Colleges in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has the highest concentration of top-ranked universities of any state, including Harvard, MIT, Tufts, Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern, and the UMass system. The Boston metro area is one of the most vibrant college markets in the world, with extraordinary networking, internship, and career opportunities across tech, biotech, finance, and healthcare.
Top Colleges in Massachusetts by Enrollment
| School | |
|---|---|
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA · Public | View → |
Boston University Boston, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Northeastern University Boston, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, MA · Public | View → |
University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, MA · Public | View → |
Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, MA · Public | View → |
Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Berklee College of Music Boston, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Tufts University Medford, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MA · Public | View → |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Bentley University Waltham, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Salem State University Salem, MA · Public | View → |
Suffolk University Boston, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Worcester State University Worcester, MA · Public | View → |
Merrimack College North Andover, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Emerson College Boston, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, MA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Frequently Asked Questions — Colleges in Massachusetts
How many colleges are in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has 74+ bachelor's degree-granting colleges and universities. Greater Boston has more than 100 colleges and universities within 50 miles, creating one of the most interconnected academic ecosystems in the world.
What is the cheapest college in Massachusetts?
Average net prices at Massachusetts colleges range from under $10,000/year at some public schools for in-state students to over $35,000 at private institutions. Use the DecideMyCampus search to filter MA schools by net price and find the most affordable option for your income level.
What is the best public university in Massachusetts?
University of Massachusetts Amherst is widely considered the flagship public university in Massachusetts. However, "best" depends on your major, budget, and priorities. Use DecideMyCampus to compare all MA public schools by graduation rates, earnings, and cost.
Do Massachusetts colleges offer in-state tuition?
Yes — public universities in Massachusetts offer significantly lower tuition for residents. In-state tuition savings can be $10,000–$25,000 per year compared to out-of-state rates. The DecideMyCampus school pages show both in-state and out-of-state tuition costs.
Get your free Fit Score for Massachusetts schools
Tell us your priorities — cost, earnings, size, selectivity — and we'll rank every Massachusetts college for your specific situation in seconds.
Take the Free Fit Quiz