#40: The University of California-Los Angeles
As the name suggests, The University of California-Los Angeles is located in LA. If you’re looking to experience the true meaning of West Coast living while simultaneously focusing on your studies, this university may just be the perfect pick for you. With that being said, the acceptance rate for the institution is usually around 10%, meaning that you will have your fair share of fierce competition. On top of this, the university has a very successful sports program.
If you do get accepted, however, you will be one of the very few students who get to boast a degree from the prestigious UCLA. After all, being accepted into one of the country's top universities is no small feat.
#39: Haverford College
If you wish to attend college in the Northeastern part of the country, Haverford College is a great option. In fact, it is one of the most highly regarded colleges in Pennsylvania, a state renowned for its superior educational system. Haverford caters to liberal arts majors, leaving many options available to students studying in this faculty. Students also get to work very closely with staff members, who offer a much more hands-on approach to teaching.
The acceptance rate sits at around 18%, which is actually pretty high compared to a few of the other options on our list. However, it is still an incredibly popular college with plenty of competition and high standards.
#38: Northeastern University
Northeastern University can be found in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. As a result, students who attend this iconic university get to experience the energy and lifestyle of one of the most lively cities in the world while simultaneously broadening their academic horizons. The school offers one of the best academic programs in the world, with world-class professors and top-notch facilities. The acceptance rate is roughly 18%, meaning that you’ll probably have to find creative ways to make your application stand out from the rest.
While the college caters to both graduate and undergraduate students, the cost of attendance is rather steep. If you're keen for the ultimate experience for college, though, this is where you want to be!
#37: Hamilton College
Hamilton is a private college that can be found in Clinton, New York. Founded in 1793, it was originally known as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy. However, it changed its name to the more simplified version in 1812. Overall, the college has 55 degree options, with the most popular being biology, psychology, mathematics, economics, and political science. Considering how prestigious the academy is, it’s no real surprise that the acceptance rate sits at just 14%. More so, this rate seems to be following a downward trend every year.
Even though Hamilton is a much smaller institution than the other universities on our list, its facilities and teaching staff are just as impressive. With a smaller student base, you will also receive a more direct and hands-on teaching approach.
#36: Middlebury College
If you aren’t much of a city person, Middleburg College may just be the perfect pick for you. Located in Middlebury, Vermont, this institution operates as a private liberal arts college. With a total population of just 9,000 people, Middlebury is very much a university-oriented town. Established in 1800, the college is renowned for its tight admission, only accepting around 700 students a year. So, you may want to have a backup option if you’re considering attending.
On top of this, the academic fees are incredibly steep. With a tight staff-to-student ratio, tuition, and dorm fees, you can expect to pay upwards of $ 80,000 per year!
#35: New York University
Another great university to consider is New York University (otherwise known as NYU). In fact, this institution is renowned for being the largest private research university in the country. Despite its sheer size, it’s surprisingly difficult to get accepted. This past year, the acceptance rate was just 8% - the lowest it has ever been. NYU offers a variety of majors for both graduate and undergraduate students. One of the obvious upsides of attending this university is the fact that it is located in one of the best cities in the world!
So, if you are looking for an experience, as well as an academic masterclass, NYU might just be your best bet. Remember: In New York, it's a concrete jungle... Where dreams are made of!
#34: Barnard College
Barnard College is yet another prestigious university that can be found in New York City. While it technically isn’t an Ivy League college, it does have close connections with Columbia University, which is. In fact, it serves as one of the four undergraduate options for Columbia. More so, it is a private liberal arts institution for women, forming a part of the ‘Seven Sisters’ colleges. If you are thinking of attending Barnard, you will have to compete with hundreds of other students to be a part of the exclusive 6% who are accepted.
The university offers roughly 50 academic areas, with the opportunity to double major. When it comes to academic excellence, there are very few schools that outshine Barnard College.
