Boston is a city which is nestled along the shores of Massachusetts Bay in the northeastern United States. It is considered to have a wealth of sophistication, a rich history and an urban atmosphere like no other. Adding to that, it serves as the capital of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and stands as the largest city in New England. Today, the population exceeds 684,379 people, out of which around 40,000 are just international students itself. These students bring 50-plus colleges and universities of Boston alive with energy. If you choose to research or study in Boston, the possibilities will be endless.
The impact of Boston's education extends far beyond the classroom walls into the economy. Recent studies by Boston University and Harvard University reveal a profound economic contribution, totalling an impressive $4.4 billion – a remarkable 11% of the city's total economic output. Beyond their scholarly pursuits, the city's 135,000+ students bring an undeniable energy and dynamism to Boston. Their off-campus spending exceeds $700 million, further invigorating the local economy. This synergy between the academic and commercial spheres creates a thriving ecosystem where knowledge flourishes and economic prosperity reigns.
Why Study In Boston
The best universities in Boston pulsate the city with youthful energy. This city offers experiences from historical sites to delicious food scenes and breathtaking fall foliage. Discover all the reasons why study abroad in Boston is most preferred:
- Student Favourite
It is a researched fact that Boston has an estimated 20% of its population college-aged. This translates to several activities and events catering to young interests. Students can relish the massive public libraries, museums and galleries.
- Popular Universities
Synonymous with education, Boston boasts a remarkable concentration of universities. Renowned giants like Harvard and MIT grace its landscape alongside numerous other esteemed colleges and universities.
- Public Transportation
Unlike many American cities, Boston liberates its residents from the confines of car ownership. The efficient T subway system and comprehensive commuter rail network offer connectivity within the city and beyond.
- Feasible Travel To Neighbouring Cities
Boston's strategic location makes it a perfect springboard for exploring further afield. New York City, Montreal, Niagara Falls and Washington D.C. lie within a comfortable reach. All of these are just a bus ride away.
Top Universities And Global Ranking
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Boston, United States
Cost Of Living
$ 30,984
$ 14,400
#388
$ 30,984
$ 14,400
#84
Northeastern University, established in 1898 is a premier, nonprofit research institution with a focus on hands-on learning. The institution combines its academic programmes with alternatives for professional practice, research, service, and international learning in 128 countries. Northeastern was established on the novel notion that students' academic experience would be enhanced by opportunities for work experience in their field of study and that an institution could best serve its students and foster innovation by working closely with its community through partnerships with businesses. About 18,000 undergraduate students and more than 7,000 graduate students are currently enrolled at the university.
The university has campuses in London (UK), San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and Toronto. The institution provides classes in a number of disciplines, including engineering, business, marketing, and management. Their MBA and MSc in Computer Science programmes are among the top in the world. NU is renowned for its student-centred environment, small class sizes, and individual attention to each student. The university offers eight multidisciplinary research institutes committed to sustainability, security, and global health. There are 1,000 full-time faculty members, eminent academics, and researchers working across various research institutes who create international research collaborations.
Due to its vibrant and lush surroundings, this university has twice received the title of "most beautiful new or renovated exterior space" since the 1990s. Because there are many security and law enforcement personnel on campus, it is highly safe for students. As they continually push the students outside their comfort zones to attain the best in life, the faculty at this college is very creative and innovative. Professors and students do in-depth studies to identify innovative procedures and methods that will satisfy social demands.
Northeastern University's Employer Engagement and Career Design programme helps students network with other students, expand their talent pool, and find people who can meet their job needs. The institution collaborates with a number of other colleges, including Tufts, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Hebrew College. The Affective Science Institute (ASI) and Advanced Scientific Computation Center (ASCC) are among a few of the university’s research facilities. Between 2006 and 2019, NU’s academic staff and students received 308 patents.
Boston, United States
Cost Of Living
$ 30,984
$ 25,460
#108
$ 30,984
$ 25,460
#37
Boston University is one of the world's major private research and teaching institutions, with three main campuses in the centre of Boston and programmes all over the world. In 1869, Lee Claflin, Jacob Sleeper, and Isaac Rich, three prominent Methodist businessmen whose abolitionist convictions drove them to design and establish a university that was encompassing, opened its doors to the world and committed in service to and partnership with the city of Boston. Nearly 150 years later, BU boasts over 310,000 alumni residing and working all over the world.
