Best Colleges in Massachusetts for 2026
Massachusetts has long been recognized as a hub for academic excellence, home to many of the country’s most respected colleges and universities. Whether you’re looking for a historic liberal arts college, a large research institution, or a hands-on technical school, the Bay State offers something for every kind of learner.
In this 2026 guide, Colleges of Distinction has recognized top Massachusetts schools that exemplify our Four Distinctions: Engaged Teaching, Student Success, Community Engagement, and Career Development. From Boston College and UMass Amherst to Smith College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, these institutions offer enriching, student-centered experiences that prepare graduates for lifelong success.
Explore our full list below to discover the best colleges in Massachusetts for 2026—each offering a distinctive approach to undergraduate education.
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
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
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
Dean College
Franklin, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Dean College is a private, residential New England College grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Graduates are lifelong learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility, and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.
A PARTNER EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Unlike most other colleges, Dean pairs every student with a dedicated personal advisor whose sole job is to help them navigate the challenges of upper-level coursework and to keep them on the right track. Advisors work with their students individually, helping them choose their classes, monitor their progress, and provide them with access and direction toward one-of-a-kind academic opportunities. Personal advisors are dedicated to getting their students involved on campus, ensuring that their educational investments enrich their lives and set promising precedents for their future careers.
Acceptance rate 74% • Net price $31,472 • SAT Range 0-0 • Students submitting SAT scores %
Total Undergrad Population 1,151 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 37% • Retention rate 76% • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
Framingham State University
Framingham, MA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
FSU is a beautiful, small campus with a strong sense of community that will provide every student with an outstanding education, ample social and extracurricular activities, and support services that will keep them on track toward graduation. With over fifty percent of students being the first in their family to attend college, Framingham State University is committed to providing support as an inclusive, supportive, and career-building environment.
Acceptance rate 85% • Net price $16,640 • SAT Range 1070-1255 • Students submitting SAT scores 7%
Total Undergrad Population 2,817 • Setting City: Small • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 50% • Retention rate 72% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Lasell University
Newton, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1851 and located just eight miles from downtown Boston, Lasell University is a comprehensive, coeducational, four-year and graduate degree-granting institution of higher education with a unique and innovative approach to the liberal arts, teaching, and professionally focused programs of study.
THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE AT LASELL UNIVERSITY
Classes at Lasell are capped at 25, which means that there is no crowd to get lost in. In fact, students may even receive personal calls from faculty throughout their freshman year to help keep them on track.
CONNECTED LEARNING
Lasell University complements traditional teaching approaches with active learning experiences. The community is committed to learning by doing through internships, service learning, and challenging projects that link theory with practice.
Acceptance rate 82% • Net price $28,477 • SAT Range 1085-1260 • Students submitting SAT scores 8%
Total Undergrad Population 1,183 • Setting City: Small • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 53% • Retention rate 71% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1837, Mount Holyoke College is a private liberal arts college located in South Hadley, Massachusetts. As the first of the historic Seven Sisters, the College has long championed rigorous education for women. Today, Mount Holyoke is a nonsectarian, gender-diverse institution that welcomes applications from cisgender women, transgender men and women, and nonbinary or gender nonconforming individuals.
Mount Holyoke’s academic experience is rooted in intellectual curiosity and purposeful exploration. Its liberal arts curriculum emphasizes cross-disciplinary learning and real-world application; students are encouraged to pursue research, internships and creative projects that link theory and practice. The College offers particular depth in STEM fields, with robust support for student research and faculty collaboration.
Acceptance rate 38% • Net price $35,782 • SAT Range 1350-1500 • Students submitting SAT scores 20%
Total Undergrad Population 2,209 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 85% • Retention rate 90% • Student-to-faculty ratio 9:1
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
Regis College
Weston, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Regis is boldly empowering the next generation of leaders to change lives. A coed, Catholic university founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston, Regis offers innovative programs in the arts and sciences, business and communication, health sciences, and nursing.
A foundation in the liberal arts ensures that Regis students are well rounded and forward thinking. The university offers more than 40 academic majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. It’s with such a varied selection that Regis prepares its students for careers all across high-demand fields, including business, education, healthcare, and public service. Internships, clinical placements, student teaching, and research opportunities allow students to integrate their skills and the knowledge developed over the course of their studies into real-world experiences.
