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2021 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

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  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • CAMBRIDGE, MA
    • 633 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Junior: MIT is an outstanding university with numerous and diverse opportunities in research and academics. Classes at MIT are indeed difficult, with homework and associated studying consuming a large chunk of time. The beauty of this is that it pushes students to go above and beyond their previous understanding of what they believed themselves to be capable of. Additionally, the explorative and creative atmosphere which springs from the vibrancy of the student body and the faculty is second to none. There are so many chances to do great things at MIT, even as an undergrad!
    Read 633 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,465 Net Price
    • 1510-1570 SAT Range
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  2. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • CAMBRIDGE, MA
    • 761 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Works Here: Harvard University is one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the nation and the world. The rigor and the quality of education is what gave Harvard global recognition. Although the college admissions process may be intricate, the idea of attending Harvard some day would be an astonishing achievement. Harvard University, unlike any other institution in the United States, is confined to a few scholars. The school is small, yet the name instantly gives you a stimulant to boost your self-esteem. I always favored quality over quantity. Harvard University was founded in 1636 by the General Court of Massachusetts Bay, and was named after its first donor, Reverend John Harvard. Attending this university would feed my obsession with history. I come to from a humble background, yet stepping into the shoes of these historic visionaries will be the highlight of my potential career and, possibly, my life.
    Read 761 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,030 Net Price
    • 1460-1570 SAT Range
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  3. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • MEDFORD, MA
    • 1,013 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Freshman: My first year at Tufts has been a great experience. The (relatively) new engineering building is beautiful, and a new computer science building, as well as a subway station, are to open next year. I've received a lot of support and encouragement from my professors. Although Tufts doesn't have a huge campus, there is always something to do. Whether you want to get involved academically or socially, there is something for everybody. The quality of life at Tufts is superb. The town has shops and restaurants within walking distance. But if you need to go a little further, there is a student-run club that provides bikeshares. Cannot recommend this school enough!
    Read 1,013 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,280 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
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  4. Williams College

    • 4 Year
    • WILLIAMSTOWN, MA
    • 300 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Alum: TL;DR: Williams is one of the best schools out there, especially for economically underprivileged and/or international students. Apply even if you think you won’t get in!

    Financials: I am a recent alumnus from a foreign country who had to pay less than 3K per year(!) towards my education at Williams; the rest was covered by non-repayable Williams grants. The College also pays for your medical insurance, ALL book expenditures, yearly round-trip to your home country (with all expenses). Other one-off expenses they covered: getting a visa, passport renewal, dental expenditures (over $10K). For someone who comes from a poor family whose total earnings are less than $30K/year, all this was an enormous benefit!

    Academics: Williams is very strong because its professors take time to teach you the material. 1-1 teaching sessions, research work with professors is easily attainable because professors care about their students.

    Exit opportunities: plentiful, prosperous, and very accessible!
    Read 300 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,303 Net Price
    • 1410-1550 SAT Range
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  5. Amherst College

    • 4 Year
    • AMHERST, MA
    • 298 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Sophomore: Overall this is a great college. The teachers for the most part are amazing, but you know every school has its bad teachers. The food is actually pretty good and the campus is beautiful. The academics are rigorous but if you go to the writing center and office hours you should be able to do well. This surrounding town is actually very convenient, as I expected Amherst to be way more isolated than I thought it was. The diversity is really good. The dorms are pretty good, but some are old, and the bathrooms could be better.
    Read 298 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,339 Net Price
    • 1310-1520 SAT Range
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  6. Wellesley College

    • 4 Year
    • WELLESLEY, MA
    • 590 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Sophomore: I have had the best two years of my life at Wellesley College and I'm excited about what comes in the remaining two as well. It has a great environment that is both encouraging and supportive in every aspect. The size of the school is perfect. I really like the small classrooms and the ability to get to know my professors and classmates well. It also allows for detailed and fruitful discussions during the lectures and seminars. I have been in a class of eight people in my first year! Apart from academic excellence, Wellesley also offers a wide range of clubs and sports where a student can easily find a group of friends like family. I also really like the lush green beautiful campus and Lake Waban.
    Read 590 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,805 Net Price
    • 1360-1530 SAT Range
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  7. Boston College

    • 4 Year
    • CHESTNUT HILL, MA
    • 1,500 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Senior: Boston College has given me an absolutely wonderful college experience thus far. My academics have been rigorous and stimulating, my endeavors in the theatre program have bee extremely rewarding, my social life has been very fulfilling, and school spirit is strong. It truly has been the best 3 (so far) years of my life. My greatest issue with BC is the lack of diversity and inclusion on campus. Although the Catholic element of BC does not need to be a part of your life as a student unless you choose it (no mandatory mass attendance, etc), there are certainly more conservative beliefs that I believe are related to Catholicism that pervade the administration (which is primarily composed of older, white males). When it comes to student communities, however, I have seen amazing support and camaraderie. I adore Boston, BC campus, and all there is to do in the area. Overall, I adore BC.
    Read 1,500 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,354 Net Price
    • 1340-1500 SAT Range
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  8. Northeastern University

