50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023

50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services.

10 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads

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  1. Harvard University
    2. 97%
  2. Columbia University
    3. 89%
  3. University of Chicago
    4. 88%
  4. Yale University
    5. 87%
  5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    6. 87%
  6. Princeton University
    7. 86%
  7. Stanford University
    8. 86%
  8. Cornell University
    9. 81%
  9. New York University
    10. 81%
  10. University of Pennsylvania
    11. 80%
  1. Hampshire College
    2. 75%
  2. Illinois Institute of Technology
    3. 66%
  3. Yeshiva University
    4. 63%
  4. Reed College
    5. 44%
  5. University of Rochester
    6. 41%
  6. Brandeis University
    7. 39%
  7. Bryn Mawr College
    8. 39%
  8. Oberlin College
    9. 34%
  9. Case Western Reserve University
    10. 30%
  10. Smith College
    11. 30%
  1. Hampshire College
    2. 12 to 1
  2. Case Western Reserve University
    3. 11 to 1
  3. Georgetown University
    4. 11 to 1
  4. Brandeis University
    5. 10 to 1
  5. Tufts University
    6. 10 to 1
  6. Illinois Institute of Technology
    7. 10 to 1
  7. University of Rochester
    8. 10 to 1
  8. Bates College
    9. 10 to 1
  9. University of Southern California
    10. 9 to 1
  10. Cornell University
    11. 9 to 1
  1. Columbia University
    2. $63,530
  2. Tufts University
    3. $63,000
  3. Vassar College
    4. $62,870
  4. Reed College
    5. $62,730
  5. Brown University
    6. $62,304
  6. University of Chicago
    7. $62,241
  7. Wesleyan University
    8. $62,049
  8. University of Pennsylvania
    9. $61,710
  9. University of Southern California
    10. $61,503
  10. Haverford College
    11. $61,210
  1. Claremont McKenna College
    2. $64,288
  2. University of Chicago
    3. $62,640
  3. Vassar College
    4. $61,940
  4. Wesleyan University
    5. $61,449
  5. Brown University
    6. $60,944
  6. University of Southern California
    7. $60,446
  7. Williams College
    8. $59,728
  8. Dartmouth College
    9. $58,953
  9. Johns Hopkins University
    10. $58,720
  10. University of Notre Dame
    11. $58,190
  1. Hampshire College
    2. 41%
  2. Claremont McKenna College
    3. 43%
  3. Harvey Mudd College
    4. 44%
  4. Cooper Union
    5. 46%
  5. Bates College
    6. 46%
  6. Washington and Lee University
    7. 50%
  7. Pomona College
    8. 51%
  8. Haverford College
    9. 51%
  9. Bowdoin College
    10. 52%
  10. Reed College
    11. 53%
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    2. 4%
  2. Stanford University
    3. 4%
  3. Harvard University
    4. 4%
  4. Columbia University
    5. 4%
  5. California Institute of Technology
    6. 4%
  6. Princeton University
    7. 4%
  7. Yale University
    8. 5%
  8. University of Pennsylvania
    9. 6%
  9. Dartmouth College
    10. 6%
  10. University of Chicago
    11. 6%
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    2. 3 to 1
  2. California Institute of Technology
    3. 3 to 1
  3. Stanford University
    4. 4 to 1
  4. Yale University
    5. 4 to 1
  5. Princeton University
    6. 4 to 1
  6. Carnegie Mellon University
    7. 5 to 1
  7. Harvard University
    8. 5 to 1
  8. University of Chicago
    9. 5 to 1
  9. Northwestern University
    10. 6 to 1
  10. Columbia University
    11. 6 to 1
  1. Cooper Union
    2. $46,820
  2. Yeshiva University
    3. $47,500
  3. Illinois Institute of Technology
    4. $50,490
  4. Hampshire College
    5. $52,738
  5. Rice University
    6. $52,895
  6. Case Western Reserve University
    7. $54,532
  7. Emory University
    8. $55,468
  8. Harvard University
    9. $55,587
  9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    10. $55,878
  10. Princeton University
    11. $56,010
  1. Illinois Institute of Technology
    2. $29,052
  2. Cornell University
    3. $29,500
  3. Oberlin College
    4. $29,692
  4. Yeshiva University
    5. $34,800
  5. New York University
    6. $35,982
  6. Cooper Union
    7. $38,038
  7. University of Pennsylvania
    8. $38,732
  8. Emory University
    9. $44,800
  9. Yale University
    10. $45,700
  10. Carnegie Mellon University
    11. $46,441

Key Takeaways

  • While the best private colleges and universities for undergrads have average student tuition fees of $50,000, they offer benefits unmatched by public schools.
  • Private colleges and universities provide a remarkably varied perspective on higher education. The advantages and opportunities of the top private colleges and universities help define the American educational experience.
  • While on the expensive side of higher education, private colleges offer more financial aid opportunities.

