Best STEM Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has some of the most historically well-known STEM colleges in the U.S. These colleges offer some of the top STEM degrees online and in person. Depending on your major, it may be better to pursue an in-person degree to get hands-on experience.

There are many STEM colleges, so choose wisely. With the rising cost of higher education, ensure you explore STEM colleges that offer financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA, explore scholarship opportunities, and consider a federal work-study program to reduce higher education costs.

Top STEM Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a wealth of historical higher education institutions with notable alumni who pioneered advancements in the modern age. Many of these institutions offer graduate and doctoral programs in STEM, but this article will focus on undergraduate STEM programs, including affordable online STEM degree programs.

Despite this, it is highly recommended that students pursue master's degrees in their chosen field to advance their careers. Below are some of the top STEM colleges in Massachusetts.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, is a private research university in Cambridge, MA. MIT focuses on student's advancement in modern science and technology through the development of technical skills and research.

MIT is one of the most renowned STEM colleges in the country, with diverse interdisciplinary undergraduate degree programs such as:

• BS in chemistry and biology
• BS in computer science and molecular biology
• BS in climate system science and engineering
• BS in computation and cognition

2. Harvard University

Harvard University is an Ivy League research university in Cambridge, MA. Harvard is the country's oldest institution of higher learning. Although well-known for its law and business schools, it offers many STEM programs.

Harvard's STEM programs include:

• BS in aerospace engineering
• BS in electrical engineering
• BS in environmental science and engineering
• BS in materials science and mechanical engineering

3. University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst)

University of Massachusetts Amherst, or UMass Amherst, is a public research university in Amherst, MA. UMass Amherst is the University of Massachusetts system's flagship campus and is the largest public research university in New England.

STEM programs at this esteemed university include:

• BS in biochemistry and molecular biology
• BS in chemical engineering
• BS in computer science
• BS in electrical and computer engineering

4. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a private, non-profit university in Boston, MA. Northeastern University offers many undergraduate programs online and in person. The university's undergraduate areas of study vary from the humanities and business to STEM.

STEM undergraduate degree programs at Northeastern University include:

• BS in biomedical physics
• BS in cell and molecular biology
• BS in environmental and sustainability sciences
• BS in pharmaceutical sciences

5. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

The Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private research university in Worcester, MA. As one of the country's first engineering and technology universities, students can expect to find exceptional engineering programs.

Some engineering programs at Worcester Polytechnic Institute include:

• BS in biomedical engineering
• BS in chemical engineering
• BS in electrical and computer engineering
• BS in mechanical engineering

6. Tufts University

Tufts University is a private research university in Medford, MA. This school offers over 150 majors and minors, so finding a program compatible with your career goals is easy.

Many of the available majors and minors are in STEM fields. STEM majors at Tufts University include:

• applied mathematics
• applied physics
• environmental engineering
• geological sciences

7. Boston University

Not to be confused with Boston College, Boston University is a private research university in Boston, MA. The university was founded in 1839 with its first campus in Newbury, VT.

Although Boston University is based in Boston, it offers its programs globally. Aspiring STEM majors can look forward to programs such as:

• BS in biomedical engineering
• BS in computer engineering
• BS in data science
• BS in health science

8. Brandeis University

Brandeis University is a private research university in Waltham, MA. Although it has a liberal arts focus, many STEM majors are provided.

STEM majors at Brandeis University include:

• BS in computer science
• BS in health: science, society, and policy
• BS in applied mathematics
• BS in biochemistry

9. Smith College

Smith College is a private, non-profit university in Northampton, MA. This school focuses on providing research opportunities to undergraduate students within multiple disciplines.

Aspiring STEM majors have many degree options here. Some STEM undergraduate majors at Smith College include:

• biological sciences
• computer science
• chemistry
• biochemistry

10. Mount Holyoke College

Mount Holyoke College is a private women's college in South Hadley, MA. This women's college focuses on liberal arts and gender diversity. Mount Holyoke College is also part of the historic Seven Sisters Colleges.

STEM majors at Mount Holyoke College include:

• BA in computer science
• BA in data science
• BA in environmental studies
• BA in mathematics

11. University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell)

The University of Massachusetts Lowell, or UMass Lowell, is a public research university in Lowell, MA. According to the U.S. News and World Report, UMass Lowell's acceptance rate is 86% with the admissions process favoring candidates with higher GPAs.

This four-year university offers many STEM bachelor's degrees, including:

• BS in chemical engineering
• BS in pharmaceutical sciences
• BS in applied biomedical sciences
• BS in nutritional science

12. Olin College of Engineering

The Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, or Olin College of Engineering, is a private college in Needham, MA. The college is unique because it only offers three ABET-accredited degrees. These degrees are in mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and engineering.

Within these three majors, students can choose from several concentrations. Some concentrations include:

• bioengineering
• engineering computing
• engineering design
• engineering robotics

13. Bentley University

Bentley University is a private non-profit university in Waltham, MA. It strongly emphasizes business and incorporates business principles into its degree programs.

Regardless of the degree program, you will learn about business by completing courses as part of the business administration minor. STEM majors at Bentley University include:

• health studies
• mathematical sciences
• sustainability science
• data analytics

14. Clark University

Clark University is a private research university in Worcester, MA. Clark University's mission is for its students to become a force for change. As one of the first modern research universities in the country, it offers over 30 majors.

Many of these majors include STEM options. Some STEM majors available at Clark University are:

• biochemistry and molecular biology
• environmental science
• data science
• chemistry

15. Wentworth Institute of Technology

Wentworth Institute of Technology is a private four-year university in Boston, MA. It has five schools with different disciplines that prepare students for real-world scenarios. Wentworth's five schools are:

• School of Architecture & Design
• School of Computing & Data Science
• School of Engineering
• School of Management
• School of Sciences & Humanities

These five schools offer various STEM degree options. Notable STEM majors include:

• BS in biological engineering
• BS in electromechanical engineering
• BS in information technology
• BS in cybersecurity