    • 4 Year
    • BOSTON, MA
    • 3,493 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Alum: The campus is great. It's one of the few city schools that actually feels like a real campus - with clearly defined areas and greenery and everything. Boston is a great area to be for college, with all the culture, entertainment, and other schools around. And Northeastern is in the heart of it all! Also, Northeastern had plenty of clubs and activities for academic or recreational purposes. The co-op program is genius, and abroad opportunities are also unique. I loved it. It just doesn't get five stars because the journalism program wasn't evolved and well-connected enough.
    Read 3,493 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 18% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,479 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
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  9. Boston University

    • 4 Year
    • BOSTON, MA
    • 3,409 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Sophomore: BU is a wonderful school located in the heart of Boston, granting students access to all the sights of the city in addition to other college students. The university has an incredible staff, clubs for every interest, and a great community feel. You never have to worry about working out because you can walk miles from one end of the campus to the other. Additionally, the campus is used for events such as concerts, and so there is always something to do outside of BU right outside your door. The only drawback is that sometimes it is hard to get that college feel because of how close the city is, but a quick visit to the BU Beach to overlook the Charles River helps one feel like they have had some time with nature. Overall, it is a fantastic school!
    Read 3,409 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,479 Net Price
    • 1340-1510 SAT Range
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  12. Smith College

    • 4 Year
    • NORTHAMPTON, MA
    • 887 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Freshman: Being surrounded by passionate and motivated young women from around the country (and the globe!) has opened my mind to so many new experiences and points of views I have never considered. The professors are passionate and understanding as well as committed to students and their overall success. The school's setting is beautiful and the entire campus is a botanic garden! If you are hesitant about attending a woman's college because it is not a "traditional" college experience, you forget it is different at all when you are surrounded by wonderful people.
    Read 887 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 32% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,905 Net Price
    • 1240-1470 SAT Range
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  13. Babson College

    • 4 Year
    • WELLESLEY, MA
    • 354 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Junior: I think Babson has been the best decision I have made. Regardless of some up and down experiences with professors(which is normal), the over experience has been very ->diverse, international-friendly, open, and encouraging. You feel supported on the campus by the faculty and professors. The ambitiousness of your fellow students keeps you moving forward as well. And housing and dining have been improving over the years. Highly recommended!
    Read 354 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 26% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,325 Net Price
    • 1270-1450 SAT Range
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  14. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    • 4 Year
    • WORCESTER, MA
    • 706 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Sophomore: Worcester polytechnic institute provides an incredible sense of community. Right off the bat, I was placed in an "insight group" that consisted of everyone on my floor of my dorm. This allowed me to become very close with everyone and I still talk to many of them and ended up rooming with two of them this year. Besides this, the many clubs and activities on campus make it incredibly easy to make friends. If you feel you don't have the time or energy to join many clubs then it's still incredibly easy to make friends through classes and major projects such as GPS, IQP, and MQP. The thing I love most about WPI is the terms, because I take 3 new classes every term I am able to progress much quicker in my academics and make new friends extremely quickly!
    Read 706 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,393 Net Price
    • 1310-1480 SAT Range
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  15. Mount Holyoke College

    • 4 Year
    • SOUTH HADLEY, MA
    • 855 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Alum: MHC is a truly unique experience! As a historically women's college, it provides students with many wonderful traditions, as well as loads of opportunities that traditionally co-ed schools do not offer. Minority voices are held in higher regard, and students take charge of their own futures. The administration could use some turnover, as it does not fully and/or accurately represent the student body. Some departments (STEM) receive more funding than others, which is unfortunate, but predictable. However, I found the community to be wonderfully passionate and loving.
    Read 855 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 38% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,008 Net Price
    • 1290-1500 SAT Range
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  16. College of the Holy Cross

    • 4 Year
    • WORCESTER, MA
    • 540 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Senior: College of the Holy Cross is an exceptional school with exceptional professors! Despite the rigorous academics, Holy Cross creates an environment in which professors want to see you succeed. From various academic resources , to social and extracurricular activities, the spiritual community, and everything in between, the College of the Holy Cross fosters an environment in which they not only want their students to grow and experience the world around them, but they also cultivate an environment in which the next generation of Holy Cross students can be men and women for and with others and continue to ignite the world in a positive manner around them.
    Read 540 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 34% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,627 Net Price
    • 1260-1430 SAT Range
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  17. Brandeis University

    • 4 Year
    • WALTHAM, MA
    • 1,027 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Senior: I transferred out of Brandeis and will still say amazing things about this place. I found my best friends here and I loved the activist, social justice, and heavily engaged culture. The students embrace weirdness and inclusivity so much more compared to my new school.

