50 Best Colleges in New England – 2024

Academic Highlights: Yale offers 80+ majors, most of which require a one- to two-semester senior capstone experience. Undergraduate research is a staple, and over 70% of classes—of which there are over 2,000 to choose from—have an enrollment of fewer than 20 students, making Yale a perfect environment for teaching and learning. Undergraduate research is a staple of the Yale academic experience; university-wide, undergraduate research fellowships are awarded to over 100 freshmen each year. The number of Bulldogs electing to study abroad is typically around 70%.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduating, 58% of the Yale Class of 2023 had entered the world of employment and 19% matriculated into graduate programs. Hundreds of Yale alums can be found at each of the world’s top companies including Google, McKinsey & Co., Goldman Sachs, Meta, and Microsoft. The mean starting salary for last year’s grads was $89,622 ($141k for CS majors). The University of Oxford, Yale, and Stanford were the top three graduate school destinations for the Class of 2023.

Academic Highlights: There are 50 undergraduate fields of study referred to as concentrations; many are interdisciplinary. Even with a graduate population close to 14,000 to cater to, undergraduate class sizes still tend to be breathtakingly intimate, with 43% of sections having single-digit enrollments and 73% being capped at nineteen. Graduates report an almost 90% satisfaction rate with the experience within their academic concentration. Summer research experiences are taken advantage of by over one-third of the student body. Approximately 55-60% of students study abroad at a number of locations in South America, Africa, Europe, or Asia.

Professional Outcomes: Harvard’s most recent graduating class saw 15% of students head directly into graduate/professional school, with nearly everyone else entering the world of work. Over 1,000 Harvard alumni presently work for Google and over 500 for Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. More than 250 are employed at Amazon, Meta, and Bain & Company. Post-graduation, Harvard students tend to cluster in three main states—New York, California, and Massachusetts. Those three states collectively reel in 60% of newly minted alumni. Remuneration is excellent with over two-thirds of graduates reporting starting salaries over $70k and 30% taking home $110k+ in base pay. By mid-career, grads have the second-highest median salaries in the Ivy League.

Academic Highlights: Dartmouth sports 60+ majors and a stunning breadth of course selections for an institution of its size. The learning environment at Dartmouth is extraordinarily intimate. Not only do 62% of course sections have under twenty students, but 20% have single-digit enrollments. The student-to-faculty ratio is an outstanding 7:1. Undergraduate research opportunities abound with roughly 60% of students participating at some point. Further, close to 90% of those participants report having a satisfying experience working with a faculty member in that capacity. The rate of satisfaction is hardly surprising as Dartmouth’s faculty consistently rates at the top of rankings/surveys regarding quality of instruction. An extensive study abroad program offers 40+ Dartmouth faculty-led academic experiences around the world, and over 50% of all students partake.

Professional Outcomes: A great reputation, along with a passionate alumni network that is 80,000 strong, leads Dartmouth grads to successful transitions into graduate school and the world of work. Recent Dartmouth grads work for Amazon, Apple, Bain & Company, Deloitte, Epic, Google, the NIH, and the Smithsonian Institute. Right off the bat, 56% of graduates earn $90,000 or more in salary. Those pursuing graduate degrees often flock to the likes of Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton, with 32% of Big Green grads choosing to continue their education at Dartmouth.

Academic Highlights: Students must choose one of 80+ “concentration programs,” but there are no required courses. In essence, the guiding philosophy is that students should take control of their learning, pursue knowledge in areas that they are truly passionate about, and learn to integrate and synthesize information across disciplines. Class sizes tend to be small—67% have fewer than twenty students—and 32% are comprised of nine or fewer students. Student surveys reveal an unsurpassed level of satisfaction with the quality of instruction and professor availability. Undergraduates give favorable reviews in those areas at an overwhelming 92-97% clip.

Professional Outcomes: Soon after receiving their Brown diplomas, 63% of graduates enter the world of employment. Companies employing the greatest number of Brown alums include Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Meta. 33% of recent graduates go directly into graduate/professional school. Alums tend to settle in major American cities, with most living in New York (44%) and Boston (18%).

Academic Highlights: The school’s 26 academic departments offer 37 majors and a number of concentrations rather than minors. An unparalleled 40% of courses have fewer than ten students enrolled. Many formal opportunities to engage in undergraduate research exist in the summer, during a semester, or as part of one’s senior honors thesis; 40% of students participate in faculty-mentored projects. Over 50% of the junior class connects with the International Education and Study Away program to pinpoint the study abroad opportunity that is right for them. Included on that menu is the opportunity to study at Oxford for an entire year.

Professional Outcomes: Among the Class of 2023, 93% were employed or continuing their educational journey within six months of graduating. Top professional destinations include Google, Goldman Sachs, Bain & Co., Harvard Medical School, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. The median annual income for grads early in their career was $85,800. 14% pursue an advanced degree, with alumni attending graduate programs at Brown, Columbia, and Harvard.

Academic Highlights: Eighteen percent of courses at Bates have a single-digit enrollment, and 60% of classrooms contain nineteen or fewer students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, and not a single graduate student is present to vacuum up professorial attention. Distinctive features include a mandatory first-year seminar, senior thesis requirement, and a Short Term at the end of the academic year that provides students the opportunity to focus exclusively on one course, field project, internship, or study abroad opportunity.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 91% of the Class of 2023 were either employed, enrolled in graduate school, or otherwise meaningfully engaged in a fellowship or internship. Popular employers included Accenture, Fidelity Investments, Google, Wayfair, and Liberty Mutual Insurance whereas common employment destinations of Bates graduates were concentrated primarily in the Northeast, namely Boston, New York, and Portland, Maine.

