12 Best Universities in Boston: Rankings, Requirements & Fees

Boston has become a hub for innovation and intellectualism, a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and exceptional higher education institutions. You will find most of the top colleges in Boston. From Harvard University, famously depicted in "Good Will Hunting," to MIT, known for inspiring the likes of Tony Stark (aka Iron Man), universities in Boston are some of the most prestigious in the world. So, join us as we learn about the top 10 universities in Boston and uncover why Boston is a breeding ground for greatness.

Benefits of Studying in Boston

Did you know that the top universities in Boston offer more than 300 programs of study? Here are some of the reasons why you should choose the best universities in Boston Massachusetts for your bright future!

1. Global Recognition

The best universities in Boston are globally recognized and are part of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a prestigious association of top research universities in the United States and Canada. Studying at one of these top Boston universities is a great way to be globally recognized, due to their reputation!

2. Career Prospects

A degree from the best colleges in Boston opens doors. Recruiters and CEOs rank their graduates highly for employability. Thanks to the excellent standard of recognition that you will receive here, your career prospects are bound to increase two-fold!

3. City Life

Boston is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. When you’re studying at one of the best universities in Boston, you’re in the middle of it all. Not only are there excellent opportunities for education, but there’s also a lot to do after that as well. 

4. Residential Campus

Several Boston top colleges provide a variety of living communities and guarantee on-campus housing for all four years of your undergraduate experience. However, if you wish to stay elsewhere, then exploring the best neighborhoods in Boston is a great way for you to get started! 

5. Global Perspective

With courses on global topics, faculty research on every continent, students from nearly 100 countries, and alumni living in over 180 of the world’s countries, Boston has created quite a legacy for itself. All over the world, this city is known for its excellence and abundance of opportunities. 

Top 12 Universities in Boston

The top universities in Boston are one of the major reasons for students to choose the metropolitan area. Boston also offers a very pleasant lifestyle for students and a great academic aspect. If you're wondering what sets these universities apart from other universities in the United States, keep reading to find out about the acceptance rates, top courses, and a lot more:

1. Harvard University

Location: Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Tuition Fees: $38,480 per year
Acceptance Rate: 3.2%
Eligibility Criteria: 4.18 GPA & 1480-1580 SAT & 35 ACT
Notable Alumni: Barack Obama, Natalie Portman, John. F. Kennedy

Talking of the best universities in Boston, we can’t pass by without mentioning Harvard. Beginning with just nine students, Harvard University is among the best engineering colleges in Boston. Students have a wide range of degree options, with around 90 UG and 150 PG programs. Since it is one of the best colleges in Boston, students receive offers from companies such as Amazon, Google, and JP Morgan Chase. There are also several cafes in Boston that you could visit after attending your lectures, which you can read more about in our blog!

Top Courses: 

1. Engineering
2. Technology
3. Science
4. Architecture

2. Massachusetts Institutes of Technology (MIT) 

Location: 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
Tuition Fees: $46,400 per year
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Eligibility Criteria: 1500 SAT
Notable Alumni: David Nolan, Mao Chi Ku, Benjamin Netanyahu

MIT is among the best universities in Boston. Established as a unique and independent educational institution, this is the best university in Boston that combines teaching and research to tackle real-world problems. Its departments span five schools, introducing innovative methods of learning on campus. The top contributors to this population are China, followed by India. Graduates from this best college in Boston are in high demand by companies such as Amazon, Bain & Company, The Blackstone Group, Meta, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Nike, Google, and many others. 

Top Courses: 

1. Science
2. Business Administration
3. Management
4. Technology

3. Boston University 

Location: Boston, MA 02215, United States
Tuition Fees: $41,350 per year
Acceptance Rate: 14.4%
Eligibility Criteria: 3.25 GPA, 1442 SAT & 33 ACT
Notable Alumni: Julianne Moore, Shane McMohan, Martin Luther King Junior

With a diverse student body exceeding 35,000 from 130 nations, this is one of the best university in Boston. As per Times Higher Education, it ranks among the city's finest. If considering a move to Boston, understanding its cost of living is crucial. Renowned for its private research, Boston University hosts a substantial international student population, comprising a third of its attendees.

