Top Five Schools in Massachusetts
Harvard University
Harvard University was founded in 1636, making it the oldest institution for higher learning in the United States. Its storied history regarding its rigorous academics and social traditions make it one of the most prestigious universities, as well. Harvard currently has 9,968 undergraduate students who study on its Cambridge, Massachusetts campus, just adjacent to Boston. Although all of its academic programs are excellent, the university is often lauded for its public policy and government education as it prepares students for the study of law. Harvard University is ranked second on U.S. News and World Report's list of top universities in the nation.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts not far from Harvard University, MIT is one of the leading research institutions in the world, ranked seventh in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Since admitting its first students in 1868, the university has developed into one of the most sought-after places to obtain an education in the applied sciences and engineering. Currently, MIT has 4, 127 undergraduate students; because the university aims to remain selective and keep class sizes small, only about 13% of the highly qualified students who apply for admission gain entrance.
Tufts University
Tufts University is located in Medford, Massachusetts, in the greater Boston metropolitan area. For students who are planning on graduate work, there is no institution more ideal for an excellent undergraduate preparation. In fact, more than 98% of the 4,995 undergraduate students at Tufts plan to complete graduate or professional studies. The university was founded in 1852 and has a global reputation for a surprisingly wide variety of fields of study for such a relatively small campus. A commitment to international focus is also clear, with almost half of all Tufts students spending some study time abroad. Tufts is ranked #28 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
Brandeis University
Founded in 1948 and named after the late Supreme Court Justice, Brandeis is the only nonsectarian Jewish-sponsored university in the country. There are 3,304 undergraduate students enrolled at Brandeis, and the university is committed to providing an excellent preparation for either professional or graduate studies. Brandeis is located in suburban Waltham, Massachusetts, a mere nine miles west of Boston, and students often take full advantage of the internship and research opportunities that come with such a close proximity to the metro area. U.S. News and World Report ranks Brandeis University at #31 in the nation
Boston College
Boston College was founded by the Jesuit Society of Jesus in 1863 and continues to hold firmly to its Catholic traditions and history. In fact, BC actually has one of the largest Jesuit communities in the world. The university has around 9,000 undergraduate students who have over 100 degree programs to choose from. The university joins several other premier institutions for higher learning in Boston, and its students have a wide range of educational, cultural and social activities to choose from among this college consortium. It offers programs in arts and science, management, education, nursing and advancing studies, granting Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees at the undergraduate level. Students can become active in 20 club or 29 intramural sports. It was ranked 57th in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report.
