Best Value Colleges And Universities In Massachusetts

Brandeis is both a top liberal arts college and a lauded research institution, and it had dedicated itself to educating a "community of scholars" this is driven by a genuine pursuit of knowledge. The school is full of esteemed professors (including Pulitzer Prize winners, a Nobel laureate, and multiple Emmy Award winners) who are ready and willing to guide students to success. Majors and minors include Biological Physics, Creative Writing, European Cultural Studies, Language and Linguistics, and Sexuality and Queer Studies, among plenty of other options. Not only that, but students who aren't satisfied with a preordained study area can concoct their own from scratch, combining multiple interests together and working on numerous independent projects.

In addition to being the cornerstone of the state's public school system, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is also one of the largest, most respected research institutions in the country. It is without a doubt one of the best colleges in Massachusetts for students who are seeking a large-scale experience with big-city access. The school offers more than 90 different degree paths, from Animal Science and Astronomy to Natural Resources Conservation and Social Thought and Political Economy, plus plenty of interdisciplinary options and extras outside the classroom. And in the spirit of collaboration, UMass Amherst also sponsors the Five College Interchange, which gives students the flexibility to pick up credit through courses at Smith College, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and other premier institutions.

Northeastern University is all about engaging with the world, whether it's through research, study abroad, or collaboration with other institutions. NU is also one of the best Massachusetts colleges for experiential learning, which allows students to engage with one another and get hands-on experiences - on all seven continents! Students can join a co-op and work with an actual organization in their chosen field, tackle a service-learning project by serving an at-risk community, or travel the world - from India to Uganda to Honduras. Many students also participate in research - in fact so many so that the university gives out more than 100 awards each year for students who go above and beyond for their projects.

Smith College is a prestigious college for "women of high ability" who are seeking an education of "uncompromising quality." The curriculum places a premium on personal experiences and individual thought, and Smith encourages students to explore topics that ignite their passions. The women at Smith also enjoy unparalleled mentorship, from small classes with accessible professors to special study opportunities that foster one-on-one relationships with faculty. Young women can choose an academic degree in Comparative Literature or Medieval Studies, Geosciences or Biochemistry, Architecture or Dance, and everything in between.

The Olin College of Engineering is a "new kind of engineering college," one that sees engineering as a creative pursuit that can be used to solve problems. Students should get used to getting their hands dirty, because Olin is all about gaining practical skills and trying them out. The curriculum is split between three main areas: Design and Entrepreneurship, Modeling and Analysis, and Systems and Control. Most students take the same classes regardless of major and can even take engineering-relevant humanities courses like Stuff of History and Engineering for Humanity. The school is incredibly hard to get into - it has a slim 12% acceptance rate - and those who are admitted perform exceptionally well, with 95% graduating on time.

Bentley University is used to earning top rankings for its programs; its Career Services, on-campus library, and internship opportunities have all been rated some of the best in the nation. Bloomberg Businessweek has also offered high praise to the business school, and Bentley's placement rate for students seeking employment sits north of 95%. All these statistics paint a clear picture of BU as an institution that takes student success seriously, and in fact its graduation rate rockets past the average to 88%. When students aren't diligently hitting the books, they're probably immersing themselves in Greek life, making friends through one of 100+ student organizations, or flexing their creative muscles at the Mobile Arts Studio.

Above all, Clark University sends a message to students to "challenge convention [and] change our world." This bold mission statement cuts right to the heart of Clark's purpose, which is to meld passionate, open-minded students through a combination of liberal arts study and independent research. Approximately 2,200 students gather on campus each year to bond over mutual interests, whether they're working together at the Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise or discussing a lecture in their Global Environmental Studies class. Clark's net price is just above average, but it 78% graduation rate and $305,000 net ROI prove that this investment is worth it.

A top Massachusetts college for science and engineering fields, Worcester Polytechnic Institute combines the appeal of STEM degree programs with the real-world practice and technological training to help its students soar. Fewer than half of applicants are accepted to WPI, but those who make the cut have plenty for which to be grateful; the vast majority of students graduates within six years and earn enough money to put the school's ROI above $700,000! The school's mission is not just to prepare students in topics like Aerospace, Biotechnology, and System Dynamics, but also to train students to use their smarts to benefit the greater community.

Students who are ready to dive into the deep end and explore the great city of Boston can opt for BU, a serious operation that caters to more than 30,000 students at a time. It's a "big pond" for learners who are committed to becoming "big fish"; with 250+ majors and minors and nearly 10,000 faculty members, BU is one of the best universities in Massachusetts for students who want it all. Journalism, Nutrition, Global Manufacturing, Anthropology…these are just a few of the many programs that can prepare students for the career of their dreams. On that note, Boston University has a graduation rate of 85% and a 20-year net ROI of $380,000, proving that it is at the top of its game when it comes to student success.

UMass Lowell is one of the biggest universities in a very small state, attracting more than 17,000 students to its diverse programs and "high energy campus." Over the years, Lowell has earned quite a reputation for its ability to produce highly productive graduates, and its ROI of $545,000 places it within the top 60 in the nation. And like many large state schools, UMass Lowell has degree options in just about every area imaginable, from Biological Engineering and Exercise Physiology to Creative Writing and Peace and Conflict Studies. And students who are interested in research will have no trouble here - there's even a "Co-op Scholar Program" for particularly enterprising learners.

