2023 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Massachusetts

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  800 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 800 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 5%

• Net price $18,037

• SAT range 1460-1580

• Wellesley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  614 reviews

Senior: Pretty good! Great environment for learning and fostering a well-rounded perspective on the world. Faculty and your peers will have the greatest influence on your experience, so if you choose well, you will definitely be satisfied.... Read 614 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $21,614

• SAT range 1350-1520

• Medford, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,040 reviews

Junior: I am a junior at Tufts and I have so much love for this school even though I was a freshman during Covid, when student life was significantly less exciting that usual. Every semester I grow more appreciate of Tufts. Classes are good, school-sponsored activities are fun, I’ve always had positive dorm experiences, but I think what has set apart tufts for me is the fun outside opportunities it has provided me. I studied abroad with a Tufts program, which was incredibly well done and it was great to have the support of a group of tufts students. The Tufts Mountain Club and TWO pre orientation are also fabulous resources to explore the outdoors. Some of the student-run TUSC events are really fun, and tufts dining is excellent in my opinion. The tufts location is also perfect if you want a pretty even balance between nature and the city. In general, tufts offers a great variety of activities for curious, adventurous, and creative students.... Read 1,040 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $32,720

• SAT range 1380-1530

• Chestnut Hill, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,548 reviews

Alum: I loved BC. It provided me with a top-notch education in the humanities, and I will continue to stay in touch with many of my professors even as a graduate. BC also provided me with the resources to grow spiritually, surrounded by (no joke) some of the most accomplished theologians in the world. The party scene was pretty great, and as long as you join a club or sport, you should have no problem finding an upperclassman to host you. Many students are, alas, quite “basic” and superficial, although perhaps I’m judging too hard. However, I was part of a group of people that was super smart, artistic, and down-to-earth, so don’t be too dismayed if you’re not a Vineyard Vines connoisseur! My biggest complaint is the administration. Other reviewers are unfortunately not being overdramatic by saying that the highest levels of administration don’t legitimately care about students’ concerns, and it seems that Jesuit values are just advertising for prospective students.... Read 1,548 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 26%

• Net price $30,192

• SAT range 1330-1500

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  312 reviews

Sophomore: Incredible school. You can tell that Amherst invests and prioritizes its academic experience above all. Admittedly, this may come at the price of other "bells and whistles"-- its not flashy, so do not expect a great dining experience, wide merchandise selection, or hype around sports... but your academic career will be worth it! Great professors, small class sizes, diverse student body, and incredible support.... Read 312 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price $18,832

• SAT range 1430-1560

• Williamstown, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  307 reviews

Alum: TL;DR: Williams is one of the best schools out there, especially for economically underprivileged and/or international students. Apply even if you think you won’t get in! Financials: I am a recent alumnus from a foreign country who had to pay less than 3K per year(!) towards my education at Williams; the rest was covered by non-repayable Williams grants. The College also pays for your medical insurance, ALL book expenditures, yearly round-trip to your home country (with all expenses). Other one-off expenses they covered: getting a visa, passport renewal, dental expenditures (over $10K). For someone who comes from a poor family whose total earnings are less than $30K/year, all this was an enormous benefit! Academics: Williams is very strong because its professors take time to teach you the material. 1-1 teaching sessions, research work with professors is easily attainable because professors care about their students. Exit opportunities: plentiful, prosperous, and very accessible!... Read 307 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 15%

• Net price $22,356

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  3,607 reviews

Senior: School is what you make of it, right? So I feel what you put in is what you get out of it. No one really prepares you for college life. There is more busy work given in lower divisional classes than the upper divisional with exceptions of some of the upper divisional classes from my own experiences. My best advice to everyone is to have soundboard for support, advice, and for your sanity. It’s easy to get lost in the school work but the best experiences are when you can connect to your subjects on a personal level. I also suggest being proactive in your studies if you can’t understand your courses by a certain threshold, seek help with the professor, a tutor or a study partner immediately. But most importantly you must make your time at NEU fun for yourself! No one else is going to do that for you! You make a playlist that suits you, find clubs that is your interest, and you make the effort to make acquaintances and friends. Part of learning is failing at something new unfortunately... Read 3,607 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $37,738

