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2020 Top Private Universities in AmericaAbout this List

The Top Private Universities ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along for millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares top private colleges and universities in each state. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 610 reviews
    #1 Top Private Universities in America

    Junior: MIT is an outstanding university with numerous and diverse opportunities in research and academics. Classes at MIT are indeed difficult, with homework and associated studying consuming a large chunk of time. The beauty of this is that it pushes students to go above and beyond their previous understanding of what they believed themselves to be capable of. Additionally, the explorative and creative atmosphere which springs from the vibrancy of the student body and the faculty is second to none. There are so many chances to do great things at MIT, even as an undergrad!
    Read 610 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,230 Net Price
    • 1490-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,148 reviews
    #2 Top Private Universities in America

    Sophomore: Stanford is the greatest place on earth. I feel so at home here and love everything about the campus and life here. The weather is amazing (no snow! or freezing temperatures), people are happier than many other schools, and you have the freedom and flexibility to study anything and switch your major around.
    Read 1,148 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,562 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 962 reviews
    #3 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: An amazing school with so many different positive qualities about it! There's also a lot of balance - Greek life doesn't dominate but it's still there and pretty open to most people. Academics are challenging/rigorous but so captivating that you're motivated to work hard. There is a variety of social, political, economic, religious views represented on campus and yet almost everyone is respectful and open about getting to know about why you think the way you do. To cut a long story short - best college in the world, and I couldn't be happier.
    Read 962 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,053 Net Price
    • 1460-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 690 reviews
    #4 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: I just finished my first year at Harvard. I had a rocky transition at first, but I am really loving it! The professors and TFs I have had are all really friendly and accessible, and there is an endless list of classes that I want to take. Conversations with peers are really thought-provoking and deep. You can find so many great communities through different activities, and there are so many great people on campus. Even as a freshman, I have been offered so many unique opportunities that I know come from Harvard's resources. I never thought it could, but Harvard has really become my home this year.
    Read 690 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,030 Net Price
    • 1460-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 421 reviews
    #5 Top Private Universities in America

    Niche User: I greatly enjoy the overall ambience of Princeton University. The University truly offers a high quality education, especially as a result of its wonderful professors, some of which are Nobel Laureates. Moreover, the University's network allows for extensive connection between current and graduated students. This leads to great opportunities that would not necessarily be available elsewhere. Lastly, I really believe the Bridge Year program instills a humble nature in students through introducing the opportunity to volunteer for a year abroad. Doing so allows students to mature and experience other cultures prior to embarking on a difficult, yet rewarding task of attending Princeton University.
    Read 421 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,302 Net Price
    • 1430-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,061 reviews
    #6 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: Choosing to go to Duke has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Its campus is BEAUTIFUL; we have lush gardens and there are so many birds here, from towhees to even the occasional hawk. The opportunities here to get involved are almost overwhelming. We have this program called DukeEngage where students go to all parts of the world to work with communities through research and volunteer work. I will actually be going to Costa Rica this summer to help in rainforest restoratuon and conservation through this program!But what I truly love most about this school is its students. The atmosphere here is not competitive but collaborative. I came to Duke feeling insecure about my qualifications compared to those of the other incoming freshman. But never once did I feel belittled or patronized. Students here want each other to succeed, we want to see each other grow and challenge ourselves to improve. Here at Duke, 'Southern Hospitality' is the real deal!
    Read 1,061 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,011 Net Price
    • 1380-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 974 reviews
    #7 Top Private Universities 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 974 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,651 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,169 reviews
    #8 Top Private Universities in America

    Graduate Student: I really feel included as a member of the Columbia family! There are numerous useful resources for you to explore, either student organizations to meet new people, on-campus job opportunities, concern for student safety, etc. I love the university on being clear of the steps of everything you are going to be involved, quick in response, and the people being friendly.
    Read 1,169 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,824 Net Price
    • 1410-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,182 reviews
    #9 Top Private Universities in America

    Senior: I truly love the University of Pennsylvania. I had an amazing time here and look forward to getting my graduate degree here next year. The highly professional environment and competitive atmosphere pushes students to reach their highest potential and grow beyond it. Penn also encourages students to have balanced social lives, and provides the students with the necessary resources to have their interests be represented within campus and in student groups. However, I must admit that Penn's hyper-competitive environment does have drawbacks, especially on students' mental health. I think Penn could tackle this by changing their grading scheme, especially for underclassmen.
    Read 1,182 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,539 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,017 reviews
    #10 Top Private Universities in America

