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2020 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in AmericaAbout this List

The Best Colleges for Environmental Science ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking compares the top colleges for earth sciences, geology, forestry, meteorology, and climatology. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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Environmental Science
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  1. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,164 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: Stanford's motto, "The wind of freedom blows," seems to permeate through all classroom walls, dorm rooms, and dining halls as students at this school are passionate, diligent, and lively. There is definitely a culture distinct to Stanford University, one which embodies free-spirited, unbounded learning. Aside from academics, though, I'd have to say that what makes Stanford unique is its people. Times when I've felt inspired, moved, and at home, were in moments I shared with others in discussions or conversations, whether it was academic or truly frivolous.
    Read 1,164 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,271 Net Price
    • 1420-1570 SAT Range
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  2. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 980 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Senior: Great college! They say the more options you have the more regrets you'll have, and that has been true of my Yale experience. While I do not regret doing the things I did do, I do wish I had more than 24 hours in a day so I could do even more! There is so much to do in terms of career development, extra-curriculars, and just entertainment in general. There are so many classes to choose from and most of the professors are incredible not just as professors, but as people in general. If I could redo college I would definitely choose Yale again!
    Read 980 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,748 Net Price
    • 1460-1570 SAT Range
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  3. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 118 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Niche User: I loved visiting caltech! I loved the campus, it was so beautiful. The houses each had their own personality, and cool traditions! I got to play tennis on the courts there and stay with some other girls in the houses themselves. We staying in flemming house and spent a lot of time in the common room! We also were able to tour the academic facilities and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is associated with Caltech and it was truly inspiring to see. We were given the opportunity to see current projects in JPL like the 2020 mars rover! I cannot wait to apply!
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,361 Net Price
    • 1530-1580 SAT Range
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  4. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,088 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: Duke is a great place to come for vast opportunities, career exploration, professional development and more. You can literally try anything here! It's so flexible. Campus is beautiful, the food options are plentiful, and research experiences are readily available. The academic advising here is amazing as well.
    Read 1,088 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,785 Net Price
    • 1450-1570 SAT Range
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  5. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 987 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: Brown University has been an incredible experience and has allowed me to pursue passions that I wasn't even aware I was interested in! The unique open curriculum allows students to take courses from a broad range of subjects and helps to ensure they find the right area of study. I personally believed I wanted to go into biomedical engineering, however, after taking a variety of classes at Brown in environmental studies, I have switched my major. Every teacher, student, and dean is so incredibly passionate about the work and everyone is constantly striving to be better which makes the University an amazing place and experience!
    Read 987 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,238 Net Price
    • 1420-1550 SAT Range
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  6. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,170 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: The University of Chicago has an incredibly welcoming and yet challenging atmosphere that is unlike any other. The Core Curriculum introduces truly applicable frameworks for critical thinking that can the applied in a diverse curriculum. At UChicago you can attend your Physics lecture in the morning, work on your film project until you participate in a religious discussion in the afternoon and rehearse with your traditional African music group in the evening. In spite of the lack of affordability, UChicago does offer various ways of financing, including generous financial aid and merit-based scholarships. However, Uchicago is not need bling to international applicants, which is likely to discourage low-income international students to apply.
    Read 1,170 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,003 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
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  7. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,189 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: Columbia is a culturally rich and diverse school with a beautiful campus in one of the most influential cities in the world. The endless amount of opportunities provided here can be overwhelming! There is a place for everyone on this campus, with clubs, sports, and other organizations for every individual.
    Read 1,189 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,220 Net Price
    • 1450-1560 SAT Range
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  8. Middlebury College

