10 Colleges in Massachusetts With High Acceptance Rates 2026

If you're thinking about attending college, you may be wondering about your chances of getting accepted at the school of your choice. If you live in Massachusetts, perhaps you'd like to know more about schools with high acceptance rates in your state.

Keep reading as we explore this topic in greater detail. We'll provide a list of colleges in Massachusetts with high acceptance rates and answers to related questions you may have.

Are There Good Universities With High Acceptance Rates in Massachusetts?

There are various colleges in Boston with high acceptance rates, and other accessible schools can be found throughout the state. Most of these schools are community colleges; however, there are also some good universities with open admissions policies and high acceptance rates. We'll explore some of these schools further in the following sections.

What Is Considered a High Acceptance Rate for Colleges in Massachusetts?

Though there are some East Coast colleges with high acceptance rates, many of them are highly selective; the schools in Massachusetts are no exception. Though many community colleges accept all qualified applicants, many universities accept less than 60%. Thus, any school accepting 70% of students or more can be considered to have a high acceptance rate in Massachusetts.

What Are the Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Massachusetts?

If you're looking for colleges in New England with high acceptance rates, consider the community colleges in Massachusetts. These schools not only accept all qualified students but typically have relaxed admissions standards as well. In addition, some special-focus institutions also have open admissions policies. Three of the easiest schools to get into in the state include:

• Bunker Hill Community College: 100% acceptance rate
• Cape Cod Community College: 100% acceptance rate
• Boston Architectural College: 100% acceptance rate

Best Colleges in Massachusetts With the Highest Acceptance Rates

If you're ready to start your educational journey, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some top Massachusetts colleges with high acceptance rates.

1. Quincy College

Quincy College is a public community college offering both associate and bachelor's degrees. Located in Quincy, MA, it offers programs in many areas of study, including business management, psychology, and paralegal studies.

The school has an open admissions policy and provides some of the lowest tuition rates of any school offering bachelor's degrees in the state. Degree and certificate programs are completed on campus, though some online classes may be available.

• Acceptance rate: 100% (open admissions)
• Estimated tuition cost: $8,938 per year
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Cambridge College

Cambridge College is one of the most notable Boston colleges with high acceptance rates. It has an open admissions policy and offers programs in many areas of study, such as:

• accounting
• entrepreneurship
• health sciences

The school offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificate programs. Many of the available programs can be completed online or in a hybrid format.

• Acceptance rate: 100% (open admissions)
• Estimated tuition cost: $18,378 per year
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology

The Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology is a private school focused on industrial technology and engineering. Located in Boston, MA, it offers career-focused majors, including:

• cybersecurity
• electrical engineering
• opticianry

The school offers both associate and bachelor's degrees and has an open admissions policy. Courses and programs are generally completed in person.

• Acceptance rate: 100% (open admissions)
• Estimated tuition cost: $18,906 per year
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. American International College

American International College is a private school in Springfield, MA. It provides a range of academic programs, including:

• athletic administration and leadership
• criminal justice
• educational studies

Most programs are completed in person, though several graduate degrees and certificates can be earned online or in a hybrid format. The school does not have an open admissions policy, but it accepts the vast majority of students who apply.

• Acceptance rate: 97%
• Estimated tuition cost: $44,230 per year
• Accreditation: NECHE

5. Bard College at Simon's Rock

Bard College at Simon's Rock, often known simply as Simon's Rock, is a private liberal arts college located in Great Barrington, MA. Students can choose from various degree programs, such as:

• philosophical studies
• mathematics
• art history

Students typically study in person through classes, internships, academic partnerships, and study-abroad opportunities. Nearly all students who apply to this school are accepted.

• Acceptance rate: 97%
• Estimated tuition cost: $68,780 per year
• Accreditation: NECHE

6. Salem State University

Salem State University is a public school located in Salem, MA. There are many types of programs available at this school, with majors including behavior analysis, economics, and dance.

Many programs provide concentrations so students can personalize their studies to specific career goals. The school accepts the majority of applicants and provides both online and on-campus learning opportunities.

• Acceptance rate: 96%
• Estimated tuition cost: $12,338 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE

7. Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public school focused on maritime-related studies. Located in Buzzards Bay, MA, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as:

• emergency management
• marine engineering
• international maritime business

Students gain hands-on experience in class, simulators, and a training ship that allows for real-world opportunities. About 95% of students who apply to this school are accepted, and many go into the armed services or marine-related fields after graduation.

• Acceptance rate: 95%
• Estimated tuition cost: $11,420 per year
• Accreditation: NECHE

8. Lesley University

Lesley University is a private school in Cambridge, MA. Though initially a women's teaching college, it is now co-educational and provides majors in various fields, including:

• social work
• graphic design
• creative writing

Some of the degree programs are available online, while others are completed in person. The school accepts about 94% of applicants and aims to give students a well-rounded, immersive educational experience.

• Acceptance rate: 94%
• Estimated tuition cost: $34,256 per year
• Accreditation: NECHE

9. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a public school in the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) System. Learners choose from majors such as the following:

• aging and health
• international politics
• music performance

Both graduate and undergraduate degrees are available, including online and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-designated programs. At 92%, the school has the highest acceptance rate in the UMASS System.

• Acceptance rate: 92%
• Estimated tuition cost: $15,612 (in-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE

10. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public school in North Adams, MA. A wide variety of majors and programs are available, including:

• pre-veterinary
• multi-media journalism
• environmental studies

Students can study on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Many accelerated study options are available, along with combined degree programs and undergraduate and graduate study options.

• Acceptance rate: 92%
• Estimated tuition cost: $12,436 per year (in-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE

Admissions Requirements for Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in Massachusetts

Different schools have different admission requirements. For example, some open admissions schools only require your official transcripts and a completed application, sometimes with an application fee. At other colleges with high acceptance rates, common admission requirements include:

• high school diploma or equivalent
• transcripts showing a minimum GPA (often 2.0)
• completion of specific high school coursework
• standardized test scores (often optional)
• personal essay and/or letters of recommendation

FAQs About Colleges in Massachusetts With High Acceptance Rates

If you still have questions about enrolling in high acceptance rate colleges in Massachusetts, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions you may have.

Are There Open Admissions Colleges in Massachusetts?

Yes, all community colleges in the state have open admissions policies. Additionally, some four-year schools like Cambridge College, Franklin Cummings, and Quincy College also admit all applicants meeting basic criteria.

What Is the Cheapest College in Massachusetts?

Generally speaking, community colleges provide the lowest tuition rates in Massachusetts, averaging around $5,000 to $7,000 per year. Among four-year schools, Quincy College has the lowest average tuition of $8,938 per year. Fitchburg State University is known for being one of the most affordable universities in Massachusetts, with an average tuition of $11,346 per year.

What Colleges Have the Highest Acceptance Rates in Boston?

Schools with open admissions policies that accept all applicants are the ones with the highest acceptance rates. Several of the easy colleges to get into in Boston have high acceptance rates. Examples include Boston Architectural College, Cambridge College, Boston Baptist College, Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, and Bunker Hill Community College.

What Is the #1 Rated College in Massachusetts?

There is no one definitive ranking system to determine the best colleges; that said, the U.S. News and World Report rankings are generally well respected. According to U.S. News, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the top-rated college in Massachusetts. Other top schools include Harvard University, Boston College, and Tufts University.

Explore Colleges in Massachusetts

If you're ready to start working toward your degree, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges directly for more information about their programs and to choose the right one for you.