2027 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Cambridge College	100	100	--	31072	49215	#1 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Cambridge College Boston, MA Located in Boston, Cambridge College accepts 100% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications. About 50% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Cambridge College, there is a 100% first year retention rate and around 0% of undergraduates will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 100 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $31,072 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,215
2	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	99	4.56	1,520 – 1,570	20996	131633	#2 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, offers up to a Doctor's degree. It became a land grant-college in 1863. Top majors include Computer Science, Management Science, and Mechanical Engineering. Alumni have gone on to found well-known companies, such as Intel, Koch Industries, Raytheon, and Hewlett-Packard. First Year Retention Rate 99 % Acceptance Rate 4.6% SAT Score 1,520 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $20,996 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $131,633
3	Amherst College	98	7.72	1,460 – 1,560	19049	62537	#3 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Amherst College Amherst, MA Amherst College is an extremely selective school. A majority of their first-year students come from All first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates total. The third oldest institution of higher education in the state, Amherst was originally a men’s college, becoming coeducational in 1975....Read more First Year Retention Rate 98 % 0.7% Acceptance Rate 7.7% SAT Score 1,460 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $19,049 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,537
4	Franklin W Olin College of Engineering	98	25.2	1,500 – 1,560	43184	105483	#4 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Needham, MA The Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering was established fairly recently in 1997. Half of the student’s tuition is covered by the Olin Scholarship, and students can choose from three majors: Engineering, General, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering....Read more First Year Retention Rate 98 % Acceptance Rate 25.2% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $43,184 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $105,483
5	Harvard University	98	4.18	1,460 – 1,560	17525	99572	#5 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Harvard University Cambridge, MA Harvard University has more alumni, researchers, and faculty that have won Nobel Prizes and Field Medals than any other school in the world. It also produced eight U.S. presidents, 188 living billionaires, and 110 Olympic medalists....Read more First Year Retention Rate 98 % Acceptance Rate 4.2% SAT Score 1,460 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $17,525 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $99,572
6	Williams College	97.44	8.61	1,480 – 1,560	15894	71754	#6 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Williams College Williamstown, MA Although it was originally founded as a men’s college in 1793, Williams College is composed of 51% men and 48% women today. It was created out of the funds of Ephraim Williams, who died in the French and Indian War. The college received 16,000 applications during the last admissions cycle and accepted 1,340. First Year Retention Rate 97 % 0.8% Acceptance Rate 8.6% SAT Score 1,480 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $15,894 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $71,754
7	Northeastern University	97	5.62	1,440 – 1,530	34207	78413	#7 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Northeastern University Boston, MA By enrollment, Northeastern University is one of the largest universities in Massachusetts. The school also has satellite campuses throughout the United States and Canada, including in Miami, Oakland, and Toronto, as well as one in London....Read more First Year Retention Rate 97 % 0.1% Acceptance Rate 5.6% SAT Score 1,440 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $34,207 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $78,413
8	Babson College	96.8	16.16	1,400 – 1,520	32019	91354	#8 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Babson College Wellesley, MA Babson College began as an all-male school in 1919, originally known as Babson Institute, and became coeducational in 1969. It has an astounding 96% first year retention rate and 86% four year graduation rate. The only available undergraduate major is Business Administration and Management, General....Read more First Year Retention Rate 97 % 1.9% Acceptance Rate 16.2% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $32,019 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $91,354
9	Boston College	96	14.22	1,440 – 1,540	32519	85717	#9 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA A private Jesuit research university, Boston College’s motto is Αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν, Greek for “Ever to Excel.” Their athletes, known as the Eagles, wear maroon and gold and are cheered on by Baldwin the Eagle. Past students include John F. Kerry, Leonard Nimoy, Chris O’Donnell, and Amy Poehler. First Year Retention Rate 96 % Acceptance Rate 14.2% SAT Score 1,440 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $32,519 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $85,717
10	Wellesley College	95.03	14.79	1,460 – 1,550	22174	65961	#10 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Wellesley College Wellesley, MA Wellesley College is a private women’s liberal arts college going back to 1870. It’s the largest women’s college, and it has seen famous alumni including Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and Katharine Lee Bates. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics is the most commonly chosen area of study. First Year Retention Rate 95 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 14.8% SAT Score 1,460 – 1,550 Avg. Net Price $22,174 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,961
11	Tufts University	95	10.82	1,460 – 1,540	32367	68337	#11 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Tufts University Medford, MA Opened in 1852 as Tufts College, Tufts University is a small liberal arts school. It became a doctoral/research university in the 1970s. The university offers over 70 undergraduate major programs. Computer Science, International Relations and Affairs, and Dentistry are popular areas of study. First Year Retention Rate 95 % 0.5% Acceptance Rate 10.8% SAT Score 1,460 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $32,367 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $68,337
12	Worcester Polytechnic Institute	95	61.89	1,200 – 1,390	47372	85038	#12 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA Located in Worcester, Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s acceptance rate is 62%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute currently receive institutional grant aid. At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, there is a 95%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 95 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 61.9% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $47,372 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $85,038
