Top 15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to some of the finest liberal arts colleges in the United States. Students attending liberal arts colleges in Massachusetts benefit from ... read more...often provided a well-rounded education that fosters intellectual curiosity, effective communication, and analytical thinking, preparing students for a variety of career paths and graduate studies. So, in this article, Toplist has compiled some liberal arts colleges in Massachusetts for you to consider.
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Wellesley College, a pioneer in liberal arts education, upholds the enduring value of a comprehensive undergraduate experience. Amid contemporary skepticism towards the liberal arts, Wellesley asserts its unwavering commitment to empowering students with essential skills for success.
The institution emphasizes the development of disciplined thinking, refined judgment, creative synthesis, and collaborative prowess as foundational to nurturing students' leadership abilities. In bridging academic pursuits with real-world skills, Wellesley instills lifelong qualities such as purposeful engagement, personal commitment, and ethical discernment. The diverse intellectual and cultural mastery at Wellesley fosters invaluable perspectives essential for effective decision-making.
Furthermore, the college hones students' communication aptitude and adeptness in human systems management, facilitating their capacity to drive consensus and foster collaboration. Wellesley College, through its liberal arts tradition, equips students with the vital skills and mindset crucial for their long-term success and societal impact.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1870
- Phone: +1 781-283-1000
- Cost: $21,862 / year
- Students: 2,375 Undergrads
- Address: 106 Central St, Wellesley, MA
- Website: https://www.wellesley.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellesleyCollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellesleycollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/wellesleycollege
Ranking:
- Best Colleges with No Application Fee in America: 1 of 684
- Best Women's Colleges in America: 2 of 22
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 9 of 309
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Williams College is a distinguished private liberal arts institution located in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Launched in 1793 with a bequest from Colonel Ephraim Williams, the college has a rich history and a focus on liberal arts education.
The main campus spans 450 acres in the picturesque Berkshires, offering a conducive environment for learning and growth. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1 and an enrollment of around 2,021 undergraduate students and 50 graduate students, Williams College places a strong emphasis on providing personalized instruction. The curriculum encompasses 25 academic departments and interdisciplinary programs, offering 36 majors in various fields. Additionally, the college has close affiliations with the Clark Art Institute and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), fostering a vibrant academic community.
Renowned for its academic excellence, notable alumni include Nobel Prize laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, governmental leaders, and prominent figures in various professions. Williams College's commitment to comprehensive education and its impressive intellectual legacy further solidify its esteemed reputation as a leading liberal arts college.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1793
- Phone: (413) 597-3131
- Cost: $14,487 / year
- Students: 2,135 Undergrads
- Address: 880 Main Street Williamstown, MA
- Website: https://www.williams.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/williamscollege/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williamscollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/williamscollege
Ranking:
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 6 of 309
- Best Small Colleges in America: 7 of 968
- Best Colleges for Art in America: 8 of 736
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Smith College, a private liberal arts women's college in Northampton, Massachusetts, stands as a historical pillar of women's education. Founded in 1875, Smith's commitment to academic excellence and progress is evident in its diverse programs and notable alumni.
The institution's founding by Sophia Smith served as a beacon for women's higher education, reflecting her vision of equality in learning. This sentiment is further epitomized in the college's historic membership in the Seven Sisters Colleges, a revered group of women's colleges in the Northeastern United States. With a focus on an open curriculum, Smith offers a unique academic experience, fostering intellectual exploration.
Notably, the college is part of the Five College Consortium, allowing cross-enrollment with nearby institutions. As a pioneer in women's education, Smith College continues to empower and inspire generations of women to achieve greatness in various fields, cementing its legacy as a vital institution in the landscape of higher education.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1875
- Phone: 413-584-2700
- Cost: $29,569 / year
- Students: 2,518 Undergrads
- Address: 10 Elm Street Northampton, MA
- Website: https://www.smith.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smithcollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithcollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/smithcollegevideos
Ranking:
- Best Women's Colleges in America: 3 of 22
- Best Colleges with No Application Fee in America: 8 of 684
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 24 of 309
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Amherst College is a private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts, established in 1821. Initially proposed as an alternative to Williams College, it has evolved into an exclusively undergraduate four-year institution with a highly selective admissions process.
The college offers a unique open curriculum where students have the freedom to choose from 41 major programs and design their interdisciplinary major, without core curriculum requirements. With an enrollment of 1,971 students in fall 2021, the college is affiliated with the Five College Consortium, allowing students to take classes at four other Pioneer Valley institutions.