#33: University of Southern California
If you haven’t yet heard of the University of Southern California, you must have been living under a rock. This institution has enough name recognition that it doesn’t really even need an introduction. More so, the campus is simply stunning, with some of the best teaching facilities around. The University of Southern California caters to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, meaning that you could complete your entire academic career here.
One of the major advantages of attending this college is its prestigious research center, which has been dubbed as one of the best in the world. However, with an acceptance rate of just 12%, it’s rather difficult to get in.
#32: Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College is considered an Ivy League school. With this status comes a level of prestige and fierce competition, making the 10% acceptance rate pretty standard. However, if you are lucky (or talented) enough to get in, you will be blown away by the sheer class of this institute. The average student-to-faculty ratio sits at just 8:1, meaning that each student receives much more personalized and one-on-one attention.
More than 80% of classes offered by the university have 20 students or less. If you want to be one of these students, you will need a stellar SAT score and perhaps a few extracurriculars as well!
#31: Amherst College
As the name suggests, Amherst College is located in none other than Amherst, Massachusetts. It forms a part of the famous ‘Little Three’ colleges, along with Wesleyan University and Williams College. This institute caters only to undergraduate students and is renowned for being a prestigious liberal arts institution. On top of its rigorous academic program, it is also immensely popular for its vibrant campus community and state-of-the-art, modern facilities.
With an acceptance rate of just 8%, it is also one of the hardest colleges to get into. However, if you do manage to book yourself a spot at Amherst, you will be taught by some of the best professors in the country.
#30: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Unlike many of the universities on our list, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is a public research facility. Although it was originally chartered in 1789, it has been open to the public since 1795, making it one of the oldest academic institutions in the country. In total, the university features 13 professional schools that cater to students, offering over 70 different paths of study. In other words, you’ll be sure to find your fit at Chapel Hill.
On top of this, the university caters to both graduate and doctoral students. With an acceptance rate of 16%, there is fierce competition among students to book their place.
#29: Tulane University of Louisiana
The city of New Orleans has plenty to offer in terms of history, atmosphere, and entertainment. However, it also happens to be home to one of the best universities in the country. The Tulane University of Louisiana was first established in 1830 as a medical institute. Since then, it has grown massively and now offers various academic paths. More so, the university is split into 10 schools organized by subject.
While Tulane has plenty to offer, it is also incredibly difficult to get into. The average acceptance rate is just 8%, roughly the same as that of the most popular Ivy League colleges.
#28: Grinnell College
Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. With over 120 acres of space, its campus is one of the largest in the country. While the college caters mainly to undergraduate students, it does have a program to help students transition to graduate programs at other schools. The college offers everything a student could ask for, including world-class professors and state-of-the-art facilities.
Considering everything that Grinnell has to offer, it comes as no surprise that the acceptance rate sits at just 10%.
#27: Tufts University
Boston is known for being one of the most lively and vibrant cities in the US. Who wouldn’t want to attend university there? Luckily, there are a few state-of-the-art schools to choose from, including Tufts University. This institute offers all of the amenities of a private research university. While it isn’t an Ivy League, it forms a part of the ‘Little Ivies’ group. Whether you’re after an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree, Tufts is a great option.
The university offers 90 paths of study to undergraduate students, as well as an additional 160 programs for graduate students. They even have a French campus available. However, all of this comes with an acceptance rate of just 9%.
#26: Colby College
Colby College is located in Waterville, Maine, and serves as a private liberal arts institution. With over 54 majors and 30 minors to choose from, their academic range is pretty expansive. On top of this, the campus itself is very impressive, with large green open areas and study halls. According to reports, almost two-thirds of students are given the opportunity to study off-campus before they graduate, adding a layer of freedom to their teaching process.
Your chances of being accepted would have been much higher a few years ago. However, since 2016, the acceptance rate has slowly decreased to just 6.4%—one of the lowest in the country.
