- by Nora Fairman
COLLEGES THROUGHOUT
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Western Massachusetts is more than just rolling hills, winding rivers, and charming towns. It is also home to some of the most vibrant colleges and universities in New England. With early action applications starting soon, it’s the perfect time to explore what the region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a small liberal arts experience, a large research university, or a community college to begin your higher education journey, Western Mass has it all. Here is a tour through the region’s higher-ed landscape and what each school has to offer.
The Five College Consortium
At the heart of Western Massachusetts, the Pioneer Valley is famous for the Five College Consortium, a partnership that allows students to cross-register, share resources, and enjoy a broad intellectual community. Being close-knit, these colleges are not only near to each other, but support one another.
Amherst College – 220 S Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002
One of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, known for its open curriculum and intimate learning environment, it empowers students to pursue intellectual curiosity across disciplines, develop critical and creative thinking, and engage deeply with a diverse community. With a 9.8% acceptance rate, it is also the third-oldest institution of higher education in Massachusetts.
Hampshire College – 892 West St, Amherst, MA 01002
A bold, experimental college where students design their own course of study and focus on independent projects, Hampshire College offers a completely customizable curriculum. Students can select the faculty advisors they work with and can design their own major and curriculum. With a 70.4% acceptance rate, Hampshire College offers so much for those looking for a more creative and experimental college experience.
Mount Holyoke College – 50 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075
A prestigious women’s college with a long history of academic excellence, Mount Holyoke College offers nearly 50 majors and certificates for students to find their paths. Being the oldest member of the Seven Sisters Colleges, and having a 38.3% acceptance rate, it is a research liberal arts college that welcomes applications from female, transgender, and non-binary students fostering an inclusive environment where all can thrive and emphasizing the power of women to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Smith College – 10 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063
Another member of the Seven Sisters Colleges, Smith College is a world-renowned women’s college celebrated for its strong programs in humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Located in downtown Northampton, Smith is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. With a 19.7% acceptance rate and an open curriculum setup, it offers students over 1,000 courses and 83 areas of study, allowing them to choose their own paths.
University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) – 300 Massachusetts Ave, Amherst, MA 01003
UMass Amherst is a top public university, known for its academic excellence, athletics, and commitment to equity, innovation, and the common good. With a 57.8% acceptance rate, UMass has nearly 32,000 enrolled students and offers 110 undergraduate majors and 127 graduate programs. Having over 1,900 faculty members and staff, students have the support and guidance they need throughout their college careers. Not only is UMass rated #1 for Campus Dining, but it’s also recognized for its vibrant student life and commitment to sustainability.
Hampden & Franklin County Colleges
Heading south to Springfield and the rolling hills of the Berkshires, students will find a mix of colleges and universities with strong professional programs.
American International College (AIC) – 1000 State St, Springfield, MA 01109
AIC is a diverse private institution with strong ties to the local community of Springfield and offers over 40 undergraduate majors and 22 graduate programs. It consists of the School of Business, Arts & Sciences, School of Education, and the School of Health Sciences. With a strong athletic program, AIC has 23 NCAA sports teams, as well as intramural and club sports for students who want to stay active year-round. With a 96.9% acceptance rate, AIC offers a practical and achievable college experience for all.
Bay Path University – 588 Longmeadow St, Longmeadow, MA 01106
Founded in 1897, Bay Path has aimed to provide practical and affordable education to women in the surrounding communities. To this day, Bay Path offers over 50 undergrad, graduate, and doctoral degrees. With female-only undergraduate students and housing, Bay Path is considered an all-women’s college, as it only offers co-educational graduate studies. Having a 73.5% acceptance rate, Bay Path University prides itself on its strong academic offerings such as Education and Health Sciences.
College of Our Lady of the Elms (Elms College) – 291 Springfield St, Chicopee, MA 01013
Elms College is a Catholic, liberal arts college that was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1928. Since then, the college has evolved from being an all-women’s college to a co-educational one in 1998. Known for its Nursing program, Elms College has a tight-knit community on campus. With nearly 1,400 students and an 87.7% acceptance rate, there are over 40 undergraduate degrees for students to choose from, all ensuring collaborative and enriching opportunities.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) – 375 Church St, North Adams, MA 01247
MCLA, formally known as North Adams State College, is a public liberal arts college and is considered a state college in Massachusetts. With over 80 areas of study and a 92.4% acceptance rate, there is something for everyone at MCLA. Their primary focus is a close faculty-student mentorship, where their classes have an average size of 12 students, and having a strong liberal arts foundation.
Springfield College – 263 Alden St, Springfield, MA 01109
Known for its Health Professions and athletics, Springfield College is committed to the “Humanics philosophy” where they educate their students in “spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others”. Taking a holistic approach to learning, the college offers nearly 80 undergraduate degree programs and more than 25 graduate concentrations. Proudly known as the “Birthplace of Basketball,” Springfield College is where James Naismith invented the sport in 1891. With a 70.2% acceptance rate, Springfield College is an excellent option for students seeking a more philosophical and purpose-driven college experience.
Western New England University – 1215 Wilbraham Rd, Springfield, MA 01119
Western New England University, aka WNEU, is a private university that provides over 50 academic programs through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Engineering, School of Law, and College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. WNEU’s campus life is very active, as there are over 70 clubs and organizations on campus where students can join and 23 Division III varsity sports. Focusing on the development of personal growth and leadership qualities, WNEU has an acceptance rate of 83.3% and caters to the needs of its students by providing supportive academic programs, personalized resources, and opportunities that foster success both inside and outside the classroom.
