Douglas Olsen
Massachusetts is home to a plethora of colleges and universities, with 114 institutions listed under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Of these, 30 are public institutions, 85 are private non-profit schools, and 10 are private for-profit institutions. The Massachusetts State University System comprises nine diverse institutions, with student populations ranging from fewer than 2,000 to over 10,000. These nine state universities offer a broad range of programs, from engineering and arts to comprehensive degree programs in various fields.
In terms of enrollment, Boston University topped the list in 2013 with 32,603 students, while the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the state's largest public university, had 28,518 students. Recent data from 2023 shows that the University of Massachusetts Amherst has an undergraduate enrollment of 23,936 students, spread across a 1,463-acre campus.
Massachusetts boasts a rich history in higher education, with Harvard University, founded in 1636, being the oldest post-secondary institution in the state. The state is also home to other renowned universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which are ranked among the top in the world.
What You'll Learn
Massachusetts State University System
The Massachusetts State University System comprises nine diverse institutions, ranging in size from fewer than 2,000 students to some of the largest universities in the state, with more than 10,000 students. The system educates 52,000 students annually, producing over 10,000 degrees per year, and offering over 300 academic programs.
The Massachusetts State Universities were founded in the 1830s as normal schools dedicated to educating teachers. Today, the nine campuses offer a wide array of programs, from institutions focused on engineering and the arts to comprehensive universities offering degree programs in the physical and life sciences, mathematics, business, education, information technology, the social sciences, humanities, and other fields.
The Massachusetts State University System includes:
- Bridgewater State University
- Fitchburg State University
- Framingham State University
- Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA)
- Salem State University
- Westfield State University
- Worcester State University
The Massachusetts State University System provides an affordable option for undergraduate education in Massachusetts, with an average annual tuition fee of $8,306. The system has produced impressive results in recent years, including 5,000 science and technology degrees, 4,000 healthcare degrees, and 11,000 teaching degrees in the last five years. Additionally, 84% of graduates remain in Massachusetts after completing their studies.
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University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a public land-grant research university in Amherst, Massachusetts. It is the largest public university in the state, with an enrollment of 28,518 students. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 100 majors for undergraduates to choose from. UMass Amherst is also the central location for the state school system and is part of the Five College Consortium, which allows students to take courses and utilize resources at four other colleges in the Pioneer Valley: Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College, and Hampshire College.
UMass Amherst was founded in 1863 as the Massachusetts Agricultural College and is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system. The university has a rich history, with notable alumni including NASA astronaut Catherine Coleman, NPR host Audie Cornish, and Peloton co-founder Hisao Kushi. The campus is situated on 1,450 acres of land and offers a variety of residential options for students, with over 14,000 students living in 52 residence halls. The university also has a strong focus on research, with a classification among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity".
UMass Amherst provides a dynamic and flexible learning environment, allowing students to transition between online and in-person modes of learning and offering a range of international programs. The university is committed to innovation and has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a diverse and open-minded community. With top-ranked programs across 12 schools and colleges, UMass Amherst offers a world-class, accessible education.
In terms of academics, UMass Amherst offers a variety of degree programs, including 111 bachelor's degrees, nearly 80 master's degrees, and 50 doctoral programs. The university is also home to several schools and colleges, such as the College of Engineering, the Isenberg School of Management, and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The university's athletic teams, known as the Minutemen and Minutewomen, compete in NCAA Division I and are a part of the Atlantic 10 Conference.
UMass Amherst is more than just a place of learning; it is a community that fosters creativity, scholarship, and a sense of belonging. With a strong focus on community engagement and a dedication to positive change, the university offers a well-rounded and engaging experience for its students.
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Massachusetts Community Colleges
Massachusetts has 15 community colleges, each with multiple campuses and satellite locations. These colleges offer unique opportunities for the local communities they are a part of, with open access to high-quality and affordable academic programs. Bunker Hill Community College, Roxbury Community College, Northern Essex Community College, and North Shore Community College are just a few examples.
The Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges (MACC) includes all 15 community colleges in the state. MACC's mission is to provide affordable, flexible, and high-quality education to its students. Through the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs, MACC allows Massachusetts residents who have not earned a bachelor's degree to attend community college for free. This initiative has made community college an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective and accessible path to higher education.
