2023 Best Colleges in the Boston Area

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  657 reviews

Sophomore: Currently reaching near the middle of my time here, and this school truly works you to the bone. The baseline of this place is that everyone is very smart. Some are decently smart and work hard enough to get in, others come in doing Olympiads from when they were 5 years old. The students are very diverse. Some come in "normal", others finally get to truly express the weird and unique that they've been suppressing their whole lives. The campus is extremely welcoming and you really get to be who you want to be; it's very beautiful. Each dorm has an extant history and culture; you can automatically learn about someone by what dorm they live in. The academics are exceedingly difficult by content and pace. The problem set difficulty are elevated beyond a typical school's, and they force you to collaborate with others. Everyone must collaborate. You're forced to learn time management skills. I was finally able to satisfy my love for learning here. Truly an amazing and unique school!... Read 657 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,958

• SAT range 1510-1580

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  805 reviews

Sophomore: Make sure to do your research before deciding to apply or committing. Definitely a lot of prestige, resources, and amazing people. However, as an inner city kid from the midwest, the east coast, especially Boston, was sort of a culture shock. Social life is not as prominent as it is at other schools because academics and athletics definitely dominate the scene. Boston is definitely a college CITY. With so many colleges in a 10 mile radius you only see college study out and about. Overall a very eye opening experience, just make sure to visit and be sure that this is what you seek in your college experience!... Read 805 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $13,910

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Wellesley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  617 reviews

Sophomore: Teachers are very kind and connected to their students and small class sizes make it very easy to participate in class discussions. The food isn't great. Some people can be very pretentious, but overall people tend to be very kind and welcoming.... Read 617 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $21,862

• SAT range 1400-1540

• Medford, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,050 reviews

Sophomore: Tufts University is a great school and let me tell you why. The amount of financial resources and community resources available for low-income first-generation students is shocking. Although the school's diversity is not as great as it makes it seems on its website they do support the widespread minority racial groups. As a first-generation low-income student, there has not been a moment of experience where I felt unwelcomed or made less due to my ethnic and racial identity. Aside from the resources and the diverse community, the students at Tufts University surprisingly come to this college being who they want to be but as well in a collaborative mindset rather than a competitive one. What does it mean to be who you want to be? That's the best part. Anyone you want to be! If you want to have some strange outfit or follow a certain fashion trend you don't get hate for it (you will be acknowledged for it). A lot of individuals on this campus represent where they come from. Beautiful!... Read 1,050 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $31,630

• SAT range 1440-1550

• Chestnut Hill, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,561 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 1,561 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $30,159

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  3,640 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 3,640 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $38,927

• SAT range 1430-1550

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3,545 reviews

Senior: For context I am going into my last year at BU (my 3rd year). I really think that BU's greatest strength and asset for students is the faculty that you get a chance to meet here. Whether you are looking for personal or professional guidance there is a large pool of talent and wisdom that you can pull from coming from the professors and phd students. Students are presented with the opportunity to really grow as individuals and learn more about themselves and their beliefs without the overbearing presence of hand holding through the process. However, I am nervous that this opportunity is under threat and is the most pressing challenge that the University faces in the coming years. I believe that the faculty and administration needs to wrestle control back form the student governments as their initiatives are asking for more direct administrative intervention to help ensure students have a "safe" experience. This would undermines the greatest strength of the school.... Read 3,545 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $25,852

• SAT range 1360-1520

• Wellesley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  372 reviews

Sophomore: Wonderful community and opportunity! Beautiful campus. Not a great choice for financially independent and low income students haha, but otherwise great! Networking is top tier. Okay location wise since there is not much access to the town unless you have a car, or are fine with 30 minute walks, but Babson offers diverse food options!... Read 372 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $29,105

• SAT range 1330-1480

• Waltham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,063 reviews

Junior: Brandeis is a really prestigious university which is know for its highly educated faculty, rigorous stem program, and diverse student population.... Read 1,063 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 39%

• Net price $35,147

• SAT range 1370-1530

• Waltham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  771 reviews

Sophomore: I love the wide variety of clubs that Bentley offers, there are many opportunities to get involved in campus. There are endless possibilities to network in Bentley, this can be shown by their Career Center which is a tremendous help.... Read 771 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $41,708

• SAT range 1240-1390

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,133 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 1,133 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $48,842

• SAT range 1200-1400

• Lowell, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,393 reviews

Sophomore: There’s flexibility with the online classes. All of my professors have been quick to respond. My advisor is also very knowledgeable and helpful! I don’t feel like I’m missing out on the “traditional” school life... Read 1,393 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,227

• SAT range 1170-1340

• Norton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  675 reviews

Junior: Great community on a small campus. Professors are incredibly bought in to the success of their students and provide a variety of opportunities for success. Small class sizes allow for close relationships with peers and professors.... Read 675 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $28,867

