Regarding higher education, Massachusetts is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and well-respected colleges and universities. From Ivy League institutions to top-ranked liberal arts colleges, the state boasts diverse options for students seeking higher education.
Harvard University, located in Cambridge, is one of the world’s most well-known and prestigious universities. Its rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and highly selective admissions process make it a top choice for students seeking a challenging and rewarding educational experience. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is also renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation in science, engineering, and technology.
Other notable colleges and universities in Massachusetts include Tufts University, Boston College, Boston University, and Brandeis University. These institutions offer various academic programs and opportunities for students to engage in research, internships, and community service. With such a diverse range of options, it’s no wonder that Massachusetts is considered one of the best states for higher education in the country.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT is widely known for its engineering, computer science, and technology programs and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world.
Overview
MIT was founded in 1861 and has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 4,500 students, with an additional 6,900 graduate students. The university has five schools and one college, including the School of Architecture and Planning, the School of Engineering, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, the School of Science, the Sloan School of Management, and the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing.
MIT is also known for its research opportunities, with over 30 departments and interdisciplinary programs conducting research in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and energy fields.
Admissions
Admission to MIT is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of only 7%. The university considers a variety of factors in its admissions process, including test scores, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Academics
MIT offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences majors. The university also offers several interdisciplinary programs, such as the Media Arts and Sciences program and the Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering.
Additionally, MIT is known for its Independent Activities Period (IAP), four weeks in January where students can participate in a variety of non-credit courses, lectures, and activities.
Campus Life
MIT has a vibrant campus life, with over 450 student organizations and clubs. The university also hosts some lectures and events, including the popular MIT Technology Review events.
Ranking and ROI
MIT is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world and was ranked #2 in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News. The university also has the largest endowment of any university in the world, at over $17 billion.
Regarding return on investment, MIT is known for its high salaries and career prospects for graduates. According to PayScale, the median mid-career salary for MIT graduates is $144,000, and the university has a 20-year net ROI of $1.2 million.
Overall, MIT is a highly respected institution with a reputation for excellence in engineering, computer science, and technology.
Harvard University
Overview
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. It was founded in 1636 and is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Harvard has a large undergraduate population of over 6,700 students and a graduate student population of over 18,000 across its various schools.
Admissions
Harvard is known for its highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of just 3.4% for 2025. The university looks for students who have excelled academically, demonstrated leadership skills, and shown a commitment to extracurricular activities. In addition to traditional academic metrics like GPA and test scores, Harvard also considers factors like essays, recommendations, and interviews in its admissions process.
Academics
Harvard is known for its strong programs in a variety of fields, including business, law, medicine, and the liberal arts. The university has twelve degree-granting schools, including Harvard College (the undergraduate liberal arts college), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and various professional schools like the Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School. Harvard is also known for its research, with over $1 billion in yearly research funding.
Campus Life
Harvard’s campus is located across the Charles River from downtown Boston and is easily accessible via public transportation. The university has a vibrant campus life, with over 450 student organizations and various cultural and athletic events. The university also has some study-abroad opportunities, with programs in over 70 countries.
Ranking and ROI
Harvard is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in Massachusetts and the United States. In the 2022-2023 edition of the U.S. News & World Report rankings, Harvard was ranked as the #3 National University in the country. The university also has the largest endowment of any institution of higher education globally, at over $41 billion. Harvard is known for its strong return on investment (ROI), with graduates earning high salaries and enjoying strong employment prospects after graduation.
Overall, Harvard University is a highly respected institution of higher education known for its strong academics, competitive admissions process, and vibrant campus life.
Tufts University
Tufts University is a private institution in Medford, Massachusetts, founded in 1852. It is a highly selective university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. Tufts University is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.
Overview
Tufts University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,676 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. The university has three main campuses located in Medford, Somerville, and Boston. Tufts University offers over 90 undergraduate majors and minors and over 160 graduate programs across its various schools, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Medicine.
Admissions
Tufts University is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 14%. The university considers various factors during admission, including academic performance, test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1490, and the average ACT score is 33.
Academics
Tufts University is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, focusing on interdisciplinary learning. The university offers various majors and minors across its schools, including biology, mathematics, and healthcare. Tufts University is also known for its research opportunities, with students having the chance to work with faculty members on various research projects.
Campus Life
Tufts University has a diverse student body, with students coming from all 50 states and over 70 countries. The university offers various student organizations and clubs, including cultural, athletic, and academic clubs. Tufts University also offers study abroad opportunities, with students having the chance to study in over 30 countries.
Ranking and ROI
Tufts University is ranked #29 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. The university is also ranked #20 in Best Colleges for Art in America by Niche. According to U.S. News & World Report, Tufts University has a 97% retention rate and a 91% graduation rate. Tufts University has a strong return on investment, with a 20-year net ROI of $1,086,000, according to PayScale.
