15 Best Colleges In New England: This New England university guide provides a complete overview of the state’s higher education alternatives, whether you are searching for a public, private, or community college. New England is home to Harvard University, Yale University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Brown University.
Harvard University is the top-ranked college in New England, while the University of Connecticut is the top-ranked public state university. To begin your college search, peruse the following list of Best Colleges In New England.
Also check: 10 Best colleges in Baltimore
List of the Best Colleges In New England
The following is a list of the Best Colleges In New England:
1. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, Massachusetts
In terms of overall quality, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is this year’s Best Colleges In New England region. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has a sizeable student body. In 2019-2020, this institution awarded 3,715 bachelor’s degrees to qualifying undergraduates.
This Best Colleges In New England has a low default rate on student loans. It is much lower than the national average of 10.1%, at 1.1%. In their early years of employment, those with a bachelor’s degree from MIT may expect to earn an average salary of $104,700. This is one of the greatest colleges in New England with a high acceptance rate and a ranking among the top 20 schools.
Often ranked first among top engineering schools; home to one of the nation’s best business schools; breathtaking location overlooking the Boston skyline; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for strengths in liberal arts and sciences; membership in the Association of American Universities for strong research programs.
2. Dartmouth University (Hanover, New Hampshire)
This is one of the top-ranked colleges in Massachusetts and one of the Best Colleges In New England. If you attend Dartmouth College, you will be in excellent company. On our list of the 2022 Best Colleges in the New England Region, it was ranked second. Dartmouth is a university of moderate size located in Hanover, New Hampshire. In 2019-2020, this institution awarded 2,114 bachelor’s degrees to qualifying undergraduates.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, it is evident that the school is committed to the success of its undergraduates. In their early years of employment, someone with a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth may expect to earn an average salary of $75,500.
Ivy League’s smallest member; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for strong liberal arts and sciences; 269-acre campus with historic and modern buildings; Hood Museum of Art and Hopkins Center for the Arts, as well as active athletic programs and significant study abroad efforts, are located here.
3. Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut)
This is one of the Best Colleges In New England with a high acceptance rate and a ranking among the top 20 schools. Yale University ranks third on our ranking of the Best Colleges in New England, indicating that it is a great option for bachelor’s degree candidates.
This somewhat significant institution of higher education can be found in New Haven, Connecticut. In 2019-2020, the private, non-profit institution awarded bachelor’s degrees to 4,942 students. Bachelor degree students at the institution frequently graduate on schedule. The graduation rate after four years is 88%, which is greater than the national average of 33%. Early in their careers, Yale alumni earn an average of $83,200 a year.
4. Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Harvard University ranks fourth on our ranking of the Best Colleges In New England, indicating that it is a great option for bachelor’s degree candidates. In 2019-2020, this large private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts issued 8,358 bachelor’s degrees. Students who enroll are more likely to remain enrolled.
The retention rate for freshmen is 97%. A Harvard graduate with a bachelor’s degree earns an average of $89,700 throughout the first few years of their careers. This is one of the top-ranked colleges in Massachusetts and one of the Best Colleges In New England.
Ivy League member; greatest endowment of any university; member of the Association of American Universities for outstanding research programs; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; good financial help for low-income households.
5. Williams College (Williamstown, Massachusetts)
This is one of the Best Colleges In New England with a high acceptance rate and a ranking among the top 20 schools. This year, Williams College rated fifth of the 168 New England colleges included in the ranking. In Williamstown, Massachusetts, Williams is a small, non-profit private school. In 2019-2020, 818 bachelor’s degrees were awarded. With a freshman retention rate of 97%, the institution performs a good job of keeping its pupils. In their first few years of employment, Williams graduates earn an average of $59,000 annually.
6. Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island)
This year, Brown University was ranked sixth on the list of the Best Colleges In New England. This institution of higher education of medium size is located in Providence, Rhode Island. In 2019-2020, the private, non-profit institution awarded bachelor’s degrees to 3,269 students. Students who enroll are more likely to remain enrolled.
The retention percentage for freshmen is 98%. A Brown graduate with a bachelor’s degree earns an average of $67,500 during his or her first few years of employment. This is one of the top-ranked colleges in Massachusetts and one of the Best Colleges In New England.
Ivy League member; flexible curriculum allows students to plan their courses of study; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for good liberal arts and sciences; Association of American Colleges member for outstanding research programs; one of the finest universities in the world.
7. Bowdoin College (Brunswick, Maine)
This is one of the Best Colleges In New England with a high acceptance rate and a ranking among the top 20 schools. Bowdoin College was placed seventh among the 2022 Top New England Colleges. Bowdoin College is a small, non-profit, private institution located in Brunswick, Maine. In 2019-2020, 666 bachelor’s degrees were awarded. The school’s 4-year graduation rate of 86% is significantly higher than the national average of 33%. In their first few years of employment, bachelor’s degree holders earn an average salary of $65,500.
