2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class 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  836 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 836 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $13,910

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Williamstown, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  312 reviews

Freshman: A "Niche" place indeed. I came here for a liberal arts education, yet Williams has provided more. A small school population with way more resource one could leverage to full extent. Everyone tries hard, but the environment is not competitive at all. You will be a big fish in a small pond loaded with food-drinking from the firehose, if to borrow a phrase from MIT. It's also more fruitful then Ivies, considering the average attention and resource you get is way richer. People come from broad background & experiences, but share the mission of creating a engaging community that cares, shares, and impacts the world. Apart from solid academics with how you take out of it, there are enjoyable mountains, amazing school-supported activities, and a recreational culture for leading-minds of STEM, artsy, athletic culture (or both, even all three). Every class is tweaked per the Professor's interest and field expertise, accustomed with the most reflective intellectuals, timeliness, and relevance.... Read 312 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $14,487

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Wellesley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  624 reviews

Freshman: So far, Wellesley has been an incredible place. The professors I have had are both highly intelligent academics and great teachers, as well as interesting people, which is certainly a plus! While social life can be cliquey at times, there are plenty of places for you to meet people in your residence hall, in classes, and in clubs. I've bonded with people during random moments over almost anything. Students here are very academically committed and driven, but also find great ways to have fun, like having movie nights in dorm common rooms, going out to study or eat meals in Boston and Cambridge, or using study breaks to chat about life. We also have good dining hall food (my personal favorite dining hall out of our four is Bates Hall). Wellesley's location is also fantastic-- we have all the comforts of being in a quiet suburb while still having access to Boston and Cambridge if you want to experience the livelihood and vibrance of nearby cities! I feel so grateful to attend Wellesley.... Read 624 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $21,862

• SAT range 1400-1540

• Chestnut Hill, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,586 reviews

Niche User: Boston college is a great school! I recently got admitted to Boston College. I applied them through an organization called Quest-bridge that helps students that are minorities and come from low income families. Due to that, I got full tuition from Boston College. I really appreciate that Boston College is giving an opportunity to high achieving successful students since not everyone had the same opportunities growing up. In addition, I have been on Boston College tour before. It was magical there. The campus was the prettiest. More importantly, the admissions counselors were super kind to me when I went there. They answered all of my questions, and I kept in touch with them. I think this may be one of the reasons I was admitted. I think I can best express myself in interviews, since BC doesn't do interviews, it was definitely beneficial for me to show my personality to an admissions officer. The campus environment over all looked so chill, just like a family. See you at BC!... Read 1,586 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $30,159

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  324 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 324 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $18,809

• SAT range 1370-1550

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  4,580 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 4,580 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $17,291

• SAT range 1250-1460

• South Hadley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  895 reviews

Sophomore: My experience as a Mount Holyoke College student has been transformative. The demanding curriculum, encouraging teachers, and diverse community promoted academic advancement and individual growth. My academic and extracurricular endeavors were benefited by the campus's beauty and cutting-edge amenities. I was given the opportunity to assume leadership positions and have a good influence by women's leadership programs. The vast alumni network offered insightful career advice. Overall, Mount Holyoke has been a fascinating and empowering experience that has shaped me for a successful future.... Read 895 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $29,218

• SAT range 1300-1510

• Lowell, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,432 reviews

Senior: I vividly remember the first day I stepped onto the bustling campus of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. The sprawling greens and the modern, yet welcoming architecture immediately caught my eye, symbolizing a blend of tradition and innovation. I immersed myself in diverse and challenging courses, each lecture sparking new ideas and perspectives, constantly expanding my intellectual horizons. The faculty, always approachable and knowledgeable, played a crucial role in shaping my academic journey, guiding me with patience and expertise. Beyond academics, the vibrant campus life, filled with cultural events and student organizations, allowed me to forge lasting friendships and invaluable networks, enriching my university experience beyond measure.... Read 1,432 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,227

• SAT range 1170-1340

• Greenfield, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  218 reviews

Freshman: Greenfield Community College is a warm, welcoming place of learning that is small and has a strong sense of community. I think that it could work on creating more opportunities for community gatherings and bringing students together, but overall, I felt very welcome. The teachers and faculty are kind and care about the students, and there is a lot of support for those of us who need learning accommodations.... Read 218 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,435

• SAT range —

• Pittsfield, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  103 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 103 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  572 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 572 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,001

• SAT range —

• Springfield, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  307 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 307 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,518

• SAT range —

• Wellesley Hills, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  279 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 279 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,902

• SAT range —

• Bedford, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  452 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 452 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,255

• SAT range —

• Fall River, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  501 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 501 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,356

• SAT range —

• Worcester, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  493 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 493 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,853

• SAT range —

• Holyoke, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  612 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 612 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