13	Smith College	94.57	22.41	1,420 – 1,520	27305	45731	#13 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Smith College Northampton, MA Located just west of the Connecticut River, Smith College is among the largest women’s colleges in the US. It doesn’t cost anything to apply as an undergraduate. Students enjoy a cozy 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 94% first year retention rate. Notable alumni include Julia Child, Gloria Steinman, and Sylvia Plath. First Year Retention Rate 95 % 0.6% Acceptance Rate 22.4% SAT Score 1,420 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $27,305 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,731
14	Boston University	94.23	12.83	1,430 – 1,530	24420	65655	#14 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Boston University Boston, MA Boston University got its start in 1839 in Vermont as the Newbury Biblical Institute. It moved to Boston in 1867. Today, the university is one of the largest employers in the city. Famous individuals associated with the school include Elie Wiesel, Martin Luther King Jr., William Howard Taft, and Howard Stern. First Year Retention Rate 94 % 0.8% Acceptance Rate 12.8% SAT Score 1,430 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $24,420 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,655
15	Bentley University	92.52	47.29	1,240 – 1,410	45802	86679	#15 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Bentley University Waltham, MA A private school, Bentley University offers students up to Doctor's degrees. It originally opened as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, and today many students choose to major in Finance, General, Business Administration and Management, General, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 93 % 0.5% Acceptance Rate 47.3% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $45,802 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $86,679
16	Mount Holyoke College	92.38	38.41	1,350 – 1,510	32526	48590	#16 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, MA Mount Holyoke College is the oldest member of the Seven Sisters colleges. Their motto is Psalms 144:12 – “That our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace.” The campus features a botanic garden, an art museum, and the John Payson Williston Observatory....Read more First Year Retention Rate 92 % 3.8% Acceptance Rate 38.4% SAT Score 1,350 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $32,526 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,590
17	University of Massachusetts-Amherst	92.3	59.89	1,330 – 1,500	22948	60347	#17 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA Amherst is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system. It opened in 1863, when it was known as the Massachusetts Agricultural College. Most students stay on after they complete freshman year – the school has a 92% first year retention rate. 81% graduate in six years. First Year Retention Rate 92 % 0.3% Acceptance Rate 59.9% SAT Score 1,330 – 1,500 Avg. Net Price $22,948 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,347
18	College of the Holy Cross	91.49	18.89	1,270 – 1,420	36014	69984	#18 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA The College of the Holy Cross is the oldest Catholic college in New England, and today it’s part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The school has a 91% first year retention rate, and an impressive 79% four-year graduation rate. Athletes are known as the Crusaders and wear royal purple and white. First Year Retention Rate 91 % 3.4% Acceptance Rate 18.9% SAT Score 1,270 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $36,014 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $69,984
19	Massachusetts College of Art and Design	90.2	83.11	990 – 1,180	24864	27090	#19 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Massachusetts College of Art and Design Boston, MA Found in Boston, Massachusetts College of Art and Design accepted 83% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $70 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 65% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 83.1% SAT Score 990 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $24,864 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,090
20	Emerson College	87	51.31	1,290 – 1,430	53432	42799	#20 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Emerson College Boston, MA Based in Boston, Emerson College accepts 51% of applicants and requests $65 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 76% of students attending Emerson College currently receive institutional grant aid. They receive $26,068 on average. The first year retention rate is 87%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 87 % Acceptance Rate 51.3% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $53,432 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,799
21	Berklee College of Music	86.2	55.09	--	49797	26462	#21 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Berklee College of Music Boston, MA Located in Boston, Berklee College of Music accepts 55% of applicants. They charge $150 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 71% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 55.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $49,797 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,462
22	Brandeis University	85.85	45.41	1,350 – 1,500	43550	52967	#22 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Brandeis University Waltham, MA Brandeis University is named for Louis Brandeis, a former Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Students and athletes are appropriately named, going by the Judges. Their mascots are The Judge and Ollie the Owl....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 45.4% SAT Score 1,350 – 1,500 Avg. Net Price $43,550 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,967
23	Massachusetts Maritime Academy	85	92.02	1,040 – 1,200	13546	80424	#23 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buzzards Bay, MA The second oldest state maritime academy in the country, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy was founded in 1891. Its motto is “Discipline, Knowledge, Leadership.” Students train on the USTS Kennedy and select one of the 7 programs. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering is the most popular. First Year Retention Rate 85 % 2.1% Acceptance Rate 92.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $13,546 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $80,424
24	Simmons University	85	70.08	1,230 – 1,410	28691	61420	#24 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Simmons University Boston, MA Simmons University is a private women’s institution, though the graduate school does admit men. It was founded as a college in 1899 and became a university in 2018. Simmons has an 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 85% first year retention rate. 100% of students receive institutional grant aid. First Year Retention Rate 85 % Acceptance Rate 70.1% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $28,691 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,420
