Jun 27, 2015 11:20 AM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

One of the most historic states in the country, Massachusetts is also rich in private higher education institutions.

The state boasts about 80 colleges and universities of all kinds and sizes, ranging from liberal arts, to specialized focus schools, to the most selective

 of the eight Ivies. Massachusetts' wealth of college campuses could also play an important role in the city of Boston's bid to host the 2024 Olympic games, the Associated Press noted in November.

College Factual compiled a list of the best schools in the state, based on factors like graduation rate, freshmen retention, percentage of full-time professors, SAT scores and more. Click here to read their full methodology.

Below are the top 10 schools in Massachusetts, per College Factual. Read the full list here.

1.     Harvard University

City: Cambridge

Acceptance rate: 5.9 percent

Starting salary boost: $8,921

2.     Massachusetts Institute of Technology

City: Cambridge

Acceptance rate: 7.9 percent

Starting salary boost: $15,498

3.     Amherst College

City: Amherst

Acceptance rate: 14 percent

Starting salary boost: $7,354

4.     College of the Holy Cross

City: Worcester

Acceptance rate: 33 percent

Starting salary boost: $6,430

5.     Olin College

City: Needham

Acceptance rate: 16 percent

6.     Tufts University

City: Medford

Acceptance rate: 17.2 percent

Starting salary boost: $5,090

7.     Williams College

City: Williamstown

Acceptance rate: 17 percent

Starting salary boost: $7,149

8.     Brandeis University

City: Waltham

Acceptance rate: 35 percent

Starting salary boost: $5,535

9.     Babson College

City: Wellesley

Acceptance rate: Babson Park

10.  Boston College

City: Chestnut Hill

Acceptance rate: 34 percent

Starting salary boost: $7,458

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