Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024

Badge for BEST IN THE US COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Our ranking of the best US universities is based on the academic impact of the schools’ faculty and alumni. We believe that schools with histories of hiring and developing influential faculty, and schools that produce students who become influential in their fields of study, are schools that demonstrate key indicators of academic excellence.

10 Best US Universities 2024

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  1. Harvard University
  2. Stanford University
  3. Princeton University
  4. Johns Hopkins University
  5. Yale University
  6. University of California, Berkeley
  7. Columbia University
  8. University of Chicago
  9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  10. University of Michigan
  1. Harvard University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
  3. Columbia University
  4. University of Chicago
  5. Stanford University
  6. Yale University
  7. Princeton University
  8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  9. University of Michigan
  10. Cornell University
  1. University of Utah 95%
  2. University of Arizona 87%
  3. Indiana University Bloomington 85%
  4. Michigan State University 83%
  5. University of Minnesota 73%
  6. Purdue University 69%
  7. University of Pittsburgh 67%
  8. Texas A&M University 64%
  9. University of Wisconsin–Madison 60%
  10. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 60%
  1. University of Washington 20 to 1
  2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 20 to 1
  3. Texas A&M University 19 to 1
  4. Ohio State University 19 to 1
  5. University of California, Berkeley 19 to 1
  6. University of California, San Diego 19 to 1
  7. University of California, Los Angeles 18 to 1
  8. University of California, Irvine 18 to 1
  9. University of California, Santa Barbara 18 to 1
  10. University of Texas at Austin 17 to 1
  1. Columbia University $63,530
  2. Tufts University $63,000
  3. Brown University $62,304
  4. University of Chicago $62,241
  5. University of Pennsylvania $61,710
  6. University of Southern California $61,503
  7. Cornell University $61,015
  8. Dartmouth College $60,870
  9. Northwestern University $60,768
  10. Duke University $60,244
  1. University of Chicago $62,640
  2. Brown University $60,944
  3. University of Southern California $60,446
  4. Dartmouth College $58,953
  5. Johns Hopkins University $58,720
  6. Boston University $58,560
  7. University of Notre Dame $58,190
  8. Duke University $57,900
  9. Washington University in St. Louis $57,750
  10. California Institute of Technology $56,364
  1. Texas A&M University
  2. Rice University
  3. University of Utah
  4. Washington University in St. Louis
  5. Michigan State University
  6. George Washington University
  7. University of California, Irvine
  8. University of Florida
  9. Syracuse University
  10. Tufts University
  1. Texas A&M University
  2. Rice University
  3. University of Utah
  4. George Washington University
  5. Michigan State University
  6. University of California, Irvine
  7. University of Florida
  8. Tufts University
  9. Syracuse University
  10. University of Arizona
  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. University of Florida $4,477
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $7,019
  3. University of Utah $7,749
  4. Texas A&M University $8,578
  5. University of Maryland, College Park $9,000
  6. University of Wisconsin–Madison $9,273
  7. Purdue University $9,718
  8. Indiana University Bloomington $9,913
  9. University of Washington $10,927
  10. University of Arizona $10,990
  1. Texas A&M University $6,885
  2. University of Utah $6,970
  3. Purdue University $9,718
  4. Indiana University Bloomington $9,909
  5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $10,552
  6. University of Wisconsin–Madison $10,728
  7. University of Florida $10,770
  8. University of California, Los Angeles $11,442
  9. University of California, Berkeley $11,442
  10. University of California, Irvine $11,442

Key Takeaways

  • Students enrolled in one of the best universities benefit from top research instructors and can expect to gain networking from known people in various industries.
  • Liberal arts colleges emphasize a student’s overall education while also assisting them in excelling in their chosen majors. On the other hand, research universities concentrate on more specialized fields of study and provide students with access to leading authorities and the most recent developments in their area or programs.
  • States that have the majority of the best universities in college rankings are California, Massachusetts, and New York.

Featured Programs

Every fall, more than 2 million high-school graduates will enroll in colleges and universities across the United States. With nearly 3,000 4-year schools to choose from, finding the best college for your educational, personal, and professional goals may be challenging. The purpose of this ranking is to help you manage this challenge. We offer a new perspective of the best universities in the US.

Ranking the Nation’s Best Universities

Intense competition for admission at the best universities in the US puts pressure on students. They think obtaining a degree from renowned national universities will enable them to enjoy a more lucrative future.

And while elite colleges undoubtedly draw the best students, whether these institutions directly impact professional outcomes is still up for discussion.

Regardless, there are several reasons why attending a more elite university can be advantageous for your future. Remember that we’re concentrating on the potential financial and professional advantages of attending a top-ranking college or university.

