The Best 30 Colleges in New England With The Rank of Each College

In this article, we will be discussing the best colleges in New England, the best colleges for education majors in New England, and the best business colleges in New England. With so many options for higher education available today, deciding which path to take can be difficult. We looked at 168 colleges and universities in the New England region to see which ones had the highest overall quality.

To arrive at this ranking, we consider more than 20 factors, all of which are objective measurements. Freshman retention, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and post-graduate earnings are among the factors to consider.

Our Methodology for Ranking

The weather in New England is fickle, but Massachusetts is home to some of the world’s best universities. The Bay State has it all, from top-ranked liberal arts colleges to internationally acclaimed universities. The majority of schools are in or near Boston, which has over 250,000 students spread across 40+ universities and colleges, but don’t overlook the rural areas—many of the country’s best LACs are just a few hours west. 

The top 30 colleges in Massachusetts are listed below. The ranking was based on school quality, outcomes, return on investment, and other factors like retention rate, selectivity, endowment per student, student-faculty ratio, median earnings, and cost of attendance.

How Good Are Your Chances of Being Accepted?

There are many excellent schools in Massachusetts. All of the colleges listed above are extremely selective, so we recommend that you create a well-balanced school list while aiming for the stars. Our free chance engine can assist you in compiling a college list. It will assess your chances of acceptance based on your academic and extracurricular profiles and provide application advice.

Top Colleges in the New England Region

1. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

This year’s ranking as the best school in the New England Region for overall quality goes to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has a fairly large student population. This school awarded 3,715 bachelor’s degrees to qualified undergraduates in 2019-2020.

The school has a high default rate on student loans. It’s only 1.1 percent, a fraction of the national rate of 10.1 percent. Those with a bachelor’s degree from MIT can expect to earn an average of $104,700 in their first few years of employment.

2. Dartmouth College

If you decide to attend Dartmouth College, you’ll be in good company. On our list of the Best Colleges in the New England Region for 2023, it came in second. Dartmouth College is a medium-sized university located in Hanover, New Hampshire. This school awarded 2,114 bachelor’s degrees to qualified undergraduates in 2019-2020. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1, it’s clear that the university is dedicated to helping its students succeed. Those with a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth start their careers with an average salary of $75,500 in their first few years.

3. Yale University 

Yale University is a great place for students working on their bachelor’s degree, with a ranking of #3 on our Best Colleges in the New England Region list. This fairly large institution of higher learning is located in New Haven, Connecticut. In the academic year 2019-2020, the private, non-profit university awarded bachelor’s degrees to 4,942 students. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the school are more likely to complete their studies on time. 

When compared to the national rate of 33%, the 4-year graduation rate is impressive at 88 percent. Graduates from Yale earn an average of $83,200 per year in their early years of employment.

4. Harvard University 

Harvard University is a great place for students working on their bachelor’s degree, with a ranking of #4 on our Best Colleges in the New England Region list. This large private non-profit university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, awarded 8,358 bachelor’s degrees in the academic year 2019-2020. Students who begin their education at the school are more likely to stay. The retention rate for freshmen is 97 percent. During the early years of their career, a Harvard bachelor’s degree holder can expect to earn $89,700 on average.

5. Williams College

Williams College came in fifth place out of 168 schools in the New England Region that were included in this year’s ranking. Williams is a small, non-profit, private school in Williamstown, Massachusetts. In the academic year 2019-2020, it awarded 818 bachelor’s degrees. The school does an excellent job of retaining its students, with a freshman retention rate of 97 percent. Graduates from Williams earn an average of $59,000 per year in their early years of employment.

6. Brown University

Brown University was ranked #6 on this year’s Best Colleges in the New England Region list. This medium-sized university is located in Providence, Rhode Island. In the academic year 2019-2020, 3,269 students received bachelor’s degrees from a private, non-profit institution. Students who begin their education at the school are more likely to stay. The retention rate for freshmen is 98 percent. During the early years of their career, a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Brown can expect to earn $67,500 on average.

7. Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College was ranked #7 on the Best Colleges in the New England Region list for 2023. Bowdoin College is a small, private, non-profit college in Brunswick, Maine. In the academic year 2019-2020, 666 bachelor’s degrees were awarded. When compared to the national rate of 33 percent, the school has an excellent four-year graduation rate of 86 percent. Bachelor’s degree holders begin their careers with an average salary of $65,500 in the early years of their careers.

8. Amherst College

Amherst College was ranked #8 in the New England Region’s Best Colleges. In the 2019-2020 academic year, Amherst, Massachusetts, the small private non-profit school awarded 641 diplomas to qualified bachelor’s degree students. The school has a high default rate on student loans. It’s only 3.8 percent, a far cry from the national rate of 10.1 percent. During their early years of employment, Amherst graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $65,000 per year.