Featured Programs

Private Undergraduate Colleges: Making the Right Choice

All students must choose between attending a private university or a public college, and some discover that the advantages of studying at a private university outweigh those of attending a public school by a significant margin. The benefits of going to a private college or university are many, and we’ll explore a few of them below.

Benefits of Attending Private Schools as an Undergrad

Small Class Sizes

Undergraduate students should be building foundational knowledge in their chosen field. Private universities can offer much more personalized attention and curriculum because they maintain smaller class sizes. At a large public university, you might take classes in lecture halls with hundreds of other students, all under the direction of the same professor.

Numerous Networking Opportunities

Success can also depend on your networking abilities. Private colleges host a lot of networking events yearly for their undergraduates. As a result, you will have more opportunities to find internships and part-time positions that could morph into full-time employment after graduation.

Numerous Financial Aid Package Options

While private colleges tend to be more expensive, they frequently offer more financial aid. The cost of attending that school determines how much financial aid that student needs. In contrast to receiving merely a few thousand dollars to attend a public school, a student may receive twice as much to attend a private institution.

Private colleges may also pay students more for on-campus employment than public universities and offer additional financial aid options, including scholarships and grants.

High Quality of Education

Prospective students should consider the quality of their education when evaluating the advantages of private universities. A private research university frequently has more possibilities than its public school counterparts. Private institution instructors often have more experience and may even come from a research background.

Graduates from prestigious private institutions, such as Johns Hopkins University, Princeton University, University of Southern California, and MIT, are prepared for the workforce, have a competitive advantage in the job market, and have a professional portfolio.

Undergraduates planning to obtain a major in degrees that involve research, such as technology, engineering, and math, should highly consider enrolling in private colleges and universities.

Funding a Private College Education

So how will you pay for your college degree when attending a private college or university? We have some pointers.

Fill out the FAFSA First

Most private and public schools require you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before you can be considered for financial aid. The FAFSA is your gateway for determining your eligibility for financial aid, federal grants, and loans.

Get an Estimate of How Much Financial Aid You Will Need

To estimate the federal aid you might receive, utilize the Federal Student Aid Estimator. You can also fill out a worksheet that will give you an idea of the cost to attend each of the institutions you’re considering, including the tuition and scholarships available.

Make sure you know each school’s requirements for financial assistance applicants and the application dates so you can consider all of your options.

Types of Financial Aid

  • Institutional scholarships. These are typically given out based on a student’s high school academic or extracurricular accomplishments and are open to all qualified students, regardless of need.
  • Outside scholarships. When applying for these scholarships, consider what they can be used for because some may cover tuition while others may also cover books or other personal expenses.
  • Work-study programs. Many institutions have work-study programs that are either nationally or privately financed for students who can prove they are in need.
  • Grants. These are typically need-based, non-repayable funds and the majority of colleges will ask you to submit a form like the FAFSA or the CSS Profile from College Board to show your financial need.
  • Student loans. These are also a reality for most students seeking a college education. The US Department of Education’s Student Loan Program can give guidance on many types of loans and grants.
  • Direct Loan Program. These student loans provide convenient payback periods and a low-interest rate. Do not be afraid to inquire about additional loan possibilities with the financial aid office, such as Parent Plus and private loans.
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What is a private college?

Private colleges are independent, non-profit schools that receive their funding through a combination of endowment income and student tuition fees, rather than from public tax dollars. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of private vs public college, consider that private colleges are often smaller, offering more individualized experiences, including opportunities for dynamic classroom discussions, independent research, and one-on-one relationships with your instructors.

Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads

If you would like to see this ranking without school size considered, visit our best universities in the US ranking.

We’ve identified 755 private universities in the United States. This list is composed entirely of private universities and colleges that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. In order to be included in our list of the best private colleges and universities, a school must be a fully accredited non-profit institution.

