Massachusetts Named Best State for College Students by SmileHub

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration is celebrating Massachusetts being named the best state in the country for college students by the national nonprofit tech research company SmileHub.

SmileHub looked at 28 key metrics in all 50 states to determine the top spot, including graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, retention rates, state funding, and cost, ranking Massachusetts number one overall, edging out New York, Illinois, Rhode Island, and California. The state was also number one for education quality and support.

“Anyone looking to pursue a higher education degree should look no further than Massachusetts,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Massachusetts has long been a leader in education, and this recognition underscores the extraordinary opportunities our state provides to college students. Whether it’s a four-year private university or two-year public institution, we are committed to ensuring every student can access an affordable, high-quality education that sets them up for lifelong success.”

This past summer, Massachusetts launched MassEducate, a free community-college program for full-time and part-time students, regardless of income, which preliminary data from this fall shows has increased enrollment at Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges by 14%.

This significant increase follows an 8.7% enrollment increase last year, driven by last year’s launch of the MassReconnect program, which made community college free for students 25 and older.

Massachusetts has increased enrollment at its public four-year colleges for the first time in more than a decade, due to significant state financial-aid expansion. The administration made public four-year degrees tuition- and fee-free for low-income students and reduced out-of-pocket expenses by up to half for middle-income students.

Ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the legality of race-based higher education admissions criteria in June 2023, the administration established an advisory council to advance representation in education that released comprehensive recommendations this fall. The report provides Massachusetts colleges and universities with resources to enhance access into the state’s higher-education system and provide a high-quality experience to all students regardless of background.

“This honor shows why Massachusetts is the best place to live and go to school, and reflects the collaborative efforts of students, educators, policymakers, and community leaders who prioritize the success of our students,” Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. “We will continue to invest in programs and systems that support academic achievement, workforce development, and personal growth for all students.”