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Ranked 16th in the world, Boston is the top student city in the US, ahead of New York City.
Boston is without doubt one of the world’s best-known academic hubs, and its position is further bolstered by universities located within the Greater Boston area, in the neighbouring town of Cambridge. The most famous are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University – ranked first and fourth worldwide respectively in the QS World University Rankings®.
In addition to the academic might of MIT and Harvard, Boston is home to six more internationally ranked universities, forming a hub of intellectual endeavour which has earned it the nickname 'the Athens of America'.
Thanks in part to the two showstoppers, MIT and Harvard, Boston has a very strong score in the university rankings indicator. However, it actually ranks most highly for employer activity, reflecting the strong international reputation of its institutions among graduate employers worldwide.
The city’s weakest score, predictably, is for affordability, with fees at top US universities exceeding US$59,000 per year. Fortunately, both MIT and Harvard operate need-blind admission policies for all applicants, including international students, and generous financial aid packages mean Boston’s universities may not be as out-of-reach as they at first appear.
As one of the most historic cities in the US, Boston combines the hustle and bustle of a major metropolis and a happening arts, politics and culture scene, with an abundance of open green space and the stunning fall colours for which Massachusetts and the region of New England are famous.
Meanwhile, those who have studied in Boston rate the experience highly. The city comes within the top 10 for student view, due to its friendliness, ease of getting around, and its arts and cultural offerings.
Boston has eight universities featured in the QS Best Student Cities ranking this year. While Boston scored well across multiple indicators, employer activity earned it its highest rank, showcasing the career advancement opportunities which students and graduates can find in the city.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Boston is undeniably a great city to be a student. Here are some of the perks of going to university in America's College Town.
A vibrant student atmosphere
You'll hardly feel more of a student than in Boston. Home to over 100 universities and colleges, the city welcomes students from all over the US and the world, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that'll make you feel right at home.
Good connections
Unlike other American cities, Boston is well connected both internally and with other cities on the East Coast such as New York and Philadelphia. Thanks to its average size and great transportation network, you'll never feel out of your depth in Boston.
Plenty of sports and culture
Between world-famous sports teams (ever heard of the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics?), the Boston Marathon, the Freedom Trail and an exciting music, dance and theatre scene, there's always something to do in Boston.
Cost of studying in Boston
Much like many other big cities in America, Boston can't be called a cheap city to live in. Ranked 149th for affordability, you can expect to spend on average US$850 per month on living costs, as well as US$2,607 for an apartment in the city centre.
Life & culture in Boston
Boston has a vibrant and exciting cultural life. Full of events that span sport, music, dance, theatre and the arts, it's hard to get bored in the city.
Famous museums and local attractions include the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Center of Afro-American Artists, the Washington Street Theatre District and The Citi Performing Arts Center.
Boston is also the home of several annual events such as the world-famous Boston Marathon, the First Night festival, the Boston Globe Jazz and Blues Festival and the Boston Film Festival.
Boston is now ranked number three in the world for employer activity, a clear sign that the city is a great place to study and begin a career in.
In fact, many of the city's biggest industries and companies employ graduates straight out of university. Some of the biggest sectors include trade, manufacturing, biotechnology and life sciences.
Aisha is Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, creating and publishing a wide range of articles for an international student audience. A native Londoner, Aisha graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in Philosophy and has previously worked in the civil service.
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Study in Boston
Aisha Khan
Updated Aug 05, 2024Save
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QS Best Student Cities ranking: 16th
Ranked 16th in the world, Boston is the top student city in the US, ahead of New York City.
Boston is without doubt one of the world’s best-known academic hubs, and its position is further bolstered by universities located within the Greater Boston area, in the neighbouring town of Cambridge. The most famous are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University – ranked first and fourth worldwide respectively in the QS World University Rankings®.
In addition to the academic might of MIT and Harvard, Boston is home to six more internationally ranked universities, forming a hub of intellectual endeavour which has earned it the nickname 'the Athens of America'.
Thanks in part to the two showstoppers, MIT and Harvard, Boston has a very strong score in the university rankings indicator. However, it actually ranks most highly for employer activity, reflecting the strong international reputation of its institutions among graduate employers worldwide.
The city’s weakest score, predictably, is for affordability, with fees at top US universities exceeding US$59,000 per year. Fortunately, both MIT and Harvard operate need-blind admission policies for all applicants, including international students, and generous financial aid packages mean Boston’s universities may not be as out-of-reach as they at first appear.
As one of the most historic cities in the US, Boston combines the hustle and bustle of a major metropolis and a happening arts, politics and culture scene, with an abundance of open green space and the stunning fall colours for which Massachusetts and the region of New England are famous.
Meanwhile, those who have studied in Boston rate the experience highly. The city comes within the top 10 for student view, due to its friendliness, ease of getting around, and its arts and cultural offerings.
Would you choose Boston? Tell us why.
Best ranked universities in Boston
Tufts University
=396
Northeastern University
Boston College
More about Boston
Boston has eight universities featured in the QS Best Student Cities ranking this year. While Boston scored well across multiple indicators, employer activity earned it its highest rank, showcasing the career advancement opportunities which students and graduates can find in the city.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Number of universities ranked by QS
8
Highest-ranked institution
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (1st)
Population
4,688,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$61,200
Desirability rank
32nd
Employer Activity rank
3rd
Affordability rank
149th
Student View rank
6th
Why study in Boston?
Boston is undeniably a great city to be a student. Here are some of the perks of going to university in America's College Town.
A vibrant student atmosphere
You'll hardly feel more of a student than in Boston. Home to over 100 universities and colleges, the city welcomes students from all over the US and the world, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that'll make you feel right at home.
Good connections
Unlike other American cities, Boston is well connected both internally and with other cities on the East Coast such as New York and Philadelphia. Thanks to its average size and great transportation network, you'll never feel out of your depth in Boston.
Plenty of sports and culture
Between world-famous sports teams (ever heard of the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics?), the Boston Marathon, the Freedom Trail and an exciting music, dance and theatre scene, there's always something to do in Boston.
Cost of studying in Boston
Much like many other big cities in America, Boston can't be called a cheap city to live in. Ranked 149th for affordability, you can expect to spend on average US$850 per month on living costs, as well as US$2,607 for an apartment in the city centre.
Life & culture in Boston
Boston has a vibrant and exciting cultural life. Full of events that span sport, music, dance, theatre and the arts, it's hard to get bored in the city.
Famous museums and local attractions include the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Center of Afro-American Artists, the Washington Street Theatre District and The Citi Performing Arts Center.
Boston is also the home of several annual events such as the world-famous Boston Marathon, the First Night festival, the Boston Globe Jazz and Blues Festival and the Boston Film Festival.
Testimonials
Careers in Boston
Boston is now ranked number three in the world for employer activity, a clear sign that the city is a great place to study and begin a career in.
In fact, many of the city's biggest industries and companies employ graduates straight out of university. Some of the biggest sectors include trade, manufacturing, biotechnology and life sciences.
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Aisha is Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, creating and publishing a wide range of articles for an international student audience. A native Londoner, Aisha graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in Philosophy and has previously worked in the civil service.
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