Best Colleges in Massachusetts (2023 Rankings)

From Ivy League schools to the coolest research hubs and artsy liberal arts colleges, the education in the Bay State is as vibrant as ever. 

In this article, we're chatting about the top colleges Massachusetts has to offer (in no particular order). We'll be highlighting their exceptional programs, giving you a sneak peek into campus life, and revealing those nitty-gritty details you're curious about - think acceptance rates and student-to-faculty ratios. 

And that's not all - if any of these schools pique your interest, then we've got extra resources for you to explore them even more. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is located in Cambridge and has about 12,000 students. MIT offers a bunch of different programs across five schools and a college.

They're really great at teaching subjects like science, engineering, arts, and more - and they love mixing things up with interdisciplinary studies. 

With a mere 7% acceptance rate, it's highly competitive, but it's a testament that they value academics.  

Harvard University

Harvard University is the first college founded in the American colonies and definitely has global recognition. Situated in the iconic city of Cambridge, it's a campus buzzing with over 25,000 students.

Harvard's a heavyweight in the education arena. Their undergraduate and graduate programs span a diverse spectrum - think sciences, arts, music, history, and beyond. 

With a mind-boggling 3,700 courses spread across 50 undergrad fields, Harvard is your academic playground.

But here's the catch - Harvard isn't for the faint of heart. With an acceptance rate just under 5%, getting a spot is a feat of its own.

Boston College

Boston College is a dynamic Catholic university with 14,934 students in Boston, Massachusetts.

Here, education takes a holistic approach, nurturing intellectual, social, ethical, and spiritual growth.

Now, when it comes to hitting the books, Boston College knows how to deliver. They're big on research in science and sociology, and they've got some killer programs in communication, business, and computer science. 

Plus, check this out - their graduation rate is a stellar 89%, showing they're all in for your success. 

Boston University

Located in Boston, the academic hub of Boston University thrives with a bustling student population of 32,718.

What's their secret? How about an impressive lineup of 300+ programs of study. Boston University takes the lead in arts and sciences, communication, engineering, fine arts, and rehabilitation sciences.

Their graduation rate stands at an impressive 84%, showcasing their dedication to student success. And with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, you're guaranteed personalized attention.

Tufts University

Located in the Greater Boston area, Tufts University is a dynamic institution with a busy student community of around 6,100 undergraduate students, plus a host of graduate school students.

Tufts is all about liberal arts, research, and interdisciplinary studies. With a whopping 370,000 square feet of lab space, they're shaping the future through innovation.

Tufts boasts over 150 majors and minors, from history and chemistry to anthropology and psychology. With 300+ student organizations, your extracurricular journey is bound to be unforgettable. 

And if you're aiming for admission, know that Tufts' acceptance rate dances around 16%, so securing a spot might be your next big achievement.

Northeastern University

Let's take a stroll through Northeastern University, a bustling campus with over 22,000 students in multiple locations across America.

Known for its strong academics, the university offers a range of degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. 

They offer some of the hottest majors like computer science, bioengineering, and business administration/communication studies that are really making waves.

Northeastern knows how to have a good time too, with a whopping 500+ clubs and organizations to join. 

And when it comes to getting in, they're quite the picky bunch, with an acceptance rate of 20%. But here's the impressive part - once you're in, you're likely to stick around, thanks to a solid 90% six-year graduation rate. 

Amherst College

Tucked away in Amherst, Massachusetts, this gem exudes a cozy vibe, hosting around 2,000 students. They're all about learning by doing and diving deep into research.

With a range of 41 majors spanning arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, you're in for an academic treat.

And get this, the student-to-faculty ratio is a mere 7:1. That means you won't just be a name on a roster; your professors will actually know you, which is pretty awesome.

Wellesley College

Situated in Wellesley, Massachusetts, this college is all about embracing inclusivity, social change, and empowerment, making it a true force for good.

With around 2,200 students, it's a cozy community where everyone's voice is valued. They're not all talk, though - their academic programs mean business. 

Think rigorous studies with cool interdisciplinary majors that cover the spectrum from science to anthropology, music to philosophy - they've got it all. 

Oh, and the student-to-faculty ratio? A stellar 7:1, ensuring you'll have some real quality time with your professors.

Brandeis University

Found in Waltham, Massachusetts, this place is buzzing with around 5,500 students spread across five schools.

Brandeis shines with its arts and sciences, plus a dedicated business school. They're all about variety, offering majors that span the creative arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. 

A standout is their social policy and management programs - they've got that game on lock.

Their acceptance rate sits at 33%, showcasing their selectiveness. And once you're in, they've got your back - 89% of students graduate within six years. 

University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a bustling hub with over 24,000 enthusiastic undergrads right in Amherst.

This place is a research powerhouse, especially in languages and sciences. They're all about nurturing talent too, with their "Rising Researchers" program, giving props to students acing the research game.

UMass Amherst isn't just about traditional learning - they've got plenty of options. From on-campus to online, they offer four-year bachelor's degrees and even accelerated master's programs. 

They offer unique programs in areas like astronomy, language, building construction, and dance.

And with an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you won't be lost in the crowd.

Honorable mentions

• University of Massachusetts-Lowell. With an impressive student count of over 18,000, UMass Lowell shines in various fields. Noteworthy programs include those in business, engineering, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, and health sciences.
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute. This gem boasts a student body of over 6,900. Offering a wide array of academic pursuits, WPI excels in programs such as mathematics, chemistry, management, and writing.
• Worcester State University. With a student body of just over 5,000, Worcester State University is making waves. They offer a whopping 280 courses across various subjects like art & design, business, higher education, and healthcare.
• Williams College. With an enrollment of around 2,000 students, Williams College in Williamstown has a tight-knit community. Its most sought-after majors include economics, political science, biology, and mathematics.
• Wheaton College. Wheaton College proudly offers over 100 programs spanning STEM fields, humanities, business, and more.

As for other notable mentions, for those aspiring to excel in the world of business, Bentley University stands as a shining choice, while Emerson College dedicates itself to fostering communication and arts talents. 

If you're seeking a university deeply rooted in research, Clark University is a private research university that might be your next destination. Or, choose Massachusetts College, which is the gateway to hands-on, real-world experiences, while Babson College is your go-to for nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit. 

Navigate excellence in Massachusetts education with College Rover

With so many college choices, finding the right academic fit can be a game-changer for your future. 

The best part? You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Let College Rover be your trusted companion. 

Our platform empowers high school students or anyone looking to enroll in a university or community college to research schools, programs, acceptance rates, SAT and ACT scores, financial aid options, and give a glimpse into student life.

Whether you're eyeing colleges anywhere in Massachusetts, from South Hadley to Springfield, or even Dartmouth or Northampton, we've got the information you need at your fingertips to find the best school for you. 

Get started today and let College Rover guide you towards excellence in Massachusetts education.