Boston is home to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world, making it a major hub for higher education. Harvard University, located just across the river in Cambridge, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S. and consistently ranks among the top globally. Nearby, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a leader in science, technology, and innovation. Boston University offers a wide range of programs and a vibrant urban campus, while Northeastern University is known for its co-op program that blends academics with real-world experience. Other notable institutions include Tufts University, Boston College, and Emerson College, each offering distinct strengths in fields ranging from liberal arts to communications and international relations. Together, these schools contribute to Boston’s reputation as a vibrant, intellectually rich city.
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Top Boston Colleges and Universities - Overview
Below is a selection of top-ranked colleges and universities in the Boston area, comparing cost, selectivity, size, location, and degrees available. The colleges are listed by the number of students attending, not rank. For a complete list of Boston colleges, click here. Make sure to check out other great colleges in the Boston area with our matching tools.
| School | Tuition | Selectivity | Size | Location | Degrees |
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| Northeastern University | |
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| Boston College | |
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| MIT | |
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| Tufts University | |
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| Brandeis University | |
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| Bentley University | |
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| Emerson College | |
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| Wellesley College | |
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| Gordon College |  |
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| Amherst College | |
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Top Boston Colleges for Science
The following list of top Boston science colleges is ordered by school size, not rank. Please click on the name for more information. For a complete list of Boston science colleges, click here.
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| Harvard University | |
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| Northeastern University | |
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| Boston College | |
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| MIT | |
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| Tufts University | |
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| Brandeis University | |
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Top Boston Colleges for Engineering
Following are the top engineerinBoston engineering colleges ordered by school size, not rank. Please click on the name for more information. For a complete list of Boston education colleges, click here.
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| Tufts University | |
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| Northeastern University | |
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| Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering | |
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Top Boston Colleges for Computer Science
Following are the top computer science colleges in Boston ordered by school size not rank. Please click on the name for more information. For a complete list of Boston computer science colleges click here.
| School | Tuition | Selectivity | Size | Location | Degrees |
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| Harvard University | |
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| Northeastern University | |
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| Tufts University | |
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| Brandeis University | |
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Top Boston Colleges for Liberal Arts
Following are the top liberal arts colleges in Boston ordered by school size, not rank. Please click on the name for more information. For a complete list of Boston liberal arts colleges click here.
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| Wellesley College | |
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| Gordon College | |
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| Amherst College | |
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Top Boston Colleges for Education
Following are the top education colleges ordered by school size, not rank. Please click on the name for more information. For a complete list of Boston education colleges click here.
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| University of Massachusetts |  |
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| Harvard University | |
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| Boston College | |
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| Simmons College | |
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Top Boston Colleges for Fine Art
Following are the top art schools in Boston ordered by school size. Please click on the name for more information. For a complete list of Boston Art Schools and colleges click here.
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| Massachusetts College of Art and Design | |
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| School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston | |
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Top Boston Colleges for Music
Following are the top music schools in Boston ordered by school size, not rank. Please click on the name for more information. For a complete list of Boston music schools, click here.
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| Berklee College of Music | |
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| New England Conservatory | |
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| Boston Conservatory | |
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Top Boston Colleges for Business
Following area the top graduate business schools in Boston ordered by school size. For a complete list of Boston business schools please click here or try the matching tools.
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| Harvard Business School< | |
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| Babson College | |
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| MIT Sloan School of Management | |
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| Hult International Business School | |
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| Boston University School of Management | |
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| Boston College Caroll School of Management | |
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Top Boston Boston Colleges for Medicine
Following are the top medical schools in Boston ordered by school size. For a complete list of Boston area health and medical schools please click here.
| School | Tuition | Selectivity | Size | Location | Degrees |
| Harvard Medical School | |
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| Tufts University School of Medicine | |
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| Boston University School of Medicine | |
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Top Boston Colleges for Law Studies
Following are the top law schools in Boston ordered by school size. For a complete list of Boston area law schools please click here.
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| Harvard School of Law | |
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| Boston College Law School | |
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| Boston University Law School | |
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