    Niche User: I love the community atmosphere. Everyone works together to expand on similar desires. Rice as a whole is a college that fuels specific passions! As a person living with a low-income, Rice is determined to help give me FULL FREE tuition to attend their campus because they see my potential. Rice is very specific in it's majors, and the one thing that may be open for improvement is the expansion of their courses to incorporate and be strong in all degree fields.
    Read 1,017 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,131 Net Price
    • 1490-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,331 reviews
    #11 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: Northwestern is a well-balanced school--top notch academics, great arts programs, amazing engineering and science facilities, in a minor city (Evanston) and very close to a major one (Chicago), and even a bit of sports culture. NU students tend to be fun-loving, driven and ambitious, both in their academic and extra-curricular pursuits. It's definitely a work-hard-play-hard atmosphere when you're on campus, and while there is danger in this as you can easily over-extend yourself (and many students do at some point), it makes for a fulfilling four years.
    Read 1,331 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,099 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,218 reviews
    #12 Top Private Universities in America

    Sophomore: What I love about Vanderbilt is the commitment to creating a meaningful & memorable experience. Ever since stepping foot on campus - when I was met by my freshman Head of House and the Move Crew - I've been supported and welcomed. I've been encouraged to pursue my interests in and outside of the classroom and attended countless events.

    Sometimes it feels like there are too many things to get involved in, especially with the weight of academics on our shoulders, but not everyone experiences this the same way. One of my favorite things is the identity centers like the Women's Center, Black Cultural Center and KC Potter (LGBTQ) Center who provide students with fun and informative programming and the comforts of home. Plus, can you ever go wrong living at an arboretum?

    I mean this honestly (but always a little ironically), Anchor Down!
    Read 1,218 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,295 Net Price
    • 1440-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 369 reviews
    #13 Top Private Universities in America

    Sophomore: I'm only a sophomore, but I've gotten involved with research for all four semesters, received internship funding, had expenses for two conferences paid for, was actively involved in an award winning Mock Trial without any experience, and learned how to play the violin through free private music lessons. I've also been able to go to Los Angeles often for endless entertainment, natural beauty, and incredible eats. This place may be tiny, but it is bustling with opportunity. The academic experience is robust, with professors who love to teach and peers who love to learn. The Claremont Colleges add so much depth, and each is distinctive enough to venture out to and seek out new perspective. I had my choice of attending a world-renowned university over here, but I could see the difference in how the undergraduates were valued. The only thing I wish were different was the lack of name brand- Pomona is so unknown by most! Still, if you are willing to work hard, you can go anywhere from here.
    Read 369 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,427 Net Price
    • 1370-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,412 reviews
    #14 Top Private Universities in America

    Niche User: This school defines that you can not put a price on the education you receive. Every student is driven, focused, and goal oriented, so the competitive environment pushes you just as hard as the professors! The campus is extremely safe and beautiful and the research opportunities you receive are unlike any other!
    Read 1,412 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,777 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 683 reviews
    #15 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: Dartmouth is simply wonderful. It has such a wonderfully cozy and collaborative atmosphere, which combined with the unparalleled focus on undergraduate students makes it the best college there is. The only thing people should be aware of is that there will be a large number of wealthy students, so be prepared to face some new socioeconomic diversity. Overall, it is such a safe and fun college set in a beautiful part of the country!
    Read 683 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,303 Net Price
    • 1430-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 114 reviews
    #16 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: Caltech is a very work hard play hard mentality. Academically, it has the most rigorous and intense coursework I've ever experienced. Alumni agree that any job after graduation pales in comparison to the Caltech workload. The professors are amazingly competent, and it's treated as no big deal to take a course taught by a Nobel-prize winner. I would say the classes are very theoretical with an emphasis on proofs, so it's not very industry-oriented (unless you study computer programming). Socially, although there's no Greek life, all students are sorted into one of eight dorm houses, which are essentially fraternities. There are parties, you just need to know where to look for them. The food is terrible, eating out or cooking your own is both cheaper and tastier. The dorms are old, but no major issues. Caltech isn't perfect, but it'll challenge you academically and get you a good job after graduation.
    Read 114 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,466 Net Price
    • 1530-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,276 reviews
    #17 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: I love Notre Dame! It's a beautiful place, inside and out. We've got all sorts of clubs, students and academic interests. Personally, I am very pleased with the Mass and Sacrament availability as well as all the Catholic-related activities. Of course, not everybody is Christian; Notre Dame is a home for all. I've already found some solid friends with whom I enjoy spending these cold (and warm) Indiana days. ND meets 100% of financial need; this assistance extends beyond tuition and has allowed me to get the full Notre Dame Experience. Everyone here is passionate about something, and one passion we all share is a love for Notre Dame, Our Mother. Go Irish!
    Read 1,276 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,453 Net Price
    • 1370-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,154 reviews
    #18 Top Private Universities in America