The university is a part of the Association of American Universities and is the fourth-largest private university in the US. The university comprises Institutes such as the Questrom School of Business, the School of Medicine, the School of Law, the School of Education, and the College of Engineering, which provide a wide range of courses. With over 10,000 academics and staff members and 34,000 students, BU is a sizable institution with a thriving community of leaders, thinkers, and ambitious students.
A wide variety of undergraduate, graduate and professional programmes are offered at BU, all of which are supported by a solid liberal arts and sciences curriculum. The University, via its faculty, constantly innovates in teaching and research to guarantee that it meets the requirements of students and a constantly changing world with the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees. The university offers students a plethora of opportunities that encourage students in working to their full potential. Some of the popular courses taught at BU include -
- Sales & Marketing
- Economics
- Physiology
- Statistics
- Food & Hospitality
- Dental Studies
- Justice Studies
- Ecology
Boston University's acceptance rate is quite stringent, with just 19% of all applications admitted. NAS prizes were given to seven BU academic members for their research. Research is mostly conducted in subjects such as microbiology, biotechnology, physics, and medicine, and it continues to thrive as a result of substantial grants and contributions. Brilliant minds from all around the world make up BU's remarkable academic community. Various beginning programmes are taught by Rhodes and Fulbright scholars, Presidential winners, and others.
Boston, United States
Cost Of Living
$ 30,984
$ 29,295
$ 30,984
$ 29,295
#333
Suffolk University (SU) is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was named after its location in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, and was established as a law school in 1906. Mayors, numerous federal and state judges, and members of the U.S. Congress are among the notable alumni of the university. The Suffolk University Political Research Center, which bears the university's name, also operates there.
Suffolk University’s acceptance rate stands at 84% with around 7,560+ students enrolled at the university. It is a modern, culturally diverse metropolis; a college where knowledge is unlimited. Since its founding in 1906, the university has been integrated into Boston's dynamic metropolitan environment, providing a genuinely immersive setting for living, learning, and exploration. SU is in the perfect place to give students the access, opportunities, and experiences they need to have successful lives and careers. Numerous undergraduate, graduate, and law degree programs are available at the university, all of which place a strong emphasis on practical experience. Because accessibility is ingrained in their culture, they provide a variety of flexible learning options, including evening and part-time programs, credentials for working professionals, and online courses. Additionally, because of the small class sizes, teachers can get to know each student by name, see what potential they have, and establish crucial mentorship bonds.
The Law School, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the Sawyer Business School are all part of the coeducational university, which is situated on the border of downtown's historic Beacon Hill area. In addition to the main campus in Boston's downtown, it also operates a campus abroad in Madrid. The NCAA Division III Suffolk Rams of the university compete in 19 varsity sports as Commonwealth Coast Conference members.
The university’s alumni association includes around 80,000+ graduates out of which Jenna Marbles (American YouTube Personality And V-Blogger), Ronald Machtley (American Politician and President of Bryant University), Michelle Leonardo (an American Dancer and Model), Joan Vennochi (an American Newspaper Columnist), Nick Cafardo (an American Sportswriter and Sports Author), and many others are some of the notable alumni.
Boston, United States
Cost Of Living
$ 30,984
$ 28,350
#801 - 850
$ 30,984
$ 28,350
#166
The University of Massachusetts - Boston, also known as UMass Boston or UMass, is the only public land-grant university in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The university was previously known as Boston State College. Founded in 1852, it is an open research university affiliated with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and Urban 13.
It is the only public research institution in Boston. With approximately 16,000 students, UMass Boston Campus is the third-largest campus in the University of Massachusetts system. It has 12% international students from more than 150 countries. In 1965, there were 1,240 undergraduate students in the freshman classes. 'The Mass Media', the university's first student newspaper, was published in 1966. Enrollment had increased from 1,240 to 2,500 students by 1968. WUMB-FM, a folk music radio station, was founded by a group of students the same year.
The University of Massachusetts - Boston is a premier research university with over 28,000 students from 85 countries and 49 states. The university has ten schools and colleges that offer over 100 undergraduate majors, 78 master's programmes, and 48 doctoral programmes. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programmes, as well as professional certificate programmes. There are approximately 20 courses divided into various departments. The university provides the best campus food in the country, which is a huge plus for students staying on campus. There are over 200 student organisations where students can pursue interests apart from academics.
Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes are available at the university. The university has a total of 16,164 students. The undergraduate programme has 12,714 students, and the postgraduate programme has approximately 3,450 students. The university's academic structure consists of eight colleges: Liberal Arts College, Science & Mathematics College, Management College, Education & Human Development College, Nursing & Health Sciences College, Environment College, Advancing & Professional Studies College, and Public & Community Service College. Students are mentored by experienced faculty members. The university also has exchange programmes for students.