    • 4 Year
    • Middlebury, VT
    • 493 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: My overall experience with Middlebury College is a positive one. Although Middlebury has pushed me in ways unimaginable through academics and socially on campus I have learned through each obstacle and hardship I have gone through. I have learned valuable knowledge about who I am as a both a person and a student. I come from New York City, so moving to move Vermont has been a huge culture shock but Middlebury’s community has made it bearable. Middlebury is a place that makes you self-aware and pushes you out of your comfort zone! I’m excited to see where my future will go from here!
    Read 493 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,136 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
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  9. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 375 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: Pomona students are so accomplished, but they are always so willing to help. The professors also really go out of their way to ensure that students feel supported. Graduate schools really know Pomona and the seniors are doing so many great things. The best part is that these seniors keep first years in the loop and are willing to share so much about their work. The atmosphere is intense in terms of academics, but the competition is against yourself!
    Read 375 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,988 Net Price
    • 1400-1540 SAT Range
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  12. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 714 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: Harvard is incredible! The campus is vibrant and there are always tourists. It is especially busy during fall because the foliage is beautiful. The professors are very knowledgeable. Most write their own textbooks, so they truly know what they are teaching. The students are also great; they are intellectual, fun, and laidback. It is a great experience studying here!
    Read 714 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,590 Net Price
    • 1460-1580 SAT Range
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  13. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 681 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: The moment I stepped on Bowdoin's campus, I knew that it was going to be my home for the next four years. I am confident that I chose the right school for me. I feel like I'm flourishing in terms of my social and academic life; things are just happening for me here. My professors are wonderful, there's such a tight-knit community, and the people here are so nice. Bowdoin just cares about me!
    Read 681 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,831 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
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  14. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,439 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Graduate Student: I'm currently enrolled in the Masters of Legal Studies Program. I'm thoroughly enjoying this program. WashU offers a number of classes in various legal fields. I've taken courses in tort law, contracts, intellectual property law, legal negotiations, legal writing & legal procedures & court hearings. The Masters program is 100% online. The virtual experience is phenomenal. It's like being in an actual class, but at home. This program is very diverse. Through this program, I've connected with different students from Asia, Europe, Africa and the various parts of the United States. The professors are knowledgeable and professionally accomplished in the legal field. The program is fast paced, intriguing and fun. You can complete this program in one to two years. I started in January 2019 and I'm graduating in May 2020. CHOOSE WASHU! The investment is well worth it and WashU is one of the best law schools in the world.
    Read 1,439 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,931 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
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  15. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 695 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: It is hard to imagine a better college than Dartmouth. The mix of academics, clubs and outdoor activities, and social scene is (in my opinion) unparalleled. Everyone is academically driven, and I feel like I can have an intellectual conversation with anyone on campus. There is a sport, club, or outdoor activity for everyone at the college, as most people I know are heavily involved in at least 2 extracurricular clubs. Lastly, the social scene is fun and inclusive. There are different frats and sororities for different all types of preferences, and every house has an "open door" policy. There is little to no social hierarchy that I've noticed (Football players aren't treated differently from comp sci geeks), making it so that anyone can be friends with anyone.

