50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024

Badge for BEST FOR UNDERGRADS PRIVATE COLLEGES

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

It is important to note that small private colleges also have a reputation for being among the safest colleges in America.

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.

Private colleges are known to be safer than public universities, especially if that private college is small. For students who rank safety as a top priority, check out our ranking of the safest colleges in America.

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.

Back to Top

50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads, 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,864
    Expenses: $22,734
    Starting Salary: $106,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $57,261
    Expenses: $26,277
    Starting Salary: $139,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $57,986
    Expenses: $21,864
    Starting Salary: $153,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $58,416
    Expenses: $23,746
    Starting Salary: $141,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Princeton University

    Cost of Degree: $57,410
    Expenses: $23,005
    Starting Salary: $116,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #6

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $62,940
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $103,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #7

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $62,250
    Expenses: $22,870
    Starting Salary: $124,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #8

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $65,508
    Expenses: $19,958
    Starting Salary: $115,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $60,854
    Expenses: $18,886
    Starting Salary: $103,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #10

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Reed College

    Cost of Degree: $64,760
    Expenses: $18,550
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #11

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $60,480
    Expenses: $20,320
    Starting Salary: $89,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #12

    Georgetown University

    Washington , DC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1465/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown University

    Cost of Degree: $62,051
    Expenses: $22,644
    Starting Salary: $125,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #13

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $63,452
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $131,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. #14

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $62,688
    Expenses: $20,061
    Starting Salary: $114,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #15

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1467/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $59,328
    Expenses: $20,686
    Starting Salary: $70,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #16

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $63,468
    Expenses: $25,926
    Starting Salary: $93,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #17

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $63,200
    Expenses: $19,996
    Starting Salary: $101,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #18

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $65,046
    Expenses: $18,540
    Starting Salary: $89,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. #19

    Rice University

    Houston , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Rice University

    Cost of Degree: $54,960
    Expenses: $19,150
    Starting Salary: $91,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #20

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $64,100
    Expenses: $19,550
    Starting Salary: $83,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  21. #21

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover , NH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Dartmouth College

    Cost of Degree: $62,430
    Expenses: $21,144
    Starting Salary: $110,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  22. #23

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $61,770
    Expenses: $19,230
    Starting Salary: $89,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  23. #25

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $63,348
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $75,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  24. #26

    New York University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    60K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    Career Outlook for degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $58,168
    Expenses: $23,927
    Starting Salary: $78,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  25. #28

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $64,022
    Expenses: $20,850
    Starting Salary: $63,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  26. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington University in St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $60,590
    Expenses: $22,886
    Starting Salary: $87,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees

    BS in Integrated Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Humanities
    • Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  27. #32

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Vanderbilt University

    Cost of Degree: $60,348
    Expenses: $24,064
    Starting Salary: $86,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  28. #33

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bryn Mawr College

    Cost of Degree: $59,330
    Expenses: $20,050
    Starting Salary: $61,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  29. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Case Western Reserve University

    Cost of Degree: $61,584
    Expenses: $20,420
    Starting Salary: $89,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  30. #35

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $61,920
    Expenses: $21,130
    Starting Salary: $71,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  31. #36

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $59,238
    Expenses: $21,958
    Starting Salary: $77,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  32. #37

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1434/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $62,525
    Expenses: $21,884
    Starting Salary: $69,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  33. #38

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    15%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1475/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Notre Dame

    Cost of Degree: $60,301
    Expenses: $19,910
    Starting Salary: $98,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  34. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,726
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $88,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  35. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $50,279
    Expenses: $21,270
    Starting Salary: $78,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  36. #41

    Hampshire College

    Amherst , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampshire College

    Cost of Degree: $54,452
    Expenses: $16,922
    Starting Salary: $39,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  37. #42

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $60,715
    Expenses: $21,412
    Starting Salary: $93,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  38. #43

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $64,800
    Expenses: $18,810
    Starting Salary: $61,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  39. #44

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Oberlin College

    Cost of Degree: $62,024
    Expenses: $22,206
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  40. #46

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bowdoin College

    Cost of Degree: $61,528
    Expenses: $18,862
    Starting Salary: $83,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  41. #47

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Smith College

    Cost of Degree: $58,768
    Expenses: $23,366
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  42. #50

    Cooper Union

    New York , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    15%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Cooper Union

    Cost of Degree: $46,820
    Expenses: $22,302
    Starting Salary: $68,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
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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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