13 Best Colleges in New England | 2022

When it comes to world-class colleges, New England holds its head high. It is home to some of the most prestigious and selective colleges and universities in the world. So, if you are a student looking to study in one of the best schools in New England and even in the U.S, we have compiled the best list for you.

In fact, New England is well known for its active student life. Many of the world’s most famous colleges are located here in New England – schools such as Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, are synonymous with an elite northeastern education.

However, there are also many great universities in New England besides these famous Ivy League institutions. Some of these universities incur significant research costs, contribute to the local economy, and even have a level of employment as high as that of almost any other school.

So, in this article, we will help you decide the particular school of your choice that best suits your taste.

Why Should You Go to College?

This might sound bizarre but there are many reasons you should attend college. So, one of the main reasons we attend college is to gain the relevant skills and education needed to live autonomously and successfully. 

Whether in Massachusettes or any other school in the U.S, college generally teaches us the social skills we will need in our future lives and careers.

Although there are so many jobs you can get without a college degree, you really can’t access some high-paying jobs without a bachelor’s or masters’ degree.

For those that would like to further their careers, especially to senior management positions, a degree can pave the way for you.

Working on projects with teams can also help you become a better team player and help grow your network. College is really the best place to build your personality, social life, and mentality.

Check out our: 15 Business Schools in Boston in 2022 | Updated

Why Study In New England?

One of the best and oldest in the country is the region of New England. It is home to one of the best Ivy League schools in the U.S. Populated by young professionals, families, students, and retirees, this progressive area is known for its distinct seasons, iconic seafood and highly ranked colleges.

Some major areas in New England include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. And they all offer their own unique beauty.

Also, several well-known colleges and universities in the region include Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, Dartmouth College, Brown University, Tufts University, Brandeis University, Boston College, Boston University, Williams College, Amherst College, Wellesley College, Northeastern University and Emerson College – just to name a few.

Even when it comes to history, New England is famous for being the landing place of the Pilgrims and the location of the first established public school in the U.S., New England will always have a unique place in America’s history.

Kindly check this: 15 Best Technical Colleges in Massachusetts | 2022

What Is The Cost of Living in New England?

The cost of living in New England is 11% lower than the national average. This is great because it means that living in New England is very cheap. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. The median home price in New England is over $169,900 according to Best Places.

How Many Schools Are In New England?

In New England, there are so many universities and colleges. In Massachusetts, there are over 102 Four-Year Colleges and Universities from our extensive database of 192 Massachusetts Colleges, Community Colleges, and Trade Schools.

For the sake of this article, we explore some of the best schools in New England for your study. These include:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Cambridge, Massachusetts.

2. Yale University.

3. Harvard University. Cambridge, Massachusetts.

4. Dartmouth College.

5. Brown University.

6. Williams College.

7. College of the Holy Cross.

8. Bowdoin College among a few others.

How much does it cost to study in New England?

The cost of studying in New England largely depends on the living cost of that area. And, for the academic year 2018-2019, the average tuition cost for Colleges in Massachusetts is $8,279 for in-state and $26,252 for out-of-state.

So, studying in New England is relatively not too expensive but it’d help a great deal if you get a side-job while schooling to help relieve you of expenses.

Best Colleges in New England in 2022

#1. Yale University

Being an Ivy League school, Yale offers academics and sports like no other private school. It is a large research university with a wide array of programs, departments, schools, centers, museums, and many affiliated organizations.

Since the school is so highly revered and full of history, many famous people are alumni, including but not limited to five U.S. presidents, four international presidents, two prime ministers, Sinclair Lewis, Nupita Nyong’o, Benoit Mandelbrot among others.

Yale College students provide visitors a glimpse into the history and architecture of the University during campus tours.

With over 5964 undergraduate students, 7469 graduate and professional students, Yale University is ranked as one of the best colleges in New England.

#2. Havard Univerity

Founded in 1636, Harvard is a large, highly residential research university. The Chemistry Department of this university is the first American recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

It is an ivy league school located in Cambridge, Massachusetts whose history, influence, and wealth have made it one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

With over 371,000 living alumni, over 279,000 in the U.S., and over 59,000 in some 202 other countries, Havard is one of the best colleges in Massachusetts and New England.

They have provided over 49 Nobel Laureates, 32 heads of state, 48 Pulitzer Prize winners. In fact, it is one of the best universities not only in the USA but also in the world.

#3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university established on April 10, 1861. MIT is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

For several years, U.S. News & World Report, the QS World University Rankings the university has first ranking. MIT began offering chemistry as early as 1865 which maintains two service centers.

First, the Instrumentation Facility maintains the numerous research tools and the second service Center is the X-Ray Facility for structural analysis.

Ranked at the top for the seventh straight year, the Institute also places first in 12 of 48 disciplines.

While MIT is perhaps best known for its programs in engineering and the physical sciences, other areas—notably economics, political science, urban studies, linguistics, and philosophy—are also strong.

MIT is regarded as the best of the best universities in New England. So, admission is extremely competitive.

#4. Tufts University

Tufts University is a private institution that was founded in 1852. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,541, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 150 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Popular majors at Tufts University include Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Engineering; and Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services.

Here, 93.8% of students participate in at least one extracurricular or co-curricular activity. Tufts is recognized as a premier university dedicated to educating new leaders for a changing world. So, getting into Tufts is incredibly difficult.

#5. Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research university in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States. Established in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock, it is the ninth oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

This University also provides undergraduate instruction in 40 academic departments and interdisciplinary programs including 57 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, and enables students to design specialized concentrations or engage in dual degree programs.

