18 Best Universities In Boston For International Students 2025

Boston is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 18 universities and colleges in Boston, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 18 universities in Boston, Boston University and Northeastern University are the top-performing schools in Boston. This list covers both public and private institutions in Boston.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Boston, Massachusetts. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Boston, Massachusetts.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Boston?

Applying to the universities in Boston involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Boston to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Boston?

Tuition fees at Boston’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 13,500 USD to 67,500 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 8,880 USD to 63,200 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Boston!

As we cover the best universities in Boston for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Boston for International Students

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.