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  809 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 809 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $19,026

• SAT range 1140-1360

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  1,165 reviews

Sophomore: The environment of Boston, specifically of Berklee and Boston Conservatroy at Berklee, are unlike any other "campus" I've stepped onto. Being in the middle of such a vibrant city is like nothing else, especially a city so emersed in music and the arts. Berklee/BoCo itself provides countless opportunities for support and networking. My professors have been nothing but supportive, all the while remaining challenging and focused. I have grown so much as a musician just in the first year I was there! Like all schools though, especially with musicians, administration does not run as smoothly as I, and many of my peers, believe it should. That being said, I do not regret my decision to attend this school in the slightest!... Read 1,165 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $48,055

• SAT range —

• Easton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  583 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 583 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $31,467

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,400 reviews

Junior: I like how great the professors are, especially within my major. They are always willing to go above and beyond to help you succeed! The only thing I would like to be changed is the amount of classes that are offered because sometimes it is hard to schedule classes around work and sports with the limited availability.... Read 1,400 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $17,575

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  1,001 reviews

Sophomore: MCPHS University is a great school to attend because of all of the devoted students that attend. Everybody who goes is trying to be a leader in the healthcare field, and apply essential care and service to patients. MCPHS is a very diverse school which is amazing to see all the different people who attend. There are many International students and students from across the country, so it is genuinely amazing to be in that environment. Something I would like to see change at MCPHS is the bad communication between administration. They are not good at communicating with their students and often take 3-4 days to get back to an email. I thing good communication is essential and their students are a priority. MCPHS also overcharges their students for dorming and generally has high tuition rates. As a low-income student it is hard to be able to attend this school coming from a household with a single mother with 5 college-attending children.... Read 1,001 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $38,390

• SAT range 1090-1390

• Wenham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  795 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 795 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $25,917

• SAT range 1020-1370

• Newton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  559 reviews

Alum: One of the best things about Lasell University is its affordability. In comparison to most 4-year institutions nearby, Lasell has strongeducational resources for a fraction of the cost. I would still recommend undergrad students participate in outside professional workshops and development opportunities, though. In recent years, there's a stronger student engagement on campus and the student presence has geared towards activism, which has influenced a lot of changes in the school. Lastly, Lasell has a good professional network to help students navigate internship placements, which are particularly competitive for students pursuing fashion in Boston!... Read 559 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $29,401

• SAT range 1080-1210

• Beverly, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  905 reviews

Sophomore: Endicott College provides a well-rounded educational experience. From the classroom to interacting with fellow students, you feel welcomed and supported by everyone. The small class sizes allowed for personalized attention from professors and engaging discussions, that large lectures in other schools do not provide. The academic curriculum and internship programs that Enidcott provides well-prepare students for their future careers. The faculty members are knowledgeable and passionate about their expertise. Endicott offers various activities and clubs, which provide students with opportunities to explore their interests. The school also has a strong athletic program with many winning titles and support for student-athletes. The campus is beautiful, especially with it being by the ocean, and has plenty of areas around campus and within academic building for students to relax or get work done!... Read 905 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $38,196

• SAT range 980-1160

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  975 reviews

Sophomore: Overall the school is pretty good. Facilities are updated and new. Dining all is not amazing but maybe a 6-7/10. Dorms have mice but I've only ever seen a few, so does the dining hall. Teachers are nice, and the faculty are nice. Cool school activities and tons of fun clubs. All of our school programs are pretty reputable.... Read 975 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $32,430

• SAT range 1140-1330

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  1,046 reviews

Junior: Suffolk has a very diverse and unique campus being in the heart of Boston. The Suffolk community is very welcoming to everyone and many resources here provide students with all the help they need. The clubs are all very unique and make meetings interesting from watching films to collaboration events like the annual cultural fashion show! Academics here are good and our professors and resources all do their best to help students succeed throughout the year.... Read 1,046 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $32,393

• SAT range 1080-1280

• Nashua, NH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  485 reviews

Senior: Rivier University is great if you want small class sizes and a small campus environment and community. All of my classes have been less than 30 students, and most were 15 or less. As a part of the biotechnology program, I have reaped the benefits of a brand-new science building and lab spaces. There is also a brand-new business and nursing building opening in fall 2022 as well as new dorms being added to campus. If you want a school with small class sizes where you know everyone who lives in your hallway and seeing friendly faces every time you walk to class, Riv is for you! The only downside about Riv is the quality of the food in the dining hall. The dorms are nice and clean, the campus is small and safe, and there are many sports teams and majors!... Read 485 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $26,870

• SAT range 880-1050

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  529 reviews

Sophomore: The community I've found here is excellent, it's a very supportive environment for developing traditional practices as well as fostering independence to take authority over your own creativity.... Read 529 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $24,772

• SAT range 970-1160