A Comprehensive List & Guide to Universities in Boston, America

Boston is more than just a city; it’s an academic hub that has shaped some of the brightest minds across the globe. My friend once referred to Boston as the “ultimate learning destination,” and after witnessing the opportunities it presents, I wholeheartedly concur. Home to over 35 universities and colleges, Boston boasts some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, drawing students from all corners of the globe. From Ivy League giants to specialized schools in arts, sciences, and business, the universities in Boston offer something for everyone.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the universities in Boston, America, exploring their unique strengths, student life, tuition costs, and how they compare on a global scale. Whether you’re a prospective student, a parent, or even an employer looking to tap into a pool of skilled graduates, this guide is tailored to give you insights that matter.

Why Boston Is the Educational Hub of America?

Boston stands out as an academic powerhouse, and for good reason. Here’s what makes this city a magnet for students:

• Number of Universities and Colleges: Boston and its surrounding areas are home to over 35 higher education institutions, serving more than 250,000 students annually.
• Global Rankings: Several Boston universities consistently rank in the Top 100 globally, making the city synonymous with academic excellence.
• Cultural and Professional Opportunities: Boston’s proximity to tech hubs, research institutions, and cultural landmarks provides students with endless opportunities for internships, networking, and extracurricular learning.

List of the Top Universities in Boston

Here is an expanded list of all the universities and colleges in Boston and its surrounding areas, following the same detailed format. This includes major institutions, specialized colleges, and community-focused schools.

#1. Harvard University

• Founded: 1636
• Global Ranking: #1-5 consistently in global rankings by QS and Times Higher Education.
• Specialization: Renowned for business, law, and medicine, with strengths across all fields.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~3.4%
  • Tuition: ~$54,000/year
  • Alumni Network: Over 400,000 alumni worldwide, including 8 U.S. Presidents.
• Website: www.harvard.edu
• Contact: +1 617-495-1000
• Address: Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138

#2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Founded: 1861
• Global Ranking: #1 for engineering and technology globally (QS 2023).
• Specialization: Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Physics.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~4.1%
  • Tuition: ~$57,000/year
• Research: Invests over $1 billion annually in research.
• Website: www.mit.edu
• Contact: +1 617-253-1000
• Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139

#3. Boston University (BU)

• Founded: 1839
• Global Ranking: Top 100 globally.
• Specialization: Business, Communications, Arts, and Public Health.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~19%
  • Tuition: ~$59,000/year
  • Student Body: Over 34,000 students from more than 130 countries.
• Website: www.bu.edu
• Contact: +1 617-353-2000
• Address: One Silber Way, Boston, MA 02215

#4. Boston College (BC)

• Founded: 1863
• Specialization: Liberal Arts, Business, Law, and Theology.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~19%
  • Tuition: ~$65,000/year
  • Student Body: ~14,000 students.
• Website: www.bc.edu
• Contact: +1 617-552-8000
• Address: 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

#5. Northeastern University

• Founded: 1898
• Specialization: Co-op programs (experiential learning), engineering, business, and computer science.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~18%
  • Tuition: ~$60,000/year
  • Co-op Opportunities: Partnerships with over 3,000 employers worldwide.
• Website: www.northeastern.edu
• Contact: +1 617-373-2000
• Address: 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

#6. Tufts University

• Founded: 1852
• Specialization: International Relations, Medicine, and Liberal Arts.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~10%
  • Tuition: ~$65,000/year
  • Global Partnerships: Over 70 international programs.
• Website: www.tufts.edu
• Contact: +1 617-627-3170
• Address: 419 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155

#7. Simmons University

• Founded: 1899
• Specialization: Nursing, Social Work, and Women’s Leadership.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~70%
  • Tuition: ~$44,000/year
  • Student Body: ~6,000 students.
• Website: www.simmons.edu
• Contact: +1 617-521-2000
• Address: 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115

#8. Suffolk University

• Founded: 1906
• Specialization: Business, Law, and Public Administration.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~84%
  • Tuition: ~$43,000/year
  • Student Body: ~7,000 students.
• Website: www.suffolk.edu
• Contact: +1 617-573-8000
• Address: 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108