#25: University of Notre Dame
Judging by the name alone, it's safe to say that the University of Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious in the country. The institute serves as a private research facility and offers expansive academic options. If you choose to attend Notre Dame, you can study the arts, law, architecture, accounting, and more. Additionally, the school has a very successful sports program, making it a well-rounded option.
With that being said, it’s no surprise that the acceptance rate is just 12%. After all, the University of Notre Dame seems to have it all. Who wouldn’t want to apply?
#24: Swarthmore College
Pennsylvania is renowned for its great academic options, with a number of the best colleges in the country located in this state. Swarthmore College is just one of many great schools that you should consider if you live in Pennsylvania. Looking at the campus, it’s easy to grasp just how impressive the college actually is. The school offers a variety of study options, but science and economics are by far the most popular choices.
Even though this college is already so successful, it is only becoming more popular with students every year. As a result, the acceptance rate is a low 7%.
#23: Williams College
Williams College is a private liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Established in 1793, it has become well-known since then. Undergraduates can choose from a wide range of subjects, including humanities, social sciences, and sciences. There are 25 departments and 36 majors. Two master’s programs in development economics and art history are also available. Williams College is popular for its world-class teaching facilities and highly educated and approachable staff.
If you want to gain access to these amenities, you will need to be a part of the 8% of applicants who are accepted - not easy, but well-worth the effort!
#22: Washington University in St. Louis
If you are interested in joining a private research university, Washington University in St. Louis is another great option to consider. Located in Missouri, the school was established in 1853 and named after the country’s very first president. The campus is very impressive and resembles something out of a storybook. Additionally, the school is a great fit for every student, with eight colleges that cater to undergraduate, graduate, and even professional students.
However, with an acceptance rate of just 10%, it's definitely no small feat to attend such a prestigious university. If you do get accepted, though, the hard work will be worth it, as Washington University has plenty to offer.
#21: Georgetown University
Georgetown University is yet another college with so much name recognition that just about every student in the country has heard of it. As the saying goes, where there is smoke, there is fire, and in terms of Georgetown University, there is definitely a reason for all the hype. Located in Washington, D.C., the institute offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees across 11 schools. Their sports department is also very impressive, especially when it comes to basketball.
As you would expect, not very many students get accepted. In fact, just 12% of the thousands that apply actually end up attending Georgetown.
#20: Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University was founded in 1900 by a very successful businessman named Andrew Carnegie. While it is one of the youngest universities on our list, it has a rich history and has only grown in popularity since its inception. In fact, Carnegie Mellon is renowned for its alums, who include Nobel Prize winners, Emmy winners, and NCAA athletes. In other words, great things are expected of its students.
With such prestige comes equally high standards. If you want to attend Carnegie Mellon, your application must stand out from the rest, as only 11% of students are accepted.
#19: Cornell University
The Ivy League colleges are renowned for being some of the best in the country. For this reason, it’s no surprise that Cornell has made the top half of our list. Located in Ithaca, New York, this institution offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees, with eight colleges available for the former and seven for the latter. The Cornell campus is also very impressive, with wide open green spaces and over 740 acres of land.
Not surprisingly, you will have your fair share of competition when it comes to getting accepted. With an incredibly low acceptance rate of just 7%, roughly 5,000 students out of 68,000 hopefuls actually get to attend.
#18: Northwestern University
Northwestern University has made a name for itself as one of the premier colleges in the country. The campus can be found in Evanston, Illinois, and also happens to be the oldest university in the entire state. Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is popular for its sprawling campus and state-of-the-art amenities. For example, there are multiple libraries available to students, as well as museums for different subjects - how cool is that?!
With all of that being said, it's no surprise that the acceptance rate is low. If you are looking to enroll, you will have to be a part of the 7% of applicants who are accepted.
#17: Pomona College
Pomona College, located in Claremont, California, serves as a private liberal arts college that is popular for many great reasons. Like many of the universities on our list, Pomona is renowned for its impressive history of Emmy, Oscar, Grammy, and Tony-winning students. So, if you get to attend this prestigious establishment, you very well may end up being taught in the exact same classroom as some of the world's best.
