All 69 Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts

Are you looking for all the colleges and universities in Massachusetts? Here, we will go over the list of private and public universities and colleges in Massachusetts.

In our database, there are a total of 69 institutions in Massachusetts including American International College, Amherst College, and Anna Maria College . Out of those institutions, 13 are public and 56 are private. Some of the public institutions are Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, and Framingham State University. Some examples of private universities in Massachusetts are American International College, Amherst College, and Anna Maria College.

In these universities and colleges in Massachusetts, the total number of students is 411,091, and the total number of international students is 21,371.

1. American International College

American International College is a private university founded in Massachusetts in 1855 as a Protestant university in France. At the beginning of the university, it was established to create an institution that would provide higher education to local French Protestant minorities. Currently, American International College offers three academic-focused colleges for undergraduate students. The university offers Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctor's degrees from the College of Business, Arts and Sciences, and Health Sciences, as well as Master's and Doctor's degrees from the College of Education.

2. Amherst College

Amherst College is a well-established liberal arts college and one of the oldest learning institutions in Massachusetts. Less than 2,000 students are welcomed into its halls yearly, allowing for a small and optimal student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1.This undergraduate-exclusive institution offers a limited selection of 41 majors. Amherst College is well-ranked, placing 201st for English and Literature in the QS rankings, 22nd in the US by Times Higher Education, and 2nd among national liberal arts colleges by US News.

3. Anna Maria College

Anna Maria College merges a liberal arts education with a practical academic curriculum. The institution suggests a variety of undergraduate majors, as skillfully as many graduate and certificate programs, both on-ground and online. Its small student-faculty proportion allows for a favorably personalized learning experience, while the mediocre class and campus size foster optimal student involvement, cooperation, and fellowships.

4. Assumption University

Assumption University is affiliated with the Assumptionists, making it a Catholic institution. Both undergrad and grad programs are available at the university, including certificate and online courses. Besides its Massachusetts location, Assumption University has a second and international campus in Rome.

5. Babson College

Babson College is a private academic institution offering a wide range of study programs in business and entrepreneurship. Established in 1919, Babson College has a long history of excellence in entrepreneurial education. It is also known for its multiple collaborations with different industries where students can gain real-life experiences in the professional world. 

6. Bard College at Simon’s Rock

Bard College at Simon's Rock is a private college in Great Barrington, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. It is intended to be an early college, which means that students can enroll even before finishing high school. Those who have completed tenth or eleventh grade are already eligible for enrollment. Bard College is the only academic institution officially recognized as an early college in the country.

7. Bay Path University

Bay Path University offers many world-class undergraduate and graduate programs for its students. But, they especially take pride in being able to relate classroom learnings to real-world experiences, producing future leaders along the way. Bay Path is also committed to providing its students with the necessary facilities and extracurricular activities that will enhance their personal development and life on campus.

8. Bentley University

Bentley University specializes in business programs but also offers arts and sciences courses for undergraduates. Its business analytics and marketing courses are among the best worldwide, ranking 51st by the QS rankings. Bentley's expertise goes back to its roots as a school of accounting and finance in 1917 Boston. Since then, it has relocated and earned many accolades along the way.

9. Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music ranks highly among performing arts schools around the globe. The Alma Mater of countless Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award recipients, offers world-class education on the different genres and styles of music like jazz, rock, and pop. On top of formal degree programs, Berklee College of Music also hosts several music workshops and seminars to enrich the students' appreciation for music.

10. Boston Architectural College

Boston Architectural College is a private college located in Boston, Massachusetts. They provide undergraduate and graduate programs in interior architecture, landscape architecture, and design studies. In addition, the college hosts exhibits of alumni artwork and spatial design.

11. Boston College

Founded in 1863, Boston College (BC) is among the first private institutions to offer higher education in the city of Boston. The university is deeply rooted in Jesuit and Catholic ideals. Its primary goal is not only to educate countless talented students but also to cultivate trustworthy individuals who have a sense of responsibility to the human race and society. BC’s legacy continues to live on, and as a forerunner of higher education, the university leads in providing academic excellence and internationally recognized programs.

12. Boston University

Boston University was established over 180 years ago and has long been considered one of the top universities in the United States and the world. It offers more than 300 study programs in a wide range of disciplines which are taught by notable experts in their respective academic fields. Boston University is also known for conducting innovative research and is an active member of a prominent research organization called the Association of American Universities. 