    Junior: A great experience! Definitely rigorous and not for the faint of heart. Academically excellent, fantastic research opportunities, diverse, professors are amazing. I participate in varsity sports and it's a great community. The surrounding City is amazing...tons to do.
    Read 1,154 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,834 Net Price
    • 1480-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,576 reviews
    #19 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: USC is an amazing school in terms of academics. There's definitely a higher standard and you have to work for your grades but you come out having learned a lot. Because it is a private school with lots of appeal in the heart of Los Angeles, it does attract a fair share of ignorant, privileged people. However, you can definitely find genuine people, just keep looking and being you! USC has so many perks and resources and I highly recommend getting involved whether it be sports or clubs! The professors are very experienced and amazing.
    Read 3,576 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,892 Net Price
    • 1300-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,834 reviews
    #20 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: Prepare to work hard - especially if you're in STEM. As an engineering major my life here is a never ending cycle of attending classes, working in lab, engineering project team related work, doing homework and crashing/going to bed at 1-2AM. It may seem rough to the outsider but if you're coming from a challenging high school (as I did) its a relatively seamless transition and I am infinitely happier here at Cornell! There is constantly something new happening from the range of amazing speakers visiting, cool things your classmates are creating/doing, Ithaca's quirky charm, your eccentric professors , etc... I came here expecting the competition to be intense and thank goodness its not ; there's a sense of general comradery amongst engineers. The motto 'any person, any study' is really true. They have just about every major allowing allotting the opportunity to study a great variety of fields. Fair warning about Ithaca; it gets REALLY cold! Invest in a warm coat!
    Read 1,834 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,449 Net Price
    • 1390-1550 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 675 reviews
    #21 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: So glad I chose to come to Bowdoin! A very close community where people treat each other with kindness and are excited to learn from their peers. Quality of life is great, with great dorms, food and surrounding area. Classes are challenging but there is very little competitiveness and lots of support for students academically. For a small liberal arts school, there is a very healthy and fun social life.
    Read 675 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,447 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Amherst College

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 272 reviews
    #22 Top Private Universities 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 272 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,519 Net Price
    • 1400-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Georgetown University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 1,137 reviews
    #23 Top Private Universities in America

    Junior: Georgetown University is an incredible university with top-notch professors and academic programs. Professors DO seem preoccupied with their research, but most genuinely care about students. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the university is connected to how pre-professional it is. This can translated to club culture. People are more focused on getting jobs after graduation than most other schools. This is connected to Georgetown's return on investment, however. Well worth coming!
    Read 1,137 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,420 Net Price
    • 1350-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 893 reviews
    #24 Top Private Universities 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 893 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,449 Net Price
    • 1410-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,257 reviews
    #25 Top Private Universities in America

    Graduate Student: I am a first year graduate student in their online Museum Studies program. So far, I love everything about Johns Hopkins University. My professors have been very attentive and answer all my questions quickly, the work is very relevant and there are so many resources to help me. JHU's admissions office and academic advisors have been in constant contact with me, making sure I was all set for the semester. My student alumni ambassador is a wonderful person who has been helping me with JHU on a personally experienced level as she has graduated from the same program. I am proud to be a part of the JHU community!
    Read 1,257 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,066 Net Price
    • 1450-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  32. Sponsored

    Berklee College of Music

    • 4 Year
    • Boston, MA
    • 887 reviews

    Sophomore: I attend Berklee College of Music and I am beyond blessed and grateful to be there. It is really everything I ever imagined college to be like. I am surrounded by thousands of super talented musicians who share very similar passions as I do and music is playing non-stop everywhere you go around campus.

    The professors are great but some could be more invested in their students I would say. In addition, I feel like there should be more practice rooms as there is always a waiting list for students trying to get a room to practice in.
    Read 887 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $41,382 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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    Wheaton College - Massachusetts

    • 4 Year
    • Norton, MA
    • 617 reviews

    Senior: Wheaton College MA is truly my dream school. It is expensive, but we are good about providing need and merit based financial aid. Due to the size of the school, students are able to get one on one attention from professors throughout their 4 year experience. The facilities are expansive for each major, and we have a rapidly growing psychology and business department in particular. Additionally, the support system that you find here on a social basis is extensive and truly makes me feel loved and appreciated. Each professor is remarkably passionate about their subject matter and that energy is transferable to the staff and students. Speaking of the staff, those who work in the dining halls and on maintenance are kind and welcoming. We do not have greek life on campus. Regardless of this, we have a ton of things going on on campus every day. The location is also awesome if you don't mind public transportation or if you have a car. Please come visit Wheaton College MA!
    Read 617 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,814 Net Price
    • 1150-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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    Montserrat College of Art

    • 4 Year
    • Beverly, MA
    • 125 reviews

    Freshman: The convenience to downtown stores and restaurants, and the comfortable living lifestyle of the apartment-style dormitories is an attractive feature. The class size seems to be very appropriate for the learning experience. The school size is attractive for my son, who is not attracted to schools with large campus size.
    Read 125 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,777 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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