25	Springfield College	85	74.21	1,180 – 1,340	30039	43692	#25 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Springfield College Springfield, MA Gym teacher James Naismith invented Basketball at Springfield College in 1891, when it was the International Young Men's Christian Association Training School. Students are known as the Pride and wearing maroon and white, they compete in the NCAA Division III with football New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference. First Year Retention Rate 85 % 4.9% Acceptance Rate 74.2% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $30,039 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,692
26	Endicott College	84	71.21	1,200 – 1,350	41394	57286	#26 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Endicott College Beverly, MA Located in Beverly, Endicott College accepts 71% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 96% of students attending Endicott College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 71.2% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $41,394 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,286
27	Stonehill College	84	66.28	1,050 – 1,250	33385	63285	#27 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Stonehill College Easton, MA Located in Easton, Stonehill College accepted 66% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $60 to apply. Approximately 100% of students at Stonehill College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is......Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 66.3% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $33,385 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,285
28	University of Massachusetts-Lowell	84	82.96	1,190 – 1,380	16530	61467	#28 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, MA Located in Lowell, the University of Massachusetts-Lowell accepts 83% of applicants. They charge $70 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 79% of students at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell currently receive institutional grant aid. The school’s first year retention rate is 84% and its......Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 83.0% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $16,530 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,467
29	Wentworth Institute of Technology	83	87.83	1,210 – 1,460	35604	71868	#29 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, MA Based in Boston, Wentworth Institute of Technology accepts 88% of applicants. They require $50 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. 83% of students decide to stay at Wentworth Institute of Technology after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 87.8% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $35,604 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $71,868
30	Emmanuel College	82	76.77	1,170 – 1,320	31121	50180	#30 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Emmanuel College Boston, MA Found in Boston, Emmanuel College accepted 77% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 100% of students at Emmanuel College currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 3.8% Acceptance Rate 76.8% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $31,121 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,180
31	Wheaton College (Massachusetts)	82	67.73	1,240 – 1,400	30701	51607	#31 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Norton, MA Wheaton College got its start as the Wheaton Female Seminary in 1834. It received its current moniker in 1912 and began admitting men in 1988. To offer more courses to students, Wheaton has partnerships with Brown University and nine other local schools....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 67.7% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $30,701 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,607
32	Assumption University	81.5	84.55	990 – 1,180	29748	46029	#32 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Assumption University Worcester, MA Assumption University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1 and a first year retention rate of 81%. It’s a NCAA Division II with football school and the Greyhounds compete in the Northeast 10 Conference. Wearing blue and white, they’re cheered on by Pierre the Greyhound. First Year Retention Rate 82 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 84.6% SAT Score 990 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $29,748 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,029
33	Gordon College	81	90.01	1,110 – 1,350	25299	45839	#33 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Gordon College Wenham, MA Gordon College opened as the Boston Missionary Training Institute in 1889, receiving its current moniker just over 80 years later. With 35 areas of study and awarding up to Post-master's certificates, many students opt for the Business Administration and Management, General program....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % 4.0% Acceptance Rate 90.0% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $25,299 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,839
34	Merrimack College	80.4	69.27	1,000 – 1,250	38504	54316	#34 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Merrimack College North Andover, MA Found in North Andover, Merrimack College accepted 69% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Merrimack College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 1.8% Acceptance Rate 69.3% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $38,504 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,316
35	Hult International Business School	80	60.48	--	53700	53519	#35 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Hult International Business School Cambridge, MA Based in Cambridge, Hult International Business School’s acceptance rate is 60% and requests $95 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 82% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % Acceptance Rate 60.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $53,700 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,519
36	Regis College	79	69.79	860 – 1,070	28575	56223	#36 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Regis College Weston, MA Regis College was founded as a women’s school by the Roman Catholic Sisters of St. Joseph. It started accepting men in 2007. Regis offers up to Doctor's degrees, with 35 available programs and majors. There are currently more graduates than undergraduates attending. First Year Retention Rate 79 % Acceptance Rate 69.8% SAT Score 860 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $28,575 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,223
37	Montserrat College of Art	78.3	66.83	810 – 1,230	34166	24780	#37 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Montserrat College of Art Beverly, MA The Montserrat College of Art is a Specialized Institutions—Schools of art, music, and design school, awarding Bachelor's degrees. Popular areas of study include Illustration, Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, and Graphic Design....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 14.0% Acceptance Rate 66.8% SAT Score 810 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $34,166 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,780