13. Brandeis University

Being a privately-run college in Massachusetts, Brandeis University was first established by the American Jewish community during times of racial discrimination. Since Jews were one of the groups targeted by racial discrimination, they established this research institution so that talented faculty and individuals can gather together in one place without any racial bias. Now, it had grown into a major powerhouse of high-quality courses with a student body that is mostly made up of international students.

14. Bridgewater State University

With more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, Bridgewater State University is divided into 6 colleges and 10 research centers and institutes. Its main campus is located in Bridgewater, but the university also has other three campuses throughout the state of Massachusetts. It offers degrees in various areas of study, but it's mainly famous for its programs in education, which are among the best ones in the US. Regarding recreation and student life, Bridgewater State University has over 20 sports teams and around 140 student organizations, which include fraternities and sororities, a radio station, and cultural groups.

15. Cambridge College

Founded 50 years ago, Cambridge College is a private institution that's known for being an affordable option and famous for its education, management, and business administration degrees. It offers 11 bachelor's degree programs and more than 23 master's degree programs. Its main campus is located in Boston, but the college has 4 regional campuses throughout the US in Puerto Rico, Lawrence, Springfield, and Southern California. It also has an online campus with multiple degree and non-degree programs.

16. Clark University

Clark University is a private university named after Jonas Gilman Clark, the institution's primary benefactor in its establishment in 1887. It started as a graduate and male-exclusive school before welcoming undergrads in 1902 and women in 1942. It is a prominent and well-ranked university with a small population and student-to-faculty ratio (10:1). There are various majors and programs to choose from.

17. College of Our Lady of the Elms

College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private Catholic institution in Massachusetts. It was founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield as a girls' preparatory school. Today, the college offers undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Its campus is equipped with modern facilities including libraries, bookstores, and student housing.

18. College of the Holy Cross

One of the oldest Catholic universities in the US is the College of the Holy Cross. As a Catholic university, it is dedicated to equipping students with high standards of teaching that are aligned with Jesuit Catholic traditions. Throughout the years, the institution has concentrated on providing exceptional undergraduate programs in liberal arts. Some of its top-rated academic programs include political science, history, economics, and English.

19. Curry College

Curry College started as the School of Elocution and Expression before being renamed in 1885. Several undergrad majors, minors, and concentrations are offered at the institution. It also provides graduate-level courses in the online or hybrid modes of learning. Times Higher Education places Curry College at 501st among US colleges.

20. Dean College

Dean College provides undergraduate education with a holistic and student-focused approach. It offers around 30 bachelor's degree programs, as well as associate's and pre-professional programs. Although it isn't accredited for conferring graduate degrees, it has partnerships with other universities in order to give students admission to certain master's programs once they complete their studies at Dean College. Regarding non-academic activities, the college has dozens of sports teams and student groups that use the campus' facilities, which include a radio station and video production studios.

21. Eastern Nazarene College

Eastern Nazarene College is a higher education institute in Quincy, Massachusetts that offers multiple major and minor bachelor's programs, but a limited number of graduate-level programs. The school is a liberal arts college with around 1000 students holding the school's core values of holistic learning, Christian faith, civility, hospitality, servanthood, transparency, honesty, excellence, and accountability. It was founded in 1900 with the mission of providing transformational education and a vision of innovative, renowned, as well as recognized Christian education.

22. Emerson College

Located in Boston, Emerson College is a private higher education institution that offers almost 30 undergraduate programs and 16 master's degree programs in its two schools. Although its main campus is located in Massachusetts, this college has buildings in the Netherlands and a campus in Los Angeles, which gives the opportunity of taking classes and doing internships in Hollywood. Additionally, the college also offers many options to study abroad and has multiple programs that are taught online. It also has many extracurricular activities, with 130 student organizations and 14 athletics teams.

23. Emmanuel College

Emmanuel College in Boston is a Catholic institution that has been in the education industry since 1919. Students are presented with countless opportunities to meet their desired academic expectations. The college excels in all educational aspects, with most graduates have found success in their chosen career paths. Today, it continues to improve its education system as it thrives on being among the top private institutions in the US.

24. Endicott College

Endicott College is a private institution that offers more than 30 bachelor's degree programs and about 40 master's degree programs in its 7 schools. Its main campus is located in Beverly, but the college also has buildings in Boston, along with an online campus and an international campus that offer degrees specially designed for international students. Education here focuses on obtaining real-life experience, so in order to obtain their degree, all undergraduate students must complete three internships. The university has different options, which include one-semester and four-year internship programs.

25. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University is a public university in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 25 academic fields. Students at Fitchburg State benefit from small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities.

26. Framingham State University

Framingham State University aims to expand students' perspectives of themselves and the community. It encourages students to engage in numerous organizations and companies to widen their experience and to allow them to explore all their career options. The university has been successful in its goal of strengthening its internationalization through research.

27. Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering

Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering provides premium education for aspiring engineers. It highly encourages research and experimentation to enhance the students' problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Over the years, the institution continues to bring innovative ideas to society.

28. Gordon College

Gordon College is a Christian institution that's perfect for prospective students that want to continue practicing their faith while getting a quality education. It offers about 35 undergraduate programs and around 10 graduate programs. Master's degree programs are available for studying on-campus, online, or in a hybrid modality. Gordon College also has many extracurricular activities that include sports, volunteering, student organizations' activities, Chapel service, and worship groups.

29. Hampshire College

Hampshire College boasts a radical approach to education with an alternative learning curriculum. It is a member of the distinguished Five College Consortium and curates several museums within the campus. Hampshire College caters to undergraduate students broadening their specialization in multiple areas of study, such as humanities, applied sciences, arts, and cognitive science.

30. Harvard University

Being one of the most prestigious universities in the entire world, Harvard University is one of the few Ivy League universities that are located in the United States. Due to its high academic standards with a rigorous curriculum, this institution has been famed all over the world, and many students, both domestic and international, are trying their best to get into this ideal university. In addition to its academic expertise, Harvard continued to be one of the top-tier research universities, which even rivals MIT, Columbia University, and Stanford University.

31. Hebrew College

Hebrew College's programs are primarily for graduate students. They offer leadership courses, which include master's courses in Jewish education and studies. You may pursue them online or on-campus. You may also become a rabbi or cantor through the university. The rabbi and cantor ordinations are included in the college's leadership courses. Besides graduate programs, the university offers various short-term, language, and other kinds of courses through community education.

32. Hult International Business School

Hult International Business School is a privately-owned global institution. It has multiple locations worldwide, including San Francisco, Boston, London, Dubai, Shanghai, and New York. The programs it offers are very limited in number and specialized for business only. Each campus provides a unique set of programs (i.e., some programs may not be available in other locations).

33. Lasell University

Lasell University is a private university located in Newton, Massachusetts. Edward Lasell established the Auburndale Female Seminary in 1851. In honor of the founder, the name was later changed to Lasell University. Undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in education, communication, sports, management, criminal justice, and marketing are available at the university.

34. Lesley University

Lesley University was originally founded by Edith Lesley to serve as a training institution for teachers in 1909 with its first class session held at her own home. The school was quickly recognized and expanded to have its own classroom, buildings, and even a dormitory space. The academic scope of the college was further broadened when the college started to offer graduate studies in 1950 which became the catalyst for the establishment of other programs together with the renaming of the college to Lesley University.

35. Massachusetts College of Art and Design

The Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the sole educational institution for art to receive public funding in the entire United States. With a rich history of advocating for the recognition of art education in the country, it actively holds and participates in programs broadening the accessibility of art. The Massachusetts College of Art and Design presents degree offerings for undergraduates, graduates, and professionals to cultivate a passion for art that serves the people.

36. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts primarily offers undergrad programs. However, it also has a minimal number of grad programs, some of which are provided in online mode only. MCLA is a member of the state's university system. It is ranked 601 among US colleges by Times Higher Education.

37. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences also referred to as MCPHS, is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a research-focused institution well known for its science and medicine programs. Students from MCPHS have access to the world’s finest healthcare institutions in central Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

38. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a leading educational institution in the world. They are highly recognized for their comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, which have produced the best researchers, engineers, and scientists around the globe. They have an acceptance rate of 7%, indicating that they are very selective.

39. Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a specialized public institution on the Northern side of the US. It was first established to produce American civilian mariners, although its goals and programs have expanded since then. Despite such development, though, the training and programs (undergrad and grad) at MMA are still focused on the maritime field. MMA is ranked 501st in the US by Times Higher Education. It is ranked 5th among Northern Regional Colleges by US News.

40. Merrimack College

Merrimack College is a private educational institution affiliated with the Order of St. Augustine. It offers over 100 academic programs in different areas of business, engineering, health, sciences, liberal arts, and education, all designed to prepare students to have successful careers. It is also among the top-ranked colleges in the northeast region.