It is one achievement that you need to notice if you are looking for a university. Also, if you love science and history, Dartmouth University is the one that you need.

Its acceptance rate is 10.6%. Admission into this school is relatively difficult because it’s one of the best universities in New England.

#6. Brown University

Brown University is founded in 1764 and now it is a leading research university of world-renowned professors. Also, Brown University is an innovative educational institution where the curiosity, creativity and intellectual joy of students drive academic excellence.

Most importantly, as Brown is a leading research university for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose, their students, teachers, and staff are motivated by the idea that their work will have an impact on the world.

Their students also develop a personalized curriculum: they have more freedom to study what they choose and the flexibility to discover what they like.

According to the most recent data available (for the 2022 promotion), the current acceptance rate at Brown University is 8.3%.

#7. Williams College

Williams College is a private institution that was founded in 1793. Williams College has three academic branches – languages and the arts, social sciences, and science and mathematics – and graduate programs in the history of art and economics.

So, with more than 50 areas of study across the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, Williams offers innumerable opportunities to discover and pursue academic interests.

The college simultaneously also supports a number of initiatives intended to move the campus and community toward greater sustainability and a reduced climate impact.

At Williams, students receive an education both deep and broad, thanks to the close relationship between teacher and student. They have a student-faculty ratio of 7:1 and an acceptance rate of 17.6%.

#8. Boston University

Boston University is a research university that was founded in 1839, and located in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston University’s ranking is 37th in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities.

Running this university is no small operation. With over 35,000 students from more than 130 countries, over 10,000 faculty and staff, 17 schools and colleges, and more than 300 programs of study, our three campuses are always humming, always in high gear.

Campus life at Boston University is awesome with more than 500 student clubs; shows and lectures; a state-of-the-art fitness center. Also, there are many pubs and restaurants; and the thrills and spills of Terrier ice hockey for the sports lover.

However, Boston University has an acceptance rate of 29..4% and a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. This makes it one of the best universities to attend in New England.

#9. Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University is a private university in Hamden, Connecticut. The university grants undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees through its College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Engineering, School of Communication, School of Health Sciences, School of Law, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, as well as School of Education.

In the academic sector, classes are tiny compared to most schools. With a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, this translates into better conversations and more a more fun learning experience.

And as for its location within the greater United States? Quinnipiac offers a good midway point between New York City and Boston, a connection between the mid-Atlantic and New England like nowhere else.

Acceptance Rate: 76.4%

#10. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is the definition of a city college. It’s located directly in the heart of Boston and it has two subway lines running nearby so students can always reach another part of the area if they’d like.

Granted, it’s still a closed-off space so integration within the city is not one hundred percent.

At Northeastern, students define their future through a powerful education that integrates learning inside and outside of the classroom.

They are prepared to engage with the world—not just learn about it. To set the curve, not follow it. And embrace change that propels them forward.

According to research, 97% of graduates from 2017-2018 were employed full time or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation.

This makes Northeastern University one of the best colleges to study in New England. However, their acceptance rate is 28.9%.

#11. Brandeis University

Known for being one of the few Jewish universities in the United States, Brandeis is a private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts.

In 2018, Brandeis had a total enrollment of 5,800 students on its suburban campus spanning 235 acres. The institution offers more than 43 majors and 46 minors, and two-thirds of undergraduate classes have 20 students or fewer.

This university is a safe, progressive powerhouse located twenty minutes away from Boston. It is definitely worth your application for the best colleges in New England.

With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 and over $59 million in funded grants and scholarships to undergraduates, Brandeis becomes one of the best schools to attend in New England.

Acceptance rate: 33.4%

#12. Bowdoin College

This private college is the third-best liberal arts school in the United States. In addition to providing an excellent education, the college also offers plenty of rich college experiences.

This school is home to the Peucinian Society, of which alumni Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was a member.

Bowdoin is a best-value school and is respected for its undergraduate teaching. Popular majors at Bowdoin College include Political Science and Government, General; Economics, General; Mathematics, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; and History, General. Also, the average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 96%.

With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, the students enjoy active learning and close relationship with tutors and great teamwork. This has contributed to making Bowdoin university one of the best colleges in New England and also in the US.

Acceptance Rate: 14.8%

#13. Amherst College

Amherst College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1821, Amherst is the third-oldest institution of higher education in Massachusetts.

It is also one of the most selective colleges in the United States, and of course, it made the lists of top Massachusetts colleges and top New England colleges.

Amherst attracts students from around the world because of its academic offerings. Students have access to over 40 majors, an open curriculum, talented and accessible faculty, as well as opportunities for research and internships around the world.

With a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, Amherst encourages a personalized learning experience for the students and also close working relationships with lecturers and students.

Acceptance Rate: 40%

You can also read: 21 Best Colleges In Boston, MA | Tuition And Acceptance rate

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of studying in New England largely depends on the living cost of that area. And, the average tuition cost for Colleges in Massachusetts is $8,279 for in-state and $26,252 for out-of-state.

New England is home to one of the Ivy League colleges and universities in the U.S. These include Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, Dartmouth College, among others.

New England is home to one of the best Ivy League schools in the U.S and here, you can learn so much about the american history.

The median home price in New England is over $169,900 according to Best Places.

Conclusion

Actually, New England is home to most of the ivy league schools in the U.S. It is really the best place to build your personality, social life, and mentality as a college student.

If you are at the undergraduate level or graduate level, we explore some of the best schools in New England for you to study your dream course.

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