Top Courses:

1. Engineering
2. Business Management
3. Science
4. Arts

4. Tufts University 

Location: 419 Boston Ave, Medford, MA 02155, United States
Tuition Fees: $47,300 per year
Acceptance Rate: 9.7%
Eligibility Criteria: GPA 4.04, 1540 SAT, 34 ACT
Notable Alumni: Jamie Daimon, Tracy Chapman, Anson Chan

One of the best universities in Boston, Tufts caters to international students and specializes in research and development. Along with an extensive range of study programmes abroad, it promotes public services and activity citizenship across all disciplines. Being one of the famous universities in Boston, Tufts comprises 12 schools. It ranks among the 30 top universities in Boston USA as it has diversity in its courses and research opportunities. Interdisciplinary education and active citizenship are the highlights of Tufts University, which is easily one of the top Boston universities. 

Top Courses: 

1. Engineering
2. Business Management
3. Science
4. Technology

‍5. Northeastern University

Location: 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Tuition Fees: $39,250 per year
Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
Eligibility Criteria: GPA 3.0, 600-650 GMAT 
Notable Alumni: Patrice 'O'Neal, Nikesh Arora, Beverly Johnson

Northeastern University stands out as one of the best universities in Boston. It has a diverse student body, comprising 34% international students from 144 countries. Northeastern University is one of the best universities in Boston for international students and offers excellent student opportunities to participate in sports teams and research centers. The College of Engineering is among the best engineering colleges in Boston, with an enrollment of over 4,000 students. Global Engagement Research and Innovation are the popular highlights of  Northeastern University.

Top Courses:

1. Technology
2. Engineering
3. Arts
4. Architecture

6. Boston College 

Location: 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, United States 
Tuition Fees: $47,500 per year
Acceptance Rate: 16.7%
Eligibility Criteria: GPA 3.5, 1,442 SAT, 33 ACT
Notable Alumni: Howard Stern, Geena Davis, David Zaslav

Located in Chestnut Hill, Boston College is a Jesuit Catholic private research university and is one of the top colleges in Boston. It is also considered one of the best universities in Boston that is well-known for its Gothic architecture, Chestnut Hill Reservoir, and the Boston Marathon course. The 130-acre suburban campus has a welcoming community atmosphere. In fact, this college has been constantly ranked among the best universities in Boston for a couple of years. 

Top Courses: 

1. Finance
2. Economics
3. Applied Psychology
4. Computer Science

7. Brandeis University

Location: 415 South St, Waltham, MA 02453, United States
Tuition Fees: $51,000 per year
Acceptance Rate: 39.4%
Eligibility Criteria: GPA 3.75, 1370-1530
Notable Alumni: Jerry Douglas,  Barry Newman, Michael Sandel

Brandeis University was founded in 1948 by the American Jewish Justice of the US Supreme Court as a non-sectarian institution that welcomes students from all backgrounds. The university is named after Louis D. Brandies, the first Jewish Justice of the United Supreme Court, so Justice was certainly served. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, which allows for small class sizes and individual attention from professors. Considered one of the best universities in Boston, it has also been recognised for its strong Jewish studies programs and contributions to neurosciences, international and global studies and social policies. 

Top Courses: 

1. Social Science
2. Public Administration and Social Services
3. Mathematics and Statistics
4. Psychology

8. University of Massachusetts

Location: 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States
Tuition Fees: $29,500 per year 
Acceptance Rate: 80.08%
Eligibility Criteria: GPA 3, 1280-1450 SAT, 29-33 ACT
Notable Alumni: Jack Welch, Marcus Camby, Bill Pullman

The University of Massachusetts is one of the top Boston universities. It is recognised for its strong commitment to urban education, community, engagement and social Justice. This university is known for its strong programs in science, including marine science, environmental science and nursing. Recognized as one of the best universities in Boston, it is also strongly committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous green initiatives, including LEED-certified buildings and a campus-wide recycling program. 

