Why Study in Boston?

Have you considered studying in Massachusetts? It’s the fourth most popular state for international students in the U.S. — closely following California, New York, and Texas. And in Boston, you have so many options! It’s home to 30+ colleges and universities, and there are even more in the surrounding area.  

Featured Top Schools 

The schools on our 2022 edition of the Top Schools in Boston range from colleges to universities, each bringing something different to the table. Ultimately, the school you choose should be based on what you prioritize in your school search.

Regis College

Regis College is a coed, Catholic university founded almost 100 years ago. It has a diverse student body of 3,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students that includes students from across the United States, Puerto Rico, and countries around the world. 

Fast Facts of Regis College:

• Programs: Regis offers innovative programs in the arts and sciences, business and communication, health sciences, and nursing. 

• Location: Regis’ campus in Weston, Massachusetts, is just 19 kilometers from Boston and close to public transportation. The campus is the perfect balance of beautiful historic buildings and cutting-edge technology and lab spaces. 

• Community: Regis boasts a close-knit community with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. Regis professors are renowned in their fields and challenge, motivate, and support students during their academic journey. 

• Activities: You can take a walk through the art gallery at the Fine Arts Center, attend a student dance, theatre, or music performance, experience workshops and performances by professional artists, and engage with artists and scholars at discussion-based events.

Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College is a multi-campus institution with vibrant, urban campuses in Boston, Massachusetts, in nearby Chelsea and at three satellite locations in the greater Boston area. Classes are small and personalized, and BHCC makes every effort to support students' academic success with tutoring, a writing center, a language lab, a modern library, and computer labs — all as part of your tuition.

Fast Facts of Bunker Hill Community College: 

• Programs: The college offers more than 100 certificate and associate degree programs in high-demand fields such as business, information technology, science, engineering, and health. 

• Location: Experience diverse neighborhoods offering exceptional medical facilities, vibrant neighborhood business districts, museums, galleries, and an extensive network of parks and outdoor recreational areas. Boston is considered one of the country’s “youngest major metropolises.” 

• Easy application: Applications are free and entirely online. Applicants should prepare supporting documentation to attach to the applications: 

  • Proof of high school completion

  • Proof of English proficiency 

  • Documents showing that you have funding to support your first year of study

• Transfer opportunities: After completing a degree at BHCC, you may transfer to one of the institutions with which it has signed articulation agreements to make the transfer process as easy as possible.

Bridgewater State University (BSU)

Bridgewater State University (BSU) is located just 30 miles south of Boston — a quick train ride away! — and was recently named the “5th safest campus in the USA.” BSU values the contributions its international students make in and out of the classroom and the richness they provide in their opinions, perspectives, and teachings to the BSU community.

Fast Facts of Bridgewater State University: 

• Programs: BSU offers 36 undergraduate and 80 graduate programs. In addition, it offers internship opportunities and many of its international students participate in Optional Practical Training after graduation. 

• Best value: At BSU, you receive an outstanding education at a cost that makes it one of the best values around. Undergraduate international students are automatically eligible to receive the Horace Mann scholarship (up to $5,000), and graduate students are eligible for graduate assistantships that provide tuition stipends. 

• Comfort: BSU has a breadth of diversity with people from all backgrounds. Named the 5th safest campus in the USA, BSU features 11 residence halls plus state-of-the-art academic, athletic, and residential facilities. 

• Activities: As a BSU student, you will be able to participate in clubs and organizations (90+), and gain access to commuter lounges, restaurants, cafes, and study spaces to integrate you into the BSU community.

Western New England University (WNEU)

Western New England University has achieved the highest accreditation standards for business (AACSB), engineering (ABET), and law (ABA), and U.S. News & World Report lists it among the North Region’s “Best Universities, Master’s Category.” 

Fast Facts of Western New England University: 

• Programs: Choose from more than 50 majors, 40 minors, and a large number of joint degree programs in fields such as the sciences, business, engineering, law, and pharmacology. 

• Focused on you: All classes are intentionally small, allowing your faculty to truly get to know you, and are focused on mentorship from day one. 

• Unique experiences: Find real-world learning opportunities from trading an actual $100,000 student-managed investment fund, to engineering a surgical device, to presenting research at national conferences. The university has more than 1,000 internship sites including at places like LEGO systems, IBM, and Verizon to name a few. 

• Hold the door: "Everyone holds doors open [at WNEU]." Holding a door open can be a literal moment of kindness, but at WNEU open doors are also representative of doors to understanding, networking, and international travel.

Framingham State University (FSU) 

Join Framingham State University (FSU)’s international student body in the study of English in a welcoming, student-centered environment. Learn from experienced educators who hold advanced degrees and have earned specialized credentials to teach English. 

Fast Facts of Framingham State University: 

• Program: FSU offers a variety of English programs including the Intensive English Program, the Bridge to University and Professional Success Program, TOEFL Preparation, and more. Choose from 35+ undergraduate majors and 31 graduate programs. 

• Campus life: Students in the Academic English Language Programs have access to services and activities on campus including the Henry Whittemore Library, the athletic center and on-campus health center, plus dining options, and more. 

• Cost: The Intensive English Programs’ full-time tuition for one semester (fall or spring) is $3,580 (18 hours of class weekly); $4,120 (21 hours of class weekly). 

• Location: FSU is located 20 miles west of Boston on a beautiful 78-acre campus in Framingham, Massachusetts. With 30 buildings, you will have access to a modern campus center, updated classrooms, a well-equipped athletic and recreation center, and more. 

Conclusion

Schools and universities are constantly updating their academic offerings. Although we’ve selected these schools for our 2022 edition, that’s not to say that there aren’t other schools that may be a better fit for your academic goals. We wish you the best of luck in your school search and ask that you stay tuned for future entries into our Top Schools series as we explore the top schools in states across the country.