Massachusetts Region
Greater Boston
World-class universities in one of America's most vibrant cities
Overview
Why students choose Greater Boston
Boston and its surrounding communities form one of the world's great university cities. The region draws students from over 150 countries, creating a remarkably international atmosphere in classrooms, neighborhoods, and workplaces alike.
Beyond academia, Greater Boston is a hub for biotechnology, finance, healthcare, and technology — industries that actively recruit from local universities and offer rich internship and co-op opportunities for international students.
Boston's neighborhoods each have a distinct character — from the historic brownstones of Beacon Hill to the student-filled streets of Allston and the cultural richness of Chinatown and the South End. The city has world-class museums, a thriving food scene, and easy access to New England's mountains, coastline, and ski resorts.
High
Boston ranks among the more expensive US cities. Expect monthly living costs of USD 2,000–3,000 including rent, food, and transport. Many students share apartments to reduce costs.
Excellent
The MBTA (the 'T') connects most campuses by subway, bus, and commuter rail. A monthly student pass costs around USD 90. Logan International Airport is 15 minutes from downtown.
Very Large
Boston hosts one of the largest international student populations in the US — over 60,000 international students study in the metro area. Dozens of cultural organizations and student groups serve every major nationality.
Excellent
The Boston metro area is a global leader in biotech, healthcare, finance, and technology. CPT and OPT opportunities are abundant, and many employers actively recruit international graduates.
World-ranked universities
Greater Boston is home to some of the world's most recognized universities, offering programs across every discipline from engineering and medicine to the arts and humanities.
Unmatched career access
Boston's innovation economy — biotech, finance, healthcare, and tech — actively recruits from local campuses. CPT and OPT placements are among the strongest in the US.
Truly international city
With students from over 150 countries, Boston is one of the most internationally diverse cities in America. Cultural organizations, international student offices, and multilingual services are everywhere.
Walkable and well-connected
The MBTA subway and bus network connects virtually every campus. Logan Airport is 15 minutes from downtown, making travel home straightforward.
Regional Snapshot
Greater Boston at a glance
60,000+
international students in the metro area
50+
colleges and universities
$25B+
annual economic impact of higher education
150+
countries represented
Figures are regional estimates. Source: NAFSA International Student Economic Value Tool and IIE Open Doors.
Regional Map
Greater Boston — campus locations
Campus Locations
Where to Find Our Member Institutions
Visitor Resources
Meet Boston
Official tourism organization for Greater Boston — events, neighborhoods, dining, and visitor guides.
MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Tourism guide for the MetroWest communities west of Boston, including Framingham and Natick.
MBTA — Getting Around
Boston's subway, bus, and commuter rail network. Most campuses are within walking distance of an MBTA stop.
Logan Airport — Getting There
Boston Logan International Airport — arrival information, ground transportation, and terminal maps.
Accessible Travel — VisitMA
Accessibility resources for visitors to Massachusetts, including Boston.
Activities Under $50 — VisitMA
Budget-friendly activities across Massachusetts, including Boston.
Cities & Communities
Explore cities in Greater Boston
Boston
The academic capital of the US
“Students who want to be at the center of it all — research, culture, career — choose Boston.”
Cambridge
Home to MIT and Harvard
“Cambridge attracts students who thrive in a dense, intellectually charged environment.”
Somerville
Creative, affordable, and close to everything
“Somerville is the choice for students who want Boston's energy at a slightly lower cost.”
Brookline
Residential and walkable
“Brookline suits students who want a quieter base with easy access to Boston's campuses.”
Education Pathways
Find your path in Greater Boston
Bachelor's Degrees
Four-year undergraduate programs across arts, sciences, business, engineering, and more. Most programs begin in September; some offer January entry.
Explore undergraduate programsMaster's & Graduate
One- to two-year graduate programs for students with a completed bachelor’s degree. Strong options in business, public policy, education, and STEM.
Explore graduate programsDoctoral & Research
PhD and research-focused programs at world-class research universities. Massachusetts is a global leader in biomedical, engineering, and social science research.
Explore doctoral programsCommunity College
Two-year associate degrees and certificate programs — an affordable entry point with transfer pathways to four-year universities through MassTransfer.
