Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year

Founded in 1863, Boston College is a leading Jesuit, Catholic university that combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to service, leadership, and ethical engagement. Located just outside of downtown Boston, the university offers students the intellectual energy of a top research institution alongside the support of a vibrant liberal arts community. With rigorous academic programs, Division I athletics, and a strong tradition of service learning, Boston College prepares students to think critically, act justly, and make a difference in the world. Its strong alumni network and proximity to one of the nation’s most dynamic cities provide students with abundant opportunities for internships, research, and professional growth.

Acceptance rate 16%      •      Net price $32,590     •     SAT Range 1430-1540     •     Students submitting SAT scores 28%
Total Undergrad Population 10,083     •     Setting City: Small      •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 91%      •     Retention rate 95%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1

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Boston University

Boston, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year

In the heart of one of the world’s most innovative cities, Boston University offers students a dynamic blend of academic rigor, global perspective, and real-world opportunity. As a major private research university, BU is home to more than 300 programs of study, a diverse community representing over 130 countries, and a proud tradition of innovation and discovery. Students benefit from close ties to Boston’s industries, hospitals, and cultural institutions, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for impactful careers. With nationally recognized faculty, a commitment to inclusion, and a campus alive with energy, BU empowers students to push boundaries, think globally, and become leaders in their fields.

Acceptance rate 11%      •      Net price $27,551     •     SAT Range 1400-1520     •     Students submitting SAT scores 28%
Total Undergrad Population 18,656     •     Setting City      •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 90%      •     Retention rate 95%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1

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College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year

College of the Holy Cross is a selective, liberal arts institution with a focus on discovery. Students are encouraged to explore their talents and intellectual capabilities, while applying their skills to improve the local and global communities.

GATEWAYS FALL ORIENTATION
Gateways Fall Orientation is an orientation session that starts on move-in day. Students are enthusiastically welcomed to campus through a series of community-building activities and information meetings. Gateways Fall Orientation is a crucial part of the undergraduate experience. In so many cases, students are nervous to leave their families for the first time. Gateways Fall Orientation eases that transition by getting students excited about the upcoming year.

Acceptance rate 21%      •      Net price $35,455     •     SAT Range 1250-1420     •     Students submitting SAT scores 35%
Total Undergrad Population 3,035     •     Setting City: Midsize      •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 90%      •     Retention rate 93%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 9:1

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Northeastern University

Boston, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year

Northeastern University’s approach to education contains research, experiential learning, and active engagement. Northeastern gives its students the tools they need to succeed, both in the classroom and beyond. Students are developed into hard-working leaders that recognize their duties to the global community.

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE
Northeastern’s First Year Experience is meant to be a preparatory program. Students are welcomed to campus and introduced to the community. The FYE is both foundational and transformative. Students are given the tools they will need to succeed for the rest of their college careers. They are also expected to put those skills into practice and prepare for upcoming academic challenges. The FYE has four main pillars: Personal Development, Academic Success, Experiential Learning, and Community Development.

Acceptance rate 20%      •      Net price $37,738      •      SAT Range 1410-1540      •      Students submitting SAT scores 54%
Total Undergrad Population 15,156      •      Setting City: Large      •      Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 90%      •      Retention rate 97%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1

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Stonehill College

North Easton, MA ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year

Located just outside Boston, Stonehill College is a selective Catholic college on a beautiful campus with 80+ majors in the liberal arts, sciences, and business. Nearly 91% of students participate in internships, study abroad, research, practicum, and field work.

CORNERSTONE PROGRAM
The core of Stonehill’s liberal arts curriculum is the Cornerstone Program, which leads students to examine the self, society, culture, and the natural world through courses in ethics, sciences, language, and more. Students take an interdisciplinary Learning Community, which combines two academic courses from different disciplines with a team-taught seminar that explores an interrelated topic from both perspectives, and a major Capstone course for seniors.

RESEARCH AND INTEGRATED LEARNING
Stonehill’s accomplished faculty champions its students throughout all four years and is dedicated to teaching, frequently conducting publishable research with students to help with their integrated learning process.

Students benefit from graduate-level access to high-tech equipment, attend professional academic conferences, and coauthor in-depth papers, all guided by faculty mentors.

Acceptance rate 69%      •      Net price $35,508
Total Undergrad Population 2,428      •      Setting Suburb      •      Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 82%      •      Retention rate 86%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1

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