9. Holy Cross College

College of the Holy Cross placed ninth on the list of the Best Colleges in the New England Region for 2022. In the 2019-2020 academic year, Worcester, Massachusetts, a small private non-profit school awarded 864 diplomas to qualified bachelor’s degree students. The low student loan default rate of 0.5 percent indicates that students at this school have an easier time repaying their loans than students at other institutions. The national default rate is 10.1 percent. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Holy Cross earn an average of $71,000 per year in their early careers.

10. Tufts University 

Tufts University placed 10th on the list of the Best Colleges in the New England Region for 2023. The fairly large private not-for-profit school in Medford, Massachusetts, awarded 3,793 bachelor’s degrees in 2019-2020. When compared to the national rate of 33 percent, the school has an excellent four-year graduation rate of 88 percent. Those who graduate from Tufts with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $75,800 in their first few years of employment.

11. Bentley University

On this year’s Best Colleges in the New England Region list, Bentley University was ranked #11. Bentley University is a private, non-profit institution in Waltham, Massachusetts. The school has a medium-sized student body, and in 2019-2020, it awarded 1,748 bachelor’s degrees. The school’s four-year graduation rate is 83 percent. When compared to the national rate of 33%, this is quite impressive. Bachelor’s degree holders begin their careers with an average salary of $86,900 in their early careers.

12. Boston College

Boston College was ranked #12 in the New England Region’s Best Colleges. In the 2019-2020 academic year, this relatively large private non-profit school in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, awarded 4,882 bachelor’s degrees. Students who begin their education at the school are more likely to stay. The retention rate for freshmen is 95%. During the early years of their careers, graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Boston College earn an average of $72,500 per year.

13. Middlebury College

Middlebury College was ranked #13 in the Best Colleges in the New England Region ranking. In the 2019-2020 academic year, the small private non-profit school in Middlebury, Vermont, awarded 1,036 diplomas to qualified bachelor’s degree students. With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it’s clear that the school is dedicated to helping its students succeed. Middlebury graduates earn an average of $58,200 per year in their early years of employment.

14. Wellesley College 

Wellesley College placed 14th on the list of the Best Colleges in the New England Region for 2024. Wellesley College is a private, non-profit university in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The school has a small student body, but in 2019-2020, it awarded 713 bachelor’s degrees. The school’s four-year graduation rate is 86 percent. When compared to the national rate of 33%, this is quite impressive. During the early years of their career, a Wellesley graduate with a bachelor’s degree earns an average of $60,800.

15. Colby College

Colby College came in at #15 in the Best Colleges in the New England Region ranking. In the academic year 2019-2020, this small private non-profit school in Waterville, Maine, awarded 651 bachelor’s degrees. The 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio indicates that students will have more opportunities to interact one-on-one with their professors. Bachelor’s degree holders begin their careers with an average salary of $58,100 in their early careers.

16. Trinity College 

Trinity College was ranked #16 in the New England Region’s Best Colleges for 2022. Trinity Bantams is a small, non-profit, private school in Hartford, Connecticut. In the academic year 2019-2020, 653 bachelor’s degrees were awarded. The school does an excellent job of retaining its students, with a freshman retention rate of 91 percent. During their early years of employment, Trinity Bantams graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $66,100 per year.

17. Northeastern University

Northeastern University was ranked #17 in the Best Colleges in the New England Region ranking this year. Northeastern University is a large university in Boston, Massachusetts, with a large student body. This school awarded 7,648 bachelor’s degrees to qualified undergraduates in 2019-2020. When compared to the national default rate of 10.1 percent, the school’s student loan default rate is 2.2 percent. Those who graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern start their careers with an average salary of $67,400 in their early years.

18. Bates College

Bates College was ranked #18 in the New England Region’s Best Colleges. The small private not-for-profit school in Lewiston, Maine, awarded 576 bachelor’s degrees in 2019-2020. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the school are more likely to complete their studies on time. When compared to the national rate of 33%, the 4-year graduation rate is impressive at 83 percent. During the early years of their career, a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Bates earns an average of $59,200.

19. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 

In the 2023 Best Colleges in the New England Region ranking, Worcester Polytechnic Institute ranked #19, which is quite impressive. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private, non-profit university in Worcester, Massachusetts. The school has a medium-sized student body, and in 2019-2020, it awarded 1,887 bachelor’s degrees. The school’s four-year graduation rate is 76 percent. When compared to the national rate of 33%, this is quite impressive. During the early years of their careers, graduates with a bachelor’s degree from WPI earn an average of $84,900 per year.

20. Boston University

In this year’s Best Colleges in the New England Region ranking, Boston University came in at #20. Boston University is a private, non-profit university in Boston, Massachusetts. The school has a large student body, and in 2019-2020, it awarded 11,894 bachelor’s degrees. The school has a 94 percent freshman retention rate, indicating that students enjoy their time there enough to return for a second year. During the early years of their career, a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Boston U can expect to earn $65,300 on average.