Westfield State University – 577 Western Ave, Westfield, MA 01085
Founded in 1839 with the emphasis on affordability and accessibility, Westfield State University is a public institution committed to providing high-quality, inclusive education that empowers students to achieve their personal and professional goals successfully. Being the first public coeducational college in America, Westfield State continues to be a valuable experience, offering over 100 fields of study for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as having an affordable tuition cost. Known for its Education and Criminal Justice Studies, Westfield State has excellent programs for everyone. With over 40 clubs and organizations and over 20 varsity team sports, there is a strong sense of community on campus. Having an 80.7% acceptance rate, Westfield State is a great option for students looking for an affordable and effective experience to better themselves personally and professionally.
Williams College – 880 Main St, Williamstown, MA 01267
Williams College is a prestigious liberal arts college with an acceptance rate of around 10%, reflecting its highly selective admissions process. Known for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and a unique Oxford-style teaching system, Williams fosters close student-faculty mentorships and strong undergraduate research opportunities. Nestled in the Berkshires, the college offers both intellectual challenges and a collaborative community. Offering more than 50 areas of study across the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, students are also able to create their own major if they wish to study a variety of disciplines or a subject not typically offered at the college. Being the second-oldest institution of higher education in Massachusetts, Williams prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in their daily practices.
Community Colleges Across Western Massachusetts
Across Western Massachusetts, community colleges play a key role in providing accessible, high-quality education to students of all ages. Thanks to the state’s new MassEducate/Free Community College initiative, Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree can now attend any public community college tuition and fee-free. Whether you are looking to begin college, complete a certificate, or transfer to a four-year school, Western Massachusetts offers several community college options. Check out what each of them has to offer and find the path that fits best with your personal and professional goals!
Berkshire Community College – 1350 West St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Berkshire Community College was the first community college established in the state in 1960. Committed to accessibility and affordability, BCC offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a wide range of fields, along with transfer pathways to four-year colleges and universities. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong support services campus-wide, BCC provides students with a personalized and practical experience. Nestled in the Berkshires, it serves as a vital resource for workforce development, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
Greenfield Community College – 1 College Dr, Greenfield, MA 01301
Greenfield Community College is known for its welcoming environment, affordable education, and commitment to student success. Offering associate degrees and certificate programs in an array of fields, GCC provides strong transfer pathways to four-year colleges as well as workforce training that meets local and regional standards. With small class sizes, caring faculty, and a focus on innovation and sustainability, GCC empowers its students to achieve their goals while fostering community connections in the heart of Pioneer Valley.
Holyoke Community College (HCC) – 303 Homestead Ave, Holyoke, MA 01040
As a designated Hispanic-Service Institution, HCC serves a diverse student body, providing flexible course formats including online, evening, blended, and weekend classes to accommodate busy schedules. With strong transfer pathways, joint admission agreements, and state-of-the-art facilities such as the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute and health simulation center, HCC prepares students for both continued education and career readiness. Additionally, for the fourth year in a row, HCC was named the Best College/University in the annual Springfield Republican/MassLive Reader Raves poll.
Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) – 1 Armory St, Springfield, MA 01105
Springfield Technical Community College is the only technical community college in Massachusetts, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs in fields ranging from health care and human services to STEM, business, and liberal arts. With an open-door policy and scheduling options, STCC is dedicated to making education accessible and supportive to all. Located on the historic grounds of the Springfield Armory, STCC combines a legacy of innovation with a forward-looking mission: to transform lives through affordable, hands-on, career-relevant learning.
Satellite Colleges
With so many colleges to choose from in Western Massachusetts, the decision can feel overwhelming, especially when life’s responsibilities are already demanding. For busy parents looking to further their education, or for anyone seeking more accessible ways to higher learning, satellite colleges provide an excellent experience. These campuses are built with school-life balance in mind, offering flexible schedules and supportive environments that make it possible to pursue a degree or training close to home. Here in Western Mass, students have access to two outstanding satellite college options designed specifically for working adults.
Cambridge College – 1500 Main St, Springfield, MA 01115
In July 2024, Cambridge College officially became part of Bay Path University following its acquisition. Located in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, Cambridge College’s regional center brings flexible, student-centered higher education directly into the communities of Western Massachusetts. The college is dedicated to delivering academically excellent, time-efficient, and cost-effective degrees and certificates that are tailored to working adults and nontraditional students. Through evening, weekend, and blended learning formats, Cambridge College ensures that students juggling work, family, or other commitments can continue their education without interruption.
UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield – 1500 Main St, Springfield, MA 01115
Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the UMass Center serves as a local gateway to the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s academic and community programs. The 26,000 square foot facility offers flexible, student-centered learning through certificate, undergraduate, and graduate offerings. Designed to strengthen ties between the university and the Springfield region, it fosters partnerships in areas such as education, health, economic development, and the creative economy. In 2024, the center was renamed in honor of Henry M. Thomas III, a former UMass Trustee and advocate for expanding educational opportunities in Springfield.
Build Your Life in Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts truly has something for everyone, whether you’re relocating for work, putting down roots, or starting a family, it offers a balance of affordability, charm, and opportunity. Compared to other parts of the state, specifically closer to Boston, you can find more accessible housing, welcoming neighborhoods, beautiful views, and strong school districts for your kids. Not to mention, an incredible array of higher education choices when they graduate. As early action deadlines approach, be sure to add these schools to your search if you’re looking for community, hands-on learning, and an overall great college experience right here in Western Mass.
If you’re ready to make Western Massachusetts your home, our teams at Lamacchia Realty Springfield and Lamacchia Realty Berkshires are here to guide you. Connect with your local Springfield or Berkshires REALTOR® today to start building your future here.
