2024 Best Colleges for Low-Income Students in Massachusetts

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  659 reviews

Freshman: Studying at the MIT has been an enlightening and enriching journey. The opportunity to learn from some of the most distinguished professors and work with bright, ambitious peers is unparalleled. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging, which I appreciate as it pushes students to their intellectual limits. MIT's focus on combining theory with practical application is particularly engaging. For example, not only did I learn the theory behind machine learning algorithms, but I also got to implement these algorithms to solve real-world problems. This hands-on approach is what sets MIT apart from many other institutions. Furthermore, MIT's culture of innovation and entrepreneurship is highly motivating. The environment encourages students to think outside the box, fostering an innovative mindset. It's also commonplace for undergraduates to work in research labs, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in various fields.... Read 659 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,958

• SAT range 1510-1580

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  829 reviews

Graduate Student: Studying at Harvard has been my lifelong dream, and I see it fulfilled at the moment, with the many memorable learning experiences I have had so far. From a well-organized curriculum, to impressive response time to student inquiries, and then to proper student welfare facilities, I give kudos to this noble institution of learning. I would rate Harvard an A+ so far. Thank you Harvard!... Read 829 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $13,910

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Williamstown, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  310 reviews

Freshman: I love Williams. People are friendly (to the point that they put down their phone and take out the AirPods if someone is approaching), they are smart, they are inclusive. My sister goes to a much, much larger university and has found few activities in which to participate. My problem is that there are so many activities, I just don't have time to participate in them all. My professors all know me by first name and care about my success. It is a supportive, collaborative environment. The academics are tough and the work load is quite heavy, but worth it if you're planning on pursuing grade school.... Read 310 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $14,487

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Medford, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,059 reviews

Sophomore: I am starting to find my place at Tufts. The campus is vibrant and inclusive, and I appreciate the presence of identity houses that celebrate diversity and provide a strong sense of community. The range of on-campus activities is incredible, offering endless opportunities for personal growth and connection. Thanks to these activities, I had the chance to meet individuals who, like me, were low-income first-generation students and people of color. Building this network of these individuals allowed me to form genuine friendships and find myself a support system that understood my challenge. At times, I struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling inadequate compared to the academically accomplished majority of the student body, many of whom came from privileged backgrounds both racially and economically. But now, I am determined to no longer compare myself to others. I aim to embrace my own Tufts experience!... Read 1,059 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $31,630

• SAT range 1440-1550

• Wellesley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  623 reviews

Sophomore: As a sophomore, my knowledge may be slightly limited, but my experience with Wellesley College has been pretty good! It's a lovely campus with beautiful older buildings, small classes, and friendly students. Although the social life may be limited, I enjoy the smaller campus personally gives more of a sense of community. But I will say the dining hall food requires attention, the food served is often repetitive and gets bland quickly. Though I believe it might be because of limited resources, but that should not leave to being served chicken nuggets and fries three to four times a week. The faculty are nice and for the most part approachable, and willing to help out! There is opportunities to get involved, either through organizations or work-study. And research opportunities are available through faculty, professors (mainly in the sciences) have positions in personal labs. And various programs are available for research during the summer! Overall, so far so good and enjoying my time!... Read 623 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $21,862

• SAT range 1400-1540

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  323 reviews

Senior: Amherst College is a great place to study! I switched my major in my sophomore fall, and the transition was super easy. Because Amherst does not have any graduate programs, all the professors are there primarily to teach, and it is much easier to get research experience with professors over summers or during the semester. Summer research at the college helped me figure out that I wanted to switch majors. The open curriculum still let me keep taking classes in my former major, as well as in pretty much any other department I wanted to. Pretty much my only complaints are that housing is a little tight, especially for freshmen and sophomores, and that the dining hall isn't great.... Read 323 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $18,809

• SAT range 1370-1550

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  4,567 reviews

Freshman: I find the University of Massachusetts Amherst a very open en welcoming university. As an international student, it can be hard to be far away from home, but I believe UMass Amherst does a great job in making students feel at home; UMass has a close community of students who genuinely care for each other. Generally, I think studying at UMass Amherst is the best choice I have ever made. Every aspect of my college life is better then I could ever imagine - I have the chance to play sport competitively, get education at a high level and connect with a lot of special and interesting people. And of course enjoy the best dining halls of the country!... Read 4,567 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $17,291

