Popular Universities in Boston for Indian students

One of the USA’s most innovative and diverse cities, Boston is in the state of Massachusetts on the country’s picturesque east coast. Packed with art, culture, and history, it is renowned for its impressive Museum of Fine Arts, beautiful architecture, and fresh seafood. Boston is a classic American city with a modern, vibrant identity. It is also internationally acclaimed as a progressive centre for academia, boasting seven of the USA’s top 60 universities in the U.S. News & World Report, 2024 (UNSWR), three of which are in the QS World University Rankings top 100 (2024).  

Why study in Boston

• A top 10 student city (QS Best Student Cities, 2024), the greater Boston area is home to several prestigious universities, including two Ivy League institutions. As such, it’s no surprise that Boston is a popular choice for Indian students who want to study in the USA. 
• Graduates from Boston’s top universities are some of the most employable in the USA (Times Higher Education Graduate Employability, 2024). The city’s thriving economy means international students are well-positioned to make top-level professional connections and access prestigious work opportunities through the USA’s optional practical training (OPT) scheme. 
• Students also enjoy many entertainment options, from art galleries, theatres and museums to vibrant festivals, delicious food options, and exciting nightlife. Boston is also a proud sporting city, with pro teams in all the major American sports and plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in sports and leisure activities.
• Boston’s bus network and subway system are safe and reliable, with many students using public transport discounts through their university. Furthermore, Logan International Airport keeps students well-connected with the rest of the world, with one-stop flights to India in under a day.

Universities in Boston

The greater metropolitan area of Boston boasts more than 50 universities and colleges, with top-ranked institutions including:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
• Harvard University 
• Boston University 
• Boston College
• Tufts University 
• Northeastern University
• Brandeis University
• University of Massachusetts, Boston
• Suffolk University
• Simmons University

Top universities in Boston

The following universities, all located around Boston, rank within the top 100 in the USA (USNWR, 2024).

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A highly competitive Ivy League private research institution based in Cambridge with over 11,000 full-time students, of whom approximately one third are international students.

Ranking: Top in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2024)

Graduate employability rank: Second in the USA (THE, 2024)

Top programmes: MIT is the number one institution globally for business and economics, and social sciences programmes. It also ranks in the top five universities for arts and humanities, computer sciences, engineering, life sciences, and physical sciences (Times Higher Education, World University Rankings by subject, 2024).

Entry requirements*: Highly competitive. Very high GPA usually necessary. Applicants must sit the SAT or ACT. IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent.

Average annual international tuition fees in 2024 (course-dependent): USD 53,790

International scholarships**: Merit-based scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students. These may cover up to the full amount of tuition fees and/or other expenses. Bursaries available to 100 per cent of international students who can demonstrate financial need.

2. Harvard University 

The oldest university in the USA, this prestigious Ivy League institution is based in Cambridge and is home to over 20,000 full-time students, of whom approximately one quarter are international students.

Ranking: Fourth in the world (QS, 2024)

Graduate employability rank: Fourth in the US (THE, 2024)

Top programmes: Ranked as the number one institution in the world for its engineering, law, and life sciences programmes. Harvard also ranks in the top five globally for arts and humanities, business and economics, clinical and health sciences, education, physical sciences, psychology, and social sciences. Its computer science programmes rank sixth in the world. (THE, 2024)

Entry requirements*: Highly competitive. Very high GPA usually necessary. Applicants must sit the SAT or ACT. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. 

Average annual international tuition fees in 2024 (course-dependent): USD 51,925

International scholarships**: Merit-based scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students. These may cover up to the full amount of tuition fees and/or other expenses. Bursaries provided to about 50 per cent of international students who can demonstrate financial need.

3. Boston University

Located in the heart of Boston city, this private research university is home to over 37,000 students, of whom nearly 30 percent are international students.

Ranking: 78th in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2024)

Graduate employability rank: 10th in the USA (THE, 2024)

Top programmes: Its clinical and health programmes rank amongst the top 50 globally, while its business and economics, computer science, law, life sciences, and psychology programmes rank in the top 100 (THE, 2024).

