2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in America

• New Haven, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,032 reviews

Sophomore: Yale has been a fun and enjoyable experience overall. I would definitely choose Yale again if I had to re-do my college application. Academics: some departments are better taught than other departments. Yale can be weaker in CS and Math compared to other universities, but most alums are still very successful. Like most colleges, there is a lot of independent learning and there are numerous resources to help you. The environment is not competitive unless premed. Social life: Yale has an AMAZING social life compared to other universities of equal caliber. There is always something going on and you can be as social as you want. Social life is nonexistent during midterm season. There are parties, frats, concerts, woads, club formals, and many other events. Sports: Not a big sports school but many students are involved in club sports. Yale dining is delicious and healthy!... Read 1,032 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 5%

• Net price $20,605

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,264 reviews

Niche User: As a former student of Stanford University, I can say with confidence that it was an incredible experience. The campus is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and sprawling gardens that make for a peaceful and serene environment to study in. The professors were all experts in their fields and incredibly knowledgeable. They pushed us to think critically and creatively, challenging us to go beyond the textbook and truly understand the material. The classes were engaging and interactive, with lots of opportunities for discussion and collaboration. One thing that stood out to me about Stanford was the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. The university encourages students to explore different fields and take classes outside of their major, which I found to be incredibly valuable. It allowed me to broaden my knowledge and perspectives, and I still use the skills I learned in those classes today. This university is amazing and extremely beneficial to your future career... Read 1,264 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  659 reviews

Freshman: Studying at the MIT has been an enlightening and enriching journey. The opportunity to learn from some of the most distinguished professors and work with bright, ambitious peers is unparalleled. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging, which I appreciate as it pushes students to their intellectual limits. MIT's focus on combining theory with practical application is particularly engaging. For example, not only did I learn the theory behind machine learning algorithms, but I also got to implement these algorithms to solve real-world problems. This hands-on approach is what sets MIT apart from many other institutions. Furthermore, MIT's culture of innovation and entrepreneurship is highly motivating. The environment encourages students to think outside the box, fostering an innovative mindset. It's also commonplace for undergraduates to work in research labs, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in various fields.... Read 659 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,958

• SAT range 1510-1580

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  829 reviews

Graduate Student: Studying at Harvard has been my lifelong dream, and I see it fulfilled at the moment, with the many memorable learning experiences I have had so far. From a well-organized curriculum, to impressive response time to student inquiries, and then to proper student welfare facilities, I give kudos to this noble institution of learning. I would rate Harvard an A+ so far. Thank you Harvard!... Read 829 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $13,910

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Princeton, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  463 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, my experience at Princeton was really amazing. There were so many opportunities to become involved on campus, especially in the many music groups (accapella, synphohnia, etc.). There are also so many opportunities to become involved in service through the Pace Center for Civic engagement. The one issue I have is that there are too many things to do and not enough time! The courses here are no joke, and they take up a huge chunk of your time, so I would definitely prepare to be spending a lot of time studying and working on assignments. The academic semesters here are also relatively short (12 weeks), which sometimes makes it difficult to keep up with work. That being said, I am spending my summer on campus and having an incredible time. Finally, I think the accessibility of professors at Princeton is really amazing. They are always willing to meet one-on-one, and they have many office hours (especially in intro-level courses) to help students prepare for exams.... Read 463 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $20,908

• SAT range 1460-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,327 reviews

Junior: As a Columbia University student, I am proud of myself and I feel very lucky. The school's name alone boasts prestige and prominence, as so many Nobel Prize winners, presidents, and successful businesspeople hail from the university. To be a part of this community, one that fosters community support as well as a push to strive for self improvement and global impact, has been incredibly motivating and exhilarating for me. I am very satisfied by the quality of my teachers and peers. The only things I would change are the tuition price and the humidity of NYC in the summer!... Read 1,327 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $12,411

