Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Massachusetts Named ‘Best State’ for College Students

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Massachusetts Named ‘Best State’ for College Students 

National nonprofit tech company SmileHub found Massachusetts is #1 in higher education, especially for quality and support 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is celebrating that Massachusetts has been 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,” said Governor Maura Healey. “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.”   

“We’re excited to see Massachusetts recognized for creating an environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is dedicated to breaking down barriers to higher education, so every person has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our state’s future.”   

The administration has made transformational progress in higher education over the last two years, building a system that truly delivers a high-quality education for every Massachusetts student, regardless of zip-code, background, or circumstance:  

• Launched free community college, which preliminary data from this fall shows has increased enrollment at Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges by 14 percent. Massachusetts has one of the most accessible, equitable and comprehensive free community college programs in the country for full-time and part-time students, regardless of income.    

• This significant increase follows an 8.7 percent enrollment increase last year, driven by Governor Maura Healey’s MassReconnect program that made community college free for students 25 and older last year.  

• Massachusetts has increased enrollment at its public four-year colleges for the first time in over 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 by up to half of out-of-pocket expenses 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,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “We will continue to invest in programs and systems that support academic achievement, workforce development, and personal growth for all students.”  

“Massachusetts offers unmatched opportunities for our learners to learn, grow, and innovate” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “This ranking is a testament to the hard work of our institutions and overwhelming success in our higher ed investments throughout the Commonwealth.”  

In August, WalletHub named Massachusetts the best state to live in, citing its world-class health care system and high-quality education, including the fourth-best high school graduation rate in the country at over 90 percent.