2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in the Boston Area

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  3,594 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 3,594 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $25,852

• SAT range 1360-1520

• Medford, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,061 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 1,061 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $31,630

• SAT range 1440-1550

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,145 reviews

Sophomore: Emerson College is a hub of students that are open-minded, hard-working, and endlessly creative. The students and professors are often friendly and accepting, and the campus being in the heart of Boston would be fun for any college student looking to explore a historical and buzzing city. The only real downside to Emerson in my experience has been the increasing cost of tuition. If you come here, make sure you're invested in a career that points toward the arts or communication to get your money's worth!... Read 1,145 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $48,842

• SAT range 1200-1400

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,703 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 3,703 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $38,927

• SAT range 1430-1550

• 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

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,185 reviews

Freshman: I love Berklee. It's definitely not for everybody, though. The classes are hard, and if you have the right combination of professors it's a LOT of work. It's extremely, EXTREMELY expensive. It doesn't offer a lot of financial resources for international students even though it's probably 40% international. A large amount of people who go here are just children of rich parents who got accepted and don't have anything better to do. But when it's great, it's great. You could go to amazing free performances every night of the week. If you have the right professors, there is everything to learn in your niche and then some. There is a team of career advisors that have endless resources for you. I have made the best and most like minded friends of my life, and I would trade my one semester here so far for nothing. I was already excited for my future, but this school has completely flipped my life upside down in terms of what I thought possible. If you're lucky enough to have the money, GO!... Read 1,185 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $48,055

• SAT range —

• Waltham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  1,085 reviews

Junior: I love how community based the school is. It's small enough so that everyone is connected in some way and often when you're friends with one person they know a different friend in some way and it's like one giant family. Everyone is so incredibly nice on campus, and there are so many opportunities to participate in research or volunteering. The professors are amazing and they really care about helping every student succeed. There are so many different classes to take and they all sound so interesting - I wish I could take all of them! I feel at home here. I feel like I've found my place and my people.... Read 1,085 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 39%

• Net price $35,147

• SAT range 1370-1530

• Franklin, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  282 reviews

Sophomore: I love all my professors there! The environment is so supporting and welcoming, like family. And the staff are amazing! The only thing I wish would change is how expensive it is.... Read 282 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $35,827

• SAT range 910-1100

• Wenham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  804 reviews

Graduate Student: The Master of Science in Financial Analysis program at Gordon College has been an enriching experience. The comprehensive curriculum covers financial statement analysis, investment management, risk assessment, and corporate finance, providing a well-rounded understanding of the field. The program's emphasis on practical application through real-world case studies, projects, and internships has enhanced my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The supportive faculty, comprised of experienced professionals, has provided invaluable guidance and mentorship. While the rigorous coursework can be challenging, it has prepared me for the fast-paced finance industry. The program also offers opportunities for professional development, including guest lectures and networking events. The focus on ethics and integrity instilled a strong sense of responsibility. Despite the challenges, the program has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary for success Professional.... Read 804 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $25,917

• SAT range 1020-1370

• Norton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  680 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 680 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $28,867

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  1,062 reviews

Alum: I transferred to Suffolk in 2021, a little hesitant honestly due to its Niche score! However, Suffolk was a really rewarding and wonderful experience for me. I studied English and the professors and people I met in the department were absolutely lovely and extremely supportive. Suffolk's academics are, in my opinion, the best part of the school. Socially, it was a little hard to make friends as most students were/are commuters. Even so, the classes were always engaging and most professors were extremely understanding and nice.... Read 1,062 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $32,393

• SAT range 1080-1280

• Salem, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  1,212 reviews

Senior: I really enjoyed my time at Salem State University! The campus is very accessible and there are many convenient parks, beaches and stores within walking distance. I am personally a huge fan of Halloween, making Salem, MA the perfect location for me! It was amazing being able to walk downtown in the Halloween capital of the world during the month of October. I am also a member of the women’s basketball team, making my connection to the school even stronger.... Read 1,212 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $18,125

• SAT range 1010-1160

• Bridgewater, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  1,212 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Bridgewater State University as a Secondary Education Major with a focus on Physical Education and as a student-athlete has been enriching. I appreciate the comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical teaching skills. The supportive faculty members have been instrumental in my growth, providing guidance and mentorship. As a student-athlete, I value the opportunities to excel in both soccer and basketball while managing academics. The athletic program fosters teamwork and discipline. The school has phenomenal resources allocated to the athletic department, including upgraded facilities and expanded training opportunities. Overall, Bridgewater State University has provided a well-rounded education, but enhancing the athletic resources would further enhance the student-athlete experience.... Read 1,212 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $12,744

• SAT range 1010-1200

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,437 reviews

Freshman: Most staff members are genuinely really nice and understanding, though some departments have notoriously underqualified professors (especially the math department). There are a range of courses offered, so you can try a lot of different things and maybe even discover more about yourself! I always knew I was interested in cinema, for example, but I am taking Cinema 101 at the moment and it made me consider minoring in the subject. I really recommend taking a variety of classes! The campus is pretty small, so it's hard to get lost (even for someone like me, who is really bad with directions). It's also really pretty, it has an ocean view and there's so many cute squirrels and rabbits running around! It can get pretty cold, though, due to the aforementioned ocean being right next to the university. The university also prides itself in being one of the most diverse in the country, and it's so nice talking to so many people from different walks of life.... Read 1,437 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $17,575

• SAT range 1060-1280

• North Andover, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  633 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 633 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $35,500

• SAT range 930-1120

• 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

• 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

• 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 —

• Beverly, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  919 reviews

Senior: Endicott does a fantastic job with career preparation and readiness. There are several internship courses that teach students how to create resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and professional emails. Additionally, they provide resources and teach students how to find internships/jobs, make connections, and network. As a senior, I have found the internship program to be immensely helpful, and I have had experiences that will make me well prepared once I graduate. The professors are wonderful- they are willing and able to help students, and are generally supportive. One thing I would like to see change at Endicott is accessibility on campus. Endicott's campus is difficult to navigate for students with disabilities, which discourages disabled students from applying and causes very significant issues for current students. In the past year or so, I have seen improvements and hope that these continue!... Read 919 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $38,196

• SAT range 980-1160

• 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

• Brockton, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  292 reviews

Freshman: I am currently enrolled at Massasoit Community College and find it to be both enriching and rewarding." Student diversity fosters mutual tolerance and learning. Faculty members are knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely interested in our progress. The education is hands-on and promotes critical thinking. The availability of on-campus services and low-cost tuition makes the academic path easier. In this welcoming group, I have a tremendous sense of belonging.... Read 292 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,413

• SAT range —

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  693 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 693 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $28,133

• SAT range 1150-1280

• Haverhill, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  354 reviews

Freshman: This college has allowed me to take general courses while trying to figure out my way in finding what I want to pursue! I am able to take in person classes or all online. I can easily commute to campus and all of the professors are very helpful and knowledgeable. I am easily able to communicate and the college provides lots of details on the classes and the school itself. The wide variety of classes allow students to easily chose what classes benefit and interest them. I am able to easily communicate with my teachers and the online part of school is easy to navigate, so I am easily able to access my grades and classwork. The school is also very vocal about extracurricular activities and events happening around campus. Overall, the school is very beneficial to any kind of student.... Read 354 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,753

• 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