41. MGH Institute of Health Professions

MGH Institute of Health Professions is a medical specialized higher education institution founded in 1977, and located in Boston, Massachusetts. The graduate school was founded by the Massachusetts General Hospital and offers only graduate-level programs to a driven, diverse, and innovative student population. The school provides important medical experience on the campus and outside to over 600 clinical sites in the United States.

42. Montserrat College of Art

Launched by working creative professionals, Montserrat College of Art delivers an individualized education. Its curriculum maximizes each student's professional and personal success. Structured near experiential learning, studio practice, liberal arts, and professional practice, the college's mission ensures that its graduates leave qualified with the competence, faith, and habits of mind to boost creative enterprise and community engagement.

43. Mount Holyoke College

Mount Holyoke College is an excellent women's college that participates in academic activities locally and globally. It is a human rights advocate that significantly promotes equality in this modern era. The university hopes to train more compassionate women graduates who have conviction in their principles.

44. New England Conservatory

New England Conservatory is the oldest and most prestigious independent music conservatory in the country. The conservatory offers preparatory education, continuing education, bachelor's, and graduate degrees. A double degree program with Harvard University and Tufts University is also offered in the institution.

45. New England Law | Boston

New England Law | Boston provides clinical services, judicial internships, international programs, and other opportunities that provide practical skills and experiences to their youth. The school almost has 3000 students from diverse backgrounds. Students come from in and out of the United States from 10 countries, with a 60-to-40 percent Female-to-Male ratio, and within the 20 to 54 age range. This law school also focuses on providing healthcare to their students with at least 75 percent of their constituents affording healthcare insurance through the institution. It was founded in 1908 and has now established a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

46. Nichols College

Nichols College is a nationally acknowledged institution in the state of Massachusetts. The college aims to prepare and educate students to become forward-thinking professionals and global leaders. As such, the school is focused on instilling practice-based and leadership-based ways of learning. In addition, this private college provides educational programs in arts, sciences, and business at the undergraduate and graduate levels. And it also awards associate and professional certificate programs.

47. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a perfect place for you to experience one-of-a-kind educational training. Its connections enable students to participate in various collaborative activities and solve challenges in the actual industry. The university's goal is to provide an environment where students will get to seize opportunities and gain the necessary skills for their future careers.

48. Pine Manor College

Pine Manor College (PMC) is a private college in Boston, Massachusetts. It is located in the affluent neighborhood of Chestnut Hill and was established in 1911 as Pine Manor Junior College, a higher education institution exclusive to women. PMC offers nine associate and undergraduate majors in the field of arts and science.

49. Regis College

Regis College is a private Roman Catholic university located in Western Massachusetts. This university is a Catholic institution founded in 1927 by 'The Sister of Saint Joseph' and currently has about 2,000 students. Regis College is a university that shows that almost all graduates are guaranteed a solid career path after graduation, with success in getting a professional job or enrolling in graduate school within six months.

50. Salem State University

Salem State University is one of Massachusetts’ biggest public institutions that provides comprehensive educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It offers various academic disciplines in business, arts and sciences, healthcare, law, and education. The university aims to prepare students for their future careers by providing good quality education and necessary training to develop their talents and reach their full potential. The faculty wholly supports and encourages its students to achieve their personal and academic goals.

51. Simmons University

Simmons University was established over a hundred years ago with the primary intention of providing more opportunities for women. At present, the university offers undergraduate programs for women as well as co-ed graduate programs. Programs at the university are designed to encourage intellectual exploration and develop skills and values that  meet the needs of today's industries.

52. Smith College

Smith College is a liberal arts college for women that offers undergraduate and graduate programs. Although it is primarily for women, Smith's accepts male students for its selected graduate programs. Smith College is a member of the college associations Seven Sisters colleges and Five College Consortium. Opportunities abound for its students, such as being able to study at its co-member institutions or participate in study abroad programs.

53. Springfield College

Springfield College combines academics with athletics and extracurricular activities to enhance the students' higher education experience. It is one of the top schools in the country and continues to bring change to the community. The institution seeks to make a difference through academic excellence.

54. Stonehill College

Stonehill College is a private Catholic university located in Easton, Massachusetts. It offers a humanity and science curriculum and is a liberal arts university with the highest education level. The university hopes that students will courageously think, act, and lead the world. Stonehill University is a university that guarantees quality education.

55. Suffolk University

Established in 1906, Suffolk University is a premier private institution known to be significantly influential in the city of Boston. The university offers countless opportunities for its students, from study abroad programs, training, internships, and networking events. In addition, its campus is located in downtown Boston where many international and large companies are situated. Students will have a high chance of building meaningful network connections with these prestigious firms. Of which will significantly benefit their future career paths.