Amherst also competes in the New England Small College Athletic Conference and has historical ties with Williams College and Wesleyan University. The institution has strong academic affiliations, with notable alumni, faculty, and affiliates including Nobel Prize laureates, Rhodes Scholars, Pulitzer Prize recipients, and other renowned figures across various fields.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1821
- Phone:+1 413-542-2000
- Cost: $18,809 / year
- Students: 1,971 Undergrads
- Address: 220 South Pleasant Street Amherst, MA
- Website: https://www.amherst.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amherstcollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amherstcollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AmherstCollege
Ranking:
- Most Diverse Colleges in America: 9 of 1,517
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 12 of 309
- Best Small Colleges in America: 13 of 968
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Mount Holyoke College, launched over 180 years ago, embodies a tradition of academic excellence and an inclusive community. With a global student body, the institution fosters a diverse and nurturing environment for students to thrive. This liberal arts college offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, including STEM, social sciences, and arts and humanities, all taught by award-winning professors in small classes with a remarkable 9:1 student/faculty ratio.
Graduates of Mount Holyoke embark on successful career paths, with nearly 80% pursuing advanced degrees at top institutions within 10 years. The college empowers students to engage critically, communicate clearly, and break through barriers while providing robust resources and support for their future careers. With a focus on international learning and a network of distinguished faculty, Mount Holyoke College continues to inspire and build a better world through knowledge, collaboration, and inclusivity.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1837
- Phone: 413-538-2000
- Cost: $29,218 / year
- Students: 2,172 Undergrads
- Address: 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA
- Website: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountholyokecollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtholyoke/\
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mountholyokecollege
Ranking:
- Best Women's Colleges in America: 4 of 22
- Best Colleges with No Application Fee in America: 14 of 684
- Best Small Colleges in America: 33 of 968
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The College of the Holy Cross, a private Jesuit liberal arts college, was founded in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1843. It stands as the first Catholic college in New England and one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States.
The college offers 64 academic programs, with a focus on liberal arts disciplines, and boasts an approximately 3,000-strong student body. Situated on a spacious 174-acre suburban campus, the institution provides a picturesque setting for its academic pursuits. Notably, the college has a selective admissions process, with only 21% of applicants being admitted in the 2023 academic year.
Holy Cross is recognized for its formidable endowment, competitive academics, and athletic prowess as a member of the NCAA Division I Patriot League. The institution has produced distinguished alumni, including recipients of prestigious awards such as Emmy, Grammy, Academy, and Tony awards, as well as prominent figures like Anthony Fauci and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1843
- Phone: +1 508-793-2011
- Cost: $29,198 / year
- Students: 3,210 Undergrads
- Address: 1 College St, Worcester, MA
- Website: https://www.holycross.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeoftheholycross
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeoftheholycross/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/collegeofholycross
Ranking:
- Best Catholic Colleges in America: 5 of 160
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 29 of 309
- Best Colleges for Chemistry in America: 31 of 646
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The College of Our Lady of the Elms, also known as Elms College, is a private Roman Catholic institution located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Established in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Diocese of Springfield, it began as a girls' preparatory academy before evolving into a women's liberal arts college with a focus on education.
Over the years, Elms College has expanded its curriculum to include undergraduate programs in nursing, business management, and communication sciences and disorders. The campus, situated north of Metro Center Springfield, spans 22 acres and is home to 14 buildings, including the Center for Natural and Health Sciences.
With a student body of around 1,100 undergraduates, Elms College is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for first-generation college students, with approximately 40% eligible for Pell grants. The college offers a wide range of academic majors and is renowned for its NCAA Division III athletic teams, known as the Blazers.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1928
- Phone: +1 413-594-2761
- Cost: $22,889 / year
- Students: 885 Undergrads
- Address: 291 Springfield Street Chicopee, MA
- Website: https://www.elms.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElmsCollege/
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/elmscollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ElmsCollegeVideo
Ranking:
- Best Catholic Colleges in America: 39 of 160
- Best Colleges for Public Policy in America: 59 of 643
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 89 of 309
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Stonehill College, nestled in North Easton, Massachusetts, boasts a rich tapestry of accolades and recognition, solidifying its reputation as a leading institution. Notably, it ranks among the top 100 in the Best Value and National Liberal Arts Colleges categories.