    One additional note: sophomore summer is the best term of all time! Look it up.
    Read 695 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,394 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
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  16. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 485 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: Carleton has wonderful faculty and their selling point would definitely be the academics. Carleton is also very generous with giving financial aid to students, which has helped me tremendously. Although it is secluded in a small town, I find this to be very good for my safety (honestly, you'll probably be too busy being on campus to even want to go to the cities). I think the dorms are above average for a lot of colleges in America. I've visited many, and Carleton's "worst dorm" (which I lived in) was very nice. Overall, great school! Can't wait to finish my degree.
    Read 485 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 20% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,336 Net Price
    • 1350-1530 SAT Range
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  17. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,632 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: Being a student at the University of Southern California is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the academics are stellar. The whole school feels like one big family. The athletic programs are top notch and really bring all the students together. I love being able to attend countless games while seeing cheering fans who truly love where they go to school. The best part about the University of Southern California is the Trojan alumni. With over 425,000 Trojan alumni in the world, you are always connected to a Trojan. The wonderful Trojan alumni are there for you beyond your four years. They give opportunities to advance in your desired career field, as well as be there in a new environment. No other university is this connected between current students and alumni. I am proud to attend USC, where academics, athletics and alumni blend together making the ultimate college experience!
    Read 3,632 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,161 Net Price
    • 1350-1530 SAT Range
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  18. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,139 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: Overall, the University of Michigan is a very strong academic choice. Professors generally care about their students and wish to see them succeed and departmental advisors are incredibly helpful in finding the right classes for you. Once you get past intro level classes, the material and class sizes become much more enjoyable. The dorms are hit-and-miss with some having air conditioning and are newly renovated while some are very clearly in need of improvement. Their ability to handle transfer students is lacking, though, and the general advisors are not well-equipped to handle transfer cases.
    Like any university, there many different types of people. Some are irritating, some are lovely. It is just a matter of seeking out those who you want to make friends with, they are definitely out there and most everyone you meet will be very nice along the way!
    Read 4,139 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,856 Net Price
    • 1330-1510 SAT Range
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  19. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,354 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Niche User: I have been to the Evanston campus once, but in that visit I was astounded by the various opportunities offered by the university. Every program, whether that be the musical program, theater, biology, medicine, or integrated science, was fleshed out to a point of great immersion and understanding. Not to mention that there was an overall atmosphere of learning and curiosity. Highly recommend!
    Read 1,354 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,540 Net Price
    • 1430-1550 SAT Range
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  22. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,352 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: I really love the student life at Carolina. There's always so many different activities/events you can go to that range from fun and silly things like glow-in-the-dark yoga to events that really enrich your perspectives on certain topics, such as different panels of amazing guest speakers different departments may have. One thing I wish I could change, however, is the chemistry department. From my experiences being a chemistry major for my first two years in undergrad, before switching to communications, some of the professors within my department were not the most encouraging or helpful. Unfortunately, this really impacted the experiences I had being a chemistry major and eventually resulted in the huge major switch I made!
    Read 2,352 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,649 Net Price
    • 1270-1480 SAT Range
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  23. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,205 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: A true research institution, the University of Pennsylvania encourages all of its students to be curious about the world. Fund their research, it provides once in a lifetime opportunities with access to remarkable faculty, an international reach, and trail blazing peers. As a member of the Ivy League, it connects its study body to similar-minded students in a culture of alma matter pride, playful rivalry, and inter-school dependent programming. Whether it be an Ivy League conference on LatinX heritage, political science, or veganism, the University of Pennsylvania encourages curiosity at every seam of the institution’s fabric.
    Read 1,205 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,266 Net Price
    • 1420-1550 SAT Range
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  24. Amherst College

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 276 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Niche User: Our tour guide was well trained. He waited for someone to leave the dorms to have them tell the group what the best thing was about Amherst. The Dean was very intelligent and knowledgeable and gave a great information session presentation to the group. It is a small liberal arts college which is academically based and hard to get into. A mini Harvard that was scaled down. A shuttle transports you to the other 5 colleges connected with Amherst (University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Smith College, Mount-Holyoke College and Hampshire College). If accepted into any one of these colleges, you can attend classes, sports, activities at any of these colleges if they offer something that you are interested in. A nice feature to have offered because all of a sudden there is a larger area of interest, sports and activities to choose from. Making it almost impossible not to have something that you are looking for or interested in which can happen at small schools with limited choices.
    Read 276 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,275 Net Price
    • 1330-1530 SAT Range
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  25. Colorado College

    • 4 Year
    • Colorado Springs, CO
    • 743 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Junior: I have had a great experience at Colorado College pursuing a major in Molecular Biology with a minor in Human Biology and Kinesiology. The block plan; however, does not work for everyone. I will admit that it is difficult to learn all of the material you need to succeed in only three and a half weeks. Yet, if you prioritize your studies and focus on time management, you will do well. Having class on a typical 9-12 schedule allows me to have more time to do many of the activities that I enjoy including intramural sports, ceramics, and working in the athletic training room. I would definitely recommend checking this school out!
    Read 743 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,390 Net Price
    • 1220-1430 SAT Range
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  26. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,970 reviews
    #22 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: I am currently an out of state freshman at Berkeley over halfway through my second semester. I was wary of having high expectations of Berkeley and buying into the cultivated image of perfect inclusion, challenging and inspiring intellectualism, and care for social justice/activism. Even though I tried to manage my expectations, they were disappointed. THAT BEING SAID, I'm glad I am a student at Berkeley. It is the best and the worst, wonderful and terrible, and for me, that feels like a fairly accurate representation of how the world is today. If you would describe yourself as an idealistic person, yes, come to Berkeley! But be prepared to hold onto your values tightly.
    Read 3,970 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,862 Net Price
    • 1320-1530 SAT Range
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  29. University of Virginia

