Top Virginia Colleges
17 of the Top Colleges in Virginia
By Allen Grove
Virginia is a strong state for higher education. From large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, from military
colleges to single-sex campuses, Virginia offers a little of everything. The 17 top Virginia colleges listed below vary so much in
size and mission that I have simply listed them alphabetically rather than force them into any sort of artificial ranking. That said,
Washington and Lee, the University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary are probably the most selective and
prestigious schools on the list.
Christopher Newport University
jeredb / Flickr
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Location: Newport News, Virginia
Enrollment: 4,952 (4,786 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public university
Distinctions: $500 million in campus improvements in recent years; rated as an "up and
coming" school by U.S. News & World Report; excellent center for the arts; active student life
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scene
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Christopher Newport
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University profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Christopher Newport
College of William and Mary
Lyndi&Jason / flickr
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Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Enrollment: 7,874 (5,836 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public university
Distinctions: one of the country's best public universities; home to the original chapter of Phi
Beta Kappa; founded in 1693 (the second oldest college in the country); numerous academic
strengths; highly selective admissions; excellent value for in-state students
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the College of William and
Mary profile
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for William and Mary
George Mason University (GMU)
funkblast / Flickr
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Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Enrollment: 32,067 (19,702 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public university
Distinctions: ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report among "up-and-coming schools";
member of the NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association; rapidly expanding school with
several branch campuses
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the George Mason University
profile
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for George Mason
Hampden-Sydney College
deeleywoman / Flickr
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Location: Hampden-Sydney, Virginia
Enrollment: 1,068 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college for men affiliated with the Presbyterian Church
Distinctions: 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; rich history dating back to 1775; chapter of Phi Beta
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Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; good financial aid
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Hampden-Sydney College
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profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Hampden-Sydney
Hollins University
drewsaunders / Flickr
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Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Enrollment: 1,057 (796 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college for women
Distinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; 475-acre campus near the Blue Ridge Parkway;
strong international learning and internship programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong
liberal arts and sciences; good financial aid
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Hollins College profile
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Hollins
James Madison University (JMU)
taberandrew / Flickr
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Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Enrollment: 18,971 (17,281 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public university
Distinctions: high rankings for value and academic quality; attractive campus features a lake
and arboretum; member of the NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association and Eastern
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College Athletic Conference
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the James Madison University
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profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for JMU
Longwood University
basbarnowl / Flickr
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Location: Farmville, Virginia
Enrollment: 4,832 (4,086 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public university
Distinctions: emphasis on hands-on learning (all students are required to take part in an
internship or research project); average class size of 21; athletic teams compete at the NCAA
Division I level
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Longwood University
profile
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Longwood
Randolph College
taberandrew / Flickr
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Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Enrollment: 500 (488 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
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Distinctions: 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 12; chapter of Phi Beta
Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; high marks for student engagement; located in the
foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains; good financial aid
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Randolph College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Randolph
Randolph-Macon College
Photo Credit: Randolph-Macon College
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Location: Ashland, Virginia
Enrollment: 1,246 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college affiliated with the Methodist Church
Distinctions: 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 15; chapter of Phi Beta
Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; all first-year students take an interdisciplinary teamtaught seminar; good financial aid
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Randolph-Macon College
profile
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Randolph-Macon
Roanoke College
mlctuckerphotography / Flickr
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Sweet Briar College
Location: Salem, Virginia
Enrollment: 2,044 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences; 14
to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 18; good financial aid
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Roanoke College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Roanoke
Photo by Aaron Mahler
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Location: Sweet Briar, Virginia
Enrollment: 756 (745 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college for women
Distinctions: one of the top women's colleges; chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the
liberal arts and sciences; 9 to 1student / faculty ratio; large and attractive campus in the foothills
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of the Blue Ridge Mountains
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Sweet Briar College
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profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Sweet Briar
University of Mary Washington
