2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in Massachusetts

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  3,584 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 3,584 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $25,852

• SAT range 1360-1520

• 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

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  1,141 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 1,141 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $48,842

• SAT range 1200-1400

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,686 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 3,686 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  1,582 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

• 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

• 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

• Worcester, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  801 reviews

Freshman: I’m an incoming freshman, so I have not started classes yet. That’s being said, I am so excited to start. The staff have made the transition seamless, and have been extremely communicative with me so far. Their accessibility services are especially impressive, as a disabled student. I already feel so supported and welcome, and I have not even moved in yet! I am also so grateful for the diversity of the school, and how the school makes diversity and activism a core part of their mission. I never thought I would be going to Clark University. I had not even heard of it until the beginning of my senior year. But I am so excited to attend the school, and to learn with such a supportive and diverse community.... Read 801 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $31,565

• SAT range 1170-1380

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,181 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 1,181 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $48,055

• SAT range —

• Waltham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  1,076 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 1,076 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 39%

• Net price $35,147

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 —

• 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

• 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

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  1,057 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 1,057 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  1,207 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 1,207 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $18,125

• SAT range 1010-1160

• Bridgewater, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  1,205 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 1,205 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $12,744

• SAT range 1010-1200

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,425 reviews

Alum: My experience as a Traditional BSN student at UMass Boston was challenging but ultimately rewarding. The curriculum was rigorous and comprehensive, covering everything from basic nursing practice to complex healthcare issues. It was a full-time program, requiring significant commitment and time management skills, but it provided a comprehensive grounding in the art and science of nursing. The faculty was highly knowledgeable and supportive. They brought a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom, providing practical insights into the nursing profession. They were always available to answer questions and provided valuable guidance and mentorship throughout the program. Overall, my experience as a Traditional BSN student at UMass Boston was a positive one. It was a demanding program, but it provided me with the skills and knowledge I needed to succeed as a nurse. The combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and a supportive community made it a fulfilling journey.... Read 1,425 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $17,575

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Fitchburg, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  728 reviews

Junior: I enjoy the nursing program and the students I am with. The profs are all very helpful. We as nursing students get clinical experience a year before most schools which is great! Freshman year I lived in a dorm. Since then I have been in an off campus apartment with my best friends and it has been great. The area around school is not the safest especially at night so it is important to travel with others and be aware of you surroundings. Classes are definitely tricky, but the teachers care about you. Any nursing school is difficult, but with time management, peers, and determination it is do able. I have made some friends I think I will have for life here! There are some events on campus such as shows, bingo which lots of people go to, sporting events, etc. It is a smaller school, but I prefer that. It was easier to get to know people and make friends in my opinion. Since classes are smaller there is more room to get help or ask questions. If you are considering nursing, it’s great!... Read 728 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $16,862

• SAT range 980-1180

• 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

• 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

• 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