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,332 reviews

Sophomore: As a University of Pennsylvania student, my experience has been transformative. The academic rigor and diverse courses allowed me to explore passions and develop critical thinking. Accessible and knowledgeable faculty shaped my journey, while the vibrant campus life fostered a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. I appreciate the emphasis on research opportunities, collaborating with renowned scholars, and Philadelphia's cultural scene, offering internships and networking. However, addressing the cost of attendance with more financial aid options and scholarships is essential for equal access. Moreover, enhancing inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups would strengthen our community further. Overall, UPenn has provided exceptional opportunities, but improvements can make it an even more accessible and inclusive institution for all students.... Read 1,332 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Hanover, NH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  733 reviews

Junior: I am a transfer student athlete and am planning to attend Dartmouth in the fall. What I loved on my visit was the family atmosphere amongst the faculty and the close relationships they had with their students. I believe that it is important to put an emphasis on undergraduate education and Dartmouth does that the best in comparison to any other school in the nation. From an athletic standpoint I feel like Dartmouth has all the tools and facilities to help me achieve my athletic goals. Coming from an institution that gives athletic scholarships, Ivy leagues do not have that availability. I felt like the experiences and relationships that I would build would make it worth it to apply for scholarships online. Thank you!... Read 733 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $24,078

• SAT range 1440-1560

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  1,106 reviews

Junior: I came into Rice as a transfer student this past semester. I'm happy to say I've found a place where I feel completely welcomed and appreciated. This is where I was meant to be. I am academically challenged and my curiosity is constantly mirrored in my classmates/friends. The conversations are fun and the people are genuine. Don't think that you can't apply because of how competitive it looks. They really practice the holistic approach and if you bring your unique story, passion, and perspective you have a shot. I didn't have perfect test scores, but I had a great work ethic and passion for what I do. If you want a home away from home- highly recommend!... Read 1,106 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $18,521

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,065 reviews

Niche User: I am currently enrolled as an incoming freshman at Brown University but I have been fortunate to participate in two of their pre-college programs. Overall, the academic resources and opportunities to explore STEM-based passions are incredibly diverse and accessible. The campus has amazing faculty that are engaged in the subject, both in and out of the classroom. They provide insightful feedback and support, especially as I had little experience doing lab work in high school. Outside the classroom, there were countless facilities and events that covered a wide variety of interests. These helped me foster a strong sense of community as I was able to connect with peers of similar likes during these events. I love how interconnected the university is with the larger city of Providence, which makes both professional and recreational engagement more accessible. Lastly, the Brown community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. Everyone there was proactive and engaged!... Read 1,065 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $25,028

• SAT range 1460-1570

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,259 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Georgetown University as a Freshman has been phenomenal. The very first month has been the most memorable. Due to how open the community was, I was able to meet new people every single day and also, I was able to find my long-life friends immediately! The community was so diverse that I had never heard a single negative comment. It was purely all just having fun and sharing honest thoughts. Now, throughout the school year, as a Freshman, I went through many obstacles. One of the most common ones is sickness. However, because of the flexibility that the professors had, I was able to succeed in class. Georgetown's flexibility and resources are so great that even though I was sick some days, I still had a smile on my face. Although it's only my first year, I can definitely say that I started off with no regrets.... Read 1,259 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price $23,049

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  1,189 reviews

Sophomore: Duke offers me an enriching and transformative experience. What stands out to me the most is the invaluable network and the exceptional people I've encountered here. The community at Duke is filled with goal-oriented, friendly, and intelligent individuals, all of whom have inspired and motivated me to strive for excellence. Moreover, Duke's commitment to providing outstanding academic resources has been a game-changer for me. I'm especially thankful for the innovative and entrepreneurship resources, as they have open my career path to startups. Lastly, the buildings and nature are beautiful!... Read 1,189 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $27,297

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,339 reviews

Alum: I graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience. I primarily chose to attend Vandy for its academic prowess, and it definitely lived up to that reputation. In retrospect, I loved the majority of my STEM classes, and I find that my education was well-rounded because of my required liberal arts classes. The campus is beautiful, the food is relatively good, and on-campus housing is average. Admittedly, I was excited to live off-campus for my last two years (but beware - living in Nashville is not cheap). Socially, I had a great time at Vandy, especially thanks to the liveliness of Nashville, but sadly not due to Vanderbilt sports - this is not their strong suit. I met lifelong friends at this school! Realistically, however, many students do come from wealthy backgrounds, which can be off-putting at times. Ultimately, while undeniably expensive, Vanderbilt is a great school that will certainly work to your advantage after graduation.... Read 1,339 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $27,553