• SAT range 1250-1460

• Worcester, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  571 reviews

Alum: Extremely competitive school from day 1. But - that fosters personal growth! Loved how many service-oriented opportunities there were. This was clearly a strong emphasis in the school's Jesuit identity. When HC says that faculty are there to help, it is not just an empty, overly-stated phrase. As an alum, I still reach out to faculty for advice on the job market and graduate school admissions. Truly thankful that HC has invested so much in recruiting and retaining world-class professors.... Read 571 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 43%

• Net price $29,198

• SAT range 1240-1420

• South Hadley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  892 reviews

Junior: Mount Holyoke College has a wonderfully unique and welcoming community of students and staff on its campus; although the student population is relatively small, it's not difficult to find friends. There are many student organizations for a wide variety of interests and activities, as well as spiritual and faith groups. Small classes also provide students with better opportunities to get to know their professors and allow their professors to get to know them, which is helpful both in the short and long term. On the other hand, several departments have been scheduled to be shut down, including the German and Russian departments, or merged with other departments, such as the Environmental Studies/Geography/Geology merge. The tuition has also increased each year that I have attended, with little to show for it. More professors are retiring or quitting than the number of professors being hired, from my perspective. But these may be problems that all or most colleges are experiencing.... Read 892 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $29,218

• SAT range 1300-1510

• Lowell, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,419 reviews

Graduate Student: The last three years have been challenging yet rewarding as an IT student. I've thoroughly enjoyed my coding courses and other classes such as IoT, HTML, and the introduction to Linux/Unix OS. I almost don't want to leave the school! Every time classes start, I feel excited and happy. I'm seriously considering to become a double River Hawk, because of the caliber of education, the experience of the educators, and the school's positive reputation. Furthermore, how transparent the tuition and costs are; no surprises! Therefore, I would recommend this school to any working adults or high school grads.... Read 1,419 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,227

• SAT range 1170-1340

• Greenfield, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  216 reviews

Freshman: Greenfield Community College is located in a beautiful country setting in the town of Greenfield, Massachusetts. It is a small campus which is easy to navigate and a really nice transition from high school. I found the professors to be helpful and decent. I think that most people would find it a friendly and inviting place and a really good school to gain a 2 year degree in a wide variety of subjects. It worked well for me as a stepping stone to a 4 year college. I highly recommend Greenfield Community College.... Read 216 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,435

• SAT range —

• Pittsfield, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  102 reviews

Freshman: I first began taking courses at BCC, in my jr year of high school, continued through the summer, and finished my dual enrollment in December of my senior year. I was able to experience a Personal Communications course in my Jr year of high school, which was one of the most fun and intriguing experience. Me and two of my other friends took the course and we loved it, up until covid came and we went fully online. I also took a summer course in Sociology, which was just as fun, just online. I was originally planning on beginning my college journey at a University, but due to the pandemic, I found that staying local was my best option, especially considering the amazing community college that was available for me. I personally have taken part in an online course for my first full semesters and have enjoyed every minute. I have used and gone on campuses multiple times, and as a new student, I was introduced to so many welcoming and amazing staff that helped endlessly.... Read 102 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,857

• SAT range —

• Danvers, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  297 reviews

Graduate Student: I graduated from the Respiratory Care program at NSCC. Although it was a rigorous program and fast paced, the professors were great and always provided resources and were reason my accommodating. What was good is that there was always scholarships available and even more now with the pandemic. It’s wicked affordable and I had job offers before even graduating! I would highly recommend this program but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.... Read 297 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,938

• SAT range —

• Gardner, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  298 reviews

Alum: MWCC is an excellent community college. My experience of attending was primarily online and in the art department so I am not exactly the perfect person to give a full overview however what I have gotten the chance to view firsthand was delightful. The students and faculty are a very close-knit group who are extremely friendly and welcoming to everyone. The trio/advising department is accommodating and genuinely cares about you as a student, even after you graduate they are welcome to continue giving advice and checking in on you. It is definitely a recommended college in the New Egland area as it is very cheap and has impressive amounts of financial aid.... Read 298 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,309

• SAT range —

• Boston, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  570 reviews

Sophomore: I am an International student from Iran. I found Bunker Hill Community College with the help of my sister. I didnt know anything about this college. I trusted my sister's viewpoint and selection. Consequetly, I applied and was accepted. When I received student visa I travelled to US. Bunker Community College was the first academic environment I experienced in the United States. From the first day attending to in person class I was pleased and happy that I could be a student in BHCC. The majority of instructors, professors, advisors, and staffs are friendly and supportive. Additionally, I experienced positive vibes all the time that helped me to handle my homesick feelings. Furthermore, they expressed sympathy and empathy to my tough conditions due to Iran's recent sad events and Internet shut down. Bunker Hill Community College is unique in developing all communities and various races.... Read 570 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,001

