Best
Colleges in Boston in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Boston, MA, connects students to finance, technology, healthcare, and startup sectors. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business analytics, and organizational behavior. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, financial analyst, human resources specialist, or operations manager. Several popular Boston options include Boston University's Questrom School of Business, Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School, and UMass Boston's College of Management.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Boston, MA, combines scientific study of behavior with access to diverse communities and research opportunities. Typical courses include developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, research methods, and neuroscience. Popular local colleges offering psychology programs include Boston University, Northeastern University, University of Massachusetts Boston, Simmons University, and Suffolk University. Graduates often pursue research assistant, case manager, human resources specialist, or behavioral health technician roles; counseling requires further education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Boston, MA offers access to a vibrant technology community and academic options. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Popular Boston colleges offering computer science degrees include Boston University, Northeastern University, Boston College, and Suffolk University. Students often gain practical experience through projects, internships, and research. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, or IT consultants.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Boston, MA, typically combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, and multicultural practice. Programs include supervised fieldwork in schools, clinics, or community agencies. Boston-area options include Boston College, Northeastern University, and Boston University. Graduates may pursue licensure and work as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or college advisors. Training builds skills in crisis response, treatment planning, and client advocacy, preparing students to support diverse populations.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Boston, MA offers access to hospitals, clinics, and communities. Programs commonly cover anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, ethics, and clinical practice. Students build skills in patient care, communication, and evidence-based decision-making through supervised placements. Popular Boston colleges offering nursing degrees include Boston University, Northeastern University, Simmons University, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and UMass Boston. Graduates may become registered nurses, community health nurses, or care coordinators.

Best Colleges in Boston, MA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $43,759 across the ranked colleges, compared with $65,158 at schools in the top 10%, indicating a higher median cost among the highest-ranked schools.
• An average of 100% of students receive financial aid across the schools, while the average at top 10% schools is 63.13%.
• The average acceptance rate is 63.13%. Schools receive an average of 17,100.47 applicants, compared with an average of 55,766.2 applicants at top 10% schools.
• The median number of male applicants is 2,303, while the median number of female applicants is 4,533.
• Average test scores are 1,245.5 on the SAT and 28.3 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 7,241.79. The reported averages are 396.53 enrolled men and 570.8 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 58.78%, compared with 83.4% at top 10% schools. The median graduation rate is 61% for men and 68% for women.
• Six institutions offer associate's degrees, 20 offer bachelor's degrees, 18 offer master's degrees, and nine offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 18 coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, enrollment, academic programs, and graduation outcomes. In particular, consider how the overall averages differ from the top 10% figures, and weigh the graduation-rate differences by gender when evaluating which school best fits your goals.

How much does studying at a college in Boston, MA cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Boston, MA, is $41,606.35. Use it as a planning benchmark, not a guaranteed bill: actual spending depends on your college, program length, housing, and financial aid. Boston has popular options including Northeastern University, Boston University, Harvard University, and UMass Boston, giving you a range of campuses and programs to explore. For budgeting, the provided averages are:

• Tuition and fees: $42,572.75
• Room and board: $18,630.12
• Books and supplies: $1,306.29

Because the reported tuition-and-fees average exceeds the total-cost figure, treat these as separate averages rather than adding them together; they may use different calculation bases. Request a school-specific cost-of-attendance breakdown, then subtract grants and scholarships to estimate what you would pay. Sharing housing or living at home may also help lower expenses. With careful comparison, you can make Boston's exciting college choices feel more manageable and find a path that fits your goals.

How long does it take to finish college in Boston, MA?

In Boston, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study; an associate degree usually takes about two. At Boston University, UMass Boston, Harvard, or local colleges, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and study load. Northeastern's co-op option may extend some students' schedules while providing valuable career experience.