#9. University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston)

• Founded: 1964
• Specialization: Public Policy, Education, and Business.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~77%
  • Tuition: ~$15,000/year (in-state), ~$36,000/year (out-of-state).
  • Student Body: ~16,000 students.
• Website: www.umb.edu
• Contact: +1 617-287-5000
• Address: 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125

#10. Berklee College of Music

• Founded: 1945
• Specialization: Contemporary Music, Composition, and Performance.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~52%
  • Tuition: ~$48,000/year
  • Student Body: ~7,000 students.
• Website: www.berklee.edu
• Contact: +1 617-266-1400
• Address: 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215

#11. Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)

• Founded: 1873
• Specialization: Fine Arts, Media, and Design.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~70%
  • Tuition: ~$14,000/year (in-state), ~$39,000/year (out-of-state).
  • Student Body: ~2,000 students.
• Website: www.massart.edu
• Contact: +1 617-879-7000
• Address: 621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

#12. Emerson College

• Founded: 1880
• Specialization: Media, Communication, and the Arts.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~36%
  • Tuition: ~$53,000/year
  • Student Body: ~5,000 students.
• Website: www.emerson.edu
• Contact: +1 617-824-8500
• Address: 120 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

#13. New England Conservatory of Music (NEC)

• Founded: 1867
• Specialization: Classical Music, Composition, and Conducting.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~31%
  • Tuition: ~$51,000/year
  • Student Body: ~750 students.
• Website: www.necmusic.edu
• Contact: +1 617-585-1100
• Address: 290 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

NEC is one of the oldest independent music conservatories in the U.S., known for its rigorous classical training and collaboration with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

#14. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)

• Founded: 1823
• Specialization: Pharmacy, Nursing, Optometry, and Healthcare Management.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~83%
  • Tuition: ~$36,000/year
  • Student Body: ~7,000 students.
• Website: www.mcphs.edu
• Contact: +1 617-732-2800
• Address: 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

MCPHS is renowned for healthcare education, offering a variety of programs tailored to prepare students for careers in medical and health services.

#15. Boston Architectural College (BAC)

• Founded: 1889
• Specialization: Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: Open admission.
  • Tuition: ~$25,000/year
  • Student Body: ~750 students.
• Website: www.the-bac.edu
• Contact: +1 617-585-0100
• Address: 320 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115

BAC is unique for its hands-on approach to architecture and design education, offering evening and weekend classes to accommodate working professionals.

#16. Lesley University

• Founded: 1909
• Specialization: Education, Counseling, and Fine Arts.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~75%
  • Tuition: ~$30,000/year
  • Student Body: ~6,000 students.
• Website: www.lesley.edu
• Contact: +1 617-868-9600
• Address: 29 Everett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Lesley is a leader in preparing educators and counselors, with strong ties to community-based learning and experiential programs.

#17. Wentworth Institute of Technology

• Founded: 1904
• Specialization: Engineering, Design, and Architecture.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~76%
  • Tuition: ~$39,000/year
  • Student Body: ~4,000 students.
• Website: www.wit.edu
• Contact: +1 617-989-4590
• Address: 550 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

Wentworth integrates cooperative education into its curriculum, preparing students with hands-on experience in engineering and technical fields.

#18. Emerson College

• Founded: 1880
• Specialization: Media, Communication, and Performing Arts.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~36%
  • Tuition: ~$53,000/year
  • Student Body: ~5,000 students.
• Website: www.emerson.edu
• Contact: +1 617-824-8500
• Address: 120 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Emerson is widely regarded as a hub for creative students, producing industry leaders in journalism, film, and marketing.

#19. Berklee College of Music

• Founded: 1945
• Specialization: Contemporary Music, Composition, and Performance.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~52%
  • Tuition: ~$48,000/year
  • Student Body: ~7,000 students.
• Website: www.berklee.edu
• Contact: +1 617-266-1400
• Address: 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215

Berklee is renowned for its focus on contemporary music, boasting Grammy-winning alumni like John Mayer and Quincy Jones.