Tufts University is a highly selective institution with a strong liberal arts curriculum, research opportunities, and study abroad programs. With its diverse student body and strong return on investment, Tufts University is a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded college experience in Massachusetts.
Boston College
Overview
Boston College is a private, Jesuit Catholic research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Founded in 1863, it has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,532 as of Fall 2021. The university’s campus is on 405 acres of land in a suburban setting. Boston College offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its nine schools and colleges.
Admissions
Boston College is a selective institution with an acceptance rate of 25.2% for the Class of 2025. The university considers a range of factors in its admissions process, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Test scores are optional for the Class of 2025 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Academics
Boston College is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and offers over 60 undergraduate majors across a range of disciplines. The university also has business, education, law, social work, and theology and ministry graduate schools. Boston College is committed to providing study-abroad opportunities for its students, with over 130 programs in 50 countries.
Campus Life
Boston College has a vibrant campus life with over 300 student organizations and clubs. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and has a range of initiatives to support underrepresented groups on campus. The campus also offers a range of recreational and athletic facilities, including a state-of-the-art recreation center and an NCAA Division I athletic program.
Ranking and ROI
Boston College is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022 rankings, Boston College was ranked #35 in the National Universities category. The university also has one of the largest endowments among colleges in Massachusetts, with a total endowment of $2.8 billion as of 2021. Boston College is known for its strong programs in business and economics and its research opportunities in healthcare.
Boston College is also known for its strong return on investment (ROI). According to PayScale’s 2021 College ROI Report, Boston College has an ROI of 7.2% for in-state students and 5.9% for out-of-state students. The Carroll School of Management and the Boston College Law School are particularly known for their strong ROI.
Overall, Boston College is a highly regarded institution committed to academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion. Its strong liberal arts curriculum, study abroad opportunities, and commitment to research make it a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded education.
Boston University
Overview
Boston University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the largest independent universities in the United States, with an undergraduate enrollment of over 18,000 students and a graduate enrollment of over 14,000 students. The university is known for its strong programs in business, economics, healthcare, and other fields.
Admissions
Boston University is a selective university with an acceptance rate of 18%. The university considers a variety of factors in its admissions process, including test scores, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and other factors. The university also offers study-abroad opportunities for its students.
Academics
Boston University is a research university with a strong focus on undergraduate and graduate education. The university has 17 schools and colleges, including the Questrom School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Public Health. The university offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, economics, healthcare, and other areas.
Campus Life
Boston University has a vibrant campus life, with a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities. The university also offers a range of services and resources for its students, including career, counseling, and health services. The campus is located in the heart of Boston, providing students with easy access to the city’s cultural and recreational offerings.
Ranking and ROI
Boston University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges, Boston University was ranked #41 in National Universities. The university also has a strong return on investment (ROI), with graduates earning an average salary of $64,200 within five years of graduation.
Tuition and Fees
The tuition and fees for Boston University for the 2022-2023 academic year are $62,360. The university offers financial aid and scholarships to help make education more affordable.
Research University
Boston University is a research university with a strong focus on research and innovation. The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Space Physics, the Center for Polymer Studies, and the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories.
Graduate Schools
Boston University has many graduate schools, including the Questrom School of Business, the School of Law, the School of Medicine, and the School of Public Health. The university offers a wide range of graduate programs in various fields, including business, law, medicine, and public health.
Ranking Methodology
U.S. News & World Report ranks colleges and universities based on a variety of factors, including academic reputation, student selectivity, retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, financial resources, and alumni giving. Boston University’s strong performance in these areas has helped it earn its high rankings.
Return on Investment
Boston University has a strong return on investment (ROI), with graduates earning an average salary of $64,200 within five years of graduation. This is partly due to the university’s strong programs in business, economics, healthcare, and other fields, which prepare students for successful careers.
Brandeis University
Overview
Brandeis University is a private research university located in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1948 and named after Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The university offers over 43 majors and 46 minors across its undergraduate programs and has graduate programs in business, economics, and social policy. Brandeis University is known for its strong liberal arts programs and research opportunities.
Admissions
Brandeis University is a selective institution with an acceptance rate of 31%. In the fall of 2022, the university received 12,000 applications and admitted 3,700 students. The undergraduate enrollment at Brandeis is approximately 3,600 students, and the graduate school has over 2,000 students. The university values diversity and has a diverse student body, with students from over 100 countries.
Academics
Brandeis University is known for its strong liberal arts programs, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers highly-ranked programs in English and history. The Heller School for Social Policy and Management is notable for its programs in social policy, and the International Business School offers programs in business and economics. The university also offers study-abroad opportunities in over 70 countries.