Aside from that, selective universities might push you intellectually further and let you hang out with similarly driven and accomplished people.

Benefits of the Best Universities in the US

High Standards in Education

Students enrolled in the best universities in America will receive a higher quality of education than non-ranked institutions. But this is not to say that institutions not included on this list are not good. It’s just that top universities have award-winning higher education experts as part of their faculty.

These universities also have higher-caliber research than others, so prospective students will learn from the best and have the chance to cooperate and advance their profession by working with the best.

World-class facilities and resources

Top universities are first in line for funding opportunities in addition to high education standards. Hence, these universities can always finance necessary upkeep for student learning.

The best universities often own a copy of an original research paper, the most expensive laboratory equipment, and other research and faculty resources you most likely cannot find in less-known institutions.

Additionally, top universities have abundant financial aid opportunities to help reduce tuition and fees. Students are required to complete the FAFSA after choosing their undergraduate majors.

If you need more guidance on the process of applying for financial aid, refer to our Focus on the FAFSA.

Vast Networking Opportunities

Since the best universities have award-winning alumni and faculty, you will indeed be given a chance to create a vast network during your studies. You’ll not only have the opportunity to be taught by an excellent faculty, but you’ll also get to attend seminars hosted by industry-specific leaders.

Remember, the best universities hold the best seminars for college students, which gives them the chance to listen and build networks that can help them land jobs immediately after graduation.

Employment opportunities

Graduates from top universities in the US, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, and Yale University, have higher chances of getting employed at big companies. Additionally, graduates from top-tier universities often receive higher wages since they’re expected to provide better outcomes due to their extensive higher education training. Top universities also top the highest graduation rates.

Be in a Community That Understands You

You are surrounded by like-minded individuals who will challenge you. These are the people who, like you, made it through the difficult admissions process of top US universities. These people will often offer you the challenge you need to succeed in your chosen career.

Typical Admission Requirements of Top Universities in the USA

Aside from the usual high GPAs, essays, and more, top universities are also strict regarding requirements such as SATs, APs, and extracurriculars.

Standardized Test Scores

SAT scores are reliable predictors of academic and professional success. Standardized examinations can provide evidence of and encourage academic rigor, which is crucial for students’ success in college and throughout their careers.

You should aim for scores between 1300 and 1400 if you are serious about attending a prestigious college or university.

AP Scores

Taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school show mastery of a subject. The scores for these courses have been standardized so that students can be assessed throughout the nation.

It is now mandatory for applicants to colleges like Stanford, MIT, and other Ivies to have completed at least six AP classes, achieving a score of at least 4 or 5.

Extracurricular Activities

Candidates must list extracurricular endeavors demonstrating leadership, zeal, and dedication. Participation in 8-10 of these activities is strongly recommended.

Interested in seeing competitive smaller colleges?

Our ranking of universities has the very best colleges and universities in the country based on the number of influential faculty and alumni affiliated with the schools over the past ten years. Larger schools have a huge advantage simply because they have more people. We also offer rankings that control for the size advatages of largers universities. Doing that reveals smaller colleges and universities that compete proportionally with largers universities. The rankings below use the method that controls for size advantages:

Best Universities in the US 2022
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Our Methodology

Using our proprietary InfluenceRanking™ Engine—innovative machine-learning technology that objectively measures a school’s influence through its students, faculty, staff, and alumni—we rank academic persons, institutions, and disciplinary programs. We use publicly available data and objective measures of influence to determine which schools give students the best academic experience and outcome.

Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Concentrated Influence, the metric we use, provides a ranking that is freer from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

For higher education rankings, “best” may mean having the most knowledgeable departmental faculty, the most accomplished professors, or the most noteworthy alumni. For students passionately interested in a specific discipline, the best school is likely to be one widely recognized for excellence in that discipline. Our experience with and research into academic rankings suggests that influence gets at the heart of what is truly best in education.

To rank the influence of schools, we first determine the influence of scholars and professionals based on the number of citations and publications they have had over the past 10 years. In addition to publications and citations, we consider the web links to and from these sources, and the page views of those sources. We then match the influential people to their alma maters and institutions of employment, so that their influence is attributed to those schools. Our machine-learning Influence Ranking algorithm produces a numerical score of academic achievements, merits, and citations across Wikipedia, wikidata, Crossref, Semantic Scholar and an ever-growing body of data. If you are interested in exploring how and why we rank by influence, explore our methodology in more depth.

We’ve identified a total of 1,392 colleges and universities in the US that meet our criteria. Of those, 637 are public institutions and 755 are private institutions. This list focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees, and includes both public and private colleges and universities. In order to be included in this list of best colleges, a school needs to a regionally accredited nonprofit college or university.