Academic Highlights: Amherst offers a “New Curriculum” that requires no specific courses or distribution of credits. Students have the flexibility to pursue their areas of passion and interest from the very start of their collegiate experience. With no burdensome requirements, double majoring is commonplace with over 30-40% of the student body electing to study at least one additional discipline. The college encourages students to “take full responsibility for their intellectual growth, in the same way they will take responsibility for important choices later in life.”

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 78% of the Class of 2023 were employed full-time, working for employers such as Bain & Company, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and The Fulbright Program. The average starting salary for Amherst graduates is among the highest-paid liberal arts grads in the country. The schools where the highest number of Amherst grads can be found pursuing advanced degrees include Columbia University, Yale University, and Tufts University.

Academic Highlights: With 46 majors and 32 minors, Wes truly has something for everyone. The academic requirements are relatively minimal, giving undergrads a high degree of intellectual freedom. 76% of class sections have fewer than twenty students; students rave about the accessible faculty. Research opportunities with professors are plentiful. The undergraduate program for Research in the Sciences funds over one hundred students per year to conduct research over the summer. The university has increased its study abroad participation in recent years to the point that almost 50% of students now spend a semester overseas.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 66% of recent grads had entered employment. The companies employing the highest numbers of recent Wesleyan grads included JPMorgan Chase, Americorps, Citi, McKinsey, Accenture, AlphaSights, and Massachusetts General Hospital. Graduate school was the next stop for 17% of new alums. Those pursuing advanced degrees have enrolled in a wide range of schools, including elites like MIT, Stanford, Berkeley and most Ivies. New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Hartford are the most popular post-college destinations.

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ departmental and interdisciplinary majors offered. Eighteen percent of course sections have single-digit enrollments while 65% have 19 or fewer students. In addition, opportunities for participation in research with faculty members abound, and Wellesley students publish their work at a rate that outshines their peers at comparable institutions. The Summer Science Research Program is cited by many graduates as the most influential part of their educational experience. The Office of International Studies facilitates the overseas study of hundreds of students each year with 45% of students spending a semester in one of 180 programs worldwide.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2023 had achieved positive outcomes. Of the 72% of grads who were employed, top employers included Microsoft, BlackRock, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase. Of the 23% of 2023 grads who directly entered an advanced degree program, common schools attended included NYU, Boston University, University of Oxford, Yale, and MIT.

Academic Highlights: Among its core beliefs, Bowdoin offers a flexible and broad liberal arts education. Polar Bears can choose from one of thirty-three academic programs or get more creative through an interdisciplinary or student-designed major. One-size-fits-all requirements are minimal. Class sizes are small—63% contain fewer than twenty students—and 19% have fewer than ten students. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1.

Professional Outcomes: An examination of three recent years’ worth of outcomes data reveals that one year after graduation, between 73 and 77% of recent grads have found full-time employment, and 15% have gone directly into graduate school. Only 2-8% are still seeking employment. Prominent corporations across all sectors love Bowdoin grads. Recent alumni have found positions at Apple, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Google, HBO, and Microsoft. The cities attracting the greatest numbers of graduates include Boston; New York City; Portland, Maine; San Francisco; DC; and Los Angeles.

Academic Highlights: Middlebury offers over 50 majors and the school’s 9:1 student-faculty ratio allows 100% of courses to be taught by professors, not graduate assistants. Most classes are small; the mean class size is 16, and 15% of sections contain fewer than 10 students. The Summer Research at Middlebury program funds 130 students annually to work alongside faculty in a variety of disciplines. Each year, more than 50% of juniors take a semester abroad in one of 75 programs in 40 countries. The college’s robust international program includes Middlebury Schools Abroad in Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 74% of the Class of 2023 had landed jobs and 14% were in graduate school. Google and Meta are now two of the leading employers of alumni alongside Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Amazon, and JP Morgan. More than 100 alumni work in the US State Department and more than two dozen presently work for Apple, Microsoft, McKinsey, and Credit Suisse. New York City, Boston, Washington, DC, and San Francisco claim the greatest numbers of Panther alumni.

Academic Highlights: A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio is put to good instructional use as roughly two-thirds of courses have fewer than 19 students. The school’s “Jan Plan” tacks on a truncated semester during which students can conduct research alongside faculty, pursue internships, or take an accelerated course; 90% of undergraduates participate. An exceptionally high 70% of students study abroad at some point during their four years at Colby. The college runs three of its own off-campus study programs and allows participation in hundreds of programs in 60 total countries.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 95% of the Class of 2023 had either obtained employment or were enrolled full-time in a graduate program. Eighty percent entered the workforce, working for companies such as Amazon, Brown Brothers Harriman, Accenture, Massachusetts General Hospital, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Fifteen percent continued their studies at prestigious institutions – Dartmouth, Columbia, Duke, and Georgetown are a few of the universities where Colby alums can be found.

Academic Highlights: Smith has 50 academic departments and programs. With only a small number of graduate students to worry about, 19% of undergraduate sections have single-digit enrollments, and 68% of total class sections enroll fewer than 20 students. Nearly half of all students conduct research with a professor by the time they graduate. Around 35% of juniors spend a semester abroad in one of 150 programs, including Smith-created offerings in Florence, Geneva, Hamburg, and Paris.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 72% of alumnae had found employment. More than 25 alumnae can be found at Google, Microsoft, Amazon, JP Morgan Chase, Fidelity Investments, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, and Accenture. Within 10 years of graduation, 73% of alumnae had enrolled in graduate or professional studies. Recent Smith graduates attended Columbia, Harvard, the University of Michigan, and Johns Hopkins. Massachusetts is the most popular destination for grads, with the largest number heading to Boston or staying in Northampton. New York is next in popularity, followed by California.