Campus Life
Brandeis University has a vibrant campus life with over 250 student organizations, including clubs focused on community service, politics, culture, and sports. The university has a Division III athletics program and is a member of the University Athletic Association. The campus is located in a suburban area and is easily accessible to Boston and Cambridge.
Ranking and ROI
According to U.S. News and World Report, Brandeis University is ranked #35 in National Universities and #25 in Best Value Schools. The university has a strong return on investment, with a 30-year net ROI of $1,014,000. The ranking methodology considers factors such as faculty resources, student excellence, and financial resources.
Overall, Brandeis University is a highly respected institution with a strong liberal arts program, a diverse student body, and excellent research opportunities. Students who attend Brandeis can expect a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their careers and beyond.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. It is ranked #10 in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News. Northwestern has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,327 and a graduate enrollment of 13,315.
Overview
Northwestern University is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 7.9%. The university offers over 70 undergraduate majors and more than 50 graduate programs across 12 schools and colleges, including the Kellogg School of Management, the Feinberg School of Medicine, and the Pritzker School of Law. Northwestern is known for its strong programs in business, economics, healthcare, and the performing arts.
Admissions
To be admitted to Northwestern University, students must submit an application, official transcripts, standardized test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. The university also considers extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and demonstrated interest in the university. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1500, and the average ACT score is 34.
Academics
Northwestern University is a top-tier research university focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate majors in engineering, journalism, psychology, and theatre. Graduate students can pursue degrees in fields such as business, education, law, medicine, and the sciences.
Campus Life
Northwestern University has a vibrant campus life, with over 500 student organizations and clubs. The university also offers a range of study-abroad opportunities, with programs in over 50 countries. Students can participate in research projects, internships, and community service programs and attend cultural events and performances on campus.
Ranking and ROI
Northwestern University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the country, with a strong reputation for academic excellence and research. In addition to its high ranking in U.S. News, Northwestern is also ranked #10 in the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings 2021. The university has a strong return on investment, with a median starting salary of $68,800 and a median mid-career salary of $129,400, according to PayScale.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Overview
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1865 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 4,500 students. The university offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across four schools: Engineering, Arts & Sciences, Business, and Global.
Admissions
WPI is a highly selective institution, with an acceptance rate of around 49%. The university requires applicants to submit either SAT or ACT scores, and the average SAT score of admitted students is around 1440. In addition to academic performance, WPI also considers extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation in the admissions process.
Academics
WPI is renowned for its strong engineering and computer science programs, and the university offers a range of research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The university’s project-based approach to education allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, and the Independent Activities Period (IAP) allows students to pursue independent research or participate in lectures and workshops.
Campus Life
WPI has a vibrant campus life, with a variety of student clubs and organizations, including academic clubs, cultural clubs, and athletic teams. The university also hosts a number of lectures and events throughout the year, including the President’s Lecture Series, which brings distinguished speakers to campus.
Ranking and ROI
U.S. News states WPI is ranked #67 in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges, National Universities. The university is also ranked #59 for Best Colleges for Engineering in America and #66 for Best Colleges for Computer Science in America by Niche. Regarding return on investment (ROI), WPI is ranked #10 in the country by PayScale, with a 20-year net ROI of $1,038,000.
Overall, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a top-tier institution with a strong reputation for engineering and computer science. Its project-based approach to education and commitment to research make it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Clark University
Clark University is a private research university located in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1887 as an all-graduate institution and later became a co-educational university. Clark University is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and research opportunities that address global challenges.
Overview
Clark University has an undergraduate enrollment of 2,361 and a graduate enrollment of 1,478. The university offers more than 30 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate programs across its three schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Management, and the School of Professional Studies. Clark University is also known for its strong research programs, particularly in the areas of psychology, geography, and environmental science.
Admissions
Clark University is a selective institution with an acceptance rate of 53%. The university considers a range of factors in its admissions process, including test scores, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Students are encouraged to submit a personal essay and letters of recommendation as part of their application.
Academics
Clark University is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and research opportunities. The university offers a range of majors across its three schools, including business, economics, and healthcare. Clark University also has a strong study abroad program, with opportunities to study in more than 50 countries worldwide.
Campus Life
Clark University has a diverse student body, with students from more than 70 countries. The university offers a range of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in, including academic clubs, service organizations, and cultural clubs. Clark University also has a strong athletics program, with 17 varsity sports teams.
Ranking and ROI
Clark University is ranked #97 in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. The university is also ranked #54 in Best Small Colleges in America and #88 in Colleges with the Best Professors in America by Niche. According to PayScale, Clark University has a 20-year net return on investment of $330,000, making it a strong investment for students seeking a high-quality education with a strong return on investment.
In conclusion, Clark University is a highly regarded private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts, known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, research opportunities, and diverse student body. With a selective admissions process, strong academics, and a range of extracurricular opportunities, Clark University is a great choice for students seeking a high-quality education in Massachusetts.
