Massachusetts Region
South of Boston
Coastal communities with strong community college and university options
Overview
Why students choose South of Boston
Plymouth, the site of the Pilgrims' 1620 landing, anchors the South Shore's historic identity, while New Bedford — once the world's greatest whaling port — has reinvented itself as a center for offshore wind energy and the arts.
The region is predominantly residential and suburban, making it a good fit for students who prefer a quieter environment while remaining within reach of Boston's academic and professional resources.
The South Shore's beaches, cranberry bogs, and historic sites make it a pleasant place to live. New Bedford's Whaling Museum and thriving arts district are genuine cultural assets. Plymouth's historic sites draw visitors year-round, and the region's coastline offers excellent sailing, kayaking, and cycling.
Affordable
The South Shore and South Coast offer some of the most affordable housing in eastern Massachusetts. Shared accommodation typically costs USD 800–1,200 per month, with lower costs further south.
Moderate
MBTA commuter rail connects Quincy and Brockton to Boston South Station in 20–45 minutes. Further south, transport options are more limited and a car is recommended.
Moderate
New Bedford and Brockton have significant immigrant communities, particularly from Cape Verde, Brazil, and Southeast Asia. International student support services are available at local colleges.
Moderate
New Bedford's offshore wind energy sector is growing rapidly and offers emerging opportunities in engineering and project management. Proximity to Boston expands the job market for students willing to commute.
Affordable coastal living
The South Shore offers some of the lowest housing costs in eastern Massachusetts, with easy commuter rail access to Boston's job market and cultural life.
Emerging clean energy sector
New Bedford is becoming the hub of New England's offshore wind energy industry — an exciting emerging sector for engineering, environmental science, and business students.
Rich maritime heritage
From Plymouth Rock to New Bedford's whaling history, the South Shore is one of the most historically significant coastlines in America — endlessly fascinating for international students.
Beautiful coastline
Miles of beaches, cranberry bogs, and coastal trails make the South Shore one of the most scenic places to live in Massachusetts — a genuine quality-of-life advantage.
Regional Snapshot
South of Boston at a glance
~3,400
international students across the region
8+
colleges and universities
~$150M
estimated annual economic contribution
70+
countries represented
Figures are regional estimates. Source: NAFSA International Student Economic Value Tool and IIE Open Doors.
Regional Map
South of Boston — campus locations
Campus Locations
Where to Find Our Member Institutions
Visitor Resources
See Plymouth
Official tourism guide for Plymouth and the South Shore.
Southeastern Massachusetts Tourism
Tourism guide for Southeastern Massachusetts, including New Bedford and Fall River.
⚠ Link unconfirmed — verify before publishing
MBTA — South Shore Commuter Rail
MBTA commuter rail lines serving the South Shore — Old Colony and Kingston/Plymouth lines.
Accessible Travel — VisitMA
Accessibility resources for visitors to Massachusetts.
Cities & Communities
Explore cities in South of Boston
Quincy
Boston's southern neighbor
“Quincy suits students who want Boston-adjacent living at a lower cost — the Red Line gets you downtown in 20 minutes.”
Brockton
Affordable and well-connected
“Brockton offers affordable urban living with commuter rail access to Boston and a diverse, welcoming community.”
Plymouth
Where America began
“Plymouth is ideal for students who want a quieter, historic coastal town with easy highway access to Boston and Cape Cod.”
New Bedford
Whaling city turned wind energy hub
“New Bedford appeals to students interested in maritime history, the arts, and the emerging offshore wind energy sector.”
Education Pathways
Find your path in South 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 South 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 South Shore and South Coast have significant immigrant communities that give the region a multicultural character. Brockton has one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the US, and New Bedford has substantial Brazilian and Portuguese communities. International students at local colleges find a welcoming environment with 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 South of Boston
Key Industries
Major Employers
Life Beyond the Classroom
Things to do in South of Boston
New Bedford Whaling Museum
The world's largest museum dedicated to the American whaling industry — a UNESCO-recognized cultural institution with extraordinary collections and exhibits.
Plimoth Patuxent
A living history museum in Plymouth recreating the 1620 Pilgrim settlement and the Wampanoag homeland — one of the most important historical sites in America.
Fuller Craft Museum
A nationally recognized craft museum in Brockton with rotating exhibitions of contemporary American craft and design.
New Bedford Art Museum
A vibrant contemporary art museum in the heart of New Bedford's arts district, showcasing regional and national artists.
Duxbury Beach
One of the longest barrier beaches on the East Coast — 4.5 miles of pristine sand with views of Plymouth Bay and the Gurnet lighthouse.
Myles Standish State Forest
The largest publicly owned campground in Massachusetts — 16,000 acres of pine barrens with cycling trails, ponds, and wildlife.
Cranberry Bog Tours
The South Shore is the heart of Massachusetts' cranberry industry. Harvest season tours (September–November) offer a unique agricultural experience.
Ellisville Harbor State Park
A hidden gem on the South Shore — a pristine salt marsh, barrier beach, and tidal creek perfect for kayaking and birdwatching.
Plymouth Rock & Mayflower II
The symbolic landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620 and a full-scale replica of the Mayflower — iconic American history on the Plymouth waterfront.
New Bedford's Cobblestone District
A National Historic Landmark district with 19th-century architecture, galleries, restaurants, and the famous Seamen's Bethel chapel.
Battleship Cove
The world's largest collection of historic naval vessels in Fall River — including the USS Massachusetts battleship and a WWII submarine.
South Shore Natural Science Center
A family-friendly nature center in Norwell with wildlife exhibits, nature trails, and educational programs.
Watch: South of Boston
Getting Around
Transport in South of Boston
The northern part of the South Shore (Quincy, Brockton) is well served by MBTA commuter rail and even the Red Line subway. Further south, public transport is limited and a car becomes increasingly useful.
Public Transit
MBTA Red Line — Quincy
Quincy Center and Quincy Adams stations on the Red Line provide direct subway access to downtown Boston in about 20 minutes.
Airports
Intercity Rail
Cycling
The South Shore has excellent cycling opportunities, particularly along the coast and through Myles Standish State Forest. The South Shore Greenway and various rail trails are popular with students. New Bedford has a growing network of protected bike lanes in its downtown.
Living Here
What it is like to live in South of Boston
Weather & Climate
The South Shore has a coastal New England climate, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean. Winters are cold but slightly milder than inland areas (January averages 22–36°F / -6 to 2°C). Summers are warm and breezy (July averages 62–80°F / 17–27°C) with lower humidity than Boston. The coast is beautiful in all seasons, and autumn is particularly spectacular.
Housing
The South Shore offers some of the most affordable housing in eastern Massachusetts. Shared apartments in Quincy typically cost USD 900–1,300 per person per month. Further south in Brockton, Plymouth, or New Bedford, costs drop to USD 700–1,000. Many students in the region commute to Boston or Worcester for their studies, taking advantage of the lower cost of living.
Healthcare
South Shore Hospital in Weymouth and Southcoast Health (with hospitals in New Bedford, Fall River, and Wareham) are the main regional healthcare systems. Most colleges have on-campus health services. International students are typically required to carry health insurance — check with your institution for plan requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South of Boston
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