56. Tufts University

Tufts University is a private higher education institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. The university has provided high standards of teaching and research since its inception in 1852. Its broad spectrum of multidisciplinary programs is considered among the best globally. Moreover, the institution is fully committed to cultivating a pool of talented and competent professionals that would contribute to society.

57. UMass Chan Medical School

UMass Chan Medical School is a leading public medical university in Massachusetts. Fully committed to cultivating healthcare professionals, the university offers world-class programs with high standards of teaching and research. UMass Chan continues to develop a broad range of medical programs, including its key discipline, primary care education. More so, the university has trained and aided numerous medical professionals and physicians who have successfully pursued careers in the healthcare industry.

58. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Founded in 1863, the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) was initially established to offer education in agriculture. Over the years, the institution has expanded to provide higher education in various academic disciplines such as business, engineering, arts, life sciences, and law. UMass Amherst’s influence is quite prominent in Massachusetts. It actively promotes innovative studies and has long-term collaborations with relevant industry sectors and universities. The university is undoubtedly one of the leading institutions that offer premium quality teaching and research.

59. University of Massachusetts Boston

The University of Massachusetts Boston is one of the five campuses that make up the University of Massachusetts system. It offers a supportive and diverse environment with smaller classes to encourage close interaction between faculty and students. It is also one of the leading universities in the US for research. 

60. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is one of the five campuses that make up the University of Massachusetts system. The university is widely recognized for its world-class education and impactful research in different areas of study. It has also conducted several strategic collaborations with other universities, business institutions, and non-profit organizations. 

61. University of Massachusetts Lowell

One of the University of Massachusetts members is the University of Massachusetts Lowell, which is among the largest schools in the state. This research-intensive institution welcomes more than 18,000 students into its five colleges annually. These students choose from around 200 degree-granting programs and certificate courses. UML is a well-ranked university, placing 191st among US institutions in the QS rankings.

62. Wellesley College

Wellesley College is an all-women college for liberal arts located in Wellesley, Massachusetts. It was established in 1870 and has produced several women leaders who made a significant impact on society. The college offers Bachelor's programs in different disciplines and also provides several study abroad opportunities to its students every year. 

63. Wentworth Institute of Technology

Wentworth University is a private institution for technology and engineering. It offers numerous in-demand programs that are designed to prepare students with knowledge and skills that are highly valued in different industries to prepare them to thrive in the professional world. The latest figures show that 96% of the university's alumni were able to land high-paying jobs within the first 6 months post-graduation. 

64. Western New England University

Western New England University is a student-centered educational institution. It supports individuals and guides them to become the best professionals someday. It highly attracts ambitious and curious students, especially since its campus is full of advanced facilities that can satisfy their learning.

65. Wheaton College, Massachusetts

Wheaton College, Massachusetts, is the 85th national liberal arts college in the US based on the US News rankings. It started as a female seminary, and even after it became a college, it was exclusive to women only until 1988. In that year, the institution began admitting male students. Several undergraduate majors are offered at Wheaton College but do not have graduate programs.

66. William James College

William James College is a private school in Newton, Massachusetts, and was founded in 1974. It offers one undergraduate program and multiple graduate programs online, on-campus, or a hybrid of both. The school specializes in the field of Psychology and serves quality clinical services. The school is also affiliated with innovative organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), March Forward Massachusetts, Council on Islamic Relations (CAIR), and GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD).

67. Williams College

Williams College is a private university in Williamstown, Massachusetts that offers over 50 study programs in humanities and natural and social sciences. It was initially an all-men's college when it was established in 1793 and started to admit women students in 1971. Williams College is also known as one of the oldest colleges in the United States.

68. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private university well-known for its science, engineering, and technology programs. However, they have expanded the programs they offer over the years, and now students can also get a degree in humanities, arts, or social sciences. WPI uses Project-Based Learning for all its programs, mixing theory and practice with professional experiences. The university has a wide variety of mandatory projects that must be completed off-campus. All of this is complemented by the research opportunities available in different areas such as biotechnology, manufacturing, and robotics.

69. Worcester State University

As it strives to be a center for innovation, Worcester State University offers students academic programs that mold them to be future leaders of the community. Worcester is also known for its competitive curriculums that sharpen students' skills. A dynamic and vibrant community is also present within the campus through various organizations, activities, and facilities.