Most
Popular Colleges in Massachusetts in 2027

Business Administration

Studying a business administration program in Massachusetts develops skills in management, finance, marketing, accounting, and organizational behavior. Typical coursework also covers business analytics, economics, operations, and entrepreneurship, often through projects or internships with the state's many employers. Popular options include the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Boston University, Northeastern University, Bentley University, and Babson College. Graduates commonly pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, financial specialists, human resources associates, operations supervisors, or management trainees across industries.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Massachusetts offers students opportunities at institutions such as Harvard University, Boston University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Northeastern University. Typical coursework includes developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, research methods, statistics, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students learn to assess behavior, interpret evidence, and understand mental health. Graduates may pursue roles as behavioral health technicians, case managers, human resources specialists, research assistants, or community support workers; advanced clinical roles require graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Massachusetts offers access to renowned universities and a strong technology ecosystem. Programs typically cover programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build practical skills through projects, internships, and research. Popular choices include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Northeastern University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, data scientists, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or machine learning engineers.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Massachusetts can prepare you to support individuals and communities across clinical, school, and agency settings. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, ethics, lifespan development, multicultural practice, assessment, group counseling, and supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, substance use counselor, or case manager, depending on degree and licensure. Popular options include Boston University, Northeastern University, Lesley University, and the University of Massachusetts Boston, among others.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Massachusetts combines classroom learning with clinical practice. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, community health, and adult and pediatric nursing. Programs also develop patient assessment, communication, and evidence-based care skills. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or community health settings. Popular Massachusetts colleges offering nursing degrees include the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Boston College, Northeastern University, and MCPHS University, all in Massachusetts.

Best Colleges in Massachusetts Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 45,452, compared with 66,747 at schools in the top 10% - a higher median cost among those top-ranked institutions.
• An average of 100% of students receive financial aid, compared with 61.2% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 61.2%. Schools receive an average of 11,416.22 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 26,141 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 2,132 men and 3,660.5 women.
• Average test scores are 1,266.17 on the SAT and 28.95 on the ACT.
• Schools enroll an average of 5,713.09 students, including an average of 379.2 men and 449.09 women.
• The average graduation rate is 69.86%, compared with 93.7% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 65.5% for men and 72.0% for women.
• There are 21 institutions offering associate's degrees, 64 offering bachelor's degrees, 54 offering master's degrees, and 25 offering doctor's degrees.
• The ranking includes 59 coeducational schools, with 0 schools for men and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, applicant volume, test scores, enrollment, graduation rates, degree offerings, and school type. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and applicant numbers, but also higher average graduation rates; consider which trade-offs best fit your priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Massachusetts cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Massachusetts is $43,304.42. For a student planning a degree, treat this as a useful benchmark rather than a guaranteed bill: your actual cost depends on the school, program, housing, and how long you study.

• Average tuition and fees: $45,119.52
• Average room and board: $18,133.29
• Average books and supplies: $1,145.73

These figures are reported averages, and the tuition figure is higher than the total-cost figure, so don't add the categories together as if they formed one consistent bill. Compare each college's current cost estimate and financial-aid offer. At UMass Amherst, Harvard, Northeastern, or Boston University, your budget can look very different depending on campus housing and program. Living at home or choosing a public university may make planning more manageable, while scholarships, grants, and work-study can help close the gap. Ask admissions offices for a personalized net-price estimate before deciding; that simple step can make an exciting Massachusetts degree feel much more within reach for your own plans.

How long does it take to finish college in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree commonly takes two; changing majors, taking lighter course loads, or balancing work can extend that timeline. At schools such as UMass Amherst, Boston University, and Northeastern, your actual pace depends on program requirements and the credits you bring in.

Across Massachusetts institutions in these figures, the average graduation rate is 69.86%; rates average 93.7% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 66.43% for men and 72.0% for women. These figures are encouraging: many students finish, and you can too. Compare support services and completion outcomes - not just a college's name.