Jte288 / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Enrollment: 5,381 (4,398 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public liberal arts college
Distinctions: one of the country's top public liberal arts colleges; attractive 176-acre campus
with Jeffersonian architecture; located midway between Washington D.C. and Richmond,
Virginia; highly ranked for its quality and value
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Mary
Washington profile
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Mary Washington
University of Richmond
rpongsaj / Flickr
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Location: Richmond, Virginia
Enrollment: 4,344 (3,387 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private university
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Distinctions: 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 16; member of the NCAA
Division I Atlantic 10 Conference; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and
sciences; well-regarded undergraduate business programs
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Richmond
profile
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Richmond
University of Virginia
rpongsaj / flickr
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Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Enrollment: 24,355 (15,476 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public research university
Distinctions: one of the top public universities; largest endowment of any public university;
member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference; member of the Association of
American Universities for research strengths; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong programs in
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the liberal arts and sciences
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Virginia
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profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UVA
Virginia Military Institute (VMI)
Mrzubrow / Wikimedia Commons
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Virginia Tech
Location: Lexington, Virginia
Enrollment: 1,500 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: public military college
Distinctions: oldest public military college in the U.S.; disciplined and demanding college
environment; strong engineering programs; member of the NCAA Division I Big South
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Conference
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Virginia Military
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Institute profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for VMI
CipherSwarm / Flickr
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Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Enrollment: 30,870 (23,558 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public university and senior military college
Explore the Campus: Virginia Tech Photo Tour
Distinctions: one of the country's top public universities; one of thetop engineering schools;
chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences; member of the
NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Virginia Tech profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Virginia Tech
Washington and Lee University
wsuhonors / Flickr
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Location: Lexington, Virginia
Enrollment: 2,153 (1,759 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: one of the country's top liberal arts colleges; founded in 1746 and endowed by
George Washington; attractive and historic campus; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal
arts and sciences; highly selective admissions
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Washington and Lee
University profile
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Washington and Lee
Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges
State-funded education at small colleges with a personal touch
By Allen Grove
A public education doesn't need to take place at a huge university where you'll be lost in the crowd. The colleges listed here place
an emphasis on quality teaching and undergraduate education. All are under 10,000 undergraduates (most under 5,000) and have
a liberal arts curriculum. I've listed the schools alphabetically to avoid the often arbitrary distinctions that separate #1 from #2.
College of Charleston
lhilyer libr / Flickr
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston provides a historically rich environment for students. C of C is a public liberal arts
college with a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of about 21. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts
and sciences, but students will also find thriving pre-professional programs in business and education.
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Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Enrollment: 11,772 (10,147 undergraduates)
Learn more: College of Charleston profile
Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for C of C
The College of New Jersey
Iggynelix / Wikimedia Commons
Located near Trenton, The College of New Jersey gives its students easy train and bus access to Philadelphia and New York City.
With seven schools and degrees in over 50 programs, TCNJ offers the educational breadth of much larger universities. The
college also wins high marks for student satisfaction, and retention and graduation rates are well above the norm.
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Location: Ewing, New Jersey
Enrollment: 6,980 (6,237 undergraduates)
Learn more: The College of New Jersey profile
Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for TCNJ
New College of Florida
marcus941 / Flickr
The New College of Florida was founded in the 1960s as a private college, but was purchased by the University of South Florida
in the 1970s during a time of financial crisis. In 2001 it became independent of USF. In the past few years, New College has
found itself high on several rankings of public liberal arts colleges. New College boasts an interesting student-centered
curriculum with no traditional majors, an emphasis on independent study, and written evaluations rather than grades.
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Location: Sarasota, Florida
Enrollment: 801 (all undergraduate)
Explore Campus: New College photo tour
Learn more: New College of Florida profile
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Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for New College
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Copyright Ramapo College
A liberal arts college at heart, Ramapo also has many preprofessional programs. Among undergraduates, the Business
Administration, Communication Studies, Nursing and Psychology are the most popular majors. Established in 1969, Ramapo is a
young college with many modern facilities including the Anisfield School of Business and the Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation
Center.
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Location: Mahwah, New Jersey
Enrollment: 6,026 (5,776 undergraduates)
Learn more: Ramapo College profile
Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for
St. Mary's College of Maryland
dicoplio / Flickr
Located on an attractive 319 acre water-front campus, St. Mary's College of Maryland stands on a historic piece of land first
settled in 1634. The college boasts a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio. The school's academic strengths earned it a chapter of Phi
Beta Kappa. Student life on the water has led to some interesting student traditions such as an annual cardboard boat race and a
winter swim in the river.