Acknowledged for its excellence in academics, administration, campus life, and financial aid, Stonehill has garnered acclaim for its picturesque and secure campus. The college enriches student life with top-tier recreational and athletic facilities, a testament to its commitment to holistic education. Stonehill's dedication to experiential learning is underscored by recognition from Colleges of Distinction, emphasizing its role in shaping future business and education leaders.
Notably, the College excels in career preparation, evident in its consistent inclusion in renowned rankings such as The Princeton Review and The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. With a relentless focus on student engagement, teaching, and community, Stonehill College epitomizes a transformative educational experience, preparing students for a successful future.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1948
- Phone: 508-565-1000
- Cost: $31,467 / year
- Students: 2,475 Undergrads
- Address: 320 Washington St, North Easton, MA
- Website: https://www.stonehill.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stonehillcollege/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonehillcollege/
Ranking:
- Best Catholic Colleges in America: 55 of 160
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 107 of 309
- Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America: 170 of 706
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Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) is a private Christian liberal arts college located in Quincy, Massachusetts. Back in 1900, it initially opened in Saratoga Springs, New York, as the Pentecostal Collegiate Institute before relocating to North Scituate, Rhode Island. In 1918, it was chartered as Eastern Nazarene College.
The college is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs. With an endowment of US $18,000,000 and an urban/suburban campus spread across 27 acres, ENC provides a comprehensive education with a strong focus on liberal arts. It is accredited by various academic affiliations including the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The college's academic programs prepare students for professional careers and ministerial roles, maintaining its foundation in Christian teachings and values. With a rich history and commitment to holistic education, Eastern Nazarene College stands as a renowned institution for liberal arts studies and Christian higher education.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1900
- Phone: (617)-745-3000
- Cost: $19,901 / year
- Students: 450 Undergrads
- Address: 23 East Elm Ave. Quincy MA
- Website: https://enc.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EasternNazarene
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EasternNazarene/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EasternNazarene
Ranking:
- Most Diverse Colleges in America: 80 of 1,517
- Best Colleges for Sports Management in America: 98 of 454
- Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America: 323 of 706
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Located on the picturesque North Shore of Boston in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a renowned Christian liberal arts institution dedicated to equipping students to flourish in an ever-changing world. With a strong emphasis on career-focused academics and a vibrant faith community, Gordon College aims to prepare young Christians to make a positive impact with hope and confidence.
The college offers a diverse range of degree programs and prides itself on providing students with a clear pathway to lifelong success. Gordon College has garnered recognition as one of the best National Liberal Arts Colleges, according to U.S. News and World Report, and as one of the Best 388 Colleges by the Princeton Review.
Through its mission and commitment to intentional preparation for contribution, Gordon College invites students to thrive in the fullest sense of the word, emphasizing work, service, ministry, and global contribution. With a focus on sustainability, academic excellence, and holistic growth, Gordon College stands as a beacon of learning, faith, and community.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1889
- Phone: 978 927 2300
- Cost: $25,917 / year
- Students: 1,300 Undergrads
- Address: Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA
- Website: https://www.gordon.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonCollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordoncollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GordonCollege
Ranking:
- Best Christian Colleges in America: 101 of 333
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 127 of 309
- Best Colleges for Religious Studies in America: 172 of 378
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Wheaton College is a prestigious private liberal arts institution in Norton, Massachusetts, with a rich history dating back to 1834 when it was founded as a female seminary. It received its college charter in 1912, transitioning to co-educational status in 1988.
The college boasts an idyllic suburban campus spanning 478 acres and is home to approximately 1,669 undergraduate students. Its commitment to academic excellence is underscored by a dedicated faculty of 140 members. Notably, Wheaton College holds accreditation from NECHE and is affiliated with the Space Grant program
The institution's endowment stands at an impressive $256.2 million as of 2023. Emphasizing a holistic approach to education, Wheaton College embodies its motto, "That They May Have Life and Have it Abundantly." Through its illustrious history and ongoing commitment to high-quality education, Wheaton College continues to shape the minds of future leaders and scholars, upholding its esteemed position in the realm of liberal arts education.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1834
- Phone: 508-286-8200
- Cost: $28,867 / year
- Students: 1,700 Undergrads
- Address: 26 E. Main Street Norton, MA
- Website: https://wheatoncollege.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WheatonCollege/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheatoncollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WheatonCollegeMA
Ranking:
- Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: 145 of 309
- Best Colleges for English in America: 206 of 901
- Best Colleges for Economics in America: 211 of 554
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Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts, distinguished by its roots in alternative education. Established in 1970, the college is associated with the Five College Consortium and occupies an 800-acre rural campus.