You may finish sooner through:

• Applying AP, IB, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits toward requirements.
• Taking summer courses or a carefully planned heavier course load.
• Choosing an accelerated or competency-based pathway where offered, and meeting with an academic adviser early on.

Salary

College graduates in Massachusetts earn a median alumni salary of $51,856. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median rises to $80,241 - an encouraging earning potential for students pursuing a degree in the state.

Massachusetts offers many well-known colleges and universities, including UMass Amherst, Northeastern University, Boston University, and Harvard University. Your actual earnings can vary by school, field of study, experience, and career path, so consider how each program connects to the work you hope to do after graduation.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Massachusetts?

By total enrollment at a Massachusetts campus, Boston University is one of the state's largest colleges, with roughly 37,000 students. Exact rankings can shift by year and by whether institutions count online students or campuses outside Massachusetts. If you're looking for a large public university, UMass Amherst is also a major option, with a lively campus community.

What is the most popular school in Massachusetts?

If "popular" means attracting the most applications, Northeastern University is a strong answer: it has drawn exceptionally high applicant numbers in recent admissions cycles. Its co-op program, which lets students gain paid work experience as part of their studies, is a major draw. Keep in mind that application volume is only one way to measure popularity.

What is the most famous university in Massachusetts?

Harvard University is probably Massachusetts's most famous university, with worldwide name recognition and a long history in Cambridge. Its reputation, museums, libraries, and nearby academic community can make the area exciting to explore. Fame doesn't determine whether a school is the right fit, though; campus culture, cost, and your goals matter too.

What is the hardest university to get into in Massachusetts?

Harvard is generally the hardest Massachusetts university to enter, based on its very low recent acceptance rate - around 3.6% for the class admitted in 2024. That makes admission highly competitive, even for outstanding applicants. If Harvard is your goal, you can still build a balanced college list and feel encouraged by the many excellent schools in the state.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Popular Colleges Ranking in Massachusetts Ranking in 2026-2027

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, gives Massachusetts students access to a globally recognized academic community near Boston. Its 11,365 enrolled students benefit from extensive research opportunities and a broad range of fields. The university reports a 98% graduation rate and a highly selective 4% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $56,550, while median alumni salary is $66,163. For students seeking rigorous study in Massachusetts, Harvard combines historic resources with strong career prospects and an energetic Cambridge setting close to Boston.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) sits in Cambridge, placing Massachusetts students beside Boston and a major innovation ecosystem. Its 11,816 students pursue science, technology, engineering, and other disciplines in a renowned research-focused environment. MIT has a 96% graduation rate and a 5% acceptance rate. The total study cost is $61,990, and median alumni salary is $110,724. Those figures make MIT an especially compelling option for career-minded students seeking demanding Massachusetts study and exceptional post-graduation earning potential in technical fields.

Northeastern University, located in Boston, offers Massachusetts students an urban campus experience integrated with the region's employers, hospitals, and cultural life. Its 38,403 enrolled students make it the largest institution in this group, and its programs are known for experiential learning and cooperative education. Northeastern reports a 91% graduation rate and a 5% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $64,990, while median alumni salary is $80,450. Students can build professional connections while earning a degree in the heart of Massachusetts.

Williams College in Williamstown gives Massachusetts students a close-knit liberal arts setting in the scenic Berkshires, far from Boston's urban pace. With 2,150 enrolled students, it offers a small-campus community and opportunities for close engagement with faculty. Williams posts a 94% graduation rate and an 8% acceptance rate. The total study cost is $68,240, and median alumni salary is $64,131. For students seeking an undergraduate degree in Massachusetts, Williams pairs an intimate academic environment with a distinctive rural location overall.

Amherst College, based in Amherst, Massachusetts, offers students a small liberal arts college experience in the Pioneer Valley. Its 1,907 enrolled students can enjoy a compact campus community and access to the region's academic and cultural resources. Amherst records a 94% graduation rate and a 9% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $69,820, while median alumni salary is $48,585. Students considering a Massachusetts degree should weigh this intimate setting and strong completion rate alongside the stated costs and salary outcome.