#20. Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

• Founded: 1908
• Specialization: Engineering, Automotive Technology, and Computer Systems.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~80%
  • Tuition: ~$17,000/year
  • Student Body: ~500 students.
• Website: www.bfit.edu
• Contact: +1 617-588-1000
• Address: 41 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116

This small, career-focused college offers affordable education in technical fields, ensuring a high placement rate in STEM careers.

#21. Simmons University

• Founded: 1899
• Specialization: Nursing, Public Health, and Women-Centred Undergraduate Programs.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~70%
  • Tuition: ~$44,000/year
  • Student Body: ~6,000 students.
• Website: www.simmons.edu
• Contact: +1 617-521-2000
• Address: 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115

#22. Suffolk University

• Founded: 1906
• Specialization: Business, Law, and Political Science.
• Stats:
  • Acceptance Rate: ~84%
  • Tuition: ~$43,000/year
  • Student Body: ~7,000 students.
• Website: www.suffolk.edu
• Contact: +1 617-573-8000
• Address: 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108

Smaller Colleges and Specialized Institutions in Boston

Boston is not just about big-name universities; it’s also home to smaller colleges and specialized schools that focus on hands-on learning and career-specific programs. From healthcare and music to architecture and theology, these institutions provide unique opportunities in a supportive, close-knit environment. Let’s explore what makes them stand out.

#1. Boston Architectural College (BAC)

• Founded: 1889
• Specialization: Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Design Studies.
• Key Features:
  • BAC emphasizes hands-on, practical experience through its concurrent education model, where students work in the field while studying.
  • Offers evening and weekend classes for working professionals.
  • Provides accredited degrees in architecture and design, which are critical for licensure.
• Stats:
  • Student Body: ~750 students.
  • Acceptance Rate: Open admission.
  • Tuition: ~$25,000/year.
• Website: www.the-bac.edu
• Contact: +1 617-585-0100
• Address: 320 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115

#2. Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT)

• Founded: 1908
• Specialization: Automotive Technology, Computer Engineering, Electronics Technology, and Renewable Energy.
• Key Features:
  • Offers career-focused associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
  • Known for its high placement rates in technical fields like automotive repair and renewable energy systems.
  • Affordable tuition compared to many technical schools.
• Stats:
  • Student Body: ~500 students.
  • Acceptance Rate: ~80%.
  • Tuition: ~$17,000/year.
• Website: www.bfit.edu
• Contact: +1 617-588-1000
• Address: 41 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116

#3. Labouré College of Healthcare

• Founded: 1892
• Specialization: Nursing, Radiation Therapy, and Healthcare Administration.
• Key Features:
  • Focuses entirely on healthcare education, providing programs tailored to high-demand roles in the medical field.
  • Offers flexible schedules, including part-time and online programs for working professionals.
• Stats:
  • Student Body: ~1,200 students.
  • Acceptance Rate: Open admission.
  • Tuition: ~$34,000/year.
• Website: www.laboure.edu
• Contact: +1 617-322-3517
• Address: 303 Adams Street, Milton, MA 02186

#4. Boston Baptist College

• Founded: 1976
• Specialization: Biblical Studies, Ministry, and Christian Education.
• Key Features:
  • Provides a Christ-centred curriculum aimed at preparing students for ministry roles.
  • Offers affordable education with a focus on small class sizes and personalized attention.
  • Emphasizes community service and spiritual growth.
• Stats:
  • Student Body: ~150 students.
  • Acceptance Rate: Open admission.
  • Tuition: ~$16,000/year.
• Website: www.boston.edu/bbc
• Contact: +1 617-364-3510
• Address: 950 Metropolitan Avenue, Boston, MA 02136

#5. Hellenic College Holy Cross

• Founded: 1937
• Specialization: Theology, Greek Studies, and Liberal Arts.
• Key Features:
  • Strongly affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Church, offering theological training for clergy and laypeople.
  • Unique programs in Byzantine music, Orthodox theology, and Greek culture.
  • Small student body fosters a close-knit academic community.
• Stats:
  • Student Body: ~200 students.
  • Acceptance Rate: Open admission.
  • Tuition: ~$23,000/year.
• Website: www.hchc.edu
• Contact: +1 617-731-3500
• Address: 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445