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3,514 reviews

Senior: Boston University is one of the best universities in the nation! The students welcome you with open arms and are eager to meet new people from different year levels, so it is very easy for people to get involved in the BU community. As for the faculty, specifically the CS and Mathematics professors, they are the absolute best! They are so helpful inside and outside of the classroom, trying their best to make sure that their lectures are engaging, and putting aside a lot of time outside of their class for office hours. And if a student can't meet during office hours, they always try to find a way to help you out by setting up a different time to meet to thoroughly explain concepts discussed in class, answer questions that a student had, talk about possible research projects, or just have a good one-on-one conversation to talk about anything. I absolutely love Boston University and its community, and I'm so proud to call myself a Terrier!... Read 3,514 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $29,154

• SAT range 1310-1500

• Wellesley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  370 reviews

Junior: I think Babson has been the best decision I have made. Regardless of some up and down experiences with professors(which is normal), the over experience has been very ->diverse, international-friendly, open, and encouraging. You feel supported on the campus by the faculty and professors. The ambitiousness of your fellow students keeps you moving forward as well. And housing and dining have been improving over the years. Highly recommended!... Read 370 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 27%

• Net price $31,559

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Northampton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  903 reviews

Freshman: Smith, overall, is a really great school. The campus is gorgeous, the professors are knowledgable and engaging, and the housing is incredible. While I would like to see more efforts towards inclusion of marginalized groups, such as racial minorities and disabled people, I think Smith is working towards progress. Being at a school without cis men allows for a very different classroom environment, and it allowed me to really come into my own and form my own opinions. I love it here!... Read 903 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $28,422

• SAT range 1240-1470

• Worcester, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  558 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 558 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $32,061

• SAT range 1290-1430

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  3,712 reviews

Senior: I transferred to UMASS Amherst last spring halfway through my junior year, and I’ll say that it was the best decision of my life. I had gotten into UMASS as an incoming freshman but I was too scared to get out of my comfort zone and decided to go to a smaller school. But after almost three academic years I felt like that regret grow until I finally made the big decision to transfer! I’ve made so many great friends and I absolutely love my classes where I feel like the professors really enjoy what they are teaching! There’s also so many opportunities at the school and a lot of support systems put in place that I couldn’t have even imagined! Going to UMASS was the best decision of my life, and I can’t believe I’m going to be graduating from my dream school this spring!... Read 3,712 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $22,505

• SAT range 1200-1390

• Waltham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,054 reviews

Freshman: The sense of community at Brandeis is very strong, as it is a medium-sized university with a good amount of undergraduate and graduate students. There are tons of clubs and sports to join, so there is a place for almost everyone. The dorms could be better kept, though. The food is fair on average, too, which isn't exciting. The things to love far outweigh these bad things, though!... Read 1,054 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 33%

• Net price $41,222

• SAT range 1320-1510

• South Hadley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  879 reviews

Sophomore: Brilliant professor who generally want the best for you. Being in a queer, gender-diverse environment has proven to be great for my mental health and journey of self discovery. The school certainly has its issues, particularly in regards to accountability and affordability, but I feel at home at Mount Holyoke!... Read 879 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $31,165

• SAT range 1270-1500

• Worcester, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  738 reviews

Graduate Student: Students here are brilliant, and the professors. The history of inventions here is long and impressive. It's also a close, loving community. They look out for each other and the campus is beautiful. My husband thought he was in Harry Potter movie!... Read 738 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $45,834

• SAT range 1310-1480

• Waltham, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  756 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 756 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $42,759

• SAT range 1180-1360

• Worcester, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  789 reviews

Junior: Clark has been a great place to go to school! Because it is small both in terms of population as well as campus size, the sense of community is very strong. There is always something to do on campus and it is a very welcoming environment. The academics, particularly undergraduate research opportunities, are notable and taken very seriously as well. Clark is a great place for people who want to explore passions, learn new things, and gain tangible skills that they will use in the real world. I've met lifelong friends and discovered numerous new interests and hobbies, and Clark was integral to that experience. I love the balance between serious academics and the fun social scene. Campus feels welcoming and warm to all students, regardless of interests or background!... Read 789 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $30,617

• SAT range 1150-1350

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,127 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 1,127 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 41%