Loan-free financial aid; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for strong liberal arts and sciences; gorgeous; very selective admissions; fascinating blend of historic and modern structures; these are some of the distinguishing characteristics of this college. The 118-acre Coastal Studies Center on Orr’s Island.
8. College of Amherst (Amherst, Massachusetts)
Amherst College was ranked tenth among the Best Colleges In New England for 2023. In 2019-2020, the small private non-profit institution in Amherst, Massachusetts issued 641 bachelor’s degrees to qualifying students. This Best Colleges In New England has a low default rate on student loans. It is significantly lower than the national average of 10.1%, at 3.8%. In the early stages of their employment, Amherst bachelor’s degree holders earn an average of $65,000 a year. This is one of the top-ranked colleges in Massachusetts and one of the top 20 in New England.
One of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States; one of the most selective colleges; a member of a consortium of five colleges; a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for excellence in the liberal arts and sciences; and great grant help for qualifying students.
check out: 15 online colleges that pay you to attend
9. College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, Massachusetts)
This is one of the Best Colleges In New England with a high acceptance rate and a ranking among the top 20 schools. The College of the Holy Cross was ranked ninth on the list of the 2023 Best Colleges In New England. In 2019-2020, the small private non-profit institution in Worcester, Massachusetts issued 864 bachelor’s degrees to qualifying students.
The low student loan default rate of 0.5% suggests that students at this institution find it simpler to repay their debts than students at other institutions. In context, the national default rate stands at 10.1%. Holy Cross bachelor’s degree recipients earn an average of $71,000 per year throughout their first few years of employment.
10:1 student-to-faculty ratio; one of the best Catholic universities in the country; the oldest Catholic college in New England; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for liberal arts and sciences skills; member of the NCAA Division I Patriot League.
10. Tufts University (Medford, Massachusetts)
Tufts University ranked tenth on the list of the 2023 Best Colleges In New England. In 2019-2020, the relatively large, non-profit, private institution in Medford, Massachusetts, issued 3,793 bachelor’s degrees. The school’s 4-year graduation rate is 88%, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 33%. Tufts bachelor’s degree recipients begin their careers with an average starting salary of $75,800. This is one of the top-ranked colleges in Massachusetts and one of the Best Colleges In New England.
High marks for student satisfaction and study abroad; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences.
11. Bentley University (Waltham, Massachusetts)
This is one of the Best Colleges In New England with a high acceptance rate and a ranking among the top 20 schools. This year, Bentley University was ranked eleventh among the best colleges in the New England region. The private, non-profit Bentley University is located in Waltham, Massachusetts.
In 2019-2020, 1,748 bachelor’s degrees were given to the university’s average-sized student body. The institution has an 83% four-year graduation rate. In comparison to the national average of 33%, this is pretty remarkable. In their first few years of employment, bachelor’s degree holders earn an average salary of $86,900.
Distinguishing characteristics: highly regarded business school; student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1; average class size of 24; liberal arts core in the business curriculum; emphasis on ethics, social responsibility, and global culture.
12. Boston University (Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts)
Boston College is regarded as the twelfth Best Colleges In New England for 2023. This relatively big private non-profit institution in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts conferred 4,882 bachelor’s degrees in 2019-2020. Students who enroll are more likely to remain enrolled. The retention rate for freshmen is 95%.
In their first few years of employment, Boston College bachelor’s degree recipients earn an average of $72,500 a year. This is one of the top-ranked colleges in Massachusetts and one of the top 20 in New England.
One of the finest Catholic colleges; the largest endowment of any Jesuit university; a good undergraduate business school; a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its strengths in liberal arts and sciences; a member of the NCAA Division 1-A Atlantic Coast Conference.
13. Middlebury College (Middlebury, Vermont)
This is one of the Best Colleges In New England with a high acceptance rate and a ranking among the top 20 schools. Middlebury College ranked thirteenth on the 2022 list of the Best Colleges in the New England Region. In 2019-2020, the small private non-profit institution in Middlebury, Vermont issued 1,036 bachelor’s degrees to qualifying students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, it is evident that the school is committed to the success of its undergraduates. In their early years of employment, Middlebury grads earn an average of $58,200 a year.
One of the top liberal arts universities in the country; student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1; average class size of 16; excellent language programs and study-abroad program; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for strong liberal arts and sciences; a gorgeous campus in a charming New England town.
14. Wellesley College (Wellesley, Massachusetts)
This Best Colleges In New England is Wellesley College. Wellesley College is a non-profit, private institution located in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The school has a tiny student enrollment, and it conferred 713 bachelor’s degrees in 2019-2020. The school’s four-year graduation rate is 86%.
In comparison to the national average of 33%, this is pretty remarkable. A Wellesley graduate with a bachelor’s degree makes an average salary of $60,800 in their early years of employment. This is one of the top-ranked colleges in Massachusetts and one of the Best Colleges In New England.
One of the top ten liberal arts colleges; frequently ranked first among top women’s colleges; student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for strong liberal arts and sciences; academic exchange programs with Harvard and M.I.T.; picturesque lakefront campus.