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50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads, 2022

  1. #1

    California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena , CA
    #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #1 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    What is California Institute of Technology known for?

    California Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  2. #2

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #1 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #1 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #1 Best Universities in the World 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    What is Harvard University known for?

    Harvard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  3. #3

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #3 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #3 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    What is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  4. #4

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #2 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #2 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #3 Best Universities in the World 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    What is Stanford University known for?

    Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. #5

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #5 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #7 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/33

    What is Princeton University known for?

    Princeton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  7. #6

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #6 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #8 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    What is University of Chicago known for?

    University of Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  8. #7

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #5 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #6 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #7 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    What is Yale University known for?

    Yale University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  9. #8

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #5 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    What is Columbia University known for?

    Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. #9

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #9 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #9 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #15 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    What is Carnegie Mellon University known for?

    Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. #10

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #18 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    What is Reed College known for?

    Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #11

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #11 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #14 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/35

    What is Johns Hopkins University known for?

    Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #12

    Georgetown University

    Washington , DC
    #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2023 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1465/33

    What is Georgetown University known for?

    Georgetown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. #13

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #3 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #11 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #12 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    What is University of Pennsylvania known for?

    University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #14

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2023 #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    What is Duke University known for?

    Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #15

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #15 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1467/32

    What is Swarthmore College known for?

    Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  19. #16

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #15 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    What is Northwestern University known for?

    Northwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. #17

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #10 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #12 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #15 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    What is Cornell University known for?

    Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  21. #18

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    #17 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #19 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #24 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    What is Brown University known for?

    Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  23. #20

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #21 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    What is Amherst College known for?

    Amherst College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  25. #21

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover , NH
    #19 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #22 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #1 Best Research Universities in New Hampshire 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    What is Dartmouth College known for?

    Dartmouth College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  27. #23

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #24 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Williams College known for?

    Williams College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  29. #25

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    #15 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023 #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    What is Haverford College known for?

    Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  31. #26

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #9 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #13 Best Universities in the World 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  33. #28

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    #2 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Wesleyan University known for?

    Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  41. #35

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #8 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    What is Wellesley College known for?

    Wellesley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  43. #36

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    #16 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #18 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Pomona College known for?

    Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  44. #37

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #2 Best Small Colleges in New York 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1434/32

    What is Barnard College known for?

    Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  46. #39

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #16 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #18 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  50. #42

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    #4 Best Small Colleges in California 2023 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in California 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    What is Claremont McKenna College known for?

    Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  51. #43

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    #14 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #15 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in New York 2023 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    What is Vassar College known for?

    Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  52. #44

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    What is Oberlin College known for?

    Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  55. #46

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #24 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Bowdoin College known for?

    Bowdoin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  59. #50

    Cooper Union

    New York , NY
    #10 Best Small Colleges in New York 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    15%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    What is Cooper Union known for?

    Cooper Union’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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Find the Best Private Colleges and Universities Near You

The best private colleges in your state
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Find the Best Private Colleges and Universities in Your Area of Interest

The best private colleges by discipline
2021 Ranking Archive
  1. California Institute of Technology
  2. Harvard University
  3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  4. Stanford University
  5. University of Chicago
  6. Princeton University
  7. Columbia University
  8. Yale University
  9. Johns Hopkins University
  10. Duke University
  11. Swarthmore College
  12. Northwestern University
  13. Amherst College
  14. Rice University
  15. Carnegie Mellon University
  16. Cornell University
  17. Sarah Lawrence College
  18. Reed College
  19. University of Pennsylvania
  20. Brown University
  21. Barnard College
  22. Brandeis University
  23. Wesleyan University
  24. Vassar College
  25. Hampshire College
  26. Dartmouth College
  27. Georgetown University
  28. Tufts University
  29. Wellesley College
  30. Williams College
  31. Cooper Union
  32. Pomona College
  33. Oberlin College
  34. Bryn Mawr College
  35. Yeshiva University
  36. New York University
  37. Bard College
  38. Haverford College
  39. Washington University in St. Louis
  40. Vanderbilt University
  41. George Washington University
  42. The New School
  43. Claremont McKenna College
  44. Emory University
  45. The Catholic University of America
  46. University of Rochester
  47. Morehouse College
  48. Case Western Reserve University
  49. Kenyon College
  50. University of Southern California

Photo Credit: California Institute of Technology, Beckman Institute. By Canon.vs.nikon, via CC BY-SA 3.0.

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