Harvard University

Cambridge, MA 02138

It’s impossible to talk about colleges in Massachusetts without talking about Harvard, the city of Cambridge’s most famous and most selective university. Harvard was ranked the #2 school in the entire country by U.S. News & World Report in 2020, and it attracts students from around the world with its acclaimed programs in business, computer science, biology, and engineering. Harvard isn’t just about the academics, though. It has a vibrant campus life too, due in large part to its many student organizations, arts opportunities, and Division I sports teams. If you have any high-achieving students interested in an Ivy League education, you’ll definitely want to make time to check out this world-renowned institution.

Group tours at Harvard

You can request a student-led group tour for 15-50 high school students and chaperones here. You’ll want to send in your request at least 4 weeks before you plan to visit campus. Harvard only offers these tours on weekdays, and they typically last 60-90 minutes. Your group will need to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time at the Smith Campus Center. Make sure your schedule allows enough time for you to reach Cambridge. Your charter bus can drop you off right at the campus center, but parking is extremely limited. Your driver may need to drop your group off and then find street parking or parking in the Harvard Square area, about a 10 minute walk away. Harvard University is about 35 miles from Lowell, approximately a 45 minute charter bus drive depending on traffic.

Boston University

Boston, MA 02215

Boston University (BU) is a private research university located right in the heart of Boston. It’s the fourth largest independent university in the U.S. and is spread across over 150 acres in the Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods. BU has nearly 34,000 students across 18 different colleges and schools. BU is especially known for its strong programs in business, law, engineering, education, communications, and health sciences. It’s also a huge sports school and is the prototype for the modern, residential research university. If you have academically-driven students who also want a classic college experience, BU may be the place for them.

Group tours at BU

You can request a student-led group tour for 10-50 visitors here. BU offers tours Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 2 PM, and select Saturdays at 10 AM during the academic year. Tours typically last 60-90 minutes. Your group should arrive 10-15 minutes early at the George Sherman Union to meet your student guide. BU can provide parking suggestions if you mention you’ll be arriving by charter bus. The university also requests that only students sit in on the information session portion of the tour. Boston University is about 35 miles from Lowell, approximately a 45 minute charter bus drive depending on traffic.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA 01003

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the flagship campus of the UMass system. With 1,300 acres and over 30,000 students, it’s the largest public university in New England. UMass Amherst is ranked as one of the best public universities in the country, known for its research output and academics. UMass Amherst has nine undergraduate colleges and schools covering everything from the arts and humanities to engineering and natural sciences. No matter what your students’ interests are, they’re sure to find an area to dive deep into here. The campus also has a lively sports culture as home to the Division I Minutemen.

Group tours at UMass

You can request a group tour for 10-50 prospective students here. Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 2 PM during the academic year. Weekend group tours may be available upon request. Be sure to arrive 10 minutes early to check in at the Welcome Center. Your charter bus driver can drop off and pick up your group right at the visitor parking lot next to the center. UMass Amherst is about 40 miles from Lowell, approximately a 45 minute charter bus drive depending on traffic.

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA 02453

Brandeis University is a private research university with liberal arts at its core. It’s located in Waltham, Massachusetts, just a short ride outside of Boston. Brandeis prides itself on providing an intimate academic setting while still giving students access to everything that comes with living near a major city. The university has about 6,000 students across four schools: arts and sciences, business, global studies, and social policy and management. Brandeis is especially renowned for its programs in neuroscience, biochemistry, and international relations. Students who want small classes at a prestigious university should consider adding this school to their college tour.

Group tours at Brandeis

Groups of 15-50 students can request a tour online or by calling the admissions office at 781-736-3500. Brandeis offers group tours year-round Monday through Friday at 11 AM and 1 PM, with select weekend dates. Tours last 60-90 minutes. Your group should plan to arrive 15 minutes early at the Shapiro Admissions Center. Let the university know you’ll be arriving by charter bus so they can direct your driver to the right parking area. Brandeis University is about 35 miles from Lowell, approximately a 45 minute charter bus drive depending on traffic.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA 01609

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private STEM-focused research university located in Worcester, Massachusetts. WPI offers an education grounded in project-based learning to about 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. This university excels in engineering, technology, science, management, and humanities. WPI also bucks the tradition of letter grades, instead evaluating students on their comprehensive project work. For students who want an intense focus on innovation and hands-on academics, WPI is a great choice to tour.

Group tours at WPI

Groups of 10 or more can request a student-led walking tour of campus online or by calling 508-831-5286. WPI offers tours year-round Monday through Friday at 11 AM and 2 PM, with select Saturday dates. Tours take 60-90 minutes. You should plan to arrive 10 minutes early at the Bartlett Center lobby. Inform WPI you’ll be arriving by charter bus so they can arrange parking. WPI is about 40 miles from Lowell, approximately a 50 minute charter bus drive depending on traffic.

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA 02481

Wellesley College is a private women’s liberal arts college located in Wellesley, Massachusetts. It’s one of the original Seven Sisters colleges and boasts many notable alumnae including Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and Nora Ephron. Wellesley has an enrollment of about 2,400 students across over 50 majors. Some of its most popular programs are in political science, economics, English, and psychology. Students who want a small, all-women’s environment at a top-ranked liberal arts school should consider adding Wellesley to their college tour list.

Group tours at Wellesley

Groups of 10 or more students can request a tour by submitting a request form online. Wellesley offers tours most days Monday through Friday at 10:30 AM and 2 PM, with select Saturday dates. Guided tours last 60-75 minutes. Make sure your group arrives 10 minutes prior to tour time at the Whitin Observatory entrance. Mention you’ll be arriving by charter bus so Wellesley can arrange parking. Wellesley College is about 40 miles from Lowell, approximately a 50 minute charter bus drive depending on traffic.

Plan Your Trip With Charter Bus Lowell

If you’re planning to take your students or after-school group to tour college campuses in Massachusetts, it’s essential to plan your transportation ahead of time. Charter Bus Lowell can help your group travel from Harvard in Cambridge to Wellesley College in comfort. Just give us a call at 774-297-2984 and get ready to experience all that Massachusetts colleges have to offer.