Colleges and Universities Near Wellesley, MA

The Oldest and Most Respected Universities in the Country

Published: 2022-07-12 10:34:49

Boston has a rich history of higher education with some of the oldest and most respected colleges and universities in the country. Harvard and BU are among the most distinguished universities in the USA, both located in the Metro West Boston area. However, the area holds many hidden gems in the suburbs. Your friendly Wellesley Massachusetts roofing crew created a list of less-known universities including their history, academic focus, and more.

Massachusetts Bay Community College

The Massachusetts Bay Community College in the town of Wellesley, Massachusetts, is a part of the Massachusetts Community College system and offers associate degrees and certificate programs. The college has an open admissions policy and accepts all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The average size of the student body is small, with around 3,500 students enrolled each semester. 

History

The history of the Massachusetts Bay Community College started in 1961 when the Massachusetts Legislature authorized the establishment of community colleges in the state. The college was founded in 1964 and opened its doors to students in 1965. The first class graduated in 1967. 

Academic Focus

The Massachusetts Bay Community College offers over 50 degree and certificate programs, with the most popular majors being business, health sciences, and liberal arts. The college also has a strong nursing program, offering an associate degree and a certificate in nursing. 

Babson College

Babson College is just a few miles from Wellesley, making it a great option for students looking for colleges and universities in the area. The college strongly focuses on business and entrepreneurship, and its programs are ranked among the best in the country. In addition, the average size of the student body is about 2,000, which makes it a great option for students who want a smaller college experience. 

History

The history of Babson College began in 1919 when businessman and educator Roger Babson founded the school intending to provide an education that would prepare students for business success. The college has since grown into a leading institution for business education, with programs ranked among the country's best.

Academic Focus

Academic focus areas at Babson College include business, entrepreneurship, and management. These majors are some of the most popular at the college, and the programs are highly ranked by organizations such as Forbes and US News & World Report. Babson College also has strong programs in liberal arts and sciences.

Olin College

Olin College offers an education focused on engineering, science, and mathematics. The college is located in Needham, MA, just a short drive from Wellesley, giving students the opportunity to take advantage of the school's location by participating in internships and co-ops at some of the world's leading companies and organizations.

History

The history of Olin College dates back to the late 19th century, when Franklin W. Olin, a businessman, and philanthropist, donated money to establish an engineering school in his hometown of Troy, New York. The school opened its doors in 1885 and was later relocated to Massachusetts. It's now recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the country.

Academic Focus

Olin College has an academic focus on engineering, science, and mathematics. The college offers a variety of majors in these fields, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.

Brandeis University

Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA, just a few miles from Wellesley. It has a strong liberal arts curriculum and is known for its highly ranked programs in business, economics, and law. The average student body size is just over 5,000, making it a mid-sized university. 

History

The history of Brandeis University started in 1948 when it was founded as a Jewish-sponsored non-sectarian institution. The school was named after Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish justice on the Supreme Court. In its early years, the university faced financial difficulties and was almost forced to close its doors on several occasions. However, it eventually stabilized and began to grow in popularity. 

Academic Focus

The academic focus of Brandeis University is on liberal arts. However, it also has highly ranked programs in business, economics, and law. In addition, the university offers a range of majors and minors, including African and African American Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Classical Civilization, East Asian Studies, and more. 

Wellesley College

Wellesley College is a private women's liberal arts college located west of Boston in Wellesley, Massachusetts, United States. The average size of the student body is about 2,500. It offers bachelor's degrees in 50 areas of study and is known for allowing its students to cross-register at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brandeis University, and Babson College.

History

The history of Wellesley College started in 1858 when Henry Fowle Durant and Pauline Durant founded the Wellesley Female Seminary. The school was one of the first in the United States to offer education to women on an equal basis with men. In 1875, the seminary became Wellesley College, one of the original Seven Sisters colleges.

Academic Focus

The academic focus of Wellesley College is on the liberal arts. The most important majors are English, History, and Political Science. The school also offers several joint programs with other colleges in the Boston area, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brandeis University, and Babson College.


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