The University Of Massachusetts - Boston Acceptance Rate
The University of Massachusetts - Boston's acceptance rate is 80% while the early acceptance rate is 74.4%, indicating that the admissions are selective at the university. For overseas students seeking higher education, this university is a desirable option since it provides the best graduate and undergraduate programmes.
Boston, United States
Cost Of Living
$ 30,984
$ 15,900
$ 30,984
$ 15,900
#510
MCPHS University is also known as the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. It is a private institution focused on offering specialised programmes in medical and health-related sciences. MCPHS is located within the Longwood Medical and Academic Area in Boston, Massachusetts. The university holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.
MCPHS University offers a variety of undergraduate and advanced programmes that involve the entire spectrum of the healthcare sector. Whether a student's interest lies in scientific pursuits, the pharmaceutical business, or other domains, the comprehensive curriculum and practical learning opportunities available across the Boston, Worcester, and Manchester Campuses will enable them to emerge as frontrunners in their chosen field and contribute significantly as integral members of healthcare teams.
Some of the programmes available here are the Direct Entry Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) programme which provides students with valuable opportunities to engage in clinical experiences within immersive laboratories. MCPHS's online programs are designed for part-time study, enabling students to maintain full-time work commitments while pursuing their degrees or certificates. These online programs follow an asynchronous format, allowing a cohort of students to engage with course material at their own pace, unrestricted by time or location.
Admission Process & Requirements
Private and public universities in Boston and a part of the big league. They require a GPA of at least 3.4 on a scale of 4.0. International students in Boston are usually 18 years or older hence students should be around that age or older at the time of application. Here are the documents required and the admission process:
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts.
- GPA required: 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
- English proficiency test scores. TOEFL-IBT: 83-100/IELTS: 6.5-7.0
- 2 Letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose/Essay
- C.V. and portfolio.
- Resume or CV.
Admission Process
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form accurately and completely.
- Enroll in Your Desired Course: Choose a course aligned with your interests and goals, reviewing programme requirements and prerequisites.
- Gather Necessary Documents: Assemble transcripts, recommendation letters and standardised test scores (if applicable), ensuring correct format and timely submission.
- Settle Application Fees: Pay any applicable fees promptly to avoid processing delays.
- Review and Submit: Thoroughly review your application for errors, then submit it electronically or by mail according to university guidelines.
- Await University Response: Patiently wait for the university's decision, typically communicated via email or mail.
Scholarships In Boston
The city of Boston offers thousands of dollars in scholarships to domestic and international students. Additionally, the city's esteemed universities, along with various organisations, provide scholarship opportunities to support international students. These scholarships in Boston alleviate financial burdens and recognise academic excellence and potential.
- MIT International Students Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to outstanding international students based on academic merit and financial need. It is known to cover 20% of the student’s tuition fee.
Amount: $4,000
- MIT Sloan School of Management Fellowships: The Sloan School offers several fellowships specifically for international students, including the Sloan Women's Fellowship and the Sloan Public Service Fellowship. The scholarship aims to increase the MIT Sloan community.
Amount: $15,000
- Harvard College Scholarships: Harvard College offers several merit-based scholarships to international students, including the Harvard College Scholarship and the Harvard College Financial Aid Initiative. The scholarships and grants are designed to cover 100% of the demonstrated financial need of the students, and the remaining need will be covered by scholarship funds.
Amount: $80,600
- BU International Student Scholarships: Boston University offers a number of merit-based scholarships to international students, including the Dean's Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship. To be considered for these scholarships, international students must have outstanding academic records and meet the specific application requirements.
Amount: $25,000
- Tufts International Scholarship Fund: This fund provides need-based scholarships to international students at Tufts University. To apply for financial aid at Tufts, international students need to complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA).
Amount: $8,000 to $18,000
FAQs
Boston and the broader state of Massachusetts have tuition fees above the national average in the US, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 per year based on the university.
In the QS Best Student Cities 2022 ranking, Boston secures the 9th position globally. The city's top-notch universities provide high-quality education, esteemed faculty, advanced research and developed infrastructure to study in.
The Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan covers tuition and fees for up to three years. This initiative is open to all Boston residents pursuing an associate degree or qualifying certificate programme at partner colleges.
Engineering happens to be the top course which students are seen studying in Boston.
It is a researched fact that Boston has an estimated 20% of its population college-aged.
Fenway-Kenmore, Allston and Brighton are some of the top neighbourhoods where students are concentrated in Boston.