2024 Top Colleges for Trades and Personal Services in the Boston Area

• Waltham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  785 reviews

Sophomore: I absolutely love going to Bentley! I am going into my sophomore year and had an incredible freshman year. I made so many wonderful friends and really enjoyed my classes. I had a pretty heavy workload all year, but I also am a perfectionist when it comes to assignments. I had multiple group projects this year, and I had awesome group mates. Everyone at Bentley is very motivated and strives for success. I also highly recommend joining Greek life. I joined a sorority and met my best friends. There are plenty of groups and activities to get involved with on campus!... Read 785 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $41,708

• SAT range 1240-1390

• Framingham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.27 out of 5  760 reviews

Sophomore: I recommend Framingham State to anyone who wants a safe campus. Many students are commuters, and the culture between students is polite and accepting. The staff work hard to maintain a respectful and safe culture between students. Everyone is very kind here. The professors and staff also have many office hours, have a career services center, and a tutoring center to help people succeed academically and in choosing a career. For anyone looking for a college experience where the professors are very open and communicative, where you have a chance to succeed in areas where you could not succeed in high school, and get attention from professors and respect from peers, Framingham State is the right place. While it is true that it is a very "vanilla" college, with few parties and little alcohol consumption, most people here were looking for a safer college experience. I hope Framingham State can improve upon its academics. The academics are not as strong as other Massachusetts universities.... Read 760 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $16,900

• SAT range 990-1140

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  1,018 reviews

Senior: Wentworth is a school where you get real value for your money. It provides such engineering-related studying services that other competing schools might not be able to. Furthermore, the climate and the environment of the school is exceptional! Since it’s a small, privately owned institution, it is very easy to make valuable connections with students and faculty/staff member so you actually feel like you’re at home.... Read 1,018 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $32,430

• SAT range 1140-1330

• Bridgewater, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  1,213 reviews

Freshman: As I'm finishing up my first semester of Bridgewater State, I have to say I've found myself to be very comfortable in this community. I'm double majoring in elementary education and sociology with an education concentration and all of my courses thus far have been very interesting and engaging. This university is perfect for future educators looking to get their higher education at a good price within a program that has been doing this for as long as they've been open. The campus is beautiful through any weather and I've found myself a great friend group that has been so supportive and made my experience that much better. The food can sometimes be subpar, but I would recommend Tillinghast Hall and Bears Den the most because of all of their healthy and not so healthy options. I can see myself here for my entire education time (undergraduate and graduate) and I hope that I'll be able to say these same thought plus more once I've gone through semester that are to come in the future!... Read 1,213 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $12,744

• SAT range 1010-1200

• Milton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  401 reviews

Junior: Your assigned an advisor that keeps up with you on your journey for success. They have 24.7 tutoring and all the staff at curry college is nice! Checkout the bookstore when your visiting, it’s amazing! I think curry can improve on their teaching techniques and understanding they every student is different and might not process information like the other students.... Read 401 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $28,782

• SAT range 1020-1120

• 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

• 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 3.47 out of 5  1,063 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 1,063 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $32,393

• SAT range 1080-1280

• 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 —

• 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 —

• 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 —

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  823 reviews

Freshman: Currently, I'm a student at Simmons University. While there's a lot wrong with the school (...Bartol), there are also some great things. All of my professors have been very dedicated to seeing me succeed, and are willing to put in extra time and effort to help me. Everyone I've met is either extremely friendly, or at least cordial, and I've made some of my best friends here. The dorms aren't great, but they also aren't awful. You can put in a work order, and usually, things get fixed. If you decorate, it will feel less like a jail cell. This school is STEM-focused, so humanities majors may find resources lacking, but the professors in humanities departments will acknowledge this. It's also great for LGBT students, as you won't be the minority. However, for POC students, there is work to be done. There are a lot of events specifically for POC students, though! Don't come if you're looking to party all the time. You have to go to MIT/BU frats, and the uber charges rack up fast!... Read 823 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $19,026

• SAT range 1140-1360

• 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 —

• 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 —

• Wellesley Hills, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  280 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 280 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,902

• SAT range —

• Quincy, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  284 reviews

Sophomore: I truly enjoy my time here at Quincy College. The professors really connect with us students. They make sure we are getting the information we need, and have a care for us! It’s a wonderful happy community. The commute is easy and it has lots of places to get food nearby! I will suggest this school to others.... Read 284 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,171

• SAT range —

• North Andover, MA•

• 2 Year

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $15,285

• SAT range —

• Roxbury Crossing, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  118 reviews

Sophomore: After High School I was looking for a good affordable college to attend in my area and I did some research and came across Roxbury Community College, I heard some great things about the school but I wanted to check it out and experience it myself and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Roxbury Community College is very affordable, great transportation routes, clean and beautiful and let’s not talk about the staffs there The staffs are very friendly and cooperative, they make sure you are heard and any issues you have will be taken care of without any problems or hesitation, the school is very strict on their guidelines to make sure the students is safe, secure and successful. Throughout my middle school and high school years I really struggled with my grade and to find the right team/people that would help me and motivate to keep going, but with Roxbury Community College I feel at home and loved and I have the best support system I also have great grades and GPA... Read 118 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,577

• SAT range —

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  60 reviews

Alum: Great school, but it was very difficult; so many people dropped out after the first few months. But, if you’re having difficulties or get stuck in any of your subjects there are people there to help you. I learned a lot! The only con I had was that there are not many women in the program, but sadly that’s common in the engineering field. I was able to get a great job, great pay and now I’m headed to grad school funded by my job’s higher education enrichment program. My advice is to go for it and DO NOT give up, it’s worth it! Use the resources at the school, they want you to succeed.... Read 60 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $18,143

• SAT range —

• Boston, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  12 reviews

College Junior: I feel that with their very long history of teaching, they have found a truly effective method to not only convey skills and knowledge, but also prepare students for real world applications. In the cabinet and furniture program they start with a foundation of design before ever touching a project. I find this akin to working with a client, first one must be able to design a piece that a client wants built before spending time and money on something they may not enjoy.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $29,219

• SAT range —

• Woburn, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Graduate Student: As a graduate student from Millennium Training Institute I can tell you that their programs work! They offer on the job training inside of the classroom, small size classes and you're able to focus on one subject at a time. They focus on in-demand careers and their staff were caring, professional and helpful. My instructor took the time to assist me with getting caught up to speed when I was out a few days because of my son. The career advisor worked diligently with me and as a result of my hard work I was able to gain the skills, confidence and certification I needed to validate my skills to prospective employers and soon able to secure gainful employment opportunity that has offered me and my child a more promising future. I would without any reservation recommend their training.... Read 9 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $27,453

• SAT range —

• South Easton, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Freshman: New to the school but loving it so far and there have been years worth of successful and happy graduates.... Read 6 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $12,874

• SAT range —

• Norwood, MA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  17 reviews

Freshman: I am so happy I found FINE! The staff are all exceptionally helpful, answering all my questions and helping me every step of the way. The faculty are very knowledgeable with real field experience.... Read 17 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $30,505

• SAT range —