Despite being one of the smallest states regarding the land area, Massachusetts is home to nearly 80 colleges and universities for which U.S. News has data. However, only a few dozen are publicly financed, including those inside the University of Massachusetts system. Find out more about the Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2021.
There are numerous noteworthy private universities in Massachusetts, located in Boston, the state’s largest city and capital. Throughout Massachusetts, large and midsize universities, tiny liberal arts colleges, and art schools can be found in Worcester, Brookline, Northampton, and Cambridge.
Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2021
10. Clark University
Clark University is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts. Clark University admissions are more selective, with a 53 percent acceptance rate. Half of the Clark University (Massachusetts) candidates had an SAT score of 1180 to 1370 or an ACT score of 27 to 31.
9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a Worcester, Massachusetts-based private research institution. The admissions process at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is extremely selective, with a 49 percent acceptance rate and a 64.4 percent early acceptance rate. WPI admits half of its applications with an SAT score of 1310-1470 or an ACT score of 29-33.
8. University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public land-grant research university in Amherst, Massachusetts. Admissions to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst are more selective, with a 64 percent acceptance rate and a 75.1 percent early acceptance rate. An SAT score of 1190 to 1390 or an ACT score of 26 to 32 is required for admission to UMass Amherst.
7. Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, with its main campus. Northeastern University’s admissions process is the most stringent, with only 18% of applicants being accepted. An SAT score of 1390 to 1540 or an ACT score of 32 to 35 is required for admission to Northeastern University.
6. Brandeis University
Brandeis University is a Waltham, Massachusetts-based private research university. With a 30% acceptance rate, Brandeis University admissions are the most selective. Half of the Brandeis University applicants had an SAT score of 1350 to 1520 or an ACT score of 30 to 33.
5. Boston University
Boston University is a Boston, Massachusetts-based private research university. With a 19% acceptance rate, Boston University admissions are more selective. Half of Boston University’s admitted students have an SAT score of 1340 to 1510 or an ACT score of 30 to 34.
4. Boston College
Boston College is a private, Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. With a 27 percent acceptance rate, Boston College admissions are the most selective. Half of Boston College’s admitted students have an SAT score of 1340 to 1500 or an ACT score of 31 to 34.
3. Tufts University
Tufts University is a private research university located in Medford’s Bendetson Hall. Tufts University admissions are the most selective, with a 15% acceptance rate. An SAT score of 1390 to 1540 or an ACT score of 32 to 34 is required for admission to Tufts University.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based private land-grant research institution. The admissions process at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is extremely selective, with a 7 percent acceptance rate and a 7.4 percent early acceptance rate. In addition, an SAT score of 1510 to 1570 or an ACT score of 34 to 36 is required for admission to MIT.
1. Harvard University
Harvard University is a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based private Ivy League research university. With a 5% acceptance rate, Harvard University admissions are the most selective. Half of the Harvard University candidates had an SAT score of 1460 to 1570 or an ACT score of 33 to 35.
Read more about the Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2021 on University Magazine.
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