Explore community collegesEnglish Language Programs
Intensive English and academic preparation programs for students who need to strengthen their language skills before beginning a degree.
Explore language programsProfessional & Certificate
Short-term professional development, continuing education, and certificate programs for students seeking career advancement or specialized skills.
Explore professional programsMassTransfer — guaranteed transfer pathways
Massachusetts community college graduates can transfer to a four-year public university with guaranteed admission and credit recognition through the MassTransfer program.
Schools & Programs
Institutions in Greater Boston
Search all programsInstitution profiles coming soon
We are onboarding institutions in this region. Use the directory to explore all Massachusetts institutions.
Browse all institutionsInternational Student Community
You will not be alone here
Greater Boston has one of the largest and most established international student communities in the United States. Students from China, India, South Korea, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and over 140 other countries study here. Cultural associations, international student offices, and multilingual services are available at virtually every institution.
Enrollment and economic impact figures are regional estimates drawn from the NAFSA Economic Value Tool and IIE Open Doors. Figures vary by year.
Detailed community data
Country-by-country enrollment figures and community resources are being compiled and will be published here.
Careers & Industries
Build your career in Greater Boston
Key Industries
Major Employers
Life Beyond the Classroom
Things to do in Greater Boston
Museum of Fine Arts
One of the largest art museums in the US, with collections spanning 5,000 years of world art.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
A stunning Venetian-style palazzo housing a world-class private art collection.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
One of the world's great orchestras, performing at Symphony Hall from October through April.
Freedom Trail
A 2.5-mile walking trail connecting 16 historic sites from the American Revolution.
The Emerald Necklace
Frederick Law Olmsted's chain of parks stretching through Boston — ideal for running, cycling, and picnics.
Charles River Esplanade
A beloved riverside park for kayaking, cycling, and outdoor concerts in summer.
Blue Hills Reservation
7,000 acres of woodland just south of Boston — hiking, skiing, and stunning city views.
Cape Cod & the Islands
World-famous beaches and National Seashore just 90 minutes from Boston by car or ferry.
Fenway Park
America's oldest major league ballpark — home of the Boston Red Sox and a bucket-list experience.
Harvard Square
Bookshops, street performers, and cafés in one of America's most famous university neighborhoods.
Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall
Historic marketplace and food hall in the heart of downtown Boston.
New England Aquarium
A world-class aquarium on the waterfront, with whale-watching tours departing from the same pier.
Watch: Greater Boston
Getting Around
Transport in Greater Boston
Greater Boston has one of the best public transit systems in the US for a city of its size. Most campuses are within walking distance of an MBTA stop.
Public Transit
Airports
Intercity Rail
Cycling
Boston has an expanding network of protected bike lanes and the Blue Bikes bikeshare system. Many students cycle between campuses and neighborhoods.
Living Here
What it is like to live in Greater Boston
Weather & Climate
Boston has four distinct seasons. Winters are cold (average January low: 22°F / -6°C) with regular snowfall. Summers are warm and humid (average July high: 82°F / 28°C). Spring and autumn are mild and beautiful — autumn foliage is spectacular.
Housing
Most students share apartments in neighborhoods like Allston, Brighton, Somerville, and Cambridge. Expect USD 1,000–1,800 per person per month for shared accommodation. On-campus housing is available at many institutions and is often more affordable.
Healthcare
Boston is one of the world's great medical cities. Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's, and Boston Children's Hospital are all within the metro area. Most universities require international students to enroll in a student health insurance plan.
For Families, Agents & Advisers
Supporting every step of the journey to Greater Boston
Supporting your student from home
We know that choosing a university abroad is a family decision. Our resources help parents understand the US higher education system, visa requirements, costs, and what to expect when your student arrives in Massachusetts.
Partner with Study Massachusetts
Study Massachusetts works with certified education agents worldwide. Our agent portal gives you access to institution profiles, program information, and direct connections with admissions teams across the consortium.
Have a question about studying in Greater Boston?
Our team is happy to help families and agents with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Greater Boston
Start your journey
Ready to find your school in Greater Boston?
Search across all Study Massachusetts member institutions by program level, field of study, and more.