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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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, MA
Massachusetts 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, ILFitchburg State University is a public Massachusetts institution founded in 1894. It has a “selective” admissions process and provides a liberal arts and sciences curriculum integrated with professional programs. The most popular majors are exercise...
Classes are small and the professors are nice and really care about your success!
” – Nicole from Salisbury, MA
Founded in 1879, Curry College is a private institution based in Milton, Massachusetts. The school operates a main campus near a state park in Norfolk county and a satellite campus in Plymouth. All students must take a General Education curriculum...
I transfered to Curry College last semester and loved that it was a small school and the professors were very helpful with anything you needed. Curry has a great campaus and very small class sizes which is very easy to learn from. Also since the...
” – Joseph from Canton, MA
Founded in 1840, Bridgewater State University is a 4-year public school in the greater Boston area. Bridgewater State encompasses colleges of Science & Mathematics, Business, Education, and Humanities granting undergrad degrees in over 90 fields of...
Every class that I have taken I have learned something useful from it. I enjoy most of the classes that I have/am taking. There are a lot of core requirements but most of them are helpful and you might even find a class that you enjoy and would like...
” – Breanna from Pittsfield, ME
Founded in 1851, Lasell University is a private institution situated in Newton, Massachusetts, outside of Boston. The school offers degree programs focused on professionalism and all students complete at least one internship during their time at...
Lasell College offers many appealing and intriguing courses designated to benefit your knowledge of your major. Also, the student to teacher ratio is roughly 15:1, so students get more attention in the classrooms.
” – Sarah from Wallingford, CTEstablished in 1937, Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Brookline, Massachusetts. Holy Cross offers three master’s degree programs in Divinity, Theological Studies, and...
Founded in 1823 as the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, MCPHS University is a private school of healthcare programs in Boston and the second-oldest college of pharmacy in the nation. MCPHS is home to 12 schools of healthcare hosting over 100...
You will never get bored, that's for sure! I am a third year PharmD student at MCPHS, and let me tell you, MCPHS is very serious when it comes to academics. Although you'll find that there aren't too many homework assignments like those you get in...
” – Choua from Fitchburg, MAEastern Nazarene College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Quincy, Massachusetts. The college offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as the opportunity for students to attend a semester at Nashville...
I would rate Eastern Nazarene College a 9 out of a 10.
I have learned so much about myself while attending.
Established in 1854, Salem State University is a 4-year public school in the greater Boston area. Salem State grants bachelor’s degrees in 32 academic programs with a focus on liberal arts and sciences. In addition to classroom facilities, Salem...
All of my classes at Salem State teach me the basics of the subject, as well as things I will use in my every day life. This past semester in my Child Growth class, my professor gave us everyday examples of how we will use what we have learned. We...
” – Hayley from Methuen, MA
Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private institution based in the suburban town of Franklin, Massachusetts. Many students choose to study dance, drama and theater production, or athletic training. Dean is a sustainable campus and uses LED lighting...
If you come to Dean wanting to learn, you're going to take a lot away from the experience. I was a Criminal Justice major, and was fortunate enough to have Professor Couture for my Intro to Crim class. She has a system set up where you can earn...
” – Kristen from Millville, MA
Bard College at Simon's Rock is an early college with “more selective” admissions where high school students can enroll before graduation. The average age at entry is 16. Simon’s Rock is based in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and provides a...
Even though it is the most stress a person can endure, any amount of time at this school is worth it. The professors are incredible and have so much wisdom to share. The community of students also makes every class a unique experience.
” – Andro