Academic Highlights: In total, the university offers more than 300 programs of study, 100+ of which are distinct undergraduate degrees spread across 12 schools/colleges. Many classes at BU are reasonably small—59% contain fewer than twenty students; only 20% contain more than forty. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. The Research Opportunities Program (UROP) funds 650 students per year, and many additional students participate in BU’s research for credit, volunteer, work-study, and other independent opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 94% of recent BU grads have found their way into the world of employment or full-time graduate study. Across all graduating years, companies employing more than 350 BU alums include Google, Oracle, Accenture, IBM, and Amazon Web Services. Of the one-third of grads who move directly into graduate school, many are welcomed onto the campuses of elite graduate programs, such as those at MIT, Carnegie Mellon, John Hopkins, and Columbia.

Academic Highlights: Northeastern offers 130 majors and 199 combined majors within nine colleges and programs. Nearly two-thirds of Husky classrooms contain nineteen or fewer students, and 13% have single-digit enrollments. Large lecture hall courses crammed with undergrads are rare at this school—only 7% of sections sport a student enrollment of fifty or more. Since 2006, Northeastern has added an incredible 650+ tenured and tenure-track faculty members. Undergraduate research opportunities exist in all departments, and experiential learning of some type is had by virtually all graduates, thanks to the school’s illustrious and robust co-op program. In a given year, 3,700+ students have a global experience in one of 65+ countries, and 250+ students participate in a co-op program overseas.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after leaving Northeastern, 97% of students have landed at their next employment or graduate school destination. Huskies entering the job market are quickly rounded up by the likes of Amazon, Fidelity Investments, Google, Microsoft, and Apple, all of whom employ 500+ Northeastern alums. Between 200 and 500 employees at Meta, CVS Health, Goldman Sachs, and Tesla have an NU lineage. Starting salaries are above average (70% make more than $70k), in part due to the stellar co-op program.

Academic Highlights: Perhaps the most highly-regarded school of its size in the entire United States, The Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering was founded in the early 2000s as an experimental, cutting-edge training ground for budding engineers.  Many classes are taught in a studio environment to encourage collaboration, and a number of courses are co-taught by professors from different disciplines. Classes are generally reasonably small; 49% of class sections contain fewer than twenty students. The school boasts a terrific 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Professional Outcomes: For a school exclusively graduating engineers, it isn’t a surprise that alumni tend to find good-paying jobs. The average salary for recent graduates is in excess of $100,000. Over the past decade, the companies employing the greatest number of alumni are Amazon Robotics, Ford, Apple, Microsoft, SpaceX, and Tesla. Olin College of Engineering undergrads have gone on to prestigious graduate engineering programs in impressive numbers. Boston University, Stanford, Colorado School of Mines, University of Michigan, and MIT are the top five institutions where alums can be found pursuing advanced degrees.

Academic Highlights: The college offers roughly 60 majors across four schools that award undergraduate degrees. Approximately half of the college’s sections contain nineteen or fewer students. In their own self-assessment, 95% of graduates reported learning how to think critically at BC, and 93% said they learned how to write clearly and effectively. Fifty percent of BC grads pursued a semester abroad in one of 170+ locations around the globe, and 90% cited the experience as a source of personal growth.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 94% of the Class of 2023 had landed at their next destination, whether that was employment, graduate school, a fellowship, or a volunteer position. The median starting salary for a 2023 BC grad was $71,000. By a wide margin, the locale where the most alumni settle is the university’s home state of Massachusetts; New York City also draws a sizable number of BC grads. Seventeen percent of the Class of 2023 entered graduate schools including Brown, Columbia, Georgetown, and the University of Chicago.

Academic Highlights: The college offers over thirty traditional majors as well as additional subjects in which one can pursue a student-designed major. The average class size is a manageable 19 students, and 66% of courses have enrollments lower than that. An undergraduate-only institution, Holy Cross offers ample individualized attention and guidance from faculty. Each year, one hundred students participate in the intensive Weiss Summer Research Program that offers STEM majors the opportunity for one-on-one mentorship from a professor. Across all disciplines, research apprenticeships are available to undergrads as early as the sophomore year. Roughly one-quarter typically take advantage of study abroad opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after moving their tassels to the left, 62% of the Class of 2023 were employed, 21% were in graduate school, and only 7% were still seeking full-time employment. Organizations employing more than one recent graduate include Fidelity Investments, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Massachusetts General Hospital, Deloitte, KPMG, RSM, Oracle, and Dell. The average salary is $68k. New England is the most popular home, keeping over 50% of grads in the area with the Mid-Atlantic region soaking up an additional 30%. Boston and New York City are the two most common destinations.

Academic Highlights: Babson is regularly ranked at the top of any list of best business colleges. While a fair number of courses are large—84% seat between 20 and 49 students—the nature of the instruction is highly interactive with professors and with peers. One of the many unique experiences at Babson is Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship, a freshman requirement. Teams of students are loaned up to $3,000 in start-up money to launch and run an actual business

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98.6% of the Class of 2023 were already employed or in graduate school. Starting salaries averaged $75,579 for the Class of 2023. Recent graduates work at EY, PwC, Dell, Fidelity Investments, Deloitte, TikTok, and Amazon. Students who pursue further education enroll in institutions such as Boston University, Columbia University, and Yale University.

