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2019 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
    • 601
    #1 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 601 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
    • 1,134
    #2 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: The campus is beautiful to start and provides many beautiful areas for studying or hanging out with friends. The campus is full of amazing resources including the libraries and professors. The academics are definitely challenging, but worth it. Go Card!
    Read 1,134 Reviews

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

  3. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 670
    #3 Top Private Universities in America

    Graduate Student: Harvard University is a great campus that's dedicated to teaching students how to change the world. Their general facilities, professors, and students, make it very easy to get connected with some of the best minds in the world. Harvard is a university that is truly top tier and the students who attend Harvard are some of the most dedicated and hard working individuals in this world. In addition, other living aspects of the college like the campus and extracurricular events like recreational sports, study groups, and organized parties are extremely fun and engaging. These events make it extremely easy to get plugged in and make lasting social relations.
    Read 670 Reviews

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

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    • 4 Year
    • Worcester, MA
    • 643

    Sophomore: I began my experience at WPI when I was a little girl going to my dad’s work, seeing his lab and wanting to be a scientist there just like him. I now attend school there and work in the psychology lab and study psychological science. WPI is on the smaller side and allows me to navigate, build relationships with my professors and easily recognize people all around campus. The reputation and opportunities the school has to offer are incredible. They really set you up for a career after graduation. One thing I want to see change is the diversity in majors and growing the humanities department. Science and math mixed with cultural studies, english, religion, language and psychology would make an even more well rounded individual and school. Overall I love my experience.
    Read 643 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $43,027 Net Price
    • 1310-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 948
    #4 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: I knew a lot of people who talked about Yale's community before coming here, but I honestly didn't really take it too seriously. However, after just a semester here, I see exactly what people mean and truly think it differentiates it from other top schools. Students aren't backstab-by or overly competitive; high school was honestly more competitive from my experience. Other students are always willing to share notes, form study groups, and generally be helpful. It creates a very positive environment which honestly is so healthy and makes college so much more fun.
    Read 948 Reviews

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

  6. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 407
    #5 Top Private Universities in America

    Junior: There are great courses offered, and the people coming together here bring a variety of fresh ideas. There are many opportunities to learn valuable and world-changing skills and knowledge. Although there are also mechanisms at play that pull students into archaic ways of thinking, unfulfilling lifestyles, and professions that have a net neutral or negative impact on society. I'd also like to see greater diversity among the faculty and greater embodiment of diversity among the students. It's time for pluralism! Active expression and communal valuing of diversity - not diversity that is only quietly present and not honored for its value.
    Read 407 Reviews

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

  7. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,166
    #6 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 1,166 Reviews

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

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,151
    #7 Top Private Universities in America

    Niche User: I visited Columbia at the end of March with a group and loved the vibe of the campus. Although I want to be as close as I can to or in the city, my ideal college campus needs look like a university setting. NYU, on the other hand, is right in the middle of the city and sometimes you can't tell where the buildings are without the NYU flags. I liked Columbia much better in that sense and I personally do not need to vouch for the education standard because we all know an ideal place to go for an intelligent, hard working student. Walking around the main area made me feel like I belonged there!
    Read 1,151 Reviews

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

  10. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,046
    #8 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 1,046 Reviews

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

  11. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 957
    #9 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 957 Reviews

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

  14. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 108
    #10 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: If you like science and tech, this is the place to go. Small school makes professors, research, work study, and other opportunities more available. You learn to work with others to get through the academics which are tough, but you ultimately come out with a great sense of accomplishment. It is not the right school for everyone but if you want to major in science or engineering, it would be hard to find a better place.
    Read 108 Reviews

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

  15. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,390
    #11 Top Private Universities in America

    Senior: WashU has opened up a lot of doors for me in terms of career exploration and pursuit. They have fantastic opportunities for research, community engagement, and intellectual pursuit. I think that they prepare their students well for life post-graduation, but I do think that the school needs to work on its accessibility to students from more diverse socioeconomic backgrounds!
    Read 1,390 Reviews

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

  16. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,003
    #12 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 1,003 Reviews

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

  18. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,264
    #13 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 1,264 Reviews

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

  19. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,312
    #14 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: Northwestern is that rare institution occupying an incredibly unique space within higher education. It's home to world-class academics and one of the nation's most impressive alumni rosters, but carries about half the pretense or snobbery you might find at any other elite university. It's home to top-notch arts & sciences, but has the added benefit of having a number of highly specialized programs, including its prestigious journalism program; a top-ranked music school; one of the nation's most productive theater departments; and a robust engineering school.

