conference championships. The university offers 25 club sports teams, 19 intramural sports programs, and various organizations on campus. In addition, Northeastern has a strong commitment to research and experiential learning. The university is home to 19 research centers and institutes, including the Northeastern International School of Agriculture. Another excellent aspect of Northeastern University is its co-op program. This program allows students to gain work experience in their field of study while completing their degree.
9. Brandeis University
Founded in the year of 1948 in Waltham, Massachusetts, Brandeis University is a private research institution. The university has an enrollment of over 5,000 students and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition, the university is home to 19 NCAA Division III sports teams. The campus is on 235 acres of land, featuring a variety of buildings and facilities, including a performing arts center, a library, and athletic fields. Brandeis University is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to social justice. The university ranks among the top 40 universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. It is also considered one of the “Hidden Ivies.” Brandeis University is an institution of higher learning that provides students with a well-rounded education and prepares them for immeasurable success in their careers and lives.
8. Tufts University
Tufts University is an excellent private research university located in Medford, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1852 and currently ranks as the 28th best university in the United States, according to the 2022 rankings of the U.S. News & World Report. The university is known for its 28 NCAA Division III sports teams, which compete in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. Tufts also offers 21 club sports for their students to join. The most significant part of the university is its strong focus on undergraduate education, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. In addition, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as multiple graduate programs.
7. Boston College
Boston College is a fantastic private research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. It has 31 NCAA Division III sports teams, 21 club sports, and 44 intermural sports programs. In addition, student groups on campus include:
- The Student Government Association (SGA): The official undergraduate student government.
- The Undergraduate Government of Boston College: The official graduate and professional student government.
- More than 400 clubs and organizations.
BU is committed to serving its students through its Core Curriculum, which emphasizes personal formation, intellectual development, and integrative learning. With its rich history and traditions, Boston College provides its students with a holistic education that prepares them for leadership and service in today’s world.
6. Smith College
Smith College is the only private, independent women’s liberal arts college in Northampton, Massachusetts. It is the most prominent member of the Seven Sisters. The college also has an endowment of $2.3 billion as of June 2019. Smith College ranks 11th among the nation’s liberal arts colleges, according to the U.S. News & World Report. It is also a member of the Five Colleges Consortium, allowing students to cross-register at four other Pioneer Valley institutions: Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Presently, the college offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and concentrations. It also provides various master’s degrees in education, engineering, and business administration through its graduate school. Another thing to note about Smith College is that there are 11 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams and more than 100 clubs and organizations in which the students are currently active. The 11 acapella singing and dancing groups are the most popular clubs. Lastly, the best aspect of Smith College is that more than 60% of its students study abroad before graduation. If Smith College sounds like a perfect fit, come check it out!
5. Wellesley College
Wellesley College is the only private women’s liberal arts college in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Founded in 1875 by Henry and Pauline Durant, it is a member of the original Seven Sisters Colleges. Wellesley is also home to:
- 13 NCAA Division III sports teams
- More than 50 undergraduate majors
- Over 60 student organizations
The college also provides extensive extracurricular opportunities, including music, theater, and dance groups; political and cultural organizations; and community service projects. Located just west of Boston, Wellesley is renowned for its beautiful 500-acre campus, which includes a botanical garden and several historic buildings. Finally, Wellesley College has an active alumnae network of more than 280,000 graduates worldwide.
4. The University of Massachusetts at Amherst
The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, also called UMass, is a public research university in Amherst, Massachusetts. It is the University of Massachusetts’s flagship campus and the largest university in New England. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs to over 30,000 students. The university is home to 21 NCAA Division I sports teams, which compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference. UMass Amherst is firmly committed to research and teaching and is home to state-of-the-art facilities like the John W. Olver Design Building and the LGR Lapham Laboratory. With its world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and beautiful campus, no wonder that UMass Amherst ranks as one of the top most outstanding universities in the state.
3. Williams College
Williams College is a phenomenal private liberal arts college in Williamstown, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1793 with funds from the estate of Ephraim Williams. The college currently has an endowment of over $2 billion and an enrollment of around 2,000 students. Now, 32 NCAA Division III sports teams compete in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. The school is also home to the Williams-Exeter Programme at Oxford, which offers students the opportunity to study in England at Oxford University for a semester. Alumni include author Gore Vidal, actor John Lithgow, and former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, most commonly referred to as MIT, is a world-renowned university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT is best known for its science and engineering programs but also has strong humanities and social sciences offerings. In addition, the institution has the largest NCAA Division III sports program in the country, with 33 varsity sports. The school’s athletics facilities are top-notch, and the team spirit is undeniable. Whether you are looking for an academic powerhouse or a school with a vibrant sports culture, MIT is definitely worth considering.
1. Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636, Harvard is the United States’ oldest institution of higher learning. Its history, influence, and wealth have made it one of the world’s most prestigious universities. The Harvard Corporation is its first chartered corporation. Harvard’s endowment is worth $39.2 billion, making it the largest of any academic institution. Harvard is a large, highly residential research university. The nominal cost of attendance is high, but the university’s large endowment allows it to offer generous financial aid packages. There are 42 NCAA Division I sports teams and more than 1,400 student organizations at Harvard. Overall, Harvard has eleven degree-granting schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.