2024 Best Colleges in the Springfield, MA Area

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  324 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 324 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $18,809

• SAT range 1370-1550

• Northampton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  913 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 913 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $29,569

• SAT range 1370-1530

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  4,580 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 4,580 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $17,291

• SAT range 1250-1460

• South Hadley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  895 reviews

Sophomore: My experience as a Mount Holyoke College student has been transformative. The demanding curriculum, encouraging teachers, and diverse community promoted academic advancement and individual growth. My academic and extracurricular endeavors were benefited by the campus's beauty and cutting-edge amenities. I was given the opportunity to assume leadership positions and have a good influence by women's leadership programs. The vast alumni network offered insightful career advice. Overall, Mount Holyoke has been a fascinating and empowering experience that has shaped me for a successful future.... Read 895 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $29,218

• SAT range 1300-1510

• 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

• Longmeadow, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  684 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Bay Path has been positive. Professional relationships with teachers thrive in a small school setting. Through my classes, I have created connections with professors who have assisted in getting me an on-campus job as a peer tutor for writing and human disease. They always have their doors open for a fun chat! My professors are deeply invested in my success, and they motivate me by emphasizing the importance of creating connections with people in my future field, Occupational Therapy, to ensure I reach my full potential. Academically, Bay Path surpasses its competing universities, but the social scene needs help. Being a small college, many students commute or go home on the weekends. This creates a rather slow social scene, especially because it does not organize a lot of campus events or activities to further build a community. There were only three campus-wide events that were universally interesting enough to attend. Some change is needed, but I enjoy the school.... Read 684 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $18,664

• SAT range 940-1150

• Springfield, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  670 reviews

Sophomore: I love Springfield College. It is a very welcoming community, and this welcoming vibe is showcased through both students and faculty. I believe this is a school that is going to set me up for success in my future career. The professors are great and are always willing to help out their students. There are many ways to get involved on campus between clubs and sports, there is something for everyone. I also love East Campus, the outdoor classroom of Springfield College. I love how it is open for students to use at anytime. Overall, Springfield College is an excellent institution that fosters a positive environment for student to grow and learn.... Read 670 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $28,296

• SAT range 1110-1320

• Springfield, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  521 reviews

Freshman: The transfer process to this school was incredibly easy and I never regret my decision! At first, I was a bit worried after being online for college for two years and then suddenly having every single class online. The admissions process was easy, and the admissions helpers and advisors are very kind. This school has a great variety regarding diversity. It is easy to get around campus, and the safety is top notch. The professors are also diverse with several different teaching styles. I definitely reccomend this college to everyone.... Read 521 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $20,958

• SAT range 940-1100

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  430 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 430 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $30,168

• SAT range —

• Springfield, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  815 reviews

Senior: Western New England has been the best college experience I could have asked for. I have been continuously challenged by my classes while being guided and supported by many professors that I have loved. The school has many extracurriculars for any sort of interest group weather its sports, arts or technology. The dining hall has really good food and they hold events quite frequently. The campus is beautiful and has many updated buildings for both academics and residence halls while still maintaining a quaint small town feel to the campus. WNE is a great school to go to!... Read 815 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $30,403

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Westfield, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  909 reviews

Sophomore: Westfield State University has provided me with a quality education at an affordable price. As someone who wants to go to graduate school, I knew that I did not want to be burdened by debt. Thanks to the financial aid at WSU, I will be able to graduate debt-free! Beyond affordability, WSU has allowed me to access incredible opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom, whether through clubs and organizations or our Career Center, which was able to help me find an internship after my first year! Faculty and staff truly care about the student experience, and administrators (including President Linda Thompson) are always attending events across campus and are visible to the community. Some of our most popular events include the Spring Concert, Family Weekend, Homecoming, trips to the Big E & NYC, and bingo! Westfield State truly provides a quality education at an affordable price while giving you access to an exciting college experience.... Read 909 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $19,194

• SAT range 980-1190