Hampshire's curriculum emphasizes progressive pedagogy, self-directed academic concentrations, portfolio-based assessment, and narrative evaluations over traditional grades. Mirroring its unconventional approach to education, the college faced controversy and a subsequent leadership change in 2019, prompting efforts to re-envision the curriculum and ensure sustainability.
The institution's founding principles were influenced by the New College Plan, advocating student-designed programs, lifelong learning, and interdisciplinary study. With a history of fluctuations in admissions selectivity and financial challenges, Hampshire College remains committed to fostering an environment conducive to scholarly exploration and academic innovation within the spectrum of liberal arts education.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1965
- Phone: +1 413-549-4600
- Cost: $30,168 / year
- Students: 775 Undergrads
- Address: 893 West Street, Amherst, MA
- Website: https://www.hampshire.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hampshirecollege
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hampshirecollege/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hampshireTV
Ranking:
- Best Colleges for English in America: 161 of 901
- Most Diverse Colleges in America: 269 of 1,517
- Best Colleges for Art in America: 278 of 736
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Emmanuel College, founded in 1919, is a Catholic, coeducational, residential liberal arts and sciences college in Boston's Fenway neighborhood. The college's 17-acre campus provides a prime intersection of education, science, culture, business, medicine, and technology, offering students direct access to world-class research and experiential opportunities.
With a commitment to social justice rooted in the founding vision of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Emmanuel College fosters a strong intellectual, ethical, and foundational community. The student body, comprising 2,000 undergraduates and graduates, engages in close-knit, collaborative learning and growth across five academic schools and more than 70 majors, minors, and concentrations.
With faculty support, students partake in original research and scholarship. Notably, 100% of students complete at least one career-igniting internship before graduation. Emmanuel College's emphasis on practical experience, social justice, and academic excellence sets it apart as a distinguished liberal arts institution in the heart of Boston.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1919
- Phone: (617) 735-9715
- Cost: $28,133 / year
- Students: 1,745 Undergrads
- Address: 400 The Fenway Boston, MA
- Website: https://www.emmanuel.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmanuelcollege/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmanuelcollege/
- YouTube: https://shorturl.at/qrMQ1
Ranking:
- Best College Locations in America: 1 of 1,527
- Best College Food in America: 391 of 1,361
- Safest College Campuses in America: 794 of 1,306
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Bard College at Simon's Rock, also known as Simon's Rock, is a private liberal arts college located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Since 1964, it has been part of Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. What sets Simon's Rock apart is its unique "early college" model, allowing students to enroll after the tenth or eleventh grade, rather than after traditional high school graduation.
The college offers both Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees and the majority of students transfer to larger institutions after receiving their associate degrees. The campus is set on 275 acres of rural land and is home to around 450 students. With a rich history dating back to its founding by Elizabeth Blodgett Hall, Simon's Rock continues to provide a progressive and supportive educational environment for motivated and academically advanced students.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1964
- Phone: 413-644-4400
- Cost: $37,869 / year
- Students: 299 Undergrads
- Address: 84 Alford Road, Great Barrington, MA
- Website: https://simons-rock.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonsrock
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simons_rock/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bardcollegeatsimonsrock
Ranking:
- Best Value Colleges in America: 55 of 1,482
- Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America: 206 of 651
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Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is a public liberal arts college located in North Adams, Massachusetts. Originally established in 1894 as North Adams Normal School, it has evolved to offer Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Education degrees.
The college holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education and is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Notable features include the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, a testament to the college's commitment to academic excellence in STEM fields.
Offering 19 major programs of study and 35 minors, MCLA provides a comprehensive academic experience, with an average of 300 academic courses offered per semester. The college's vibrant academic environment, emphasis on community engagement, and strong affiliations within the Massachusetts State University system make it a compelling choice for those seeking a well-rounded liberal arts education.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
- Founded: 1894
- Phone: 413.662.5000
- Cost: $14,902 / year
- Students: 759 Undergrads
- Address: 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA
- Website: https://www.mcla.edu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCLAedu/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcla_edu/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MCLAedu
Ranking:
- Best Colleges for English in America: 251 of 901
- Safest College Campuses in America: 749 of 1,306