2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in the Springfield, MA Area

• Chicopee, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  323 reviews

Sophomore: I am a half American half Spanish kid who grew up for most of my life in Spain. So, when I got accepted into Elms I was excited and nervous at the same time to be living so far away from my family and friends. Having said this, the campus experience was very welcoming and diverse, which I really appreciated and it made me feel at home. The professors are all very talented and want to see you succeed in your field. I believe other colleges can not provide you with this type of academic help. Overall, the experience at Elms has been fantastic and I can not wait to be back there in September living on campus once again.... Read 323 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $22,889

• SAT range 1050-1180

• Westfield, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  909 reviews

Sophomore: Westfield State University has provided me with a quality education at an affordable price. As someone who wants to go to graduate school, I knew that I did not want to be burdened by debt. Thanks to the financial aid at WSU, I will be able to graduate debt-free! Beyond affordability, WSU has allowed me to access incredible opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom, whether through clubs and organizations or our Career Center, which was able to help me find an internship after my first year! Faculty and staff truly care about the student experience, and administrators (including President Linda Thompson) are always attending events across campus and are visible to the community. Some of our most popular events include the Spring Concert, Family Weekend, Homecoming, trips to the Big E & NYC, and bingo! Westfield State truly provides a quality education at an affordable price while giving you access to an exciting college experience.... Read 909 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $19,194

• SAT range 980-1190

• Springfield, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  816 reviews

Senior: Western New England has been the best college experience I could have asked for. I have been continuously challenged by my classes while being guided and supported by many professors that I have loved. The school has many extracurriculars for any sort of interest group weather its sports, arts or technology. The dining hall has really good food and they hold events quite frequently. The campus is beautiful and has many updated buildings for both academics and residence halls while still maintaining a quaint small town feel to the campus. WNE is a great school to go to!... Read 816 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $30,403

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  4,584 reviews

Sophomore: I love UMass! The campus is gorgeous and the school of business is excellent. There is nothing quite like the dining hall. There are lots of student resources for academics and academic achievement. Anything you could ask for, you can find on campus. However, the Amherst area off campus is also delightful. There are lots of local stores and resources like Target, Walmart, Staples, and Dunkin'. You can find things you need on campus at the school store. Or you can find lots of coffee on campus as there's a Starbucks, People's Organic Coffee, and Argo tea. All students are kind and welcoming. There's so many ways to get involved on campus with clubs, athletics, or greek life. The only thing I would advise about Varsity athletics is that the program is run poorly and the athletic directors show minimal care for corrupt activity of some of the coaches, especially the field hockey coach. The basketball and hockey games are a fun social event to attend! You can find lots of activities.... Read 4,584 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $17,291

• SAT range 1250-1460

• 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 —

• Springfield, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  521 reviews

Freshman: The transfer process to this school was incredibly easy and I never regret my decision! At first, I was a bit worried after being online for college for two years and then suddenly having every single class online. The admissions process was easy, and the admissions helpers and advisors are very kind. This school has a great variety regarding diversity. It is easy to get around campus, and the safety is top notch. The professors are also diverse with several different teaching styles. I definitely reccomend this college to everyone.... Read 521 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $20,958

• SAT range 940-1100

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  430 reviews

Alum: I knew that I wanted to attend a small liberal arts school, especially one that was LGBTQ+-friendly and would be safe for me as a trans student. I found Hampshire through CTCL and when I visited campus as a junior, I fell in love with the rural, woodsy campus. I know that this school isn't right for everyone - the built-in structure is limited, and you're mostly on your own to figure out what needs to get done - but I knew what I was getting into and that experience helped me massively in learning how to advocate for myself and ask for help. Some people feel isolated in such a small student body, but I discovered my 'found family' here and it was fairly easy for me to make friends who understood my identity and respected me. I'd say the biggest thing I gained from my Hampshire education was confidence; I didn't know how much I was capable of as a teenager, but now having completed the Div III project, I get to go forth into the world knowing I'm capable of writing a book in a year!... Read 430 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $30,168

• SAT range —

• Enfield, CT•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  80 reviews

Junior: Asnuntuck Community College is a great tight knit community college that has a warm, family like atmosphere! The professors are always easy to reach and offer very helpful tools to help you succeed as a student. The area is safe and clean and has a great student life with a lot of extracurricular activities. The only thing I would like to see change is more programs that are offered.... Read 80 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,783

• SAT range —