Academic Highlights: A student/faculty ratio of 9:1 translates to 70% of course sections boasting an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students, and the mean number of students in a class is seventeen. Working closely with faculty is a real possibility at this school where one hundred students conduct research each year alongside faculty through the Summer Research Program, and roughly two-thirds engage in some type of undergraduate research. Greater than 60% of Trinity students study abroad and have access to Trinity-exclusive programs in Cape Town, Rome, and Vienna as well as approved partnerships with universities in 50+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: 97% of 2023 grads had a positive outcome within six months of commencement. Those entering the world of employment landed jobs at organizations like BlackRock, Bloomberg, General Motors, and Morgan Stanley. Many alumni can also be found in the corporate offices of Citi, Fidelity Investments, Google, and Goldman Sachs. Twenty-three percent of Trinity grads pursued further education, enrolling at Columbia, UPenn, Boston University, Duke, and UC Berkeley. Doctorate programs were most popular (51%), followed by Masters (41%), and other degree types (8%).

Academic Highlights: With 48 departmental and interdepartmental majors as well as the option to design your own major, MHC students are free to follow their academic passions. 74% of sections contain fewer than twenty students; 11% are single-digit seminar classes. Opportunities to research and publish alongside faculty are definitely available, and many 200- and 300-level courses have independent research baked-in as a requirement. Across all disciplines, more ambitious students can arrange summer research internships with professors. More than one hundred study abroad options are on the table.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after commencement, 61% of 2023 grads had found employment, 25% had entered graduate/professional school, and 4% had landed fellowships/internships. The top Lyon employers of recent grads included Bank of America, BlackRock, Citigroup, the National Institutes of Health, and Boston Children’s Hospital. Microsoft, IBM, Harvard University, and Amazon also employ a healthy number of Lyons. Given the number of grads entering the public sector or pursuing graduate degrees, it isn’t shocking that average salary statistics for alumni tend to be on the low side—the average starting salary in 2023 was $50k. Plenty of alumni can be found in New York, California, or international locales.

Academic Highlights: An ethos of high academic standards and intellectual curiosity permeates this Waltham, Massachusetts, campus. An awe-inspiring 50% of Brandeis undergraduates double major. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 59% of courses contain nineteen or fewer students. Invitations to assist faculty members with academic research are common, even for undergraduates. More than 200 students work each year with the school’s Office of Academic Fellowships to apply for sponsored opportunities to pursue their intellectual passions after graduation. Many have successfully landed Fulbright, Boren, and Critical Language Scholarships, among others.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98% of the Class of 2023 had found their way to employment (54%), graduate school (43%), or another full-time activity like travel or volunteer work (3%). Members of the Class of 2023 were hired by MGH, Kraft Sports, Deloitte, The Jewish Federations of North America, and Microsoft. The average starting salary for recent grads is $63k. Recent grads pursuing further education attended prestigious institutions such as Columbia, Duke, Harvard, and Yale.

Academic Highlights: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) offers a hands-on and innovative project-based curriculum; all students complete a minimum of two long-term research projects that are focused on solving real-world problems. A staggering 53% of its classes enroll fewer than ten students. All students complete a minimum of two long-term research projects focused on solving real-world problems. Many undergrads travel to one of 50+ project centers situated on six continents where they can engage in solving real-life problems. Beginning with the Class of 2022, the school began awarding every single student $5,000 in study abroad funding; 84% of students took advantage last year.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 89% of 2023 grads landed jobs or enrolled full-time in graduate school. Recent grads found jobs at top companies including RTX, The MITRE Corporation, Collins Aerospace, and National Grid. Hundreds of WPI alumni are employed at Pratt & Whitney, National Grid, Dell, Google, Microsoft, Boston Scientific, and Fidelity Investments. The average starting salary is over $81k and is one of the highest in the country. Almost one-quarter of grads elect to pursue an advanced degree immediately after graduation, enrolling at institutions that recently included Northeastern University, Boston University, and Brandeis.

Academic Highlights: The student-faculty ratio is an inviting 9:1, and 67% of classes contain fewer than 20 students; 16% contain fewer than ten. Conn College’s faculty has a reputation for being wholly committed to teaching and forging meaningful relationships with students. Evidence of a personalized experience can be found in the numbers—91% of last year’s grads completed a capstone project, 34% engaged in an individual study with a professor’s guidance, and 36% reported giving a public presentation or performance during their undergraduate career. Slightly less than half of students elect to study abroad in 40 countries, with Denmark, Italy, and the United Kingdom being the most common destinations.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 95% of alumni are employed or in graduate school. Companies employing twenty or more alumni include Pfizer, Massachusetts General Hospital, Deloitte, and UBS. Camels end up working predominately in New York (33%) and Massachusetts (22%), but New London/Norwich, Connecticut; DC; San Francisco; and Hartford claim sizable numbers of alumni as well. Conn College is also a top producer of Fulbright Scholars and many students continue their studies at prestigious schools – Brown, Columbia, Duke, Georgetown, Princeton, and Yale, to name a few.

Academic Highlights: UConn is home to fourteen schools and colleges as well as 115+ undergraduate majors. Overall, the school does a nice job creating a balance of classroom experiences with 51% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students and only 18% containing more than fifty. To help forge even deeper connections with faculty, the Office of Undergraduate Research encourages students to schedule advising sessions to apply for both internal and external research posts. Hundreds of study abroad options are on the table, and the university has taken steps to increase the rate of participation, which currently sits around 18%.