    What compelled me to leave Brandeis, however, was its poor academic programs in environmental science/studies. I felt the classes were too easy, too superficial, and not the rigor I had hoped. The ENVS curriculum is so broad that I felt every class was the same, surface-level information, and did not offer enough science or public health courses. There was no opportunity for research, either.

    Brandeis will give you As and things for your resume but if you are looking for greater challenges and research, especially in ENVS, you will be sorely disappointed. They are making improvements but I still don't think it was worth it to stay.

    Overall, Brandeis is a really special place-- just wish the academics were better.
    Read 1,027 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 30% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,264 Net Price
    • 1350-1520 SAT Range
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  18. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

    • 4 Year
    • AMHERST, MA
    • 3,579 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Sophomore: UMass Amherst is an amazing, financially viable option for in-state students. As an in-state student, I can state that I am paying a very reasonable price for my education. I have enjoyed every class I have taken so far and have had amazing, dedicated professors. There is an abundance of extracurricular activities to choose from and there is always something to do on campus. It is easy to get caught up in the party culture however, it is just as easy to avoid it. Downtown Amherst and the surrounding towns, namely Northampton, are fun to explore and are easily accessible by the PVTA bus system. The campus food is amazing; the food does get repetitive at times, but there are many dining halls that offer different options daily. Overall, I am thrilled with UMass and feel that I am getting more than my money's worth!
    Read 3,579 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,927 Net Price
    • 1190-1390 SAT Range
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  19. Bentley University

    • 4 Year
    • WALTHAM, MA
    • 719 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Sophomore: College is a value proposition. You go there and work hard, pay for it and then see what it brings you. Bentley is an amazing place if you are smart enough to take advantage of what it has to offer. If you are going to college for good food, the arts, parties, big sports and fun....it's probably not a fit for you. There are plenty of other schools that will give you that. However, if you want to start life with a salary that can comfortably pay off your student loans, and/or give yourself a nice start in life....Bentley is hard to beat!
    Read 719 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $41,582 Net Price
    • 1230-1410 SAT Range
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  22. Clark University

    • 4 Year
    • WORCESTER, MA
    • 751 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Freshman: Clark University provides a good education and generally good financial aid. Most students are very social and create a welcoming environment. Clark University doesn't have many options for classes (as all courses fill up very fast), and the dorming and the food isn't great. Overall, Clark is a good school!
    Read 751 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,158 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  23. Emerson College

    • 4 Year
    • BOSTON, MA
    • 1,098 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Sophomore: Emerson College is at the center of the arts world in Boston, MA. They are a very collaborative school, both the faculty and the students. Everybody is nice and supportive. The learning experience is thought out and there is easy access to everything!
    Read 1,098 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 33% Acceptance Rate
    • $46,381 Net Price
    • 1200-1410 SAT Range
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  24. Wheaton College - Massachusetts

    • 4 Year
    • NORTON, MA
    • 649 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Niche User: Wheaton College has exceeded our expectations in every way. There is nowhere else we'd rather our college student be, even though we are not in the New England area and it requires a flight in our case. The beautiful campus, the tight-knit community, the academics, support, professors, the incredible president, Dennis Hanno... I could go on and on. Wheaton truly is a special place. And that was our opinion BEFORE Covid. Seeing how carefully and responsibly they have handled this unfortunate situation has only further cemented Wheaton as a top-notch institution. If this school is not on your radar... research it. If it is on your list... GO!
    Read 649 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,688 Net Price
    • 1180-1350 SAT Range
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  25. Stonehill College

    • 4 Year
    • EASTON, MA
    • 560 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Junior: I’ve been enjoying my time here!
    Academically: professors are awesome. The work can range in how challenging it is but its all manageable.
    Socially: it’s an awesome balance for me! I’ve found friends through living on campus, my classes, engaging in activities on campus, etc. The campus culture is polite. Campus can be quiet especially with COVID. However, I prefer a weekend to recharge or be with a few people anyways. Pre COVID, bigger parties happened but were done by 1 AM. There were also more in person events like BINGO. These still exist but distanced and outside if its nice. There are virtual events.
    Area: the surrounding area is suburban. There are some restaurants/businesses to explore but ultimately it’s quiet. I wish we were close to Boston sometimes, but I ultimately feel at home on my cozy campus!
    If I could change anything, I think counseling services could use more staff, diversity/inclusion needs to be more of a priority, and the food could use some improvements.
    Read 560 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,409 Net Price
    • 1030-1230 SAT Range
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  26. University of Massachusetts - Lowell

