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2018 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 with 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. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,109
    1 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: Stanford is a beautiful, welcoming place where everyone is welcome! There is an overwhelming sense of community to be found by anyone from any background, and academics are challenging and prepare you for anything you may want to pursue after college. The atmosphere and school spirit are always lively, and it's an overall great place to be.
    Read 1,109 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,695 Net Price
    • 1380-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 595
    2 Top Private Universities in America

    Niche User: There were some crucial facts about MIT which made me to apply to it. Here are they:
    1. My first choice is chemical engineering and I always adored to conduct researches in laboratories. Therefore, when I applied to colleges first of all I looked if they have a good undergraduate research opportunities. In MIT with the help UROP I could start researching even from freshman class.
    2. Its pass no record style of educating freshmen. There is no grading in the first semester. Instead, one gets "Pass" or "Fail" in his or her transcript. It allows students not to stress too much on grades, but explore the university and majors.
    3. Of course it is the best university in the field of chemical engineering. Top notch professors, smart peers and the best laboratories makes MIT unique.
    4. It's financially available for all international students. MIT's need blind policy makes it affordable for all who want to attend it.

    I hope it helps!
    Read 595 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,576 Net Price
    • 1460-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 642
    3 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: Harvard University offers the most incredible experience for its students. From the rich history to the esteemed faculty to the vibrant atmosphere of Harvard Square, it is truly one of a kind and inspiring. During my time at Harvard, I got to dance to Gangnam Style with Psy, read a Gutenberg Bible, study and work under my hero, perform fMRIs, and eat brunch in what is essentially the Great Hall of Hogwarts. I cannot begin to tell you the opportunities available here nor what you will learn from working and studying alongside people from all over the world. Harvard also tries to promote diversity further by offering a needs-blind application process and a financial aid package that guarantees you will not have to turn down your acceptance due to financial hardship! Harvard truly takes care of its students, giving them every opportunity imaginable and giving them an experience they will never forget.
    Read 642 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,205 Net Price
    • 1430-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 935
    4 Top Private Universities in America

    Works Here: Yale is a highly diverse university with exceptionally friendly and helpful faculty, staff, and students. The food is beyond exceptional, taking sustainability, food waste, health, and nutrition in mind when it comes to every dish. I'm always learning new things each time I step foot on campus. I can't say enough about this place!
    Read 935 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,319 Net Price
    • 1420-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 993
    5 Top Private Universities in America

    Sophomore: Rice is incredible. The people are so friendly and collaborative, and the residential college system gives you an automatic support system and built-in friends/family. While people are smart, the atmosphere is close-knit and not cutthroat, which I've come to realize is hugely important when I hear my friends at other top universities talk about the pressure and competition they suffer through. The academics aren't easy- especially the STEM programs, which are structured to be some of the most rigorous in the country, but that's why we have such a good reputation and ease with post-graduation placements. Compared to other colleges, there's a lot of freedom with social life/partying and distribution requirements. Overall, the campus is beautiful and quality of life (dorms/food/area) very high. I love Rice and wouldn't go anywhere else!
    Read 993 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,061 Net Price
    • 1410-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 390
    6 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: In my experience, which has only been one semester, Princeton is a wonderful place. It has comfortable dorms, beautiful study spaces, delicious food and amazing professors. I am pursuing a BA degree rather than a BSE, and I was able to take a wide range of classes that I enjoyed. There are endless oppportunities for extra cirriculars. It is however, a stressful environment depending on how many things you decide to take on, in addition to the pressure of going to such a prestigious institution with students that have the same goals of achievement.
    Read 390 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,732 Net Price
    • 1400-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,133
    7 Top Private Universities in America

    Senior: I loved the academics. The academics were challenging, and I had to grow comfortable with not getting A's like I did in high school. The professors were very engaged and wanted to see their students do well. I was also a varsity athlete and found the facilities to be amazing! I joined greek life and found it to be very rewarding. The greek life at Penn is much more laid back than some other schools. I had work study jobs throughout my time at Penn, which I found enabled me to get a handle on the work world while also pursuing my studies and academics.
    Read 1,133 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,944 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 932
    8 Top Private Universities in America

    Sophomore: Brown University is an amazing place to go for undergrad. There's simply nowhere else that I'd rather spend four years learning and growing as a person. The open curriculum allows for lots of exploration and risk-taking in the classroom, and this culture bleeds into student life as well. The environment here is very relaxed and collaborative, and the students here are kind, accepting, and fun. And coming from a SoCal kid, the weather isn't even that bad! I've only been at Brown for one year, but I'm so glad I made the choice to come here when I was deciding between colleges last April.
    Read 932 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,264 Net Price
    • 1370-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 654
    9 Top Private Universities in America

