One of the most historic states in the country, Massachusetts is also rich in private higher education institutions.
The state boasts about 80 colleges and universities of all kinds and sizes, ranging from liberal arts, to specialized focus schools, to the most selective
of the eight Ivies. Massachusetts' wealth of college campuses could also play an important role in the city of Boston's bid to host the 2024 Olympic games, the Associated Press noted in November.
College Factual compiled a list of the best schools in the state, based on factors like graduation rate, freshmen retention, percentage of full-time professors, SAT scores and more. Click here to read their full methodology.
Below are the top 10 schools in Massachusetts, per College Factual. Read the full list here.
1. Harvard University
City: Cambridge
Acceptance rate: 5.9 percent
Starting salary boost: $8,921
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
City: Cambridge
Acceptance rate: 7.9 percent
Starting salary boost: $15,498
3. Amherst College
City: Amherst
Acceptance rate: 14 percent
Starting salary boost: $7,354
4. College of the Holy Cross
City: Worcester
Acceptance rate: 33 percent
Starting salary boost: $6,430
5. Olin College
City: Needham
Acceptance rate: 16 percent
6. Tufts University
City: Medford
Acceptance rate: 17.2 percent
Starting salary boost: $5,090
7. Williams College
City: Williamstown
Acceptance rate: 17 percent
Starting salary boost: $7,149
8. Brandeis University
City: Waltham
Acceptance rate: 35 percent
Starting salary boost: $5,535
9. Babson College
City: Wellesley
Acceptance rate: Babson Park
10. Boston College
City: Chestnut Hill
Acceptance rate: 34 percent
Starting salary boost: $7,458