    • 4 Year
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • 2,166 reviews
    #23 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: UVA is a wonderful place to find your college home! Nowhere is perfect, but, coming from someone who was determined to not go to Virginia (I didn't want to go to my state's big school), I have found so many incredible opportunities and can't imagine myself any where else. It is academically rigorous, there are many resources to take advantage of, and it's diverse. You are bound to find your passion and your people at UVA.
    Read 2,166 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 26% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,845 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
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  30. Colby College

    • 4 Year
    • Waterville, ME
    • 506 reviews
    #24 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Sophomore: It’s been absolutely fantastic. Unlike many of my friends at larger schools, I loved every second of being here since the start of freshman year. Since it’s smaller, your education and social life feel more personal. You’re very easily able to meet people and get have a personal connection with professors. Being in a remote location means all social events mainly happen on campus, making events and parties accessible to all students. Since there’s no greek life, sports teams host the majority of parties that allow anyone to join. Overall it very much feels like home and I am grateful to have such a wonderful college experience thus far.
    Read 506 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,689 Net Price
    • 1350-1510 SAT Range
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  31. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 980 reviews
    #25 Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America

    Freshman: As a freshman at Tufts, I am constantly blown alway by endless opportunities available to undergraduate students at various academic departments, student-run organizations, and Tisch College of Civic Engagement. Students are here to learn from a wide range of perspectives and always listen carefully to one another to reexamine their thoughts. Even in today's political divisiveness, I find Tufts students relatively open-minded and tolerant to perspectives and thoughts that might be contrary to their own. Furthermore, as a student who plans on majoring in International Relations, I am always struck by how organized the program is here at Tufts. Professors and students are experts in their field, and I can easily see future diplomats and leading scholars in my classroom. There are conferences at the Fletcher school almost every week where leading scholars and researchers come and speak. I love Tufts!
    Read 980 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,825 Net Price
    • 1380-1530 SAT Range
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    Cleveland State University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,749 reviews

    Freshman: I absolutely love Cleveland State University. It definitely feels like home to me and I have met some of the best people there. I was very nervous on the first day because I did not know what it was going to be like in Cleveland. However, I fall in love with Cleveland more and more each day. Safety for the students and faculty is their top priority, along with engaged learning. The professors, advisors, and staff are amazing and so understanding. They answer emails very fast with a great response to all of your questions. Student life is amazing with so many activities to do. There are so many options for free food as well and the dining hall is not too bad! I will never forget my college experience and I am so glad to call Cleveland State University my home!
    Read 1,749 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,356 Net Price
    • 960-1200 SAT Range
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    Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,442 reviews

    Freshman: I love MSU! I feel challenged my my classes but I still have enough time to partake in one of many clubs and organizations offered by the university. I have made so many friends because the dorms are super social. The food is really good, and the facilities are nice too. I’m a business major so I’ve been enjoying the new Minskoff Pavilion quite often. The campus is beautiful with the Red Cedar River running right through it, and gamedays in East Lansing are an awesome experience. Overall, I’ve never been happier than I am here at Michigan State!
    Read 5,442 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,227 Net Price
    • 1110-1310 SAT Range
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    Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,455 reviews

    Alum: Indiana University has a lot to offer. You just have to go out, explore, and seek it. Every niche is available, so play to your strengths! If you want a learning community, you can live in a dorm that specializes in that. If you want to be away from campus, there are plenty of apartments. If you don't like the party scene, don't live in the Northwest neighborhood of campus, etc...It can be easy to feel alone on such a large campus, so finding a club, group, or people within your degree to connect with is critical, but IU has opportunity for that in abundance. As for academics, you get what you put in, as I would imagine for most universities. For my degree, I had plenty of opportunities for office hours, student tutoring at the library, and more.
    Read 4,455 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,931 Net Price
    • 1150-1360 SAT Range
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