• SAT range —

• Springfield, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  304 reviews

Sophomore: Springfield technical community college is a wonderful school to attend. It really is a very motivational environment and there are some great professors and some amazing faculty members and especially the department of TRIO, they have been such a help during my almost 2 years. Springfield Technical Community College has a wonderful nursing program and some really great people.... Read 304 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,518

• SAT range —

• Wellesley Hills, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  277 reviews

Freshman: MassBay was the first school I'd attended after dropping out of high school for physical & mental health reasons. I was nervous at first, as I was used to schools overlooking my needs, or making classes inaccessible by default (e.g., in high school, my disabling fatigue meant that sometimes I couldn't attend class, and missing even one day was disastrous as it'd cause me to fall behind). This isn't the case at MassBay. My first in-person class was with Prof. Keegan, with whom I didn't even NEED to request accommodations, because he was so good about putting everything on Blackboard by default! I'm having a similarly positive experience with Prof. Bastien. MassBay's teachers are passionate about what they do, and I feel like they actually care about my success. Missing classes due to my health is no longer a "death sentence" for me. I'm not falling behind because of 1 missed day anymore! For the first time in years, I feel like somebody WANTS me to succeed academically... Thank you.... Read 277 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,902

• SAT range —

• Bedford, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  449 reviews

Alum: I was a dual enrollment student at MCC for almost three years. I studied only virtually for my degree. It was a great experience. The staff and faculty in general were super helpful and supportive of the students. Something that could be improved is with the online classes, there’s really not much chance to get engaged with the MCC community. It’s hard to hear about new events and activities going on unless you somehow have a very close relationship with your professor. If you do happen to hear about events , programs, etc and get involved in other activities, it’s a very great learning experience and a chance to build your network. So my only suggestion for future students is if you do happen to take online courses, make sure you constantly ask classmates and professors about different opportunities available that you may be interested in. Getting involved in extracurricular activities really enhances your experience at MCC!... Read 449 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,255

• SAT range —

• Fall River, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  500 reviews

Freshman: I am a sophomore at Bristol Community College, starting my first semester this Fall 2023 as a nursing major, and I am thrilled to share my positive experience thus far. The faculty and staff at BCC have been incredibly supportive, providing guidance and resources to help me navigate my academic journey.In terms of changes, it would be fantastic to see further expansion of the campus facilities and resources to accommodate the growing student population. Additionally, increasing the availability of specialized workshops and seminars tailored to nursing majors would greatly enhance our learning experience. Overall, my experience at Bristol Community College has been overwhelmingly positive, and I am excited to continue my education here, knowing that I am well-supported and surrounded by a vibrant community of learners.... Read 500 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,356

• SAT range —

• Worcester, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  492 reviews

Freshman: Coming from Ghana and choosing QCC is the best decision I ever made. Initially I was nervous because I was in a new country and being black I was just contemplating. I absolutely love quinsigamond community college because of the amazing community of people here. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, and there's always something fun going on. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and they really care about their students. The campus is beautiful and well-maintained, with plenty of green spaces to relax and study. There are also tons of opportunities to get involved in clubs and organizations, and I've made so many great friends through these activities. Overall, I feel like Qcc is the perfect place for me to grow and learn, both academically and personally. Your safety is always assured here in qcc whether daytime or night time, the police are ever ready to escort you if you feel unsafe.... Read 492 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,853

• SAT range —

• Holyoke, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  609 reviews

Sophomore: Holyoke Community College has been a really great experience for me. My psychology professors in particular are incredibly knowledgeable, and are great at providing supplemental support. Something I'd like others to know that it took me a while to realize is: you are not getting the short end of the sticky by going to community college! HCC's disability services are incredibly inclusive and I would not be where I am without their support and accommodations. HCC also has so many resources if you are in need of school supplies, menstrual supplies, housing, food security--the list goes on. The school provides ample opportunity to meet new people and find a community, I just don't have the time to participate as a student who also works part time. Very minimal complaints about HCC.... Read 609 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,305

• SAT range —

• Needham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  128 reviews

Other: The opportunities and connections in this college are incredible. Everything is designed in a way that will allow for the student to not only succeed, but achieve high levels of personal growth.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $36,494

• SAT range 1490-1580