Universities in Boston, USA
- Rankings & Reviews -

19 out of 24
  • Universities in Boston
  • Ranked in at least one ranking
42
  • Different Rankings list
  • Universities in Boston
  • (33 institution and 9 subject rankings)
33
  • Global Rankings rank
  • Universities in Boston
  • Among TOP 200

For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Boston, USA

Latest ranking updates related to universities in Boston
  • 27 Sep, 2023: Publication of THE World University Rankings. Boston University with highest ranking among universities in Boston ranked #78.
  • 15 Aug, 2023: Publication of ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking. Boston University with highest ranking among universities in Boston ranked #101.
  • 31 Jul, 2023: Publication of Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities. Boston University with highest ranking among universities in Boston ranked #52.
  • 22 Jul, 2023: URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field (Business) updated with Boston University ranked highest among 111 listed universities in Boston.

Boston is a city known for its varied studying opportunities, its passionate sports fans, and numerous employment opportunities thanks to the city attracting many established companies as well as start-up businesses.

The city is also infamous across the nation for its very high cost of living, but with the beauty on display at the city's garden spaces, its employment opportunities, and the infinite activities around town, it may be enough to win many over and convince them that Boston is the place for them.

For those who are coming here to study, the city and all of the other easily accessible cities nearby, offer a wide variety of prestigious universities to study at.


Rankings of universities in Boston, USA 2023

Student satisfaction: 2.4 / 5.0 (4739 reviews)
Card image

  • #31 
  • #78 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #42 
  • #42 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #49 
  • #93 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]


#2
USA

Northeastern University

Student satisfaction: 4.3 / 5.0 (1279 reviews)
  • #63 
  • #201 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #86 
  • #86 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #129 
  • #375 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]


Student satisfaction: 4.2 / 5.0 (538 reviews)
Card image

  • #357 
  • #359 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #241 
  • #801 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
  • #196 
  • #1099 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2023]



#4
USA

Simmons College

Student satisfaction: 4.2 / 5.0 (133 reviews)
Card image

  • #128 
  • #128 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #539 
  • #556 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #148 
  • #151 
US News Best National Universities
[Published 11 September, 2022]


#5
USA

University of Massachusetts - System

Student satisfaction: 4.1 / 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • #43 
  • #123 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #43 
  • #101 
THE World Reputation Rankings
[Published 16 November, 2022]
  • #33 
  • #63 
Reuters Most Innovative Universities
[Published 23 October, 2019]


  • #274 
  • #276 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #342 
  • #2689 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2023]
  • #75 
  • #76 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]


Student satisfaction: 3.9 / 5.0 (430 reviews)
Card image

  • #329 
  • #327 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #474 
  • #4181 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2023]
  • #370 
  • #380 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]


#8
USA

Emerson College

Student satisfaction: 4.8 / 5.0 (49 reviews)
Card image

  • #403 
  • #401 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #310 
  • #315 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #176 
  • #177 
Kiplinger's Best College Values
[Published 31 July, 2019]


Student satisfaction: 3.6 / 5.0 (25 reviews)
  • #467 
  • #484 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #547 
  • #567 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1195 
  • #7608 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]


#10
USA

Fisher College

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (102 reviews)
Card image

  • #1155 
  • #1208 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1199 
  • #1254 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1365 
  • #8382 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#11
USA

New England Conservatory

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (243 reviews)
Card image

  • #917 
  • #953 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1152 
  • #7435 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#12
USA

MGH Institute of Health Professions

Student satisfaction: 4.9 / 5.0 (58 reviews)
  • #511 
  • #2668 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]


#13
USA

New England College of Optometry

Student satisfaction: 4.6 / 5.0 (18 reviews)
  • #790 
  • #5501 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#14
USA

New England Law | Boston

Student satisfaction: 4.6 / 5.0 (35 reviews)
  • #1323 
  • #8183 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]


#15
USA

Bay State College

  • #1471 
  • #9019 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#16
USA

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Student satisfaction: 4.2 / 5.0 (41 reviews)
Card image

  • #500 
  • #501 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #132 
  • #132 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #441 
  • #447 
Forbes: America's Top Colleges
[Published 30 August, 2022]


#17
USA

Emmanuel College Boston

  • #526 
  • #501 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #596 
  • #618 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #149 
  • #151 
US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges
[Published 11 September, 2022]


#18
USA

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Student satisfaction: 4.8 / 5.0 (200 reviews)
Card image

  • #545 
  • #501 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #534 
  • #553 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #659 
  • #679 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]


#19
USA

Berklee College of Music

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (8619 reviews)
Card image

  • #510 
  • #501 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #587 
  • #608 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #642 
  • #665 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]


#20
USA

School of the Museum of Fine Arts

Student satisfaction: 4.9 / 5.0 (139 reviews)
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#21
USA

Wheelock College

Student satisfaction: 4.6 / 5.0 (77 reviews)

#22
USA

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

Student satisfaction: 4.6 / 5.0 (78 reviews)
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#23
USA

Shorelight Education

Student satisfaction: 4.2 / 5.0 (145 reviews)


Highest subject rankings of universities in Boston

Nursing & Health Care Payscale College Salary Report - Best Schools by Majors
#7 
MCPHS University, Massachussetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Law US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#17 
Boston University
Economics & Econometrics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#22 
Boston University
Art Payscale College Salary Report - Best Schools by Majors
#23 
Boston University
Engineering Payscale College Salary Report - Best Schools by Majors
#29 
Boston University
Computer Science Payscale College Salary Report - Best Schools by Majors
#35 
Boston University
Education US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#45 
Boston University
Communication & Media Studies QS World University Rankings By Subject
#51 
Boston University
Sports Related Subjects QS World University Rankings By Subject
#51 
Boston University
Biological Sciences GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#76 
Boston University

Student Opinions About Studying in Boston

“I followed the advice others gave me before moving to Boston, about choosing your neighbourhood depending on where you will need to be every day. They were right, because commuting in Boston can be intense because of the traffic, and also the drivers here are a bit aggressive most of the time.”