38	Hampshire College	78	75.28	1,160 – 1,350	27895	22195	#38 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Hampshire College Amherst, MA Students at Hampshire College follow an alternative curriculum. Instead of an emphasis on GPAs and curriculum, the school places more focus on portfolios, evaluations, and progressive education. 100% of students receive grant aid, averaging about $46,145 each. Alumni include Jon Krakauer, Ken Burns, and Lupita Nyong’o. First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 75.3% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $27,895 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $22,195
39	Bridgewater State University	77	87.98	1,020 – 1,270	15646	46673	#39 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, MA Found in Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University accepts 88% of applicants. They request $50 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 70% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. They receive $4,872 on average. The first year retention rate is 77%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 88.0% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $15,646 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,673
40	Worcester State University	76.17	87.99	970 – 1,210	12778	50233	#40 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Worcester State University Worcester, MA Based in Worcester, Worcester State University’s acceptance rate is 88% and requests $50 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 54% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. 76% of students continued studying at Worcester State University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 2.5% Acceptance Rate 88.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $12,778 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,233
41	Boston Architectural College	75	100	--	26590	58619	#41 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Boston Architectural College Boston, MA Located in Boston, Boston Architectural College’s acceptance rate is 100% and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 56% of students attending Boston Architectural College currently receive grant aid from the school. 75% of students decide to stay at Boston Architectural College after completing their first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $26,590 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,619
42	Salem State University	75	95.88	990 – 1,160	17541	48209	#42 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Salem State University Salem, MA Salem State University is a public university located just 30 minutes from Boston. Offering 68 degree programs, the most popular are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Psychology, General, and Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 95.9% SAT Score 990 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $17,541 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,209
43	Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences	74	85.21	1,170 – 1,410	41506	77171	#43 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Boston, MA Located in Boston, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’s acceptance rate is 85%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences,......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 85.2% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $41,506 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $77,171
44	Western New England University	74	83.48	1,090 – 1,310	27056	51771	#44 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Western New England University Springfield, MA Based in Springfield, Western New England University’s acceptance rate is 83%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 97% of students attending Western New England University will receive institutional grant aid. They receive $30,597 on average. The first year retention rate is 74%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 83.5% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $27,056 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,771
45	Westfield State University	73.9	86.71	1,000 – 1,210	17406	46861	#45 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Westfield State University Westfield, MA Found in Westfield, Westfield State University accepts 87% of applicants and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 80% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention rate is 73% and around 42% of students will graduate......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 86.7% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $17,406 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,861
46	Lasell University	73.5	74.57	1,030 – 1,160	27773	45468	#46 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Lasell University Newton, MA Lasell University was founded as a women’s seminary in 1851 and although it became coeducational in 1997, women still make up most of the student body. The school’s motto is “Ignorant of Defeat.” 96% receive grant aid, averaging $14,638 each, and students can earn up to a Master's degree. First Year Retention Rate 74 % 5.0% Acceptance Rate 74.6% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $27,773 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,468
47	Fitchburg State University	73.42	88.85	980 – 1,200	15340	41999	#47 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, MA Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is a popular area of study at Fitchburg State University for undergraduates, though the school awards up to Post-master's certificates. The public school’s main campus is 79 acres, but it also has an additional 120 acres nearby for biological study....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 5.7% Acceptance Rate 88.9% SAT Score 980 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $15,340 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,999
48	Bay Path University	73	85.14	1,010 – 1,210	15463	51548	#48 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Bay Path University Longmeadow, MA Found in Longmeadow, Bay Path University accepts 85% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 92% of students attending Bay Path University will receive grant aid from the school. On average, these students are given $23,658 each. The first year retention rate is 73%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % Acceptance Rate 85.1% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $15,463 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,548
49	College of Our Lady of the Elms	73	91.34	1,150 – 1,320	19870	54087	#49 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts College of Our Lady of the Elms Chicopee, MA Also known simply as Elms College, College of Our Lady of the Elms has a Latin motto: “Viam Veritatis Elegi” – “I have chosen the way of truth.” It opened as a preparatory academy for women in 1897. Although the school started admitting men in 1998, women still make up most of the student body. First Year Retention Rate 73 % 3.9% Acceptance Rate 91.3% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $19,870 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,087