More so, you can choose from 48 majors and are given the option to add a minor to your curriculum. As you would expect, the acceptance rate is staggeringly low at just 7%.
#16: Rice University
Rice University is located in Houston, Texas, and has plenty to offer students. The campus is located between the museum district and the medical center, making it the prime location for aspiring academics. Houston is renowned for its rich history and vibrant energy. Rice University offers various paths of study, including colleges dedicated to the humanities, sciences, natural sciences, business, engineering, architecture, and music, just to name a few of the most popular.
While Rice may not be as well-known or as old as some of the other schools on our list, it has definitely cemented itself as one of the best universities in the country. For this reason, only 9% of applicants actually get accepted.
#15: Harvey Mudd College
If you live in California, there is no shortage of iconic universities for you to choose from. This includes Harvey Mudd College, located in Claremont. This institute serves as a private liberal arts school but focuses primarily on the sciences and engineering. A few of the most popular subjects include math, chemistry, biology, engineering, computer science, and physics. More so, the campus is simply stunning and offers students the very best.
With the school growing in popularity each year, the acceptance rate has dropped to below 14%. If you are hoping to attend Harvey Mudd College, you may want to look for ways to spruce up your application!
#14: University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (otherwise known as Penn or UPenn) is definitely one of the most reputable schools in the US. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to visit the campus, you will see why! Located in Philadelphia, UPenn forms a part of a cluster of top schools in the area known as University City. However, this university, in particular, stands out from the rest, as it is an Ivy League college.
As a result, the acceptance rate is staggeringly low. At just 4%, UPenn is one of the most selective schools in the world! Of nearly 70,000 applicants each year, only 2,800 actually attend the university.
#13: Johns Hopkins University
John Hopkins University is famous for many reasons. If you’ve ever seen the campus, you would know that it is one of the most extravagant in the world. More so, the school is renowned for its state-of-the-art medical department. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins is a private research facility that caters to students of all types. You can study multiple disciplines to earn your BA, BS, MS, or PhD.
However, with such a high level of prestige comes a very low admission rate. Of the tens of thousands of students who apply each year, only 5% are accepted.
#12: Dartmouth University
Dartmouth is yet another Ivy League college that has established itself as one of the best in the world. Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth is renowned for its rich history. Formed in 1769, it is one of the original nine colonial colleges, making it one of the oldest in the country. Today, it is one of the most prestigious schools available to undergraduate students. As you can imagine, with its history and impressive academic record, Dartmouth is an incredibly popular choice amongst applicants.
Every year, tens of thousands of students apply, and only 6% are accepted. So, if you want to add your name to the Dartmouth alumni, you will need to do something to make your application stand out.
#11: Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is yet another major college opened by an industrialist named Cornelius Vanderbilt. Found in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt caters to every student - from undergraduates to doctoral candidates. With over 70 study paths available to undergraduate students and even the option to create your own major, this university is a popular choice for good reason. The campus itself is also very impressive and boasts a rich, vibrant history.
However, if you wish to attend Vanderbilt University, it is worth noting that there is quite a bit of fierce competition. In fact, with an acceptance rate of just 6%, the enrollment process is far from easy.
#10: Brown University
Starting off our top ten, we have Brown University. Considering the fact that Brown is another Ivy League school, it’s really no surprise to find it so high up our list. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, it is actually the seventh oldest university in the entire country. With its rich history and world-class teaching staff, it is really no surprise that the acceptance rate is a staggeringly low 4%. More so, with an ever-increasing number of applications, your chances of being accepted seem to drop even more each year.
Brown offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees. The school campus, built in 1764, is relatively small (at 146 acres) but manages to incorporate a sense of outdoor living and city life - a great combination for college students.