Professional Outcomes: 91% of the Class of 2023 experienced a positive outcome (job, grad school, military, volunteer position) within six months of earning their degrees. Among the 58% who found employment, the largest numbers landed at Travelers, Hartford Healthcare, The Hartford, General Dynamics, PwC, and Lockheed Martin; the median starting salary was $60,000. Massive numbers of alumni are employed by Pfizer, CVS Health, Deloitte, and Amazon. 33% of 2023 graduates immediately entered a graduate or professional program, with many choosing to stay at UConn.

Academic Highlights: At PC, there are 47 majors on tap. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll find yourself surrounded by 50+ peers in more than a single course during your time at Providence—just 3% of undergraduate courses meet this criteria while 96% of classes enroll 29 students or fewer; the average class size is 19. The student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 is low enough to make individual connections possible, including undergraduate research experiences that 36% of recent grads reported having the chance to engage in. With more than 300 study abroad programs, the opportunity to spend a semester in over 40 countries is on the table.

Professional Outcomes: Ninety-seven percent of Class of 2023 graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating. Among the employed, 88% were working in their field of interest. More than 50 alumni are presently employed by Fidelity Investments, PwC, Citizens, CVS Health, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, EY, and Dell Technologies. Sixteen percent of graduates immediately enroll in full-time graduate or professional degree programs, attending universities such as Brown, Columbia, Duke, Emory, and Tulane.

Academic Highlights: Bentley offers a business-focused curriculum with 32 majors and 35+ minors, nearly all with a commerce-oriented approach. The rigorous academic environment features an average class size of 26 students, with the majority (77%) falling in the mid-range of 20-49 students, creating dynamic classroom discussions while maintaining accessibility to faculty. Students benefit from an innovative educational model that blends traditional business training with arts and sciences perspectives. Global learning opportunities abound, with study abroad programs spanning 80+ options across more than 25 countries, allowing students to gain international business perspectives.

Professional Outcomes: A superb 98% of 2023 Bentley grads were employed or in graduate school six months after receiving their diplomas. The financial services and technology sectors each account for almost one-quarter of new hires. Internships play an important role in career opportunities at Bentley, with 40% of students finding employment through internships. While many alumni do not attend graduate school immediately after graduating, 19% of the Class of 2023 pursued further education.

Academic Highlights: Class sizes are fairly small with 21% containing fewer than 10 students and 61% having an enrollment of under 20. The average undergraduate class size is exactly 20 students. As a result, strong working relationships with faculty routinely develop. An impressive 67% of students participate in undergraduate research at some point in their four years of study. Opportunities exist to publish in the Scholarly Undergraduate Research Journal (SURJ). Fifty study abroad programs are available in 20+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 97% of Cougars have clawed their way into gainful employment or full-time graduate programs. Sixty-three percent enter private industry, 32% enter the nonprofit/education world, and 5% are employed by government entities. Of the 44% of freshly minted alumni who enrolled in graduate school, a good number continued their education at nearby universities such as Boston College and Boston University. Others attended Brown University, NYU, Penn, and USC.

Academic Highlights: Over 100 majors are offered across eight undergraduate colleges. You will encounter a number of smaller sections during your time at UMass as 47% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students; a stunning 96% of graduates report being satisfied with their academic experience. Further, a substantial and encouraging 30% report engaging in some type of undergraduate research. For a large university, UMass also enjoys fairly wide participation in its study abroad program. Every year, 1,200 students spend a semester in one of 56 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 62% of newly minted 2023 grads were employed full-time and 24% were attending graduate school part-time. Companies presently employing 100+ Minutemen and Minutewomen include Fidelity, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Meta, and Salesforce. Boston is the most popular landing spot for graduates. Boston is the most popular landing spot for graduates; it’s followed by Springfield, Massachusetts, and New York City.

Academic Highlights: Wheaton College delivers an exceptional liberal arts education through its innovative Compass Curriculum, offering students 100+ majors and minors with flexible pathways tailored to individual interests. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 15-20, students benefit from personalized mentorship while engaging in cutting-edge research across 23+ student-faculty labs. The college’s global emphasis shines through study abroad programs in 45+ countries, and its academic rigor is reflected in the 20% of students who pursue double majors, creating graduates with both depth and breadth of knowledge.

Professional Outcomes: Wheaton graduates achieve outstanding results, with a 95% success rate (73% employed, 15% in graduate school). Alumni launch careers at industry leaders like Google, Microsoft, and JPMorgan Chase, while others advance to elite institutions including Harvard and Dartmouth. Many choose to contribute to Massachusetts’ innovation economy in the Greater Boston area, demonstrating how Wheaton’s unique combination of customizable academics, undergraduate research, and global engagement prepares graduates to excel in competitive professional environments and top graduate programs alike.

Academic Highlights: A 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio is fully felt in the classroom as courses average only 20 students per section. While 42% come in under that marker and only a smattering of sections contain 40+ students, the greatest number of courses have enrollments in the 20-29 range. Each year, 300+ faculty-directed undergraduate research projects are completed and shown off at the university’s Annual Research and Creative Accomplishments Symposium. Study abroad programs have a 30% participation rate, and opportunities are available to travel to 60+ programs across 40 countries on five continents.