50	Lesley University	72	96.87	1,010 – 1,220	32587	40150	#50 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Lesley University Cambridge, MA Opened in 1909 as Lesley School, a women’s college for future kindergarten teachers, Lesley University began admitting men in 2005. Today, women still make up a majority of the student body. The school’s motto is “I Would Have Perished Had I Not Persisted,” or “Perissem Ni Perstitissem” in Latin. First Year Retention Rate 72 % Acceptance Rate 96.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $32,587 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,150
51	Nichols College	72	80.84	1,030 – 1,240	32337	47830	#51 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Nichols College Dudley, MA Most programs at Nichols College focus on business – in fact, Business/Commerce, General is the most commonly chosen out of 18 available programs and majors. Although the school has Universalist roots, it’s nonsectarian today. The Bisons participate in the Conference of New England....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % Acceptance Rate 80.8% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $32,337 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,830
52	Framingham State University	71	83.66	1,100 – 1,280	16114	46611	#52 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Framingham State University Framingham, MA Located in Framingham, Framingham State University’s acceptance rate is 84%. They request $50 for undergraduate applications. About 71% of students attending Framingham State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % Acceptance Rate 83.7% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $16,114 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,611
53	University of Massachusetts-Boston	70	83.79	1,080 – 1,300	17768	53521	#53 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, MA Found in Boston, the University of Massachusetts-Boston accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $60 for undergraduate applications. About 87% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 83.8% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $17,768 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,521
54	Dean College	68	74.02	920 – 1,110	32085	30046	#54 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Dean College Franklin, MA Based in Franklin, Dean College’s acceptance rate is 74% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students at Dean College currently receive institutional grant aid. At Dean College, there is a 68% first year retention rate and around 39% of students will earn their degree within four years....Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % Acceptance Rate 74.0% SAT Score 920 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $32,085 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,046
55	Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts	68	91.31	960 – 1,180	16544	36803	#55 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, MA Psychology, General is a commonly chosen area of study at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. The school is non selective and offers rolling admissions. Murdock the Mountain Lion cheers on the Trailblazers who play in Ice Hockey, Soccer, and Baseball, among others. First Year Retention Rate 68 % 10.2% Acceptance Rate 91.3% SAT Score 960 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $16,544 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,803
56	University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth	68	89.16	960 – 1,270	21094	51475	#56 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MA Found in North Dartmouth, the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth accepts 89% of applicants and charges $60 for undergraduate applications. About 94% of students at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year retention rate......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 6.9% Acceptance Rate 89.2% SAT Score 960 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $21,094 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,475
57	Curry College	66	87.65	1,050 – 1,230	29917	46746	#57 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Curry College Milton, MA Located in Milton, Curry College accepts 88% of applicants and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % Acceptance Rate 87.7% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $29,917 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,746
58	Fisher College	64	82.63	820 – 1,100	28596	44366	#58 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Fisher College Boston, MA Based in Boston, Fisher College accepts 83% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 94% of students at Fisher College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % 16.4% Acceptance Rate 82.6% SAT Score 820 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $28,596 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,366
59	Anna Maria College	60	50.15	780 – 990	29094	63110	#59 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Anna Maria College Paxton, MA Found in Paxton, Anna Maria College accepted 50% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 100% of students at Anna Maria College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention......Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % Acceptance Rate 50.2% SAT Score 780 – 990 Avg. Net Price $29,094 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,110
60	Quincy College	60	87.66	--	14704	43642	#60 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Quincy College Quincy, MA Located in Quincy, Quincy College accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 8% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % Acceptance Rate 87.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,704 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,642
61	American International College	57	99.61	940 – 1,110	23086	41451	#61 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts American International College Springfield, MA Located in Springfield, American International College’s acceptance rate is 100%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 100% of students attending American International College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % Acceptance Rate 99.6% SAT Score 940 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $23,086 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,451
62	Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology	50	84.91	--	14841	50583	#62 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Massachusetts Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology Boston, MA Based in Boston, Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology accepted 85% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 85% of students at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 50 % Acceptance Rate 84.9% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,841 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,583