    Niche User: I love the fact that Bowdoin is a small, liberal arts college. I am someone who thrives in close teacher-student relationships, and Bowdoin provides me with such an opportunity. Further, the College's emphasizes on career development is really important. For instance, Bowdoin displays fashion shows among students and faculty to learn "what to wear and what not to wear for an interview." Further, even though Bowdoin does not have a Journalism program, they do have an English major, and also the opportunity to create one's own program/major.
    Read 654 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,888 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  12. Sponsored

    Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,178

    Sophomore: Vanderbilt is an excellent place to continue your education. It is easy to find your place at this school because the environment is amazingly friendly and welcoming. Greek life is huge here and many people get involved. The weather is usually mild and the faculty is great. The food is ranked in the country, and as a sophomore, I still enjoy it. Anchor Down! This school is not without flaws, however. The campus is pretty divided racially. There is no malice, but it is clear that intermingling between races only truly occurs in the classroom. That is one thing this school could improve.
    Read 1,178 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,150 Net Price
    • 1420-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 105
    10 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: As a freshman in the second term, the experience here has been pretty positive. The coursework is definitely challenging, but it keeps me motivated to pursue higher goals. I am extremely grateful for finding such a like-minded community of scholars who are supportive and caring.
    Read 105 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,839 Net Price
    • 1510-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,106
    11 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: I have found my experience at Columbia to have been one of endless discovery. In this review I will focus on the Core Curriculum, which all students in the College and the School of Engineering take in one way or another. Although there is a valid claim to the antiquity of the texts themselves, Columbia's teaching and discursive methodology is second-to-none. The way I see it, there is universal value in being well-read; it is a prerequisite for engaging with the world in meaningful terms outside of what one might experience through their personal spheres. Even those who may oppose aspects of the Core -- as I have at times -- have plenty of options to respond creatively. The curriculum may appear rigid at first, but as Columbia teaches us, knowledge at face-value is nothing gained. The Core Curriculum was the most flexible aspect of my education, because there was always the lingering question of how I would bend it towards my will in hopes of doing good for this world.
    Read 1,106 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,973 Net Price
    • 1410-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,024
    12 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: If you aren't entirely decided on what you want to study, or want to combine two fields that don't seem to fit, Duke is the best school available to you. The flexible pathway through Duke is one of its best features, and it guarantees there's something academic for nearly everyone here. Not to mention everything that goes on outside of academics. Whether you're a performance artist, coder, engineer, service-learner, researcher, intense athlete, or a just for fun one, there's a place for you here. If you're anything at all, and looking to challenge yourself, then come to Duke!
    Read 1,024 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,950 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,178
    13 Top Private Universities in America

    Sophomore: Vanderbilt is an excellent place to continue your education. It is easy to find your place at this school because the environment is amazingly friendly and welcoming. Greek life is huge here and many people get involved. The weather is usually mild and the faculty is great. The food is ranked in the country, and as a sophomore, I still enjoy it. Anchor Down! This school is not without flaws, however. The campus is pretty divided racially. There is no malice, but it is clear that intermingling between races only truly occurs in the classroom. That is one thing this school could improve.
    Read 1,178 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,150 Net Price
    • 1420-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,363
    14 Top Private Universities in America

    Graduate Student: First and foremost everyone is committed to ensuring that the students receive all the support to achieve their goals. The case based studying for the MBA's helps students to deal with real issues that happen at the work place. This helps you as a student to gain the skills and confidence address issues facing firms today.
    There is also a great opportunity to network and build lasting professional and personal relationships. In a world where relationships is the only currency that has no diminishing returns, it's a privilege to find an institution that has an ongoing and organized way to network and build lasting relationships.
    At Washu, you learn how to work in teams. Everyone spends the first year of school working in a group of not less than five people.
    Lastly WashU has-the Saturday program that allows working students to attend classes on Saturdays which helps them to spend less time in school and still manage to work and start families for those willing to do so.
    Read 1,363 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,824 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 667
    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 667 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,177 Net Price
    • 1350-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,240
    16 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: Notre Dame is an amazing place to get a high quality education with great reputation and close-knit community feel with fun and spirited student life. It’s not necessary to be Catholic and people who aren’t religious at all won’t feel excluded, but it is especially amazing for people who are religious. I myself am not very religious but was raised in the faith and do appreciate it, so I enjoyed being around it and taking the required Theology and Philosophy courses. Everyone is extremely nice and collaborative! Very smart people here and caring professors. Single sex dorms is a negative as well as less opportunities for medical professions, as there is no hospital or medical focus here. I would say it’s best for business, engineering, or liberal arts. Although science is still good here and people get into great grad programs no matter what they want to continue on studying!
    Read 1,240 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,683 Net Price
    • 1350-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,119
    17 Top Private Universities in America

