Quincy has always punched above its weight when it comes to education. As the birthplace of two American presidents and a city that sits just a few stops down the Red Line from downtown Boston, it offers students the best of both worlds: a close-knit community with its own college, and quick access to dozens of respected institutions across the South Shore and Greater Boston.
Choosing a college is one of the most important financial and personal decisions a family will make. Tuition, commute time, program strength, transfer pathways, and campus culture all matter. Below, we look at ten colleges that Quincy residents consistently consider, along with what makes each one stand out.
How We Evaluated Colleges for Quincy Students
We focused on institutions that are realistically reachable from Quincy by car, commuter rail, or the MBTA, and weighed academic reputation, affordability, career outcomes, student support services, and flexibility for working adults. Many Quincy students juggle jobs and family responsibilities, so evening, hybrid, and accelerated options received extra weight in our review.
1. Quincy College
Quincy College is the city's own institution and a natural first stop for local students. Located in Quincy Center near the Red Line, it offers associate degrees and certificates in nursing, business, criminal justice, and health sciences. Its low tuition, small class sizes, and strong transfer agreements with four-year schools make it a smart, budget-conscious starting point.
2. Curry College
Just over the line in Milton, Curry College is known for its supportive learning environment and its nationally recognized program for students with learning differences. Popular majors include nursing, communication, and criminal justice. The wooded campus feels secluded yet sits only minutes from Quincy neighborhoods like Wollaston and Quincy Point.
3. Laboure College of Healthcare
Laboure College of Healthcare in Milton has a long history of preparing nurses and allied health professionals. With hospital systems across Greater Boston constantly hiring, its focused programs in nursing, cardiac sonography, and health sciences offer a direct line to in-demand careers. Flexible schedules appeal to adult learners changing professions.
4. Massasoit Community College
With campuses in Brockton and Canton, Massasoit Community College serves a large share of South Shore students. It offers dozens of degree and certificate programs, including respiratory therapy, culinary arts, and automotive technology. Its MassTransfer pathways make it easy to continue toward a bachelor's degree at a state university.
5. Bunker Hill Community College
Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown is one of the largest and most diverse community colleges in Massachusetts. Quincy students appreciate its online and evening offerings, along with strong programs in computer science, biotechnology, and cybersecurity that align with Boston's thriving tech and life sciences sectors.
6. Stonehill College
Stonehill College in Easton is a private Catholic liberal arts college with a beautiful campus and a reputation for close faculty mentorship. Students benefit from robust internship programs in Boston, a strong business school, and a tight-knit residential experience that many Quincy families value.
7. Wentworth Institute of Technology
For students drawn to engineering, architecture, construction management, and computer science, Wentworth Institute of Technology is hard to beat. Its mandatory co-op program places students in paid, real-world roles before graduation, which helps graduates enter Boston's competitive job market with real experience.
8. Emmanuel College
Emmanuel College sits in the heart of the Longwood Medical and Academic Area, surrounded by world-class hospitals and research institutions. Its biology, neuroscience, and nursing programs leverage that location for internships and research, and the college remains accessible to Quincy commuters via public transit.
9. Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology in Boston focuses on technical and trade education, including HVAC, electrical technology, automotive technology, and opticianry. Its hands-on approach and industry partnerships make it a strong fit for Quincy students who want practical skills and fast entry into skilled careers.
10. Bridgewater State University
As one of the largest public universities in Massachusetts, Bridgewater State University offers an affordable four-year option within easy reach of Quincy. Its aviation science, education, and criminal justice programs are particularly well regarded, and many Quincy College graduates transfer there to complete their bachelor's degrees.
Trends Shaping College Choices in Quincy
Several trends are influencing how Quincy families choose colleges. The "start local, transfer later" approach continues to grow as students look to reduce debt by completing general education at a community college first. Healthcare and skilled trades programs are in especially high demand, reflecting the region's hiring needs. Hybrid learning has also become standard, letting students attend some classes online while keeping a job in Quincy.
Tips for Choosing the Right College
Visit campuses in person whenever possible and ask about transfer credit policies, internship placement rates, and support services such as tutoring and career counseling. Compare the net price, not just the sticker price, after grants and scholarships. Finally, think honestly about your commute; a school that is easy to reach is a school you are more likely to finish.
Final Thoughts
Quincy students have a remarkable range of college options within a short drive or train ride. Whether you want an affordable start at Quincy College, a technical education at Wentworth, or a residential experience at Stonehill, the right fit depends on your goals, budget, and lifestyle. Use this list as a starting point, then dig deeper into the programs that match your ambitions.