    Add to all that its utterly romantic setting on the shores of Lake Michigan in one of the best college towns in America (Evanston!) and you get Northwestern — a truly remarkable place that shaped my life over the course of four years. It isn't perfect, and those four years were filled with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but the friendships forged and experiences made at Northwestern are truly priceless (forgive the cliche).
    Read 1,312 Reviews

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

  20. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,142
    #15 Top Private Universities in America

    Alum: It's nice to see that the University has increased campus diversity of financial aid resources for families that will make the campus more diverse in terms of student backgrounds. I enjoyed my time in college housing a lot! Get involved with your house - go on house trips, play intramural sports, take on a leadership position. If you need something - speak up and ask for it! You really can have a say in your university. Don't be shy to speak up and ask questions. The University can only continue to improve with that kind of input.
    Read 1,142 Reviews

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

  21. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 366
    #16 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 366 Reviews

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

  22. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 663
    #17 Top Private Universities in America

    Junior: Next year I will have a Junior at Bowdoin as well as an incoming freshman. No matter if you are a nerd student or a promising artist, Bowdoin is THE place to help you discover your passion. My girls love their college. Go visit. You’ll fall in love with our Polar Bear community!
    Read 663 Reviews

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

  25. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,194
    #18 Top Private Universities in America

    Senior: Vanderbilt is an incredible institution that clearly cares about their students! I've felt safe, supported and cared for all four years that I've been here. The students and faculty are kind, prolific, brilliant and compassionate.
    Read 1,194 Reviews

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

  26. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 677
    #19 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 677 Reviews

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

  27. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,514
    #20 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: Coming to USC was one of the greatest decisions of my life! I'm a first-gen, low income minority coming from Texas who had never visited California before, so you can guess just how big of a difference California was from Texas. I thought I was going to feel overwhelmed and flunk out, but I didn't! In fact, I'm thriving here. The university is very beautiful, the brick and gothic sorta architecture is very pretty and really relaxing. There are so many opportunities and a lot of different majors, so I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. There are a lot of different activities to join, so you will definitely find your group of friends as long you get involved!
    Read 3,514 Reviews

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

  28. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,808
    #21 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 1,808 Reviews

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

  29. Georgetown University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 1,115
    #22 Top Private Universities in America

    Junior: My experience as an undergraduate at Georgetown University has been amazing! I love the university's commitment to investing in each individual student and enriching their academic experience. Georgetown is also intentional about increasing the diversity of the student body and faculty. There is a club or organization for everyone on campus.
    Read 1,115 Reviews

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

  32. Amherst College

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 268
    #23 Top Private Universities in America

    Sophomore: Amherst is simply an amazing institution. The student body here is top notch academically, yet friendly, not cutthroat. The professors are genuinely available, almost 24/7, and have an interest in seeing their students succeed. Make no mistake, the academic environment is rigorous - for the most part the student body is made of of academic "1%-ers," and the pace and expectation is what you'd expect from that.
    The town of Amherst is a quintessential beautiful Northeastern college town.
    People are super successful coming out of Amherst. The acceptances to top medical, law and other graduate schools each year is mind-blowing. Same with people going into finance/Wall Street.
    All in all, Amherst is a magical place to spend 4 years!
    Read 268 Reviews

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

  33. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 887
    #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 887 Reviews

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

  34. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,242
    #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 1,242 Reviews

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

    Wheaton College - Massachusetts

    • 4 Year
    • Norton, MA
    • 610

    Freshman: If you're looking for the classic liberal arts experience, Wheaton won't let you down. Wheaton is an extremely academically focused campus, so if you're looking to party, save your money for somewhere else. The students, staff, and faculty really promote education first. The professors are passionate and really want to see their students succeed. And students create the campus life, with an array of clubs putting on multiple events and meetings a month so there's always something to do!
    Read 610 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,814 Net Price
    • 1150-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Clark University

    • 4 Year
    • Worcester, MA
    • 712

    Alum: I adored Clark University! My experience was super unique in that I was a science major who studied abroad and I was involved on campus. As a woman of color I was met with a community of professionals who always wanted to help make my experience better which is rare in higher education. The student body was eccentric, dynamic and nuanced in many ways. Clark's academics are rigorous but there is so much available in the way of help that there is no excuse to not be successful. Clark is not a school for someone who lives their life within the box. Its for the person who is passionate, creative and colors a little outside of the lines. I wouldn't not have had it any other way. It was a great fit for me and I met some of the most amazing people who are still some of my closest friends.
    Read 712 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,810 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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