 Location: Saint Mary's City, Maryland
 Enrollment: 2,060 (2,017 undergraduates)
 Learn more: St. Mary's College of Maryland profile
 Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for
SUNY Geneseo
bdesham / Flickr
SUNY Geneseo is a highly ranked public liberal arts college located on the western edge of New York State's Finger Lakes
region. Geneseo receives high marks for its value for both in-state and out-of-state students. The combination of low cost and
quality academics has made SUNY Geneseo one of the more selective public colleges in the country. Strengths in the liberal arts
and sciences earned the college a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
 Location: Geneseo, New York
 Enrollment: 5,660 (5,495 undergraduates)
 Learn more: SUNY Geneseo profile
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Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for
Truman State University
DavidOaks / Wikipedia
Truman State University is an exceptional value, even for out-of-state students. Located in the small town of Kirksville, Truman
State isn't for the student looking for the bustle of an urban setting. Nevertheless, with 25% of students in the Greek system and
abundant student organizations, there's plenty to do on the weekends. For its academic strengths, Truman State was awarded a
chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
 Location: Kirksville, Missouri
 Enrollment: 5,781 (5,468 undergraduates)
 Learn more: Truman State profile
 Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for
University of Mary Washington
Jte288 / Wikimedia Commons
Named after the mother of George Washington, the University of Mary Washington was the women's college of the University of
Virginia before going coed in 1970. The primary campus is located midway between Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
UMW also has a branch campus for its graduate programs located in Stafford, Virginia. The University has highly selective
admissions and a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
 Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
 Enrollment: 5,381 (4,398 undergraduates)
 Learn more: University of Mary Washington profile
 Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for
Today!
University of Minnesota - Morris
resedabear / Flickr
Founded in 1860, the University of Minnesota offers over 30 majors, and students enjoy the close relationships with faculty that
come with a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio and average class size of 16. Biology, Business, Elementary Education and Psychology
are the most popular majors, and roughly 45% of students go on to seek an advanced degree.
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Location: Morris, Minnesota
Enrollment: 1,705 (all undergraduate)
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Learn more: University of Minnesota-Morris profile
Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Marcy Reiford / Flickr
The University of North Carolina at Asheville is the designated liberal arts college of the UNC system. The college is located in
the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. In athletics, the UNC Asheville Bulldogs compete in the NCAA Division I Big South
Conference.
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Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Enrollment: 3,897 (3,845 undergraduates)
Learn more: UNC Asheville profile
Top Catholic Colleges and Universities
A List of 23 of the Best Catholic Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
By Allen Grove
The schools below have been selected for a range of factors including reputation, retention rates, graduation rates, academic
quality, value and curricular innovations. The colleges and universities vary widely in size, location and mission, so I have not
tried to force any kind of arbitrary ranking on them. Instead, I simply list them alphabetically.
Boston College
Juthamas / Flickr
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Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Enrollment: 14,621 (9,860 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Explore the Campus: Boston College Photo Tour
Description: Boston College was founded in 1863 by the Jesuits, and today it is one of the
oldest Jesuit university in the U.S., and the Jesuit university with the largest endowment. The
campus is distinguished by its stunning Gothic architecture, and the college has a partnership
with beautiful St. Ignatius Church. The school always places high on rankings of national
universities. The undergraduate business program is particularly strong. BC has a chapter of Phi
Beta Kappa. The Boston College Eagles compete in the NCAA Division 1-AAtlantic Coast
Conference.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Boston
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College profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Boston College
College of the Holy Cross
GeorgeThree / Flickr
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Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Enrollment: 2,847 (all undergraduate)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Holy Cross has an impressive retention and graduation rate, with well over 90% of
entering students earning a degree within six years. The college was awarded a chapter of Phi
Beta Kappa for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, and the school's 10 to 1 student /
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faculty ratio means that students will have a lot of personal interaction with their professors.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the College of
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the Holy Cross profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Holy Cross
Creighton University
White & Blue Review / Flickr
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Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Enrollment: 7,051 (4,087 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Creighton has a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio. Biology and nursing are the most
popular undergraduate majors. Creighton frequently ranks #1 among Midwest master's
universities in U.S. News & World Report, and the school also wins high marks for its value. On
the athletic front, the Creighton Bluejays compete in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley
Fairfield University
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Conference.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Creighton
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University profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Creighton
WalkingGeek / Flickr
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Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Enrollment: 5,128 (4,084 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Fairfield strong international programs and has produced a surprising number of
Fulbright Scholars. Fairfield's strengths in the liberal arts and sciences earned the school a
chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and the university's Dolan School of Business is
also well regarded. In athletics, the Fairfield Stags compete in the NCAA Division I Metro
Atlantic Athletic Conference.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Fairfield
University profile.
