2024 Best Colleges for Religious Studies in Massachusetts

• 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

• Chestnut Hill, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,582 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 1,582 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $30,159

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Haverhill, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  124 reviews

Senior: I attend the Northpoint Bible College campus in Grand Rapids Michigan. This college is full of professors who care so well for their students and advocate for their success. While academics are rigorous, we as students are provided with the tools needed to succeed. Overall, the atmosphere and community is one that represents Christ well, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else... Read 124 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $24,502

• SAT range —

• Northampton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  912 reviews

Junior: Applying to Smith last-minute was absolutely the best decision I ever made. I have had access to academic and research opportunities equal to my friends at Ivy League institutions, but with the additional benefits of a small student to faculty ratio (more accessible 1 on 1 mentorship). It feels so inspiring to attend an HWC where thousands of powerful, historical women have been educated before me. Smith is a motivated and focused environment for people who love to learn. I enjoy the social scene because it caters to my preferences; I recognize almost everyone on campus, but still get to know new people every day. There are parties (lessened by COVID) but UMASS and the other colleges are easily accessed by bus. Northampton is an amazing town with a cozy northeastern feel. Get ready for some AMAZING (but expensive) coffee shops. The housing system is so unique and offers a sorority-like feel to those who choose to engage (also easy to opt out). So many amazing resources and people here!... Read 912 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $29,569

• SAT range 1370-1530

• 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

• Wenham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  800 reviews

Senior: Gordon has a phenomenal Kinesiology department. The professors really make an effort to get to know each student and build a relationship with them. Gordon College is also one of the few undergraduate schools in which offer cadaver labs. This is the big thing that made me choose this school! Many undergraduate programs offer pro-section cadaver labs. Gordon College, however, allows students to dissect themselves! This college has prepped me significantly for graduate school.... Read 800 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $25,917

• SAT range 1020-1370

• Easton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  589 reviews

Freshman: Stonehill has many students club and programs that encourage diversity and community. One of the best traditions is bingo night. Students can win airpods, Celtic tickets, and even TVs. Student Engagement and Intercultural Affairs Office organized weekly events and heritage month. The biggest diversity event is DiverCity, where students come together and wear their traditional outfits, dance, and sing. Midnight Madness is the biggest sports event, where dance teams and dance clubs perform to hype up our basketball players at the start of the season!... Read 589 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $31,467

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Norton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  679 reviews

Senior: Wheaton College (MA) fosters intellectual growth, inclusive community, and lifelong connections. Wheaton College (MA) is a renowned institution known for its commitment to fostering a transformative educational experience. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and personalized learning, the college provides students with a supportive community that encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty members, and a wide range of academic programs that cater to diverse interests and career aspirations. Beyond academics, Wheaton College (MA) offers a vibrant and inclusive environment where students can engage in extracurricular activities, cultural events, and service opportunities that enrich their overall college experience. Through its holistic approach to education, Wheaton College (MA) prepares students to become thoughtful leaders and engaged global citizens, equipped to make a positive impact in the world.... Read 679 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $28,867

• SAT range 1160-1360

• 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

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  3,583 reviews

Sophomore: I really enjoyed my time there! There are a lot of events for different types of people, like women and non-binary rock-climbing events, Asian student get-togethers, community fast breaking for Muslim students, Questbridge scholar movie nights, and many more. One thing I would like to see change is better advertisement and outreach for extracurriculars and clubs. Other than during Splash, it is difficult to see what kinds of different groups are doing and if you can join.... Read 3,583 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $25,852

• SAT range 1360-1520

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,685 reviews

Alum: Northeastern provides lots of amenities to make students with different backgrounds comfortable. Lots of offerings help students feel supported in their mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing (e.g. meditation/prayer room, mental wellness programs, gym incl. group fitness programs, cafes on campus incl. Starbucks). The School is in the city, however still is one big campus which is rather rare for city campuses. I've had a good experience with my classes. There is a big variety to choose from. The international students could have been better integrated into the American student body. However clubs on campus allowed to meet people from all backgrounds. The variety of clubs and initiatives on campus is vast! The school has a great connection to the industry and the co-op program allows you to graduate with practical experience. NEU also offers lots of guidance on landing a job and help with applications. Overall, as a student I felt very supported.... Read 3,685 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $38,927