“Having a social life here can be a real challenge, because it’s such a commuter city, but also because people with normal jobs in Boston live in a way that tries to minimise unnecessary costs because the basics are so expensive. What this means is that people are less spontaneous when it comes to going out to a bar or restaurant together.”

“Using a bike or just walking are your best bets for getting around the city, since most of the places you need to be as a student are located fairly near to each other. Even so, I would make sure you get the University Pass for transport for the times that you really need it.”

Boston Key Facts for International Students

PROS

  • The city offers stunning architecture and cityscapes which are easy to walk in for doing your daily tasks. There are also plenty of opportunities for camping and hiking, as well as skiing in the winter months.

  • Boston’s subway system enjoys a good reputation among the locals for its reliability and safety. Students can get unlimited subway and bus travel by getting a University Pass from the administration office in their respective universities.

  • Many report that opportunities for finding employment in Boston are better than in comparable parts of the country. This helps to offset the formidable cost of living in Boston and to get started.

CONS

  • The cost of living in Boston is notoriously high, with the figures for average apartment rents being in the area of $2,318. Most people will have to get used to the idea of living with some roommates if living in Boston is a must for you. Those moving to the city should be aware that in Boston it's typical for landlords to ask you for multiple payments upfront.

  • Those new to Boston have to get used to the city’s street cleaning program, which prohibits parking in certain areas on certain days, and not knowing the city norms can earn you hefty fines or even result in getting your car towed by the city authorities.

  • As the majority of universities in the Boston area are prestigious, they also come with substantial tuition fees. There are not many institutions in the area offering low tuition fees.**


Population: 676000

Elevation: 14 m. above sea level

Time: GMT -5

District/province: Massachusetts, Suffolk County

Living costs for students in Boston:

* 100 = prices in London

  • Living costs without accommodation 101* (1% more expensive than London)
  • All costs including accommodation 102* (2% more expensive than London)
  • Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 95* (5% cheaper than London)
  • Average Big Mac price 5.15 US$
  • Plug Type A
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz
  • Plug Type B
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz

Map with location of universities in Boston

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FAQ

Boston University ranks #1 in Boston in our meta ranking composed of 112 university rankings.

Among all universities in Boston Boston University is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 46 rankings where Boston University is listed.

MCPHS University, Massachussetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is ranked best in Boston for Medicine & Health (Nursing & Health Care). See all rankings for the MCPHS University, Massachussetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Law (Law). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Social Studies & Humanities (Economics & Econometrics). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Arts Visual & Performing (Art). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Engineering (Engineering). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Education (Education). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Journalism & Media Studies (Communication & Media Studies). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Sports Science (Sports Related Subjects). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Natural Sciences (Biological Sciences). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Mathematics (Statistics). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Languages & Literature (English Language & Literature). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Boston University is ranked best in Boston for Agriculture (Agriculture). See all rankings for the Boston University.

Ranking publishers

4icu

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British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK

Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

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Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:

Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%

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CWUR Center for World University Rankings

Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:

Research Performance: 40%

  • Research Output: 10%
  • High-Quality Publications: 10%
  • Influence: 10%
  • Citations: 10%

Quality of Education: 25%

Alumni Employment: 25%

Quality of Faculty: 10%

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Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:

Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity

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Forbes

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Kiplinger

Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:

Quality Criteria 55% Cost Criteria 45%

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MONEY

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Colleges That Add the Most Value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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NTU ranking

Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:

Research Productivity: 25%

  • # Articles last 11 years: 10%
  • # Articles current year: 15%

Research Impact: 35%

  • # Citations last 11 years: 15%
  • # Citations last 2 years: 10%
  • Average # citations last 11 years: 10%

Research Excellence: 40%

  • H-index last 2 years: 10%
  • # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
  • # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%

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Nature Index

Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:

Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)

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Payscale

Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):

Ranking is based on ROI

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RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)

Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:

Teaching: 40%

  • Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

  • Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
  • Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
  • Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

  • International Faculty: 2%
  • International Students: 2%
  • International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
  • Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
  • International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

  • Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
  • Institutional Income per Student: 2%
  • Papers per Research Income: 2%
  • Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
  • Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:

Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

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Scimago Institutions

Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:

Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%

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ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

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Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:

Quality of Education 10%

  • Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%

Quality of Faculty 40%

  • Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
  • Highly Cited Researchers 20%

Research Output 40%

  • Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
  • Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%

Per Capita Performance 10%

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StuDocu

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THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

  • Reputation survey: 15%
  • Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
  • Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
  • Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
  • Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

  • Reputation survey: 18%
  • Research income: 6%
  • Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

  • Proportion of international students: 2.5%
  • Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
  • International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

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Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:

Employability (survey) 100%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:

Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:

Proportion of international students 25% Proportion of international staff 25% Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25% University’s international reputation 25%

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The Princeton Review

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Thomson Reuters

Criteria used in ranking -Reuters Most Innovative Universities:

Patent Volume 33% Patent Citations 34% Industry Article Citation Impact 11% Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11% Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11%

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Urap

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Us News

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Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:

Outcomes 40% (employability) Resources 30% Engagement 20% (teaching) Environment 10% (diversity)

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Washington Monthly

Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:

Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%

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Webometrics

Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%

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