#9: Columbia University
It’s no secret that New York City is one of the academic capitals of the world. After all, you will find dozens of state-of-the-art universities that each have something unique to offer. However, Columbia University still manages to stand out from the rest. While this school technically has Ivy League status, it is one of the youngest universities on our list, having only been established in 1958. However, the academic and sporting prowess of the university has earned it such a prestigious title.
With an acceptance rate of 3.9%, your chances of getting in are pretty slim (unless you’re a genius or incredibly good at sports).
#8: Yale University
Very few universities have as much name recognition as Yale. In fact, to many, Yale is considered the Ivy League school. With a rich history and an even more impressive academic standard, it’s no surprise that the acceptance rate sits at a low 4%. More so, the graduation rate is a staggering 98%, making it one of the most successful schools in the world. In other words, if you are looking to attend Yale, you should prepare for some high expectations and fierce competition.
Found in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale was actually the first school in the entire country to award a PhD to a student. You won’t find many universities more iconic than this.
#7: Stanford University
Founded in the late 1800s, Stanford University is widely considered to be one of the best schools in the world. However, it is not part of the Ivy League. Located in Stanford, California, the college has always been coeducational. Students can choose from a wide variety of majors and minors, and each subject is taught by some of the most reputable professors in the country.
However, no matter which path of study you choose, you will be expected to achieve great results as a student of this prestigious school. In recent years, the acceptance rate has been as low as 4%.
#6: Duke University
Located in North Carolina, Duke University is popular amongst students for a number of reasons. For starters, the pass rate is incredibly high, making it one of the most successful academic institutions in the country. More so, they boast a world-class sports program. So, whether you are a student-athlete or simply looking to obtain your graduate or undergraduate degree, Duke University is a top choice.
With a total of 50 majors or 52 minors, you will be spoilt for choice. However, you will first need to form a part of the slim 6% of applicants who actually get accepted.
#5: Princeton University
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't heard about this prestigious college. Princeton University is another Ivy League school renowned for its academic excellence and top-level performers and their post-college achievements. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, it was chartered before the Revolutionary War, making it one of the oldest academic institutions in the country. Best known for its undergraduate and graduate programs, the university also offers student athletics.
You will find it rather challenging to book a spot at Princeton, though. The acceptance rate is staggeringly low: it's just 6%.
#4: University of Chicago
The University of Chicago has rapidly climbed the ranks of the best schools in the country. Surprisingly, it even outperforms some of the best Ivy League institutions that many consider the best in the world. However, it does not form a part of this prestigious group of schools. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, with a total of eight professional schools that cater to each degree, allowing students to study exactly what they want.
The school has a worldwide reach and receives hundreds of thousands of applications each year. However, only 4.8% of applicants actually get to attend.
#3: Harvard University
Where do we even start when talking about Harvard University? Along with Yale University, Harvard is widely considered to be the ultimate Ivy League college. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the prestige of this world-renowned university cannot be overstated enough. At Harvard, you can choose from 50 majors as an undergraduate and 134 degrees as a graduate. Of course, the most common degree is in law, which is one of the most popular choices at Harvard.
With some of the best teaching staff in the world and state-of-the-art facilities, it’s no wonder that the acceptance rate is a slim 3.2%.
#2: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (otherwise referred to as MIT in most circles) is located in Cambridge. Over the years, it has made a name for itself in the world of science and technological advancements. In fact, it has become somewhat of a hub for bright young minds in these particular fields. If you want to be someone in the world of science or tech, MIT is the place to be.
Unlike many schools, it follows a polytechnic model, ensuring that students receive plenty of hands-on teaching in their fields of study. However, the acceptance rate is a meager 4%.
#1: California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology is another world-class technological school that attracts students from across the globe. Located in Pasadena, this university is renowned for having made scientific history since its inception. Founded in 1891, it is also one of the oldest institutes of technology in the world. This has given the establishment plenty of time to ensure they're offering the best of the best when it comes to education.
More so, this school has the lowest acceptance rate of any university in the country. Of the tens of thousands of students who apply each year, only 2.4% of students actually get accepted.