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,464 reviews

Junior: Northwestern University is a great college for students hoping to find a wide array of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Northwestern offers a wide range of courses on many different topics and because of the number of courses required to complete most majors (12-16), students in the College of Arts and Sciences are able to explore classes outside their majors at their leisure. The Quarter System can feel intimidating at first because of how fast-paced the courses can be but it also allows students to take more classes each year than a semester system which means students get to learn even more! Campus is also beautiful, located right next to Lake Michigan, so students are able to spend time outside of class at the beach and walking on the Lakefill.... Read 1,464 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $29,999

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,558 reviews

Alum: I am thankful for my undergraduate experience at Washington University in St. Louis. The college has great connections for post-grad opportunities in multiple fields - business, medicine, research, engineering. I was easily able to switch between the Arts & Sciences program and the Business School at the end of my sophomore year. There is a huge focus on medicine, so even for other career paths there are healthcare adjacent offerings (e.g. Healthcare Management, Bio Medical Engineering, Global Health, Psychology/Neuroscience/Philosophy). The brand name and resources do carry for other non-health related professions too. The classwork can be tough so it's best you find out which paths are a good fit for you in terms of academic rigor, class size, and teaching style. Your counselors can help with this. Good size of the school - not too big to get lost, but not too small to know everyone and the campus is very very beautiful! I suggest visiting and talking to alum to learn more!... Read 1,558 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,298

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Pasadena, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  132 reviews

Alum: I was in the Class of 1996. I had such a difficult time due to personal issues. I wish someone had been able to explain to me that it is okay to take a break. That would have been better than failing out and then taking a break. Also, peer support at the counseling center would have made a difference.... Read 132 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,162

• SAT range 1530-1580

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  419 reviews

Alum: Pomona College was a very transformative space for me. The small class sizes and strong sense of community among professors and students really helped me thrive. I was surrounded by intellectually curious peers and inspiring professors during my four years. Beyond academics, there were an abundance of research and work opportunities to help explore my passions and potential career interests that I would not have been able to do in a larger school. I was able to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, work as a teaching research assistant, and organize community events— the opportunities were endless if you really searched for them. I also cannot forget how beautiful the campus was and how amazing the dining hall food was! Beyond the Pomona College community, you also have access to a consortium of four more top undergraduate colleges (Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer) where you can take classes at and connect with a whole new network of students and professors.... Read 419 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,507 reviews

Freshman: My experience at UCLA has been nothing short of transformative. It has not only provided me with a top-notch education but also helped shape me into a well-rounded individual ready to take on the world. The vibrant campus, exceptional faculty, diverse community, and comprehensive support services make UCLA a true beacon of higher education. I am immensely grateful for my time at this extraordinary institution and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a world-class education and an unforgettable college experience. Go Bruins!... Read 5,507 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  4,602 reviews

Senior: This is a fabulous choice school for someone looking to truly have the social and academic life balance, such as I am. This environment is more than suitable even for those who are dedicated wholeheartedly either side of that social-academic spectrum- though the opportunities for growth and exploration in each regard are something I refuse to believe can be found on any other campus. The professors are renowned in their respective fields, if not the world, and are advisable, inspiring, generous (most of the time), and constructors of some of the most effective and informative curriculums I can imagine. What is most imperative to emphasize is that exponential emotional, academic, and professional development occurs for every person. If you have faced adversity in the past or are entering college first-gen like me, attending UM will open your eyes, open doors, and change your life past in the best way while you overcome challenges you never thought you could. But it's definitely hard!... Read 4,602 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $19,205

