Massachusetts Region
North of Boston
Historic coastal towns and a growing innovation corridor
Overview
Why students choose North of Boston
Salem, Gloucester, Newburyport, and Lowell each carry centuries of history alongside modern universities and colleges. The region is known for its strong sense of community and its accessibility to both Boston and New Hampshire.
The Merrimack Valley, anchored by Lowell and Lawrence, has a rich immigrant heritage and a diverse, welcoming population — making it a comfortable home for international students from many backgrounds.
The North Shore offers a pace of life that many international students find refreshing after the intensity of Boston. Salem's Halloween season is world-famous; Gloucester's working harbour and beaches draw visitors year-round; and Newburyport's Federal-era architecture and café culture make it one of New England's most charming small cities.
Moderate
Living costs are noticeably lower than Boston. Shared accommodation in Salem or Lowell typically runs USD 900–1,400 per month. Groceries and dining are also more affordable.
Good
MBTA commuter rail connects Salem, Lowell, and other North Shore towns to Boston's North Station in 30–60 minutes. Local bus services cover most campuses.
Growing
Lowell and Lawrence have large Southeast Asian and Latino communities respectively, giving the region a genuinely multicultural character. International student groups are active at local colleges.
Good
The Merrimack Valley has a growing technology and advanced manufacturing sector. Proximity to Boston also means students can access the full Boston job market via commuter rail.
Affordable living
Shared housing in Salem or Lowell costs significantly less than Boston, while commuter rail keeps the city's job market and cultural life within easy reach.
Multicultural communities
Lowell's Cambodian and Southeast Asian communities and Lawrence's Latino heritage create a genuinely diverse region where international students feel at home.
History and character
From Salem's witch trial heritage to Lowell's industrial revolution mills, the North Shore is one of the most historically rich regions in the US — fascinating to explore as a student.
Coastal lifestyle
Rocky Neck in Gloucester, Plum Island in Newburyport, and Salem's Derby Wharf offer some of New England's most beautiful coastal scenery — minutes from campus.
Regional Snapshot
North of Boston at a glance
~6,000
international students across the region
10+
colleges and universities
~$280M
estimated annual economic contribution
80+
countries represented
Figures are regional estimates. Source: NAFSA International Student Economic Value Tool and IIE Open Doors.
Regional Map
North of Boston — campus locations
Campus Locations
Where to Find Our Member Institutions
Visitor Resources
North of Boston — Regional Tourism
Official regional tourism council for the North Shore and Merrimack Valley.
Greater Merrimack Valley / Revolutionary Valley
Tourism guide for the Merrimack Valley, including Lowell and Lawrence.
Destination Salem
Official tourism guide for Salem, MA — history, events, dining, and attractions.
MBTA — Commuter Rail (North)
MBTA commuter rail lines serving the North Shore and Merrimack Valley — Newburyport/Rockport and Lowell lines.
Accessible Travel — VisitMA
Accessibility resources for visitors to Massachusetts.
Cities & Communities
Explore cities in North of Boston
Salem
History, culture, and coastal charm
“Salem suits students who want a vibrant small city with a strong arts scene and direct rail access to Boston.”
Lowell
Mill city turned university town
“Lowell appeals to students drawn to urban diversity, affordable living, and UMass Lowell's strong engineering and business programs.”
Newburyport
New England's most charming small city
“Newburyport is ideal for students who want a quieter, picturesque base with easy access to the coast and Boston.”
Gloucester
America's oldest seaport
“Gloucester attracts students who love the sea, the arts, and a working waterfront community unlike anywhere else in Massachusetts.”
Education Pathways
Find your path in North of 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 North of 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
The North Shore and Merrimack Valley have a long history of welcoming immigrant communities. Lowell is home to one of the largest Cambodian communities outside Southeast Asia, and Lawrence has a predominantly Latino population. International students at colleges in the region find a genuinely multicultural environment with active cultural associations and community support networks.
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 North of Boston
Key Industries
Major Employers
Life Beyond the Classroom
Things to do in North of Boston
Peabody Essex Museum
One of the oldest continuously operating museums in the US, with world-class maritime art and Asian export collections in Salem.
Lowell National Historical Park
A living museum of the American Industrial Revolution, with restored mill buildings, canal tours, and textile exhibits.
Rocky Neck Art Colony
America's oldest working art colony in Gloucester — galleries, studios, and waterfront dining in a historic fishing village setting.
Salem Witch Museum
The region's most visited attraction — an immersive exploration of the 1692 witch trials and their legacy in American culture.
Plum Island & Parker River NWR
A barrier island off Newburyport with pristine beaches, birding trails, and one of the best wildlife refuges on the East Coast.
Halibut Point State Park
Dramatic granite quarry and rocky coastline in Rockport — excellent for hiking, tide-pooling, and watching the sunrise over the Atlantic.
Merrimack River Greenway
A developing trail network along the Merrimack River connecting Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill — cycling, kayaking, and walking.
Whale Watching from Gloucester
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is one of the world's best whale-watching destinations — humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes from May through October.
Salem's Haunted Happenings
The world's most famous Halloween celebration — a month-long festival each October drawing visitors from around the globe.
Newburyport Historic District
One of New England's best-preserved Federal-era streetscapes — boutique shops, restaurants, and the Merrimack River waterfront.
Lowell Folk Festival
The largest free folk festival in the US, held each July — celebrating the region's extraordinary cultural diversity.
Hammond Castle Museum
A medieval-style castle in Gloucester built by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr. — one of New England's most unusual attractions.
Watch: North of Boston
Getting Around
Transport in North of Boston
The North Shore is well connected to Boston by MBTA commuter rail, making it practical to live in the region and commute to the city for work or study. Within the region, local buses and cycling are the main options.
Public Transit
Airports
Intercity Rail
Cycling
Salem, Newburyport, and Gloucester all have dedicated cycling infrastructure and scenic coastal routes. The Northern Strand Community Trail connects Everett to Lynn along a former rail corridor.
Living Here
What it is like to live in North of Boston
Weather & Climate
The North Shore experiences the full range of New England seasons. Winters are cold and occasionally snowy (January averages 20–35°F / -7 to 2°C). Summers are warm and pleasant (July averages 65–80°F / 18–27°C) with sea breezes keeping coastal towns comfortable. Autumn foliage is spectacular from late September through October.
Housing
Shared accommodation in Salem or Lowell typically costs USD 900–1,400 per person per month. Newburyport and Gloucester are slightly pricier due to their popularity. Students at UMass Lowell have access to on-campus housing. Many students find good value in Lawrence or Haverhill, both within easy reach of Lowell by bus.
Healthcare
Lowell General Hospital and Salem Hospital are the main regional medical centers. Most colleges have on-campus health services. International students are typically required to carry health insurance — check with your institution for plan requirements and costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North of Boston
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