Several universities in Massachusetts are notable for their collegiate athletics . The state is home to two Division I FBS teams , Boston College of the Atlantic Coast Conference , and FBS Independent University of Massachusetts at Amherst . FCS play includes Harvard University , which competes in the famed Ivy League , and College of the Holy Cross of the Patriot League . Boston University , Northeastern University , UMASS Lowell , and Merrimack College also participate in Division I athletics . Many other Massachusetts colleges compete in lower divisions such as Division III , where MIT , Tufts University , Amherst College , Williams College , and others field competitive teams
Independent
NCAA Division I FBS independent schools
Massachusetts