Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.

Most selective Catholic colleges in Massachusetts

Catholic colleges that admit the smallest share of applicants.

Most selective Catholic colleges in Massachusetts5 schools

5 schools qualify, ranked by admission rate.

How this list is made

  • Schools in Massachusetts.
  • Catholic undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
  • Faith grade B or better (Faith score 70 or higher). Cost and outcomes never change a grade.
  • Has an admission rate from federal data (College Scorecard). Average SAT scores are shown where the college reports them.
  • Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
  • Ordered by admission rate, lowest first. Selectivity measures demand for places, not the quality of a school’s faith life.

Updated Oct. 12, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

  1. 1

    Boston College

    Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofitHonor Roll
    • Admits 16%
    • Average SAT 1507
  2. 2

    College of the Holy Cross

    Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
    • Admits 18%
    • Average SAT 1353
  3. 3

    Stonehill College

    Easton, MA · Private nonprofit
    • Admits 66%
  4. 4

    Merrimack College

    North Andover, MA · Private nonprofit
    • Admits 70%
  5. 5

    Assumption University

    Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
    • Admits 83%

Compare cost and outcomes

SchoolNet price a yearMedian debtEarnings 10 years outGraduation rate
Boston College$41,704$19,000$103,93791%
College of the Holy Cross$38,782$27,000$90,54387%
Stonehill College$33,016$25,000$77,74576%
Merrimack College$37,927$27,000$75,58470%
Assumption University$29,498$27,000$74,89575%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

This list in other states

The national list → · All top school lists →