Professional Outcomes: Fairfield’s Class of 2023 found its next destination within six months of graduating at a hard-to-beat 99% clip. Major employers include PwC, Deloitte, EY, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Fidelity Investments, with 25% of grads working in the finance industry. Thus, it’s no wonder that the average starting salary is a healthy $68,733. Twenty-nine percent of 2023 grads enrolled directly in graduate or professional school.

Academic Highlights: Bryant University delivers a nationally distinctive education through its integrated curriculum that pairs business and liberal arts majors/minors, creating agile thinkers for today’s economy. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 25, students receive personalized mentorship while engaging in hands-on learning;  100% complete service projects and 150+ students conduct funded research annually. This career-focused liberal arts approach spans 70+ programs across 30 majors, blending quantitative rigor with human-centered problem-solving.

Professional Outcomes: Bryant’s Class of 2024 achieved near-perfect outcomes (99% employed/grad school) with a median starting salary of $76,000. Graduates launch careers at elite firms like Goldman Sachs, Raytheon, and PwC, while others pursue advanced degrees at Dartmouth, Northwestern, and Boston University. The university’s $122,000 mid-career salary benchmark and 99% career readiness rating validate Bryant’s unique formula: business-academic integration, applied learning, and leadership development that yields exceptional ROI.

Academic Highlights: Stonehill College fosters intellectual growth through its commitment to critical thinking, free inquiry, and vibrant academic discourse. The college offers students 55 majors and 50 minors within a dynamic learning environment featuring an average class size of 17 and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Stonehill’s innovative Skyhawk Core Curriculum builds toward a culminating capstone project or experience, while global study opportunities span five continents. The Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience provides exceptional opportunities for students to conduct meaningful, publishable research under faculty mentorship, preparing them for advanced study and professional success.

Program Outcomes: Stonehill graduates achieve outstanding career outcomes, with 95% attaining employment or graduate school placement within one year of graduation. The college’s strong industry connections lead to positions with premier employers such as Fidelity Investments, Boston Children’s Hospital, State Street, W.B. Mason, PwC, and Stonehill College itself. With 80% of students completing at least one internship, graduates enter the workforce well-prepared, commanding median earnings of $77,745. The college maintains deep regional ties, as most alumni choose to build their careers in Massachusetts, particularly in the thriving Greater Boston area, where they contribute to the region’s professional landscape.

Academic Highlights: Bennington College revolutionizes liberal arts education by empowering students to completely design their own academic journey, transcending traditional majors through close faculty collaboration. With an enviable 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 71% of classes under 20 students, this highly personalized approach creates a dynamic classroom. The signature Field Work Term ensures every student gains real-world experience, spending seven intensive winter weeks every year pursuing internships, research, or entrepreneurial ventures that directly inform their evolving academic path.

Professional Outcomes: Bennington’s radical approach yields extraordinary results: 100% of graduates complete at least four professional experiences before graduation, and 100% secure employment within 2-5 years, with 84% working in fields directly connected to their Bennington studies. The program’s emphasis on self-directed learning produces both successful entrepreneurs and sought-after professionals, with alumni making an impact everywhere from Apple and the Met to Columbia University. With an average early-career salary of $61,000—remarkable for arts-heavy curricula—Bennington proves that educational innovation translates to career success in the creative economy.

Academic Highlights: Saint Michael’s College transforms students through its innovative Purposeful Learning program, providing four years of individualized mentorship that bridges classroom learning with personal growth. With 40+ majors, a remarkable 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and average classes of 16, the college fosters deep intellectual engagement. Students from 21 states and 15 countries enhance their education through 100+ study abroad programs, while 31% of seniors conduct faculty-mentored research, creating graduates who connect knowledge with real-world purpose.

Professional Outcomes: Saint Michael’s graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 83% employed at organizations like Boston Children’s Hospital and PwC, and 16% pursuing advanced degrees at institutions including Notre Dame and Emory. Alumni predominantly build their careers in the knowledge hubs of Greater Boston and Burlington, demonstrating how the college’s unique combination of personalized mentorship, undergraduate research, and global perspectives prepares graduates to excel in competitive professional environments while maintaining meaningful community connections.

Academic Highlights: Quinnipiac University provides a dynamic, career-focused education through 100+ academic programs, blending rigorous coursework with hands-on learning experiences. With an impressive 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 20, students enjoy personalized attention while 25% engage in faculty-mentored research projects. The university’s global perspective is enhanced by study abroad participation (31% of students) and a diverse community representing 31 states and 19 countries, creating well-rounded graduates prepared for professional success.

Professional Outcomes: Quinnipiac graduates achieve outstanding results, with a 97% success rate (47% employed, 49% in graduate programs). The university’s strong emphasis on experiential learning shows in its internship participation (73% of students complete at least one internship), leading to positions at top healthcare employers like Yale New Haven Health and Hartford HealthCare. Many alumni continue their education at Quinnipiac or prestigious institutions like Boston University, demonstrating how the university’s blend of academic rigor and practical preparation equips graduates for both immediate career impact and advanced study.

Academic Highlights: The University of New Hampshire provides students with exceptional academic breadth through 200+ degree programs across 11 schools and colleges, all supported by an excellent 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UNH maintains a strong commitment to engaged learning, with 84% of classes enrolling fewer than 50 students and unique opportunities like the Shoals Marine Laboratory’s SURG program for undergraduate research. As a top-20% research university nationally, UNH backs its academic programs with 50+ research centers and global perspectives through 250+ study abroad options, serving a diverse community from all 50 states and 43 countries.

