Regis College

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at Regis reflects the university's small size and residential character, with most students living on the tree-covered grounds that provide a stark contrast to the urban environment just miles away. The campus features Georgian Revival architecture alongside more recent buildings, creating a traditional New England college atmosphere. Students gather in residence halls, dining facilities, and common spaces that encourage the informal interactions that build lasting friendships. Athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division III level, emphasizing participation over professional development and allowing student-athletes to balance sports with rigorous academics. About 40% of students participate in varsity or intramural athletics, with soccer, basketball, and volleyball among the more popular options. Club sports and fitness activities provide outlets for students who want physical activity without varsity-level commitment. The university's Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities, spiritual programming, and a campus ministry office that welcomes students of all faiths. Community service forms a particular emphasis, with many students participating in volunteer activities in local communities and service trips during breaks. Student organizations cover interests from academic clubs to cultural groups, though the small student body means many activities operate on a more intimate scale than at larger universities. Boston's accessibility provides release from the quiet suburban campus, with students taking advantage of the city's museums, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Location & Surroundings

Weston provides a suburban setting characterized by wooded lots, historic homes, and a New England character that has survived the region's development pressures. The town ranks among Massachusetts' most affluent communities, and the campus grounds reflect this prosperity in their careful maintenance and gracious landscaping. Students enjoy walking trails, outdoor spaces, and a sense of separation from urban pressures while remaining well connected to Boston. The commuter rail provides direct access to downtown Boston in about 30 minutes, opening the city's cultural institutions, professional sports, and entertainment options to students who want more activity than Weston offers. Harvard, MIT, and dozens of other universities create an academic culture that permeates the region, and Regis students can take advantage of cross-registration opportunities with other institutions. The healthcare institutions that line Boston's Longwood Medical Area provide clinical training sites for nursing students and employment for graduates. New England's seasonal changes create a campus experience that shifts dramatically through the year, from the brilliant colors of fall foliage through snowy winters to spring blossoms. Students from warmer climates often find the weather adjustment challenging but come to appreciate the distinct character each season brings. The region's historical significance extends from Revolutionary War sites to the centers of American literature and philosophy, providing context for studies in history, literature, and American culture.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Career preparation at Regis benefits from the university's location within the greater Boston area, where healthcare, education, technology, and financial services create employment opportunities for graduates across fields. The nursing program enjoys particularly strong placement rates, with area hospitals actively recruiting Regis graduates who arrive with clinical training completed at partner institutions. Education majors find teaching positions in Massachusetts public and private schools, while business graduates enter companies throughout the region. The career services office provides individual counseling, resume review, and interview preparation, taking advantage of small numbers to offer personalized attention that larger career centers cannot match. Alumni networks, while smaller than those at major universities, feature dedicated graduates willing to help current students find internships and jobs. Many students complete internships during their studies, gaining experience that translates directly into employment offers. Graduate school preparation represents another dimension of career development, with faculty members who know students individually able to write detailed recommendation letters that help applications stand out. Students pursuing advanced degrees in healthcare, education, and other fields often remain in the Boston area, where numerous universities offer programs that build on Regis undergraduate preparation. The university's modest size means graduates rarely encounter the brand recognition that opens doors at elite institutions, but employers familiar with Regis consistently value the preparation its graduates bring.

Compare with Similar Universities