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Fairfield
Fordham University
roblisameehan / Flickr
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Location: Bronx, New York
Enrollment: 14,448 (7,652 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Fordham University's main campus sits next to the Bronx Zoo and the Botanical
Garden. Fordham The school has a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 22.
For its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, the university was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta
Kappa. Preprofessional programs in business and communication studies are most popular
among undergraduates. In athletics, the Fordham Rams compete in the NCAA Division I
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Athletic 10 Conference except for the football team which competes in the Patriot League.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Fordham
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University profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Fordham
Georgetown University
tvol / Flickr
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Location: Washington, D.C.
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Enrollment: 14,826 (7,038 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Georgetown's location in the capital has contributed to its sizable international
student population and the popularity of the International Relations major. Over half of
Georgetown students take advantage of the many study abroad opportunities, and the university
recently opened a campus in Qatar. For strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, Georgetown
was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. On the athletic front, the Georgetown Hoyas compete
in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference. Established in 1789, Georgetown is the oldest
Jesuit university in the country.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Georgetown
University profile.
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Georgetown
Gonzaga University
Christine Salek / Flickr
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Location: Spokane, Washington
Enrollment: 6,873 (4,385 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Gonzaga, like many Catholic universities, focuses on the education of the whole
person -- mind, body and spirit. The university ranks highly among Master's institutions in the
West. On the athletic front, the Gonzaga Bulldogs compete in the NCAA Division I West Coast
Conference. The basketball team has met with notable success.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Gonzaga
University profile.
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Gonzaga
Loyola Marymount University
Adan Garcia / Flickr
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Location: Los Angeles, California
Enrollment: 8,977 (5,766 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Loyola Marymount University is the largest Catholic university on the West Coast.
The school has an average undergraduate class size of 18 and a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio.
Undergraduate student life is active with 144 clubs and organizations and 15 national Greek
fraternities and sororities. In athletics, the LMU Lions compete in the NCAA Division I West
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Coast Conference.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Loyola
Marymount University profile.
Loyola University Chicago
Special*Dark / Flickr
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Location: Chicago, Illinois
Enrollment: 15,545 (9,950 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Loyola University in Chicago is the largest Jesuit college in the country. Loyola's
business school frequently does well in national rankings, and the university's strengths in the
liberal arts and sciences have earned it a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Loyola occupies some
prime real estate in Chicago, with a northern campus on the Chicago waterfront and a downtown
campus just off the Magnificent Mile. In athletics, the Loyola Ramblers competes in the NCAA
Division I Horizon League.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Loyola
University Chicago profile.
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Loyola Chicago
Loyola University Maryland
Crhayes88 / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Enrollment: 6,028 (3,580 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Loyola University is located on a 79-acre campus just down the road from Johns
Hopkins University. Among all the undergraduate majors, the preprofessional programs in
business and communication studies are by far the most popular. Loyola University is proud of
its 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio, and its average class size of 25. In athletics, the Loyola
Greyhounds compete in the NCAA Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, with
women's lacrosse competing as an associate member of the Big East Conference.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Loyola
University Maryland profile.
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Loyola Maryland
Marquette University
scottfeldstein / Flickr
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Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Enrollment: 11,516 (7,955 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Marqueete frequently places well on rankings of national universities, and its
programs in business, nursing and the biomedical sciences are worth a close look. For its
strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, Marquette was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
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On the athletic front, Marquette, competes in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Marquette
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University profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Marquette
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Notre Dame, University of
mandy pantz / Flickr
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Location: Notre Dame, Indiana
Enrollment: 11,733 (8,371 undergraduates)
Order: Holy Cross
Description: Notre Dame boasts that its undergraduate alumni have earned more doctorates than
any other Catholic university. The school is highly selective and has a chapter of Phi Beta
Kappa. Roughly 70% of accepted students rank in the top 5% of their high school class. The
university's 1,250 acre campus has two lakes and 137 buildings including Main Building with its
well-known Golden Dome. In athletics, many Notre Dame Fighting Irish teams compete in the
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NCAA Division I Big East Conference.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Notre Dame
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profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Notre Dame
Providence College
Obersmith / Flickr
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Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Enrollment: 5,297 (4,504 undergraduates)
Order: Dominican
Description: Providence College typically ranks well for both its value and its academic quality
when compared to other master's-level colleges in the Northeast. The curriculum is distinguished
by a four-semester long course on western civilization that covers history, religion, literature and
philosophy. Providence College has an impressive graduation rate of over 85%. In athletics, the
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Providence College Friars compete in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Providence
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College profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Providence College
Saint Louis University
Matthew Black / Flickr
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Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Enrollment: 16,086 (11,187 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is the second oldest Jesuit university in
the country. The university has a 13 to 1student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 23.
