According to INDEXDOTCOM, Massachusetts is located in the northeastern United States and is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, New York to the west, Connecticut to the south, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north. The state has a total area of 10,554 square miles and is roughly divided into four distinct geographic regions – the Coastal Lowlands, Central Uplands, Berkshires, and Western Uplands. The Coastal Lowlands are located along the Atlantic coast of Massachusetts and are composed of sandy beaches, marshes, bays, harbors and estuaries. The Central Uplands region includes most of eastern Massachusetts as well as parts of western Massachusetts. This area is known for its rolling hills and small mountains. The Berkshires are located in western Massachusetts near the border with New York State. This region contains some of Massachusetts’ highest peaks including Mount Greylock at 3491 feet in elevation. Finally, the Western Uplands region consists mostly of low hills that extend from north-central Massachusetts into southern Vermont. According to SIMPLYYELLOWPAGES, Massachusetts has some of the top universities in the country. The state is home to renowned institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, Boston University, Tufts University and Amherst College. These universities offer a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities in a variety of disciplines including science, engineering, business, economics, medicine and law. Many of these schools are highly ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report and have strong reputations for excellence in teaching and research. Massachusetts is also home to many smaller liberal arts colleges such as Smith College, Wellesley College and Williams College. These schools are known for their rigorous academic standards and commitment to a liberal arts education.