Top Courses: 

1. Psychology
2. Business/commerce
3. Social Sciences
4. Computer

9. Suffolk University

Location: 73 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108, United States
Tuition Fees: $30,000 to $35,000 per year. 
Acceptance Rate: 86.8%
Eligibility Criteria: 1090-1273 SAT, 24-30 ACT
Notable Alumni: Benedict, Bruce Tarr, Linda Dorcena Forry

This dynamic institution offers students a world-class education in a vibrant and exciting city. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Suffolk University has been consistently ranked among the best universities in Boston and the Northeastern United States. The faculty includes accomplished scholars, researchers and practitioners dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals. In addition to traditional classroom learning, this famous university in Boston presents a variety of experiential learning opportunities, such as study abroad programs, internships, and community service projects. 

Top Courses: 

1. MBA
2. Business Analytics
3. Art and design
4. Architecture

10. Simmons University

Location: 300 Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Tuition Fees: $35,000 to $40,000 
Acceptance Rate: 75.6%
Eligibility Criteria: GPA 3.0, College Level match GPA: 3.0
Notable Alumni: Elinor Lipman, Winston Tabb, David Ferriero

Simmons University is a private women's university in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It is one of the best universities in Boston and has a long history of empowering women through education. In addition to traditional classroom learning, this college offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, service-learning projects, and research collaborations with faculty members. The university is committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen fields. 

Top Courses: 

1. Health Professions
2. Biological and Biomedical Sciences
3. Social Sciences
4. Biopsychology

11. Harvard Business School

Location: Boston, MA 02163, USA
Tuition Fees: $87,872 to  $93,655
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Eligibility Criteria: Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, strong GMAT or GRE scores, work experience, and essays
Notable Alumni: Meg Whitman, Michael Bloomberg, Jim Farley

Harvard Business School (HBS) is one of the top-ranked business schools globally, known for its rigorous academic programs and strong focus on real-world business practices. Through case studies and a collaborative learning environment, HBS prepares students to become effective leaders in a variety of industries. This is the best university in Boston to offer a flagship MBA program, Executive Education programs for experienced professionals, doctoral programs, and even online certificate courses.

Top Courses:

1. Data Science for Business(DSB)
2. Finance 1 (FIN1)
3. Financial Reporting and Control (FRC)
4. Leadership & Organizational Behavior (LEAD)
5. Marketing (MKT)

12. Cambridge College

Location: 500 Rutherford Ave, Boston, MA 02129, USA
Tuition Fees:$17,190 - $21,223
Acceptance Rate: 100% 
Eligibility Criteria: High school transcript (original) showing graduation or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED)/ HiSET certificate.
Notable Alumni: Jaime Parello, Steven Hassan, Chaira Molina

Established in 1971, the Cambridge College offers a diverse range of programs, encompassing undergraduate certificates all the way up to doctoral degrees. Fields of study lean towards education, psychology, and business, making it a valuable option for those seeking to advance their careers or switch paths entirely. Due to the diversity of courses offered, Cambridge College is surely one of the best universities in Boston. 

Top Courses:

1. Business
2. Early Childhood Education
3. Human Services

So, this was our curated list of the best universities in Boston. We hope this makes your decision making process a whole lot easier. Also, as you prepare for admission to the best universities in Boston, amber's exam preparation blogs offer invaluable guidance for exams like GRE, GMAT, and IELTS. With renowned institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Boston University, Boston promises a rich educational experience amid a culturally vibrant environment. Whether your passion lies in business, science, engineering, or the liberal arts, these best universities in Boston stand ready to fulfill your academic aspirations.

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