• SAT range 1430-1550

• 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

• North Andover, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  630 reviews

Freshman: Merrimack College is a great place to flourish into becoming yourself. There is an abundance of resources from the Arcidi Center to the staff to Warrior One Stop that all want to see you succeed. It is a tight knit community so there are always events going on around the campus if you ever need a distraction from the workload. Merrimack provides such an easy way to get involved on campus and get connected to the professors through the 20-person class size. I definitely recommend Merrimack College to anyone who wants a fun, beautiful and tight knit campus!... Read 630 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $35,500

• SAT range 930-1120

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Worcester, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  575 reviews

Junior: Assumption has a great atmosphere around the campus and students often come together to pack the stands for sports games. The professors are great and the school is working on way to become better everyday with the guidance of the new president, president wiener. At the beginning of my college experience Assumption didn't offer much guidance to international students BUT have now dramatically improved this and are helpful every step of the way. I love the community feel Assumption has to it! The dinning food hall has improved a lot and now I actually enjoy going there they have so many different options.... Read 575 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $26,513

• SAT range —

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  691 reviews

Alum: I had a great experience at Emmanuel. The reasons I chose the school were because I wanted to major in Art Therapy and I wanted a smaller school with a closed campus. I enjoyed the small class sizes and getting to know my professors. I chose to live on campus all four years because I liked that my classes, the art studio, dining hall was all close by. The dorms were fine for me and I made use of the gyms in a few of the buildings. The dining hall food was also fine for me and I enjoyed the stir-fry and salad options. The location of the school is one of the highlights. Located on the Fenway, it is close to other universities as well as the Museum of Fine Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner museum, and lots of parks. It is walking distance to the T and major grocery stores - basically anything you could need. Finally, the education I received has served me well, especially being part of student groups that focus on service focused trips and social justice. I also appreciated the art faculty!... Read 691 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $28,133

• SAT range 1150-1280

• Paxton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  261 reviews

Freshman: As a freshman at Anna Maria College, I could not be more thrilled to be here. This college has so much to offer its students, from outstanding professors who genuinely care about their students' academic achievement to the wide variety of organizations and activities that are open to everyone. The sense of community on campus is one of Anna Maria College's greatest strengths. As a result of everyone's friendliness and openness, I have no trouble making friends here. Additionally, the professors make an attempt to get to know each student individually during class, demonstrating their genuine concern for us as people. Communication between professors and students could be improved; it can occasionally be challenging to obtain.... Read 261 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $24,614

• SAT range —

• 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

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  429 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 429 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $30,168

• SAT range —

• Quincy, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  318 reviews

Senior: Eastern Nazarene College is a great place! I have made lifelong friends here at ENC, and the faculty and staff are amazing. It may be a small campus, but because of that I was able to form strong friendships not only with my peers, but also with my professors. It is worthwhile. All my teachers know me by name and have helped me through all of my struggles in order to finish my classes well and understand everything they are teaching me. It is very important to soak up all the information so it can help you in life and in your future career. I messed up a lot and I failed a lot but I had people here with me along the way giving me exactly what I needed to succeed. They value their students, a faith biased community and support us all in our walk with Christ. At ENC we are home, coming together in the spirit with people who support you and encourage you and build you up. Anyone is welcome here. ENC helped me find my purpose and it can help you find yours as well.... Read 318 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $19,901

• SAT range 900-1220

• Brookline, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.1 out of 5  41 reviews

Freshman: My experience with Hellenic College has been amazing! From the admissions process to acceptance to contacting the board and faculty, it has all been a very unique experience that I am very blessed to have.... Read 41 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $26,548

• SAT range 1070-1250

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  22 reviews

Junior: Boston Baptist gave me the tools and study habits I needed to minister to people effectively. You won't find a friendlier, more cost-effective, Biblically accurate college out there! The teachers and staff work to help each student achieve success, and the campus environment promotes unity and a family environment. My favorite part of going to school at BBC was how each year the school offers the students the opportunity to travel around the world, to learn on-site, and to better understand the world.... Read 22 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,223

• SAT range 980-1190