#6. Urban College of Boston

• Founded: 1967
• Specialization: Associate Degrees and Certifications in Early Childhood Education, Human Services, and Management.
• Key Features:
  • Focuses on providing education for underserved communities and non-traditional students.
  • Offers bilingual courses (English and Spanish) to accommodate diverse learners.
  • Affordable tuition rates and robust scholarship opportunities.
• Stats:
  • Student Body: ~1,000 students.
  • Acceptance Rate: Open admission.
  • Tuition: ~$5,000/year (affordable community college pricing).
• Website: www.urbancollege.edu
• Contact: +1 617-348-6359
• Address: 2 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

#7. New England Conservatory of Music (NEC)

• Founded: 1867
• Specialization: Classical Music, Jazz, Composition, and Musicology.
• Key Features:
  • One of the oldest independent music conservatories in the U.S.
  • Offers a dual-degree program in collaboration with Harvard University.
  • Alumni include celebrated composers, conductors, and musicians worldwide.
• Stats:
  • Student Body: ~750 students.
  • Acceptance Rate: ~31%.
  • Tuition: ~$51,000/year.
• Website: www.necmusic.edu
• Contact: +1 617-585-1100
• Address: 290 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

#8. New England College of Optometry (NECO)

• Founded: 1894
• Specialization: Optometry and Vision Science.
• Key Features:
  • Offers a four-year professional program leading to a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.
  • Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and clinical training opportunities.
  • Strong focus on research in eye health and vision sciences.
• Stats:
  • Student Body: ~500 students.
  • Acceptance Rate: Highly selective.
  • Tuition: ~$45,000/year.
• Website: www.neco.edu
• Contact: +1 617-236-6200
• Address: 424 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02115

#9. Fisher College

• Founded: 1903
• Specialization: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Healthcare Management.
• Key Features:
  • Offers career-focused programs with a strong emphasis on internships and practical training.
  • Small class sizes and personalized faculty attention.
  • Located in Boston’s historic Back Bay, providing easy access to the city’s cultural and professional hubs.
• Stats:
  • Student Body: ~1,500 students.
  • Acceptance Rate: Open admission.
  • Tuition: ~$33,000/year.
• Website: www.fisher.edu
• Contact: +1 617-236-8800
• Address: 118 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02116

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Cost of Studying in Boston?

• Tuition fees range from $30,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on the institution.
• Living costs in Boston average around $18,000-$24,000/year, including housing, food, and transportation.

How Diverse Are Boston’s Universities?

• Boston attracts students from over 130 countries, with many institutions boasting international student bodies of 20-30%.

Are Scholarships Available?

• Yes, universities like Harvard and MIT offer need-based and merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition.
• Northeastern’s co-op program also allows students to earn while they learn.

Which University Has the Best Job Placement Rates?

• Northeastern University leads in job placement due to its co-op programs, followed closely by MIT and BU.

Key Takeaways

1. Boston is home to over 35 universities, making it one of the most diverse and prestigious academic hubs in the world.
2. Top institutions like Harvard, MIT, and BU consistently rank among the best globally.
3. The cost of studying in Boston is high, with tuition ranging from $30,000 to $65,000 annually, but financial aid opportunities are abundant.
4. Universities in Boston excel in experiential learning, with co-op programs, internships, and research opportunities widely available.
5. Use a structured template to align your goals, finances, and academic preferences when selecting a university in Boston.

Conclusion

Boston isn’t just a city—it’s a gateway to academic excellence and professional growth. Whether you’re drawn to the prestige of Harvard, the innovation at MIT, or the diversity at BU, Boston offers something for everyone. With its world-class institutions, vibrant student culture, and endless opportunities, it’s no wonder students from all over the world choose Boston as their academic destination.

What’s your top priority when choosing a university—ranking, cost, or campus culture? Let’s discuss in the comments below!