Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Massachusetts for 2026

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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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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Smith College

Northampton, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year

Smith College, located in Northampton, Massachusetts, is a distinguished women’s liberal arts college committed to empowering students through rigorous academics and leadership development. With a diverse student body, Smith offers over 50 areas of study and encourages interdisciplinary exploration. The college’s open curriculum and emphasis on independent research allow students to tailor their educational experiences. Smith’s vibrant campus life and supportive community foster personal growth and lifelong connections.

Acceptance rate 20%      •      Net price $27,823     •     SAT Range 1408-1540     •     Students submitting SAT scores 33%
Total Undergrad Population 2,506     •     Setting City: Small      •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 90%      •     Retention rate 93%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 8:1

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year

Life at UMass Amherst is as bold and dynamic as the students who call it home. As the flagship campus of the UMass system, it offers the academic power of a top-tier research university alongside the community spirit of a classic New England college town. Students can choose from more than 100 majors, join hundreds of clubs and organizations, and enjoy one of the nation’s best campus dining programs. With opportunities ranging from groundbreaking research to Division I athletics, UMass Amherst encourages students to dream big and achieve more. Its strong alumni network, innovative programs, and commitment to affordability make it a launchpad for success in Massachusetts and around the globe.

Acceptance rate 58%      •      Net price $22,954     •     SAT Range 1300-1480     •     Students submitting SAT scores 27%
Total Undergrad Population 23,936     •     Setting City: Small      •     Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 83%      •     Retention rate 91%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1

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University of Massachusetts Lowell

Lowell, MA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year

Whether or not students enter college with a dedicated career plan, UMass Lowell can propel them into the professional world with a clear and a sturdy purpose that is altogether backed by an immense range of experiences. The University offers programs in an endless array of fields, ensuring that its students can delve into their interests and discover new ones.

The university’s five pillars of excellence (Transformational Education, Global Engagement & Inclusive Culture, Innovative Research & Entrepreneurship, Leverage Our Legacy and Our Place, and Entrepreneurial Stewardship in Higher Education) serve as the foundation for successful scholars to be ready to contribute their expertise to global challenges.

RESEARCH THAT MATTERS
UMass Lowell strives to conduct innovative research that provides solutions to many of today’s global challenges. The institution’s research specializations include flexible electronics and smart textiles, robotics, public health, and energy. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty, industry partners, startups, and communities.

SERVICE-LEARNING
UMass Lowell encourages students to engage with their community and work together to find solutions to real-world issues. Through a number of service-learning initiatives, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with local nonprofits and underserved communities. In addition to community-based projects, UMass Lowell offers 50 service-learning courses each year, merging classwork with real action.

Acceptance rate 85%      •      Net price $17,624     •     SAT Range 1180-1350     •     Students submitting SAT scores 30%
Total Undergrad Population 12,128     •     Setting Suburb      •     Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 70%      •     Retention rate 82%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1

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Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year

Located just outside of Boston, Wellesley College is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts institutions and a global leader in women’s education. Since its founding in 1870, Wellesley has been committed to empowering women through rigorous academics, close faculty mentorship, and a vibrant campus community. Students benefit from small class sizes, a collaborative learning environment, and access to a worldwide network of accomplished alumnae who are dedicated to supporting one another long after graduation. With its strong liberal arts foundation and abundant opportunities for research, leadership, and professional development, Wellesley prepares students not only for successful careers but also for lives of purpose and impact.

Acceptance rate 14%      •      Net price $21,501     •     SAT Range 1440-1550     •     Students submitting SAT scores 42%
Total Undergrad Population 2,418     •     Setting Suburb      •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 91%      •     Retention rate 96%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 7:1

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Boston, MA ‧ Public Private ‧ 4-year

Wentworth Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit, career-oriented university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees and professional training programs on its 31-acre campus in the heart of Boston, MA. Founded in 1904, “The University of Opportunity” offers a diverse range of academic programs focused on emerging technologies and hands-on, future-ready learning experiences. Through its renowned cooperative education program, Wentworth seamlessly integrates classroom learning with professional experience in the areas of architecture and design, computing and data science, engineering, management, and sciences and humanities. The university also offers master’s degrees in architecture, civil engineering, construction management, facility management, and technology management.

Acceptance rate 85%      •      Net price $35,585     •     SAT Range 1140-1320     •     Students submitting SAT scores 33%
Total Undergrad Population 3,813     •     Setting City      •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 69%      •     Retention rate 86%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 16:1

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year

From the moment first-year students step foot on the Worcester Polytechnic Institute campus, they are introduced to the foundational tools they need to succeed in their college careers and the rest of their lives. The one-of-a-kind WPI Plan puts knowledge to action, engaging teams of students through projects that address real-world issues. While most WPI students are STEM or business majors, their curriculum is enriched with courses in the liberal arts and humanities so that they develop as well-rounded, insightful leaders.

Acceptance rate 58%      •      Net price $47,799
Total Undergrad Population 5,453     •     Setting City: Midsize      •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 88%      •     Retention rate 94%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1