• SAT range 1340-1520

• Ithaca, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  2,051 reviews

Sophomore: Although I have not yet graduated from Cornell University, my experience thus far has been both demanding and rewarding. The academic rigor and high standards have challenged me to push my boundaries and strive for excellence. While the workload can be overwhelming at times, I believe that the difficulties I have faced will ultimately pay off in terms of career opportunities. Cornell's prestigious reputation and strong emphasis on research and innovation provide a solid foundation for future success. With access to renowned faculty, extensive resources, and a supportive community, I am confident that my time at Cornell will pave the way for a promising professional journey.... Read 2,051 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $24,262

• SAT range 1450-1560

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,251 reviews

Sophomore: UChicago certainly lives up to the rumors of its academic rigor but it pays off because each of my classes has been full of highly engaged students excited to study and discuss the material! Unfortunately for students not very very well versed in time-management, the academic work really can take over your life and fulfill the “where fun goes to die” catch-phrase for this school so it requires some serious practice to balance fun and work. In terms of on-campus living, their “Hogwarts” style housing makes for an amazing built-in community even as a freshman. I love living in the dorms and plan to stay through graduation! I’d recommend this college only to students who genuinely enjoy dedicating over 50% of their time to their academics.... Read 1,251 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $33,727

• SAT range 1510-1580

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,392 reviews

Sophomore: Hopkins is great! There's always something to do - lots of student organisations, interesting classes, events, parties and places to go to in Baltimore. Labs are very open to taking on undergraduate research assistants. It is more of a struggle narrowing down potential activities to what I can manage than to find things to fill my time. Classes are interesting and a wide range is available. However, some of them are definitely challenging and take up quite a lot of time! It is also difficult to get and maintain a high GPA in most classes because everyone is super smart. Food options are not bad, it varies from time to time and depends on which dining hall but I'm mostly happy with it, and Baltimore has great food options. Dorms are also relatively clean and have good facilities. A disadvantage about Hopkins is the safety around campus, it is mostly safe but sometimes there are robberies or burglaries near campus.... Read 1,392 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 8%

• Net price $20,680

• SAT range 1470-1560

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  428 reviews

Sophomore: Incredible students. They are all approachable, motivated, and conscientious. The resources presented to the students are off the charts. CMC pays you to take internships. If you need business attire, the school will cover it. If you want to travel to look at Grad Schools, the school will cover the cost. They take you on "Networking Treks" every few months, where you meet with Alumni and talk about your career paths. The food is great (you can eat from all 5 dining halls). If you take advantage of the schools resources and opportunities, you will be extremely successful. Because CMC students are confident, learning is collaborative, not competitive. Student engagement is not only encouraged, but expected. If you yearn to be in an environment of students who prioritize proactivity, CMC is the school that will put you on the path to success.... Read 428 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $21,663

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  2,166 reviews

Sophomore: I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Georgia Tech. The campus is beautiful, there are plenty of community engagements, and the environment is friendly. Of course, let this not distract from the fact that Georgia Tech is a school that requires a lot of discipline. The library will be your deep friend as you get assignments complete. All in all, however, this school is far from impossible; there were some days I had enough time to play basketball for four hours after class! If you manage your time, stay focused, and find a community, you'll have an absolute blast at Georgia Tech.... Read 2,166 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $17,360

• SAT range 1310-1500

• Brunswick, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  719 reviews

Freshman: Choosing Bowdoin was the best decision of my life! They truly value the liberal arts model AND have great STEM programs. care deeply about the student experience. I would recommend it to absolutely any and every student who is looking for a school with incredible academics and amazing peers. The student body is incredibly intelligent and passionate, yet never competitive. Students are also really friendly and there is a true sense of community on campus: when something is wrong, students look after and take care of each other. Bowdoin works very hard to foster both personal and academic growth in its students—one of Bowdoin's most admirable and impactful qualities. I found the classes to be extremely enjoyable. Professors put tons of effort into teaching their classes and make it clear that they really care about you. Academics are challenging yet extremely rewarding. Yes, the food and dorms are actually as great as everyone says they are. Also financial aid is astonishingly generous.... Read 719 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $26,727

• SAT range 1360-1510