21. Wesleyan University 

Wesleyan University was ranked #21 on the Best Colleges in the New England Region list. Wesleyan University is a small college in Middletown, Connecticut, with a small student body. This school awarded 1,194 bachelor’s degrees to qualified undergraduates in 2019-2020. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the school are more likely to complete their studies on time. When compared to the national rate of 33%, the 4-year graduation rate is impressive at 92 percent. Graduates of Wesleyan University earn an average of $54,700 per year in their early years of employment.

22. Maine Maritime Academy

Maine Maritime Academy was ranked #22 in the Best Colleges in the New England Region ranking. It is located in Castine, Maine. In the 2019-2020 academic year, 191 students received bachelor’s degrees from public schools. The low student loan default rate of 2.1 percent indicates that students at this school have an easier time repaying their loans than students at other institutions. In comparison, the national default rate is 10.1 percent. Maine Maritime graduates earn an average of $95,600 per year in their early years of employment.

23. Massachusetts Maritime Academy 

Massachusetts Maritime Academy did quite well on the 2023 Best Colleges in the New England Region list, coming in at #23. This small college is located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. In the 2019-2020 academic year, 453 students received bachelor’s degrees from public schools. The school has a high freshman retention rate of 87 percent, indicating that students enjoy their time there enough to return for a second year. Graduates of Maritime earn an average of $86,600 per year in their early years of employment.

24. Providence College

Providence College was ranked #24 in the Best Colleges in the New England Region ranking. In 2019-2020, the small private not-for-profit school in Providence, Rhode Island, awarded 1,345 diplomas to qualified bachelor’s degree students. The school does an excellent job of retaining its students, with a freshman retention rate of 91 percent. Bachelor’s degree holders begin their careers with an average salary of $64,100 in their early careers.

25. Stonehill College 

Stonehill College came in at #25 in the Best Colleges in the New England Region ranking for 2023. In the 2019-2020 academic year, the small private not-for-profit school in Easton, Massachusetts, awarded 758 diplomas to qualified bachelor’s degree students. The school has a high default rate on student loans. It’s only 1.4 percent, compared to 10.1 percent nationally. Those who graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Stonehill can expect to earn an average of $60,800 in their first few years of employment.

26. Mount Holyoke College

Mount Holyoke, one of the Seven Sisters, is a prestigious liberal arts college that welcomes female, transgender, and non-binary students and is founded on the belief that women can—and should—make a difference in the world. Despite the lack of male students, Mount Holyoke has a very diverse student body—roughly one out of every four students is an international student, and about one out of every four domestic students is a person of color (African American, Asian American, Latinx, Native American or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or multiracial).

27. Babson College 

Babson College, just 15 miles west of Boston, is ranked #1 in the country for entrepreneurship. It has both undergraduate and graduate business schools. All undergraduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with 27 concentrations in fields such as accounting, finance, and operations management to choose from. Babson’s collaboration arrangement (nicknamed BOW) with neighboring Olin and Wellesley Colleges allows students to start a business in their first year of college, and the yearlong Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship course allows students to start a business in their first year of college.

28. Smith College

Smith is a member of both the Seven Sisters and the Five College Consortium, and its open curriculum and numerous cross-registration opportunities give students a great deal of academic freedom. Smith’s graduate programs accept applicants of all genders, in addition to 41 departments overseeing 50+ undergraduate majors. Margaret Mitchell, Nancy Reagen, and Sylvia Plath are among the famous Smith alumni. Smith was also the first historically women’s college to offer an engineering degree and join the NCAA.

29. Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering 

Olin College of Engineering, which was founded in 1997, has quickly risen to the top as one of the best engineering schools in the country. Students can major in engineering (with concentration options like bioengineering, design, and robotics), electrical and computer engineering, or mechanical engineering, thanks to a highly interdisciplinary and project-based curriculum. Collaboration and the honor code govern culture. As part of the BOW Three College Collaboration, cross-registration opportunities are available at neighboring Babson and Wellesley Colleges.

30. Brandeis University 

Brandeis is named after Louis Dembitz Brandeis, the first Jewish U.S. Supreme Court justice, and is steeped in Jewish history, experience, and values. On the other hand, Brandeis is committed to diversity and welcomes students from all walks of life, cultures, and religions. Only 31% of students identify as Jewish, while 40% identify as atheist, agnostic, or have no religious affiliation. Brandeis University’s 235-acre suburban campus is just outside of Boston, with everything from world-class museums and dining to professional sports and a diverse range of employment opportunities.

Conclusion

According to a new ranking, five New England universities are among the top ten colleges in the United States, with two of them at the very top. The schools are no strangers to being ranked at the top. After Princeton, MIT, and Harvard are tied for second place in the U.S. News and World Report ranking of best universities in the United States. We hope this article was helpful for you.

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