Massachusetts residents are known for being a few things: sports-crazed, well-educated, and proud of their state’s history. They are also often known for being Catholic, and in fact, Massachusetts is the most Catholic state in the U.S., with 43% of residents identifying as Catholic, followed by New Jersey at 42%, compared to 24% nationwide.

Education in Massachusetts

Enrollment in higher education in Massachusetts has increased steadily over the years, increasing by more than 200,000 students between 1970 and 2010. While the 14.7% increase in enrollment between 2005 and 2010 was much lower than the national average of 20.2%, the state has maintained a well-educated population. Nationally, 28% of the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher; in Massachusetts, 38.3% holds a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Massachusetts is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the state, particularly the Boston area, is known for the sheer number of colleges that call it home. Among the state’s many colleges are Christian colleges, known not only for offering high-quality higher education, but for offering education with a Christian perspective.

Massachusetts’ Christian colleges can fit the budgetary, academic, and extracurricular needs of every student, from interdenominational Gordon College in Wenham, to Boston Baptist College near Quincy. Many of the state’s Christian colleges, like its residents, are Catholic, such as Anna Maria College in Paxton, Assumption College in Worcester, College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, and Emmanuel College in Boston.

In addition to the degree programs students can pursue at many non-faith-based colleges, Christian colleges in Massachusetts also offer associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs as well as certificates in theology; Biblical studies; Biblical languages; Jewish studies; and youth, global, urban, and outdoor ministries. Some also offer degree programs online.

Working in Massachusetts

In spite of an economy struggling to overcome a recession, many career fields in Massachusetts are growing quickly, primarily in the information technology and healthcare industries, with one exception. Overwhelmingly, the fastest growing professions in the state are considered to fit under the religious, civic, and non-profit umbrella — the overall field is expected to see 78% growth between 2010 and 2020, compared to 13.7% total job growth statewide.

Other quickly growing fields include heavy and civil engineering construction, at 35.2%; arts, entertainment, and recreation, at 28.2%; finance and insurance, at 28.1%; and education, at 13.9%. Students in Massachusetts may benefit from pursuing degrees in management, communications, engineering, finance, or education.

To find the Christian college in Massachusetts that best meets your needs, check out our list below.