Is it your dream to study abroad in America's best universities? Massachusetts can be your ideal destination for its top-notch educational facilities and highly-ranked institutions. Massachusetts boasts the best public school system and has consistently ranked as the most educated state in America. Per news reports, it has the 5th best education system in the country and ranked 1st in student success. The state is also home to the oldest university in America, the prestigious Harvard University. Let’s learn why studying in Massachusetts can be the best option for you.
Numerous international students choose Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts, to pursue higher education because of its fame as the "world’s learning capital." Boston boasts several world-class colleges, with over 250,000 students enrolled alone in Boston and Cambridge. The top reasons to study here are:
The best academic atmosphere.
Boston has the features of a big city but is student-friendly.
The city promotes rich history, culture, and art.
Boston is the 188th safest city for students among 461 American cities.
Several scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Best Universities to Study in Massachusetts
According to the rankings by U.S. News & World Reports and QS Top Universities, the best universities to study in Massachusetts in 2024 are:
University Name
THE Ranking
(World Universities Rankings) 2024
QS Top Universities Ranking
(World Universities Rankings)2 024
The U.S. News & World Report Rankings (National Universities Rankings) 2024
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
3rd
1st
2nd
Harvard University
4th
4th
3rd
Boston University
78th
93rd
43rd
Tufts University
191st
379th
40th
Boston College
251st- 300th
631st to 640th
39th
Best Courses to Study in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to more than 100 colleges and universities; therefore, students enjoy a wide variety while making choices in courses. Some of the best courses to study in Massachusetts here are:
Mechanical Engineering
Robotics
Pre-medicine
Literature
MBA
Film and Television
Computer Science and Engineering
Applied Computational Science
Biomedical Engineering
Data Science
Geological Sciences
Nursing
Cost of Living in Massachusetts
According to various statistical surveys, the cost of living in Massachusetts is 50% higher than the national average. The estimated cost of living for a single person in the capital city of Boston (without rent) is about $1,434 per month. Let's find in detail about the living costs from the table below:
Type
Amount
Rent
$3,079 per month (One-bedroom apartment in the city center)
$2,230 per month (One-bedroom apartment outside the city center)
Food
$3.55 (Cost per meal)
Transportation
$90 (Monthly pass)
Healthcare
$149 (Doctor's visit)
Cost of Studying in Massachusetts
The cost of studying in Massachusetts varies based on your chosen university/college and course. The average tuition fees for FY-2024 in the top universities are mentioned below:
Name of the University
Average Annual Tuition Fee
University of Massachusetts, Boston
$37,997
Boston University
$66,670
Tufts University
$68,946
Worcester State University
$17,366 (out-of-state)
Bristol Community College
$6,674
Top Scholarships for Students to Study in Massachusetts
Students wanting to study in Massachusetts for the upcoming session can avail of several financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Some of the best scholarships international students can apply for are listed below:
Name of Scholarship
Description
Amount
Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program
Offered by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, this scholarship can be availed by students residing in Massachusetts for more than one year and enrolled in STEM, Education, or Healthcare degrees in public and independent institutions.
$6,500 per year or $3,250 per sem (full-time enrollment)
$3,250 per year or $1,625 per sem (part-time enrollment)
Trustee Scholarship (offered by Boston University)
Awarded to intellectual and creative undergraduate students enrolled at the university. Applicants must submit a 600-word essay.
A four-year undergraduate tuition fee is covered.
Presidential Scholarships
Offered to incoming first-year students with exceptional academic achievements.
$25,000 (renewable for up to 4 years at Boston University)
MIT Scholarships
Awarded to low-income first-year students.
$2,000 (can be divided semester-wise)
Student Life in Massachusetts
Massachusetts boasts a vibrant student life brimming with opportunities. With roughly 20% of its population college-aged, the state fosters a dynamic and supportive environment for higher education. Boston, in particular, offers a student-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fulfilling academic experience.
Massachusetts boasts a thriving economy and is home to more than 500 Fortune companies; therefore, studying here can lead to the best career opportunities for students. For students wanting to establish a career in STEM, Massachusetts offers the highest number of STEM-based employment in the country, as compared to any other state.
Career Prospects for Students in Massachusetts
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job openings in January 2024 in Massachusetts was around 214,000. These higher job openings clearly illustrate why Massachusetts is an excellent place to start or build your career. Some of the highest-paying job roles that you can fulfill in 2024 are:
Job
Average Annual Salary
Chief Technology Officer/ Chief Operating Officer
$199,876
Finance Services Director
$227,599
Software Architect
$141,185
Machine Learning Engineer
$161,085
Internal Medicine Physician
$287,648
Software Engineer
$108,169
Medical Director
$206,058
Emergency Services Director
$159,561
Cloud Systems Engineer
$127,794
*Data as per job portals
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a student visa to study in Massachusetts?
Students wanting to pursue higher studies in Massachusetts must apply for an F-1 Visa from their nearest US Embassy. The F-1 Visa is designed particularly for non-immigrants wanting to study in America.
Can I work and study in Massachusetts?
Yes, students are allowed to simultaneously work and study in Massachusetts; however, they must fulfill specific eligibility and conditions of employment that vary from university to university.
Which course is best for studying in Massachusetts?
There are a plethora of study options in Massachusetts, and some of the best courses to study here include medicine, IT, dentistry, international relations, music and art, and theology.
What support services are available for international students at universities in Massachusetts?
While studying at any university in Massachusetts, international students can avail of a variety of support services that include:
Financial assistance
Personal counseling
Tutorial services
Assistance for admission procedure
Special services for students lacking English proficiency
Assistance in finding career options
Several cultural activities
What cultural experiences and attractions can I explore in Massachusetts outside of my studies?
In addition to studies, international students can enjoy several cultural and fun activities across the city of Boston and its neighboring areas. Students can explore several museums and cultural centers across the city, take heritage tours through historic walk trails, and learn the rich history of Massachusetts and its importance in American History. Museum of African American History, Museum of Russian Icons, Second Saturday Walking Tour of Florence Abolition Era Sites, are some places of interest. Students can also explore the vibrant theaters and film festivals like Boston Latino Film Festival, Boston Jewish Film Festival, The Boston International Film Festival, Boston Irish Film Festival, etc.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
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