Professional Outcomes: UNH’s Class of 2023 achieved outstanding results, with 94% securing positive outcomes—73% employed at leading organizations like Fidelity Investments, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Liberty Mutual, earning strong median starting salaries of $57,000. An impressive 87% of working graduates apply their majors directly in their careers, while 21% continue their education, predominantly at UNH’s own highly regarded graduate programs. These outcomes demonstrate UNH’s powerful combination of academic rigor, hands-on research, and professional preparation that serves both New England’s workforce needs and national employers.

Academic Highlights: The University of Vermont offers nearly 100 undergraduate majors and 90 advanced degree programs, ensuring students can pursue virtually any academic interest. With 37% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students and 63% under 30, UVM prioritizes an intimate learning environment—only 18% of courses take place in large lecture halls. Hands-on learning is a hallmark: 40% of undergraduates participate in faculty-mentored research, many presenting at the annual Student Research Conference. Global engagement is equally robust, with hundreds of students studying abroad through UVM’s direct partnerships with 20 international institutions.

Professional Outcomes: UVM graduates thrive post-commencement, with 93% achieving career or graduate school success within six months. Nearly half enter the workforce immediately, earning an average starting salary of $54,892, and securing roles at top employers like UVM Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess, and the State of Vermont. Meanwhile, 23% continue their education, enrolling at prestigious institutions such as Boston University, NYU, and Northeastern, or furthering their studies at UVM itself.

Academic Highlights: Emerson College offers 27 distinctive majors, each infused with performance or artistic elements that foster creative expression across disciplines. With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 70% of classes seating fewer than 20 students, the college ensures personalized attention in its collaborative learning environment. Emerson extends its creative education beyond campus through innovative global programs, including the Global Pathways Program that transforms academic breaks into immersive travel experiences, and partnership programs with Paris College of Art and Franklin University Switzerland that provide international study opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: Emerson graduates quickly establish themselves in creative fields, with 58% securing employment and 9% entering graduate programs within six months of graduation. Alumni frequently join prominent organizations such as WHDH-TV, Nexstar Media Group, The Walt Disney Company, and United Talent Agency. While the majority build their careers in Massachusetts, significant numbers of graduates also migrate to creative hubs in California, New York, and Washington, D.C., leveraging Emerson’s strong industry connections and reputation in media and performing arts.

Academic Highlights: Simmons University offers Boston’s only women-centered undergraduate program within a nationally recognized private university. As part of the Colleges of the Fenway consortium, Simmons students enjoy access to five institutions’ academic and social resources while benefiting from an exceptionally supportive 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 16. The university’s six schools offer 35+ majors, complemented by 90+ global study opportunities. Simmons guarantees every student completes hands-on learning through internships, clinical placements, or research, creating graduates with both academic depth and practical experience.

Professional Outcomes: Simmons graduates achieve outstanding career outcomes, with 99% employed or in graduate school within six months (85% in their field of study) and earning an average salary of $61,053. Alumni excel at premier Boston institutions like Mass General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, while others launch careers at major corporations, including Apple. The 13% pursuing advanced degrees attend top-tier schools such as Tufts and Northeastern, demonstrating how Simmons’s unique combination of women-centered education, experiential learning, and Boston’s academic resources prepares graduates for leadership across numerous sectors.

Academic Highlights: College of the Atlantic offers an entirely self-designed curriculum where every student creates their own major in human ecology, supported by an exceptional 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of just 12. This innovative academic model attracts a globally diverse student body from 40 states and 45 countries, with over half studying abroad while at COA. The program culminates in a capstone senior project completed by all students, ensuring deep engagement with their chosen field. COA’s hands-on approach extends beyond the classroom, with 100% of students completing a 440-hour internship as part of their degree requirements.

Professional Outcomes: COA graduates achieve remarkable success, with 74% employed or 23 % in graduate school shortly after graduation. Alumni pursue advanced degrees at elite institutions including Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, with over 60% continuing to graduate studies within five years. They make meaningful impacts at organizations like UNICEF, National Geographic, and the National Park Service, demonstrating how COA’s unique human ecology focus prepares graduates to address complex global challenges. These outcomes validate the college’s distinctive educational model that combines academic freedom with rigorous practical experience.

Academic Highlights: The University of Rhode Island attracts students from 47 states and 68 countries with its 100+ majors and minors and a favorable 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. More than one-third (37%) of undergraduate classes maintain an intimate learning environment with 19 or fewer students. URI strongly emphasizes hands-on learning through its Office of Undergraduate Research and Innovation, which provides competitive grants ($1,000-$4,000) for student-led research, creative, and artistic projects across all disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: URI graduates quickly launch successful careers, with 67% entering the workforce and 15% continuing to graduate school immediately after commencement. Alumni frequently join prominent organizations like Lifespan, Fidelity Investments, and General Dynamics, while healthcare graduates often find positions at Yale New Haven Health and Massachusetts General Hospital. For those pursuing advanced degrees, 39% remain at URI, with others attending well-regarded institutions such as Boston University, Northeastern University, and Johnson & Wales University.

Academic Highlights: UMass Lowell offers students an expansive academic experience with 120+ undergraduate majors across five colleges, serving a diverse community representing all 50 states and 118 countries. The university maintains an ideal balance of resources and personal attention through its 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with 46% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students. Global perspectives flourish through 300+ study abroad programs, preparing graduates to thrive in an interconnected world.