You may graduate sooner by transferring accepted credits from AP, IB, dual enrollment, or prior college study; taking summer classes; or following an approved accelerated pathway. Ask each school about transfer limits, prerequisites, and course schedules, then meet an adviser early to build a plan that fits your goals and leaves room for work or Boston internships.

Graduation data suggest the average graduation rate is 58.78%, compared with 83.4% among the top 10% of schools. Rates average 53.82% for men and 61.67% for women. Ask colleges how advising and course planning help students persist and earn their degrees.

Salary

After graduating from college in Boston, MA, you can use $55,825 as a median alumni salary benchmark. Graduates of schools ranked among the top 10% have a median alumni salary of $80,450, showing the potential for a rewarding income after earning your degree.

Boston offers many college options, including Boston University, Northeastern University, Harvard University, and UMass Boston. Your own earnings can vary by field, experience, and employer, but these figures offer a helpful starting point as you compare programs and plan for life after graduation.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Boston

Boston has about 35 colleges and universities within the city, though the exact count depends on which institutions are included. The wider Boston area has many more, including schools in nearby Cambridge and other suburbs. That concentration gives the city a lively, student-friendly feel and plenty of opportunities to meet people from different academic communities.

What is the main college in Boston?

There is no single official "main" college in Boston. Boston University, Northeastern University, and Boston College are among the city's best-known institutions, each with its own campus culture and strengths. Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are also nearby, in Cambridge. The variety makes it easier to find a school that feels right for you.

Where do college students go in Boston?

Students spend time in neighborhoods near their campuses, such as Allston, Fenway, and the South End, where cafés, restaurants, and music venues make it easy to meet friends. Boston Common and the Public Garden are popular for a walk or a break outdoors, while Newbury Street draws students for shopping and people-watching. Cambridge is an easy trip, too.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Colleges Ranking in Boston, MA Ranking in 2026-2027

Boston University is a large private research university set along the Charles River, giving students a distinctly urban Boston experience. Its 36,977 enrolled students can access the city's museums, hospitals, internships, and transit. The reported graduation rate is 89%, while admission is selective at 11%. Total study cost is $66,670, and median alumni salary is $55,152. For a Boston-based student, campus life combines academic scale with neighborhood exploration, though budgeting carefully and applying early may help manage competition and expenses.

Northeastern University is a private research institution known for experiential learning and its cooperative education program, which lets students connect coursework with workplace experience. Its Boston campus places learners near employers, cultural venues, and transportation, making study practical. Enrollment is 38,403, graduation rate 91%, and acceptance rate 5%, reflecting competitive admission. Total cost is $64,990; median alumni salary is $80,450. Boston students seeking career-focused study may value its networks, but should weigh selectivity and costs when planning applications and finances.

The University of Massachusetts-Boston is a public research university on the city's waterfront, offering an urban setting and a broad range of academic pathways. Its 15,560 students study within reach of Boston's institutions, employers, and transit connections. The graduation rate is 49%, and the acceptance rate is 84%, indicating open admission. Total study cost is $37,495, while median alumni salary is $56,498. For Boston residents, its public-university identity and lower cost may appeal, though students should investigate outcomes and services.

Simmons University is a small private university in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, known for a women-centered undergraduate experience and programs in fields such as health, education, and social sciences. Its 4,901 enrolled students can benefit from proximity to hospitals, libraries, and city internships. The graduation rate is 72%, acceptance rate 70%, total cost $45,534, and median alumni salary $68,781. For students in Boston, Simmons offers a close-knit campus feel within a major-city setting; compare program fit and aid carefully before choosing.

Fisher College is a small private college in Boston's Back Bay, offering a campus experience near the city's businesses, cultural attractions, and transit. With 1,658 enrolled students, it may suit learners who prefer a smaller community and direct access to urban opportunities. Its graduation rate is 28%, acceptance rate 71%, total cost $34,489, and median alumni salary $51,472. Boston-based applicants should compare majors, academic advising, and graduation support, while considering how the cost and alumni outcomes align with their goals.