The 15 community colleges in Massachusetts offer a range of academic programs, including associate degrees and certificates. They also provide remote, online, and hybrid learning options to cater to different student needs. Additionally, these colleges have relationships with public and private institutions, making the transfer process easier for students who wish to continue their education elsewhere.
With an average annual tuition and fees of $8,306, Massachusetts' community colleges offer a cost-effective option for residents seeking an undergraduate education. This affordability, coupled with the colleges' focus on quality and flexibility, makes them a popular choice for many students in the state.
Overall, Massachusetts' community colleges play a crucial role in providing accessible and affordable higher education to the state's residents, offering a wide range of academic programs and learning options to meet the diverse needs of their students.
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Massachusetts Private Colleges
Massachusetts is home to 70 private colleges and universities, enrolling a total of 281,512 students. The state's private higher education institutions include some of the most prestigious and well-known schools in the world, such as Harvard University, Boston University, Boston College, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
MIT, located in Cambridge, is widely recognised for its rigorous academic programs, innovative research, and collaborative community. The institute fosters a dynamic environment that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in engineering, science, and technology. Its campus culture emphasises hands-on learning and problem-solving, often leading to groundbreaking projects and startups. With an acceptance rate of around 4%, MIT is highly selective, ensuring a community of aspiring innovators and thinkers.
Boston University, the state's largest private institution by enrolment, had 32,603 students in the fall of 2013. It offers a wide range of academic programs and resources, providing students with diverse opportunities to pursue their passions and interests. Boston College, another well-regarded private institution, is one of eleven Catholic post-secondary institutions in Massachusetts.
Other notable private colleges in Massachusetts include Northeastern University, Tufts University, Amherst College, Williams College, Wellesley College, and Mount Holyoke College. These institutions offer rigorous academic programs, vibrant campus communities, and a range of extra-curricular activities to engage and enrich the student experience.
The private colleges in Massachusetts vary in size, selectivity, and focus, providing a diverse array of options for students seeking a more intimate and academically challenging environment. With 85 of the state's post-secondary institutions being private, students have a wealth of choices to find the right fit for their educational journey.
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Massachusetts Public Colleges
There are 30 public colleges in Massachusetts, ranging from small colleges to large universities. These institutions vary in terms of focus, size, and location, but all offer a high-quality education to their students.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst, often referred to as UMass Amherst, is the largest public university in Massachusetts. With over 32,000 students and more than 200 academic programs, it is a comprehensive institution. UMass Amherst is ranked 26th among Top Public Schools and offers a flexible and dynamic learning environment. It is also the only public "R1: Doctoral University" in Massachusetts with "Very High Research Activity".
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University is a highly respected institution located in southeastern Massachusetts. It offers 136 undergraduate, graduate, and evening degree programs with a focus on accessibility and affordability.
Worcester State University
Worcester State University is recognised as one of the 75 "Best Value" public universities in the country by The Princeton Review. With 50 undergraduate and 25 graduate degree programs, it offers a well-rounded education in a variety of fields.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
The Massachusetts College of Art, founded in 1873, is the first and only freestanding public college of art and design in the United States. It offers a unique and innovative education with a strong liberal arts component.
Framingham State University
Framingham State University, located just 20 miles outside of Boston, offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit community with a diverse and broad range of programs. With 53 undergraduate and graduate programs, it provides a personal and collaborative learning environment.
Other Notable Public Colleges
Massachusetts is also home to several other notable public colleges and universities, including:
- Salem State University
- Westfield State University
- Fitchburg State University
- Berkshire Community College
- Bristol Community College
- Bunker Hill Community College
- Cape Cod Community College
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, there were 23,936 students enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the state's flagship campus and largest public university. Overall, the Massachusetts state university system comprises nine diverse institutions, educating 52,000 students annually.
After nearly a decade of enrollment declines, Massachusetts public undergraduate enrollment increased by nearly 3% from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023, with a net increase of close to 4,000 students.
While enrollment had been declining since 2013, the recent increase can be attributed to a substantial rise in community college enrollment and first-time student enrollment.
Aside from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, other large institutions include Boston University, with 32,603 students in 2013, and Salem State University, which offers a wide range of programs and is known for its supportive environment.
