University preparation in Boston, Massachusetts 2025

In Boston, students can pursue higher education at over 100 institutions that provide a range of top academic programs. Annual rankings of leading universities serve as a guide for selecting an ideal location for study or a career in education and research. Different methodologies can be used to compile these rankings; for instance, the prestigious Shanghai ranking assesses universities based on their academic performance, while The Times Higher Education evaluates them through various metrics, such as faculty composition and institutional resources. Niche, another popular ranking organization, focuses on diverse categories like Best Student Life and Best Academics, utilizing student feedback and data from the U.S. education department.

Boston is home to renowned universities like Suffolk University, celebrated for its business, arts, and law programs, and Northeastern University, known for its advanced research. The University of Massachusetts in Boston boasts advantages such as a prime location and excellent programs for small groups. Curry College offers a diverse atmosphere with a personalized approach to learning, where 90% of the faculty hold doctoral degrees, establishing it as a significant educational institution.

Leading university Wheelock College Boston is popular among foreign students due to its high ranking and balanced academic programs. Graduates of Wheelock College have great perspective and wide opportunities for successful career and professional development. Pine Manor College is designed for young people wishing for a career in a humanitarian field - the most developed and popular areas of the college are: psychology, communication and business administration. The college is also famous for studying in creative fields: the college annually produces talented writers and poets in such areas as fiction, children's literature, non-fiction, and writing.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What advice do you have for applicants who plan to enter US universities? Let's say they have 3-4 years to prepare.

Learn, learn and learn again! Almost the most important is good grades (usually from the last 3 years in secondary school). Of course, high school must be completed. Even at school, I advise you to determine which subjects and directions interest you more than others, in which you are especially good and talented. This will answer the question of which career is right for you.

Do not forget about extracurricular activities, just do not overwork yourself, do not load too much on your shoulders, otherwise you will get tired beyond measure.

Of course, work on your English: it should be as fluent as possible.

Remember that the education system in the United States is very flexible: in many colleges and institutes, you can choose a specialization not immediately, but by the end of the second year.

• To gain admission to Boston University's undergraduate programs, prospective students must present evidence of completing secondary education. Those seeking entry into master's or doctoral programs are required to hold a university degree.
• Furthermore, bachelor's degree applicants must successfully complete the SAT, an assessment designed to evaluate academic aptitude.
• Proficiency in English is a mandatory prerequisite for all international students, regardless of their academic level. This can be demonstrated by achieving a minimum score of 98 on TOEFL or a score of 7 on IELTS.
• The application documents should also encompass proof of financial capability, a compelling statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

The annual tuition cost for international students at Boston University is roughly 49,000 USD. It increases to 68,000 USD when adding on-campus housing, meal plans, and educational materials. The total expense varies with the specific program of study. For instance, future dentists should anticipate annual fees ranging from 72,000 USD to 109,000 USD, whereas theology students can expect costs between 19,500 USD and 39,000 USD.

International students demonstrating exceptional performance in academics, athletics, or extracurricular activities may be eligible for scholarships. The Trustee Scholarship, a highly esteemed award exclusively for undergraduates, covers the full cost of attendance. Students with notable research contributions can compete for the Presidential Scholarship, valued at 20,000 USD per year, with applications due by December 1.

• Harvard University

Harvard University, a prestigious Ivy League institution, is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636 as Harvard College, it was named after its first benefactor, John Harvard, a Puritan clergyman. Today, it is the oldest university in the U.S. and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most respected institutions. Harvard is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, research, and developing leaders in diverse global fields.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), another private research university in Cambridge, was established in 1861. Renowned for its contributions to modern science and technology, MIT is a global leader in innovation. Its strong ties to industry have enabled alumni to establish over 30,000 companies, generating around 4.6 million jobs and $1.9 trillion in annual revenue.

• Boston University

Boston University, a major private research institution, employs over 4,000 faculty members and enrolls approximately 34,000 students. Offering degrees at all levels across 17 schools and colleges, it has produced seven Nobel Prize laureates.

• Tufts University

Tufts University, located between Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts, counts prominent global leaders among its alumni, including former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome and ex-Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. It is consistently ranked among Boston’s top universities.

Northeastern University, founded in 1898, is a private research institution in Boston. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs at its main campus and satellite locations, such as Charlotte and San Francisco, with a focus on integrating work experience into its academic calendar.