Entry requirements*: Competitive. High GPA usually necessary. Standardised tests optional. IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent.

Average annual international tuition fees in 2024 (course-dependent): USD 55,892

International scholarships**: Two merit-based academic scholarships available, one covering full tuition fees, the other USD 25,000 per year. 

4. Boston College 

A historically Catholic college located in Chestnut Hill, an area of Boston known as the ‘garden district’. This private research university boasts impressive gothic architecture and is home to over 13,000 full-time students.

Ranking: 39th in the USA (USNWR, 2024)

Graduate employability rank: 26th in the USA (THE, 2024)

Top programmes: Its education programmes are considered 34th in the world, with its business and economics programmes landing in the top 125 globally (THE, 2024).

Entry requirements*: Competitive. High GPA recommended. Standardised tests optional. IELTS score of 7.5 or equivalent.

Average annual international tuition fees in 2024 (course-dependent): USD 57,910.

International scholarships**: Offers a small number of scholarships and grants to eligible international students.

5. Tufts University

Located in Medford, seven miles northwest of downtown Boston, this private research university has three US-based campuses and one in France. The university is home to almost 12,000 full-time students.

Ranking: 40th in the USA (USNWR, 2024)

Graduate employability rank: 22nd in the USA (THE, 2024)

Top programmes: Clinical health programmes ranked 87th in the world, with education programmes ranking in the top 150 (THE, 2024).

Entry requirements*: Competitive. High GPA recommended. Standardised tests optional. IELTS score of minimum 6.5 or equivalent.

Average annual international tuition fees in 2024 (course-dependent): USD 58,578.

International scholarships**: No merit-based scholarships. Bursaries available to 100 per cent of international students who can demonstrate financial need.

6. Northeastern University

This private research university is based in Boston but has a number of additional graduate campuses across North America. It is home to over 22,000 full-time students, of whom almost a third are international students.

Ranking: 53rd in the US (USNWR, 2024)

Graduate employability rank: 29th in the US (THE, 2024)

Top programmes: Engineering and clinical health programmes rank in the top 100 globally, with its psychology, social sciences, and business and economics programmes ranking in the top 175 (THE, 2024).

Entry requirements*: Competitive. High GPA recommended. Standardised tests optional. IELTS score of minimum 7.0 or equivalent.

Average annual international tuition fees in 2024 (course-dependent): USD 53,506

International scholarships**: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships of up to USD 28,000 per year. Students can earn up to USD 20,000 in micro-scholarships annually.

7. Brandeis University

This private research university located in Waltham is a popular liberal arts college, home to just under 5,000 full-time students, of whom a third are international students.

Ranking: 60th in the US (USNWR, 2024)

Graduate employability rank: 50th in the US (THE, 2024)

Top programmes: Physical sciences programmes rank within the top 250 globally. Psychology, and arts and humanities programmes rank within the top 400 (THE, 2024).

Entry requirements*: Competitive. High GPA recommended. Standardised tests optional. IELTS score of minimum 7.0 or equivalent.

Average annual international tuition fees in 2024 (course-dependent): USD 57,216

International scholarships**: A small number of need and merit-based scholarships available.

*Specific entry requirements may vary between departments and courses

**International students may also be eligible for external scholarships.

Cost of living in Boston

As such a popular hub of infrastructure and innovation, the cost of living in Boston is high, so it’s worth putting extra thought into your student budget to ensure you are able to make the most of your university experience.

In February 2024, the average monthly costs for a single professional living in the Boston (excluding rent) were around USD 1,100 (Numbeo).

University-owned accommodation at Ivy League schools in the Boston area typically costs around USD 12,000 per year, excluding meals.

For students prepared to make a short commute, cheaper prices can be found in the suburbs and more rural locations. Housing options such as homestays may also make life in Boston more affordable.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in March 2016 by our content writer, Mahesh Ramani. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.