15. Colby College (Waterville, Maine)
This is one of the Best Colleges In New England with a high acceptance rate and a ranking among the top 20 schools. Colby College ranked fifteenth on the 2022 list of the Best Colleges in the New England Region. In 2019-2020, this small private non-profit institution in Waterville, Maine conferred 651 bachelor’s degrees. The student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 means that students will have increased opportunity for one-on-one interactions with their instructors. In their first few years of employment, bachelor’s degree holders earn an average salary of $58,100.
10:1 student-to-faculty ratio; picturesque 714-acre campus with a 128-acre arboretum; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for liberal arts and sciences strengths; strong environmental and global efforts; NCAA Division 1 ski teams at Colby Connecticut College.
16. Trinity College (Hartford, Connecticut)
In 2022, Trinity College placed sixteenth among the Best Colleges In New England region. Trinity Bantams is a tiny private school in Hartford, Connecticut that is non-profit. In 2019-2020, 653 bachelor’s degrees were awarded. With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the institution performs a good job of keeping its students.
In their early years of employment, Trinity Bantams bachelor’s degree alumni earn an average of $66,100 per year. This is one of the top-ranked colleges in Massachusetts and one of the top 20 in New England.
10:1 student-to-faculty ratio; robust study abroad, community service, and internship programs; 100 student clubs, including an active Greek system; one of the oldest Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society chapters in the country.
17. Wesleyan University (Middletown, Connecticut)
This is one of the Best Colleges In New England with a high acceptance rate and a ranking among the top 20 schools. Wesleyan University is placed #21 on the list of Top Colleges in New England for 2022. Middletown, Connecticut’s Wesleyan University has a modest student body. In 2019-2020, this institution awarded 1,194 bachelor’s degrees to qualifying undergraduates.
Bachelor degree students at the institution frequently graduate on schedule. Higher than the national average of 33%, the four-year graduation rate is 92%. In their early jobs, Wesleyan University graduates earn an average of $54,700 a year.
Ivy League member; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for good liberal arts and sciences; participation in the Association of American Universities for strong research programs; endowment of more than $18 billion; 35 varsity sporting teams
18. Bates College (Lewiston, Maine)
Bates College was ranked number eighteen on the 2022 list of the Best Colleges In New England. In 2019-2020, Lewiston, Maine’s tiny private non-profit institution conferred 576 bachelor’s degrees. Bachelor degree students at the institution frequently graduate on schedule.
The graduation rate after four years is 83%, which is greater than the national average of 33%. A Bates graduate with a bachelor’s degree earns an average of $59,200 during his or her first few years of employment. This is one of the top-ranked colleges in Massachusetts and one of the top 20 in New England.
Test-optional admissions; Phi Beta Kappa chapter for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; highly ranked liberal arts college; popular study abroad programs; two-thirds of students go on to graduate school; 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
19. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, Massachusetts)
This is one of the Best Colleges In New England with a high acceptance rate and a ranking among the top 20 schools. Worcester Polytechnic Institute was ranked ninth on the 2022 list of the Best Colleges in the New England Region. In Worcester, Massachusetts, WPI is a private, nonprofit institution. In 2019-2020, 1,887 bachelor’s degrees were given to the university’s average-sized student body.
The institution has a 76% four-year graduation rate. In comparison to the national average of 33%, this is pretty remarkable. In their first few years of employment, WPI bachelor’s degree recipients earn an average of $84,900 annually.
20. Boston University (Boston, Massachusetts)
Boston University was ranked #20 on this year’s ranking of the Best Colleges In New England. Boston University is a non-profit, private institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2019-2020, the institution with a large student body conferred 11,894 bachelor’s degrees. 94% of first-year students return for their sophomore year, indicating that they love the school.
A graduate of Boston University with a bachelor’s degree can anticipate an early career salary of $65,300. This is one of the top-ranked colleges in Massachusetts and one of the top 20 in New England.
FAQs On Best Colleges In New England
What is the number 1 college in Massachusetts?
Both Harvard University and the neighbouring university of Massachusetts Institute of Technology consistently rank among the world's best universities year after year. These are the best universities in Massachusetts based on the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings 2022.
What is the Ivy League school in New England?
This Ivy League school is the oldest higher education institution in the country and has the largest endowment of any school in the world. Harvard University is a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston.
What is the hardest Ivy League school?
With a record-low admission rate of just 3.19% for the class of 2026, Harvard currently ranks as the most difficult school to get into. This rate reflects admission into Harvard College, the Ivy League university's undergraduate school.
Is college cheaper in UK or US?
The cost of studying abroad can be very expensive but the UK tends to be cheaper than the US. The tuition fees you'll need to pay in the UK will depend on the university you choose but it can be anywhere between £15,000 - £30,000 a year or more.
Conclusion
New England is home to the majority of Ivy League institutions. College is certainly the finest location to build your personality, social life, and mindset as a student. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, we analyze some of the finest institutions in New England where you can study your desired major.
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