• Net price $47,594

• SAT range 1190-1380

• Lowell, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,373 reviews

Graduate Student: The last three years have been challenging yet rewarding as an IT student. I've thoroughly enjoyed my coding courses and other classes such as IoT, HTML, and the introduction to Linux/Unix OS. I almost don't want to leave the school! Every time classes start, I feel excited and happy. I'm seriously considering to become a double River Hawk, because of the caliber of education, the experience of the educators, and the school's positive reputation. Furthermore, how transparent the tuition and costs are; no surprises! Therefore, I would recommend this school to any working adults or high school grads.... Read 1,373 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $19,147

• SAT range 1140-1320

• Norton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  672 reviews

Alum: I am so glad I went to Wheaton, particularly for the academic experience. I was a psychology major and my professors were mostly fantastic, inspiring and led thought-provoking discussions in almost every class. Before coming here, I was extremely shy and unsure of myself--afterwards, due to the small class sizes and the encouraged participation in discussions and presentations, I felt much more confident and driven academically. The one thing I would change about this campus is its location and size. I wish that there were slightly more students and that the town had more options for those looking for a true college experience. Otherwise, I'd highly recommend this school!... Read 672 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $28,518

• SAT range 1180-1350

• Chicopee, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  312 reviews

Sophomore: I go to the school of nursing at elms and it’s been a great experience. The college is very small with with well educated staff who are friendly and easy to communicate with. My Professors are easy to get in touch with and know how to direct any questions they can’t answer. Professors there know me by name and the small size of the school make me feel accountable and help me focus on my work. The school is also well know for nursing and encourages students to get practical experience in the work field and make resources available. The school also acknowledges the difficulty of a nursing degree and are very supportive and understanding of every students personal or academic situation and offer the supports or accommodations as needed even in nursing. Elms over all is a great fit for those looking for nursing, education, or Social work who enjoy the small school feel.... Read 312 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $25,340

• SAT range 1000-1170

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  802 reviews

Niche User: I am attending Simmons for the accelerated BSN/RN program. The school is beautiful, well maintained, and features many brand new buildings. The environment is supportive and very friendly, especially for students who identify as female. I find that they are a little disorganized with communication, but that might be program specific. I highly recommend Simmons.... Read 802 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $29,021

• SAT range 1060-1250

• Easton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  578 reviews

Junior: I’ve been enjoying my time here! Academically: professors are awesome. The work can range in how challenging it is but its all manageable. Socially: it’s an awesome balance for me! I’ve found friends through living on campus, my classes, engaging in activities on campus, etc. The campus culture is polite. Campus can be quiet especially with COVID. However, I prefer a weekend to recharge or be with a few people anyways. Pre COVID, bigger parties happened but were done by 1 AM. There were also more in person events like BINGO. These still exist but distanced and outside if its nice. There are virtual events. Area: the surrounding area is suburban. There are some restaurants/businesses to explore but ultimately it’s quiet. I wish we were close to Boston sometimes, but I ultimately feel at home on my cozy campus! If I could change anything, I think counseling services could use more staff, diversity/inclusion needs to be more of a priority, and the food could use some improvements.... Read 578 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $35,508

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  1,380 reviews

Freshman: I have liked my experience so far at UMass Boston. I signed up to participate in the Freshmen Success Community (FSC) and it has opened so many doors for me. It has allowed for me to be able to be a part of a wonderful group of people who are on the same pre-medical track as I am. We have the same classes as well so we are able to help each other out with the understand of each subject. The campus is a bit small and quite windy, things I had not entirely expected at first, but I think it size works in its favor. It allows for only 10 minutes between classes which ends up being more than enough time to get there and you can finish your day in three hours! I am a bio major so my Tues/Thurs consist of labs but if I didn't have them I would only have one class on those days. I have already been able to join several extracurriculars and have explored all of the opportunities given to me. I highly recommend this school to anyone inquiring.... Read 1,380 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $17,231

• SAT range 1040-1220

• Longmeadow, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  672 reviews

Freshman: An overall positive experience! Bay Path is located in a quiet town and is extremely safe (like accidentally leave something of yours somewhere, and it will be still be there six hours later safe). The professors are extremely supportive of their students, and are willing to accommodate you given you communicate with them.... Read 672 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $19,177

• SAT range 940-1170