    • 4 Year
    • LOWELL, MA
    • 1,307 reviews
    #22 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Senior: I'm so glad I chose to go to UMass Lowell! The graphic design department has exceeded my expectations and pushed me to become the creative I am today and the employee I will soon be. You learn so much more that just the technical skills. These professors want you to be successful and do everything they can to make sure you not only get a great job, but keep it. They allow you to develop as an individual designer by encouraging your unique strengths and ideas. This is not a "template program" and is what sets our school apart. True creativity. Thank you so much!
    Read 1,307 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,183 Net Price
    • 1150-1320 SAT Range
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  29. Gordon College

    • 4 Year
    • WENHAM, MA
    • 720 reviews
    #23 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Senior: Gordon is a small liberal arts college that provides students the opportunity to develop close relationships with amazing professors! It encourages students to seek our mentors: academic, spiritual, relational, vocational, etc. and works to create a support network for each and every student. The faculty and staff are caring and dedicated to student success both at Gordon and beyond.

    Gordon also works with students to allow for creative and unusual major/minor combinations that will prepare us for the work force ahead. They support students' ambitions and want to see our passions become a fruitful reality. Their commitment to student success and personal development is exceptional.
    Read 720 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,047 Net Price
    • 1060-1310 SAT Range
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  30. Berklee College of Music

    • 4 Year
    • BOSTON, MA
    • 1,111 reviews
    #24 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Niche User: I have been accepted to Berklee this year for the class of '24 for Bachelor of Music Performance.
    I have not studied there yet but I did do a lot of research on it and I know for certain that is where I really want to go and study for my next 4 years of education.
    My Drum Kit teacher is also one of the Alumni's from Berklee and I also do have some friends there who all said that the place is amazing and everything it gives you, educational wise is just incredible.
    All the facilities the place holds and the people there can make you become the best at what you want, meaning music.
    Overall I really cannot wait to go there this year in Fall.
    Thank you very much!

    Many thanks,
    Raoul Georgescu
    Read 1,111 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 51% Acceptance Rate
    • $43,744 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  31. Simmons University

    • 4 Year
    • BOSTON, MA
    • 765 reviews
    #25 Best Colleges in Massachusetts

    Alum: I lived at home with my parents in a neighboring town when attending Simmons University. I loved being able to drive to school and parking was never an issue. Simmons is generous with financial aid and grants for transfer students. Classes are small and intimate, so relationships are built between students and professors. The campus is small so walking from building to building never takes long. The campus food is good compared to other universities. There are tons of resources available for the very diverse student body. Groceries and other necessities are within walking distance of both the academic and residential campus. There is a fitness facility neighboring the residential campus that offers group fitness classes as well as a pool. There is much to do socially, as Simmons is right up the street from Fenway Park, many restaurants, and many other universities.
    Read 765 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,841 Net Price
    • 1110-1290 SAT Range
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  32. Sponsored

    Springfield College - Massachusetts

    • 4 Year
    • SPRINGFIELD, MA
    • 619 reviews

    Sophomore: Springfield College has helped me grow as a whole person, educating me on the importance of balancing the spirit, mind and body. Their philosophy has helped me further develop my leadership skills in a variety of communities and organizations; as well as understand the significance of being as well-rounded and active as possible. Springfield has made me realize that there are different aspects in a student's life that are just as important as academics; and that as young adults, we must also learn how to take care of our emotional selves if we wish to successfully achieve anything we set our minds to. As for the education itself, as a Biology major I can say that classes are engaging and diverse, having hands-on labs that truly motivate one's thirst for knowledge. So far, I have loved my experience on campus, being able to start a new life in a completely different country; while achieving my goal of getting a degree, making new friends and participating in a variety of hobbies.
    Read 619 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,706 Net Price
    • 1020-1220 SAT Range
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    University of Massachusetts - Boston

    • 4 Year
    • BOSTON, MA
    • 1,285 reviews

    Alum: I had a good time while studying for my Management and Political Science majors at UMass Boston. Overall the quality of the teaching was great, expecially for the Political Science Department. The Management classes varied greatly depending a lot on the professor. The campus is nice, with some Modern accents on some of the buildings. The WISER student records system and the Blackboard for online classes were user-friendly. The courses are relatively cheap, which is a definite plus for this school! I recommend it, but make sure your major has good professors first.
    Read 1,285 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,511 Net Price
    • 1040-1220 SAT Range
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  36. Sponsored

    Merrimack College

    • 4 Year
    • NORTH ANDOVER, MA
    • 577 reviews

    Senior: I enjoy Merrimack! It's environment makes every individual feel at home. The staff is there to help you succeed and learn. As an education major they are preparing their student teachers well. We are given opportunities to expand out of our comfort zone. Community is a big part of Merrimack, and we are always trying to help those around us. It is a school that keeps on growing, but never forgets its foundation.
    Read 577 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,378 Net Price
    • 930-1120 SAT Range
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