Worcester State University is another cheap Massachusetts college with a strong reputation as a top public school. Students choose WSU for the well-rounded experience it offers, from 60+ degree programs to opportunities for undergraduate research. In addition, student organizations give students the chance to step outside their comfort zone and into leadership positions as they make new friends. WSU learners can bond over their love for the environment, join the equestrian team, or start their journalism career on WSUR Radio. Worcester State is also big on leadership, and programs such as Helping Emerging Leaders Progress (HELP) and the Art of Leadership can give students an edge in the real world.

Eastern Nazarene College is a top college in Massachusetts that also happens to be one of the state's most affordable Christian schools. ENC's ideal location in Quincy makes it easy to access both the beach and the local transportation system, and Boston is just a short ride away. Eastern Nazarene is an especially popular choice for undergrads who want to earn an advanced degree, as the school has an excellent reputation for getting its graduates into the best grad/medical schools around. ENC also has a high caliber Honors Program that invites the school's best scholars to take on community service projects, research, and special extracurriculars and earn a prestigious distinction on their transcript.

The founding institution of the "Seven Sisters" schools, Mount Holyoke College is a woman's university for the modern world. Ever since the 1800s, MHC has been a place where young female learners can "develop their intellects, hone the power of their voices, and cultivate courage." The campus may be small in stature - just 2,300 students - but its large on resources. Degree programs include everything from Africana Studies to Theatre Arts, and there are plenty of interdisciplinary options as well. Students can also create their own major by combining two or three different areas of study, forming a one-of-a-kind path that could lead to a diploma in such topics as Astrophysics, Wildlife Biology, Biomedical Ethics, or Political Art.

The New England Conservatory of Music is one of the premier choices for students who are serious about the study of art and music. All students earn a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in a type of instrument, such as Percussion, Brass, Strings, or Woodwinds. Students can also pursue a program in Vocal Performance, Jazz Studies, or Composition, or they can even get a degree in Music Education. When conservatory students aren't busy practicing their music, they're engaged in myriad other activities on campus, from writing for The Penguin newspaper to attending unique workshops like "Food and Mood" and the "Paint Bar."

Fitchburg State University's affordable annual cost makes it one of the top cheap colleges in Massachusetts. Approximately 7,000 students can choose between more than 30 different majors in areas that combine the liberal arts with professional subjects, such as Communications Media, Geographic Science and Technology, Human Services, and Earth Systems Science. FSU also supports a lively group of extracurricular programs for students who just love to stay busy. CenterStage Arts hosts art galleries and lectures every year, while the Volunteer Center encourages FSU students to partner with local charities and fulfill their responsibility to help others.

For a traditional public education from one of the most affordable colleges in Massachusetts, consider Framingham State University. Its small class sizes and interesting course offerings draw students from throughout the state, while first-year learners enjoy a seamless tradition to college life through a number of unique freshmen initiatives. FSU also attracts a surprising number of overachievers - its honors college is nearly 300 strong! Framingham State students also benefit from impressive on-campus facilities, including the Entrepreneur Innovation Center, the Center for Inclusive Excellence, and a fully functional planetarium and multimedia STEM classroom!

The Massachusetts College of Art and Design, or "MassArt," has a long history of supporting art education. Not only was MassArt the first public college of art and design, but it was also the first art school to grant a degree. But this affordable Massachusetts college doesn't just offer programs in painting and photography. Students can explore a myriad of creative degrees, from Animation and Architectural Design to Printmaking and Jewelry and Metalsmithing. On campus galleries make sure students are constantly inspired by their surroundings, and visiting arts - like Daniel Clayman and Wangechi Mutu - provide unique insight into the world of artistic expression.

Emerson College is one of the best colleges in Massachusetts for liberal arts students who are specifically focused on communications and the arts. The small college (the student body sits below 4,000) offers a range of programs for creative and visual learners, including Visual and Media Arts, Politics and Social Advocacy, Stage and Screen Design, and Theatre Education. Emerson isn't for everyone, but it can do wonders for students who have a clear vision of what they want in a career; notable alumni include Jay Leno, Denis Leary, Eric Hutchinson, and Bobbi Brown. The school's location also makes it a draw for students who love the arts - passionate young learners often venture out into the city to visit museums and take in the local music scene.

Located in what has been named "America's best college town," Simmons College offers an intimate haven on a small campus that perfectly contrasts the hustle and bustle of Boston. Simmons' mission is to create leaders who take initiative and are proactive at seizing opportunities to get ahead. This includes a special SimmonLEADS program to empower young women and annual conferences that remind female students of founder John Simmons' original goal: to provide women with an avenue to independence and self-led, meaningful lives. The school calendar is rife with interesting events, as well, from the yearly Simmons Soiree to the much-awaited Shark Week celebration.

Bay Path University stands for a "meaningful education" for young women of all races and ethnicities. The inclusive campus employs a "career focused" curriculum that aims to help its students land desirable jobs by the time they graduate. Undergraduates can major in Biotechnology, Child Psychology, Interior Design, Medical Science, Small Business Management, or any of a number of degree programs focused on skill development and practical experience. Bay Path also supports The American Women's College - the first online accredited program exclusively for women - and the "One Day A Week College," which offers conveniently scheduled courses for adult women at locations throughout the state.