    College Sophomore: My experience at UChicago so far has been wonderful! There is such a variety of courses to choose from, and so many interesting majors are available. All of the courses are respectable and worth taking. The professors and TA's are all very experienced in their fields, and are very passionate about what they're teaching. The Core classes are usually taught in lecture halls, but also have classes periods that are broken up into smaller groups (during discussion). Other classes can have as few as five students, like my Yucatec Maya class, which allows students to have awesome conversations with their professors and TA's.
    Read 1,119 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,068 Net Price
    • 1450-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  22. Sponsored

    Sierra Nevada College

    • 4 Year
    • Incline Village, NV
    • 189

    Alum: Transferring to Sierra Nevada College was the best decision I've ever made. The location is one-of-a kind and the education is top-notch. SNC professors are brilliant and all have professional experience in their field of choice. Getting internships and job opportunities is extremely easy, especially by networking through the connections the school already has. Scholarships make this school very affordable. I cannot recommend Sierra Nevada College enough!
    Read 189 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 51% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,370 Net Price
    • 850-1050 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 357
    18 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: Pomona is amazing. The student body is diverse, talented, intellectually engaged & brilliant.

    The professors are even better. After Pomona I studied at Columbia University and the University of California at Berkeley earning a PhD and two Masters degrees along the way. Still, my classes at Pomona blew all the other ones through the roof.

    Beautiful campus, great weather, fun and philosophizing -- at the library, the dorms or the keg party.

    And I haven't even gotten to Ski-Beach Day yet!
    Read 357 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,140 Net Price
    • 1340-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,427
    19 Top Private Universities in America

    Sophomore: I love attending the University of Southern California! The school has high caliber academics, a competitive yet fun environment for students of all majors, and a gorgeous campus. USC is a bit expensive however, hardworking students can come in with large scholarships to defray this cost. I definitely think that this experience is worth the cost of living and expenses out here and will truly pay off in the end. I have definitely met life long friends and have made unforgettable memories throughout my time here!
    Read 3,427 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,932 Net Price
    • 1280-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,767
    20 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: Below are 3 things I consider Cornell as a great investment.
    1. reputation
    Every people, including people at work, recognizes me as a "smart Cornell girl"
    2. Food
    Food in Cornell is very delicious. It is just like a buffet! Compared to all other school cafeterias I have visited, I think Cornell has one of the best campus foods in the United States.
    3. Friends / Networks
    Of course friends and networks are the most important above all. Because it is a private Ivy-league school, all smart and mostly above middle class students gather around school networks, which I assume will be very powerful for future career.
    Read 1,767 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,014 Net Price
    • 1330-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,280
    21 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: I attended Northwestern because of the music program and the professor I would be working with. My professor was amazing, and so was the music program as a whole. I was able to pursue a double major with an outside field, and while it was difficult and busy, the administration helped me every quarter by allowing me to take extra classes to finish on time. The campus is beautiful, but there is always construction. It is not a huge party school, but there are parties and lots of other ways to have fun. I loved the proximity to Chicago and the public transit system. Overall, I liked the student body. There was a general hard work ethic, and though my majors weren't particularly competitive, I know there were some that were fairly cut-throat. The mental health services can be improved upon, but I felt that NU was a very accepting, diverse, and progressive school overall. Financial aid was great, and getting better!
    Read 1,280 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,326 Net Price
    • 1400-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 873
    22 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: Tufts is an amazing school! The intellectual environment is extremely is stimulative. The Professors are very passionate about what they teach and are open to helping any of their students. The food is good too! Students are generally friendly depending on the crowd you hang out with. The political environment is one of liberalism. I love this school and would attend it again when given the chance. There is diversity in terms of the many people from different backgrounds and categories. The surrounding area is beautiful! The school is not called the "Light on the Hill" for no reason
    Read 873 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,076 Net Price
    • 1370-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. Georgetown University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 1,090
    23 Top Private Universities in America

    Graduate Student: My overall experience at Georgetown has been positive given the rigorous curriculum and high standards of academic performance have provided a stimulating learning environment. This said, I believe Georgetown could really stand to encourage more critical thinking and adopt strategies to make its student and faculty bodies more diverse, because many classrooms have tended to resemble echo chambers at times. Less significantly but still important: I think the amenities and prepared food options available on and around campus are really lacking. What is available is not affordable and the majority of these options are not catered to those who are health conscious.
    Read 1,090 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,625 Net Price
    • 1320-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 471
    24 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: Love everything about Carleton! The surrounding area is very safe because it's right next to a small town, and the professors are so knowledgeable in what they teach. Plus, they're available whenever you need them.
    Read 471 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,587 Net Price
    • 1320-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Harvey Mudd College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 128
    25 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: Overall, it's a great education. No matter your grades, it will not be hard to find a job as a HMC graduate. However, core is hard, there are issues with diversity and mental health, and people are overworked and often, very unhappy. It's a four-year intensive boot-camp that will break you down.
    Read 128 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,460 Net Price
    • 1420-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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2018 Top Private Universities in America
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