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50 Best US Universities 2024

  1. #1

    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
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    46K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,395
    Expenses: $28,648
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    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
  4. #4

    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
  5. #5

    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
  6. #6

    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
  7. #7

    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
  8. 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
  9. #9

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    50K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $17,786
    Expenses: $16,820
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #10

    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
  11. #11

    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
  12. #12

    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
  13. #13

    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
  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    47K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,401
    Expenses: $23,579
    Starting Salary: $73,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. 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
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1326/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,242
    Expenses: $19,848
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Cost of Degree: $10,796
    Expenses: $17,198
    Starting Salary: $68,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #18

    University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis , MN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    62K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1350/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota

    Cost of Degree: $15,859
    Expenses: $15,240
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. 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
  20. #20

    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
  21. #21

    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
  22. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,698
    Expenses: $18,548
    Starting Salary: $73,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  23. #23

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    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
  24. #24

    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
  25. #25

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $21,425
    Expenses: $17,790
    Starting Salary: $79,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  26. #27

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1405/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $62,360
    Expenses: $20,400
    Starting Salary: $75,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Boston University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Undergrad Completion Program
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  27. #28

    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
  28. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    47K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Bloomington

    Cost of Degree: $11,447
    Expenses: $16,010
    Starting Salary: $57,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  29. #31

    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
  30. #32

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    67K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,485
    Expenses: $17,700
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  31. #33

    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
  32. #34

    Purdue University

    West Lafayette , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Purdue University

    Cost of Degree: $9,992
    Expenses: $12,930
    Starting Salary: $62,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  33. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    60K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Cost of Degree: $17,782
    Expenses: $16,420
    Starting Salary: $70,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign known for?

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  34. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $16,260
    Starting Salary: $68,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  35. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    45K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park

    Cost of Degree: $11,233
    Expenses: $18,404
    Starting Salary: $70,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  36. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara

    Cost of Degree: $14,617
    Expenses: $23,285
    Starting Salary: $62,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  37. #40

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $12,937
    Expenses: $18,350
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Arizona’s Online Degrees

    BA in Africana Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Administration of Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Care, Health and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Cyber Operations
    Degree Concentrations
    • Engineering
    • Defense & Forensics
    • and Cyber Law & Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Economy and Industry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies, in Arts, Media and Entertainment
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Global and Intercultural Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Global Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government and Public Service
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Rights Practice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Literacy, Learning and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Science and ESociety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Law
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Regional Commerce
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Intelligence and Information Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy: Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nutritional Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Sports and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sustainable Built Environments
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Social Behavior and Human Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  38. #42

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    37K

    Career Outlook for degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $60,135
    Expenses: $20,812
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Syracuse University’s Online Degrees

    BPS in Creative Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Knowledge Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Cybersecurity Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  39. #43

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    61K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $15,430
    Starting Salary: $65,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  40. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/31

    Career Outlook for degree at George Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $60,946
    Expenses: $18,745
    Starting Salary: $82,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  41. 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
  42. #48

    University of Utah

    Salt Lake City , UT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Utah

    Cost of Degree: $9,315
    Expenses: $17,365
    Starting Salary: $63,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  43. #49

    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
  44. #50

    Texas A&M University

    College Station , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    75K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas A&M University

    Cost of Degree: $12,605
    Expenses: $19,014
    Starting Salary: $67,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Texas A&M University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Best US Universities Ranked 51-100

  • University of Virginia
  • University of Iowa
  • The New School
  • University of Maryland, College Park
  • Brandeis University
  • Emory University
  • University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • University of Miami
  • Howard University
  • University of Kansas
  • University of Missouri
  • University of Oregon
  • Wayne State University
  • Fordham University
  • Tulane University
  • Stony Brook University
  • American University
  • Clark University
  • Yeshiva University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • William & Mary
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • University of New Mexico
  • University of Vermont
  • The Catholic University of America
  • Southern Methodist University
  • University of Denver
  • Saint Louis University
  • Wake Forest University
  • Lehigh University
  • Santa Clara University
  • Pepperdine University
  • University of San Francisco
  • Stevens Institute of Technology
  • Clark Atlanta University
  • Seattle University
  • Thomas Jefferson University
  • University of the Pacific
  • University of Tulsa
  • Hampton University
  • Gallaudet University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Alliant International University
  • University of Detroit Mercy
  • California Institute of Integral Studies
  • Andrews University
  • Chatham University
  • Baker University
  • American University of Armenia
  • Saint Louis University
  • Universidade São Francisco
  • University of the Pacific

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