Colleges in Massachusetts

There are 107 accredited colleges and universities in Massachusetts. They admit an average of 63% of applicants, and the average net price after aid is $24,258 per year. Compare acceptance rates, SAT/ACT scores, and net prices — and see your personal admission chances for free.

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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC · Methodology · Updated August 2026

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Top Colleges in Massachusetts

The most selective and highly ranked accredited universities in Massachusetts. Click any school for its acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, net price, and a free admission-chance estimate.

UniversityLocationAcceptance Rate
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA5%
Harvard UniversityCambridge, MA4%
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill, MA14%
Tufts UniversityMedford, MA10%
Boston UniversityBoston, MA13%
Northeastern UniversityBoston, MA7%
Williams CollegeWilliamstown, MA8%
Amherst CollegeAmherst, MA9%
Wellesley CollegeWellesley, MA12%
Franklin W Olin College of EngineeringNeedham, MA22%
Smith CollegeNorthampton, MA20%
Babson CollegeWellesley, MA20%
College of the Holy CrossWorcester, MA21%
Brandeis UniversityWaltham, MA35%
Mount Holyoke CollegeSouth Hadley, MA38%
Clark UniversityWorcester, MA42%
Emerson CollegeBoston, MA48%
Bentley UniversityWaltham, MA48%
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst, MA58%
Gordon CollegeWenham, MA59%
Wheaton College (Massachusetts)Norton, MA71%
Simmons UniversityBoston, MA66%
Endicott CollegeBeverly, MA72%
MCPHS UniversityBoston, MA85%
Emmanuel CollegeBoston, MA81%
Suffolk UniversityBoston, MA85%
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston, MA85%
University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell, MA85%
University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston, MA83%
Laboure College of HealthcareMilton, MA40%

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts

Universities in Massachusetts with the lowest average net price after grants and scholarships (federal College Scorecard data).

UniversityLocationAvg Net Price
Middlesex Community CollegeBedford, MA$2,624
Bristol Community CollegeFall River, MA$5,547
Springfield Technical Community CollegeSpringfield, MA$5,662
Northern Essex Community CollegeHaverhill, MA$6,046
Urban College of BostonBoston, MA$6,957
Massachusetts Bay Community CollegeWellesley Hills, MA$7,169
Greenfield Community CollegeGreenfield, MA$7,679
Bunker Hill Community CollegeBoston, MA$7,818
Mount Wachusett Community CollegeGardner, MA$7,931
Holyoke Community CollegeHolyoke, MA$8,068
Cape Cod Community CollegeWest Barnstable, MA$8,296
Massasoit Community CollegeBrockton, MA$8,460

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in Massachusetts?

There are 107 accredited colleges and universities in Massachusetts in Admit Coach's database, sourced from federal IPEDS data. They admit an average of 63% of applicants and cost about $24,258 per year after aid.

What is the best college in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the highest nationally ranked university in Massachusetts. The best college depends on your major, budget, and admission chances, though. Admit Coach ranks all 107 Massachusetts colleges by your personal fit using your GPA and test scores, not just national reputation.

What is the average cost of college in Massachusetts?

The average net price — the real cost after grants and scholarships — at colleges in Massachusetts is about $24,258 per year. Admit Coach shows net price by five income brackets for every school, so you see the estimate for your family's income bracket, not just the sticker price.

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