2027 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges in Massachusetts

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Massachusetts (MA)

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College Raptor’s Hidden Gem rankings highlight under-the-radar colleges that may not be household names, but they're bringing serious academic heat. Hidden Gems are based on College Raptor’s overall national rankings and must meet the following criteria:

Receive fewer than 10,000 applications per year.
Have fewer than 7,000 undergraduate students.
Offer 5 or more unique majors
Have a 20% acceptance rate or higher.
Rank within the top half of College Raptor’s overall rankings.

For more information on methodology behind our college rankings, check out our ranking methodology breakdown.

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Rank	Institution	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Smith College	22.41	1,420 – 1,520	27305	45731	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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. 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
2	Mount Holyoke College	38.41	1,350 – 1,510	32526	48590	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
3	Brandeis University	45.41	1,350 – 1,500	43550	52967	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
4	Endicott College	71.21	1,200 – 1,350	41394	57286	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
5	Simmons University	70.08	1,230 – 1,410	28691	61420	#5 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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. 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
6	Stonehill College	66.28	1,050 – 1,250	33385	63285	#6 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
7	Wheaton College (Massachusetts)	67.73	1,240 – 1,400	30701	51607	#7 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
8	Springfield College	74.21	1,180 – 1,340	30039	43692	#8 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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. 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
9	Assumption University	84.55	990 – 1,180	29748	46029	#9 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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. 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
10	Emmanuel College	76.77	1,170 – 1,320	31121	50180	#10 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
11	Wentworth Institute of Technology	87.83	1,210 – 1,460	35604	71868	#11 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
12	Massachusetts Maritime Academy	92.02	1,040 – 1,200	13546	80424	#12 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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. 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
13	Gordon College	90.01	1,110 – 1,350	25299	45839	#13 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
14	Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences	85.21	1,170 – 1,410	41506	77171	#14 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
15	Montserrat College of Art	66.83	810 – 1,230	34166	24780	#15 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
16	Regis College	69.79	860 – 1,070	28575	56223	#16 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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. 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
17	Western New England University	83.48	1,090 – 1,310	27056	51771	#17 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
18	Nichols College	80.84	1,030 – 1,240	32337	47830	#18 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
19	College of Our Lady of the Elms	91.34	1,150 – 1,320	19870	54087	#19 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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. 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
20	Lasell University	74.57	1,030 – 1,160	27773	45468	#20 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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. 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
21	Worcester State University	87.99	970 – 1,210	12778	50233	#21 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
22	Westfield State University	86.71	1,000 – 1,210	17406	46861	#22 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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
23	Lesley University	96.87	1,010 – 1,220	32587	40150	#23 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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. 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
24	Fitchburg State University	88.85	980 – 1,200	15340	41999	#24 Top Hidden Gem Colleges 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 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