Acceptance rate 89% • Net price $30,212
Total Undergrad Population 1,096 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 69% • Retention rate 81% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
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
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
Suffolk University
Boston, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1906, Suffolk University is a four-year, private university in the heart of Boston. Suffolk offers more than 70 undergraduate programs through the College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School. Suffolk’s location in downtown Boston gives students unparalleled access to many opportunities in the Boston metro area, including prestigious internships and job placements. Upon earning their undergraduate degrees, students may pursue advanced studies at the College, the Business School, or Suffolk University Law School.
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
Suffolk’s academic offerings reflect today’s employers’ demand for collaborative learning. Many of the largest classrooms in the University’s newest academic building were built to promote team-based learning: students sit at communal tables instead of individual desks, enjoying the technological means to present each of their group’s findings to the class. This approach applies equally to science students in the lab, marketing students working on case studies, and everyone else. Study groups for individual courses are also available through the Center for Learning & Academic Success.
LOCATION. LOCATION. TRANSFORMATION.
At Suffolk, students study just steps away from City Hall and the Massachusetts State House, a few blocks from Boston Common and Faneuil Hall, and a short T ride from pretty much everything else Boston has to offer.
Acceptance rate 85% • Net price $33,089 • SAT Range 1090-1280 • Students submitting SAT scores 15%
Total Undergrad Population 4,484 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 60% • Retention rate 76% • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
Tufts University
Medford, MA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Tufts University, established in 1852, is a prestigious private research university located in Medford, Massachusetts, with additional facilities in Boston and Grafton. Known for its commitment to inclusive and nonsectarian education, Tufts offers a dynamic academic environment that fosters innovation, intellectual growth, and a strong sense of community. With a diverse student body and a faculty composed of leading scholars and practitioners, Tufts prepares its students to become active global citizens and leaders in their respective fields.
Acceptance rate 10% • Net price $33,333 • SAT Range 1460-1550 • Students submitting SAT scores 36%
Total Undergrad Population 6,877 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 93% • Retention rate 96% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
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
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
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
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Westfield State University offers students the best of both worlds: the value of a public education and the personal support of a welcoming campus community. As one of the most affordable options in Massachusetts, Westfield State makes it possible for students of all backgrounds to pursue a high-quality degree without overwhelming debt. With small classes, accessible professors, and a wide range of academic programs, students are encouraged to explore their passions while gaining practical skills for their careers. Beyond the classroom, opportunities for internships, leadership, and community engagement help students build confidence and connections. At Westfield State, affordability and student-centered learning go hand in hand, preparing graduates for meaningful lives and successful futures.
Acceptance rate 81% • Net price $17,723
Total Undergrad Population 3,788 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 55% • Retention rate 71% • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
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
What it’s like to attend schools in Massachusetts and other FAQ:
Massachusetts offers an incredible mix of academic rigor, cultural diversity, and career opportunities. From Boston’s thriving innovation hub to scenic campuses like Mount Holyoke, students benefit from vibrant communities and access to top-tier faculty.
Yes! The University of Massachusetts Amherst and Framingham State University are highly respected public institutions with strong academics and value.
Liberal arts colleges like Smith College and Wellesley College focus on small classes and broad-based learning. Research universities such as Boston University and Northeastern University offer more specialized research opportunities and a wider range of majors.
Absolutely. Public universities and smaller private colleges often provide generous aid. Schools like Westfield State University and Lasell University are known for accessible tuition and strong support services.
Yes—especially those with built-in career development support like Wentworth Institute of Technology and Stonehill College, where internships and industry connections are integral to the student experience.
How We Chose the Best Colleges in Massachusetts
Every school featured on this list has earned the College of Distinction designation through a rigorous selection process focused on four key distinctions: Engaged Teaching, Student Success, Community Engagement, and Career Development.
- Student-centered learning environments with a focus on engagement
- Strong outcomes in retention, graduation, and post-grad success
- Academic programs that foster critical thinking and adaptability
- High-impact experiences such as research, internships, and study abroad
- A supportive campus culture that promotes student well-being and belonging
Data Sources: We combine quantitative data from the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS database and the College Scorecard with qualitative insights from direct communication with schools, faculty interviews, and publicly available program information.
Author: Colleges of Distinction Staff
Reviewed by: Katie Creel
Last updated in September 2025 with data from IPEDS and College Scorecard.
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