Professional Outcomes: UMass Lowell delivers exceptional career preparation, guaranteeing every undergraduate at least one paid career-connected experience. Graduates build successful careers with industry leaders, including Raytheon, Pfizer, and Microsoft, while many contribute to the university itself as faculty and staff. Most alumni establish roots in the Greater Boston area, with median earnings of $65,000 after ten years, demonstrating the strong return on investment of a UMass Lowell education in New England’s innovation economy.

Academic Highlights: Emmanuel College delivers a values-based Catholic education through 80+ majors, minors, and concentrations across five schools, combining academic rigor with exceptional professional preparation. The college’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters close mentorship in an intimate learning environment that attracts students from 37 states and 38 countries. Emmanuel stands out for requiring all students to complete at least one internship, while also offering global perspectives through study abroad programs in 65+ countries via 15 program providers. This powerful blend of classroom learning, hands-on experience, and cultural engagement prepares graduates to excel in their careers and communities.

Professional Outcomes: Emmanuel graduates achieve outstanding results, with 93% employed, in graduate school, or serving in volunteer/military positions shortly after commencement. An impressive 97% of graduates applying to graduate school gain acceptance, while others launch careers at Boston’s premier healthcare institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. These exceptional outcomes demonstrate how Emmanuel’s unique integration of liberal arts education with guaranteed experiential learning produces graduates who are immediately competitive in Boston’s world-class job market and beyond.

Academic Highlights: Hampshire College revolutionizes traditional education through its student-designed academic concentrations, empowering learners to craft personalized programs of study. With an intimate 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 15, students receive exceptional mentorship while engaging with peers from 35 states and 10 countries. The college’s hands-on approach shines through its experiential learning program—78% of students complete internships or research assistantships, creating graduates uniquely prepared for 21st-century careers and advanced study.

Professional Outcomes: Hampshire graduates achieve remarkable success, with 78% employed or in graduate school within six months and an exceptional 23% launching their own ventures. Alumni excel at innovative organizations like Google and Apple, while the college ranks in the top 2% nationally for producing future PhD recipients. Many establish careers in knowledge hubs like Greater Boston and NYC, with others contributing to the creative economy in Western Massachusetts, demonstrating how Hampshire’s distinctive education cultivates both intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Academic Highlights: The University of Maine offers the state’s most comprehensive academic portfolio with 100+ degree programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across fields. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 and 40% of undergraduate courses enrolling fewer than 20 students, learners benefit from both the resources of a large public university and personalized attention. The campus attracts a diverse community representing all 50 states and 81 countries, enriching the academic experience. UMaine stands out for its robust undergraduate research opportunities, anchored by specialized facilities like the Marine Sciences Center in Walpole and supported by 16 interdisciplinary research institutes, giving students hands-on experience at the frontiers of their fields.

Professional Outcomes: UMaine graduates achieve remarkable career success, with 94% securing employment or continuing education within six months of graduation. The Class of 2024 reported a median starting salary of $52,000, with 83% landing positions directly related to their majors—a testament to UMaine’s career-aligned curriculum. Notably, 64% gained professional experience through internships, while 79% of graduates chose to build their careers in Maine, contributing to the state’s workforce and economy. These outcomes reflect UMaine’s strong regional connections and commitment to preparing students for meaningful, impactful careers.

Academic Highlights: UMass Boston provides a globally engaged, research-driven education with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio across 100+ majors and minors. The university fosters an intimate learning environment where 66% of classes have fewer than 30 students, supported by partnerships with premier institutions like the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and the New England Aquarium. With 50+ interdisciplinary research centers and a student body representing 117 countries, UMass Boston combines the resources of a major research university with the diversity of a global academic community.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates achieve exceptional outcomes, with 92% employment and mean earnings of $80,920. They lead at top employers including Mass General Brigham, Boston Children’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and throughout the UMass system, while others excel at global corporations like Amazon, Bank of America, and Liberty Mutual. The university’s strong industry connections and emphasis on interdisciplinary research prepare graduates to make immediate impacts in Boston’s economy.

Academic Highlights: Wentworth Institute of Technology specializes in career-focused education through five targeted areas of study encompassing 21 majors. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 43% of classes under 20 students, Wentworth combines the resources of a technical institute with personalized attention. The crown jewel of its academics is the mandatory co-op program—one of America’s most comprehensive—requiring every student to complete two semesters of paid, degree-aligned work experience before graduation, ensuring unparalleled career readiness.

Professional Outcomes: Wentworth’s employment outcomes speak volumes: 93% of the Class of 2023 secured career positions or graduate school admission within six months, commanding a remarkable median starting salary of $71,000. Alumni have strong representation at Massachusetts General Hospital, Raytheon, and top construction firms like Turner and Gilbane. For those continuing their education, popular destinations include Northeastern University and the University of San Diego, though many return to Wentworth for advanced degrees—a testament to the institute’s respected industry reputation.

Academic Highlights: Berklee College of Music stands as the world’s largest independent music institution, offering an unparalleled global music education with students from 105+ countries. The college maintains an exceptional 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with 89% of courses enrolling fewer than 20 students – ensuring personalized mentorship from industry professionals. Students choose from 16 majors, plus 30+ minors and specializations, while the Valencia campus provides unique international study opportunities in Spain’s thriving music scene.

Professional Outcomes: Berklee’s career outcomes are extraordinary, with 98% of graduates employed or self-employed within 18 months—92% in music-related fields. Alumni shape every facet of the industry, from Grammy-winning artists at The Recording Academy to innovators at Apple and Universal Music Group, while many build successful freelance careers. These professionals command strong early-career median earnings of $61,900, demonstrating that musical excellence translates to sustainable success in today’s creative economy.