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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
    • 619 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 619 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,971 Net Price
    • 1500-1570 SAT Range
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  2. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,164 reviews
    #2 Top Private Universities in America

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

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

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

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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,748 Net Price
    • 1460-1570 SAT Range
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    Virtual Tour

  4. Harvard University

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

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

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

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 424 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 424 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,192 Net Price
    • 1440-1570 SAT Range
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  6. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,088 reviews
    #6 Top Private Universities in America

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

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

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 987 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 987 Reviews

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

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,189 reviews
    #8 Top Private Universities in America

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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,220 Net Price
    • 1450-1560 SAT Range
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  9. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,205 reviews
    #9 Top Private Universities in America

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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,266 Net Price
    • 1420-1550 SAT Range
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  12. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,030 reviews
    #10 Top Private Universities in America

    Sophomore: The culture at Rice is amazing! We are a diverse community of scholars who value collaboration, not cut-throat competition. We value what known as a "culture of care," and I believe this makes us unique from all other elite schools. The professors are amazing, classes push you and challenge former beliefs, and the community becomes family. Rice University is an amazing place, even with intense academics.
    Read 1,030 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,202 Net Price
    • 1450-1560 SAT Range
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  13. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,354 reviews
    #11 Top Private Universities in America

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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,540 Net Price
    • 1430-1550 SAT Range
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  14. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,235 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 1,235 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,596 Net Price
    • 1450-1560 SAT Range
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  15. Pomona College

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

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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,988 Net Price
    • 1400-1540 SAT Range
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    Virtual Tour

  16. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,439 reviews
    #14 Top Private Universities in America

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

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

  17. Dartmouth College

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

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

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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,394 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
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  18. California Institute of Technology

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

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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,361 Net Price
    • 1530-1580 SAT Range
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  19. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,289 reviews
    #17 Top Private Universities in America

    Freshman: The thing that stood out to me about the University of Notre Dame was my professors! They have all been willing to go the extra mile in order to teach, be it holding long office hours and staying later or staying back long after class has ended, especially before exams. Their passion not only for the subject but for our education really helped me through some tough courses. Furthermore, the community is excellent. Notre Dame is truly a family, and dorm communities are very distinct and strong. Each dorm has its own mascots and colors and become a part of a person's identity. It is similar to Greek life but without the negatives of rushing and hazing. Everybody is very kind and inclusive.
    Read 1,289 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 18% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,229 Net Price
    • 1400-1550 SAT Range
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  22. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,170 reviews
    #18 Top Private Universities in America

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

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

  23. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,633 reviews
    #19 Top Private Universities in America

    Junior: Being a student at the University of Southern California is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the academics are stellar. The whole school feels like one big family. The athletic programs are top notch and really bring all the students together. I love being able to attend countless games while seeing cheering fans who truly love where they go to school. The best part about the University of Southern California is the Trojan alumni. With over 425,000 Trojan alumni in the world, you are always connected to a Trojan. The wonderful Trojan alumni are there for you beyond your four years. They give opportunities to advance in your desired career field, as well as be there in a new environment. No other university is this connected between current students and alumni. I am proud to attend USC, where academics, athletics and alumni blend together making the ultimate college experience!
    Read 3,633 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,161 Net Price
    • 1350-1530 SAT Range
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  24. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,872 reviews
    #20 Top Private Universities in America

    Sophomore: Cornell is an amazing blend of people from various cultures who have come to one place for the purpose of pursing an education. I come from a very small town in Maryland. Coming to Cornell has allowed me to experience different cultures in lots of new ways. However, I believe that Cornell could work on accepting people not only from diverse backgrounds, but also from various socioeconomic statuses. I am middle class. My father is a principle of and I am grateful to have a well-supported family. Many Cornell students are in top-earning families. Currently, I am taking a class called “Controversies About Inequality.” I have learned that Cornell accepts more students from the top 1% than they are from the bottom 1%, and this cycle continues. I would like to point out that Cornell is very aware of this issue and is taking steps towards leveling the playing field for both high and low income students. And the food is absolutely amazing here, so that’s a huge plus!
    Read 1,872 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,890 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
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  25. Bowdoin College

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

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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,831 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
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    Virtual Tour

  26. Amherst College

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 276 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 276 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,275 Net Price
    • 1330-1530 SAT Range
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  29. Georgetown University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 1,162 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 1,162 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,509 Net Price
    • 1370-1530 SAT Range
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  30. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 980 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 980 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,825 Net Price
    • 1380-1530 SAT Range
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  31. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,275 reviews
    #25 Top Private Universities in America

    Junior: Yes, Hopkins is stressful (yay stress culture) and yes, it has its issues. However, I feel as thought Hopkins truly excelled in the areas that matter to me. I feel like there are genuinely some many different types of people that making friends shouldn't be hard for everyone, that professors are helpful and willing to work with you, and that there is plenty of research!
    The real key to success here, as in any other school, is to do your work early, reach out to teachers and TAs and chill out!
    At Hopkins your experience is truly what you make it.
    Read 1,275 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,868 Net Price
    • 1450-1560 SAT Range
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