Professional programs such as business and nursing are particular popular among
undergraduates. Students come from all 50 states and 90 countries. In athletics, the Saint Louis
Billikens compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Saint Louis
University profile.
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Saint Louis University
Santa Clara University
Photo Credit: Santa Clara University
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Location: Santa Clara, California
Enrollment: 8,758 (5,267 undergraduates)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Santa Clara University frequently ranks among the best master's universities in the
country. The university wins high marks for its retention and graduation rates, community
service programs, alumni salaries, and sustainability efforts. Business programs are the most
popular among undergraduates, and the Leavey School of Business ranks highly among the
nation's undergraduate B-schools. In athletics, the Santa Clara University Broncos compete in
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the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Santa Clara
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University profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Santa Clara
Siena College
Katherine Ollier / Flickr
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Location: Loudonville, New York
Enrollment: 3,217 (all undergraduate)
Order: Franciscan
Description: Siena College is highly student-centered with a 14 to 1student / faculty ratio and
an average class size of 20. The college can also boast of an 80% six-year graduation rate (with
most students graduating in four years). Business is the most popular field for students at Siena.
In athletics, the Siena Saints compete in the NCAA Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic

Conference.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Siena

College profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Siena
Stonehill College
Location: Easton, Massachusetts
Enrollment: 2,426 (all undergraduate)
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Order: Holy Cross
Description: Stonehill ranks well among national liberal arts colleges, and the school recently appeared in U.S. News &
World Report's list of "Top Up-and-Coming Schools." Stonehill students come from 28 states and 14 countries, and the
college wins high marks for its level of student engagement. Stonehill College has a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratioand an
average class size of 20. Students can choose from 80 majors and minors. In athletics, the Stonehill Skyhawks compete in the
NCAA Division II Northeast Ten Conference.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit theStonehill College profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Stonehill
Thomas Aquinas College
DardanAeneas / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Santa Paula, California
Enrollment: 340 (all undergraduate)
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Order: Independent
Description: Little Thomas Aquinas College is probably the most unusual school on this
list. The college uses no textbooks; instead, students read the great books of Western
civilization. The college has no lectures, but sustained tutorials, seminars and laboratories. Also,
the school has has no majors, for all students acquire a broad and integrated liberal education.
The college frequently ranks highly among national liberal arts colleges, and it also wins praise
for its small classes and its value.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Thomas
Aquinas College profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Thomas Aquinas
University of Dallas
Wissembourg / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Dallas, Texas
Enrollment: 2,972 (1,233 undergraduates)
Order: Diocesan
Description: The University of Dallas does well on the financial aid front -- nearly all students
receive significant grant aid. Academically, the university can boast of a 13 to 1 student / faculty
ratio, and the school's strengths in the liberal arts and sciences earned it a chapter of Phi Beta
Kappa. The university has a campus in Rome where nearly 80% of all undergraduates study for
a semester.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the University of
Dallas profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for the University of Dallas
University of Dayton
brighterworlds / Flickr
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Location: Dayton, Ohio
Enrollment: 10,395 (7,434 undergraduates)
Order: Marianist
Description: The University of Dayton's program in entrepreneurship has been ranked highly
by U.S. News and World Report, and Dayton also gets high marks for student happiness and
athletics. Nearly all Dayton students get financial aid. In athletics, the Dayton Flyers compete in
the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the University of

Dayton profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Dayton
University of Portland
Svyatoslav / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Portland, Oregon
Enrollment: 3,661 (3,041 undergraduates)
Order: Holy Cross
Description: Like many schools on this list, the University of Portland is committed to teaching,
faith and service. The school frequently ranks among the best western master's universities, and
it also earns high marks for its value. The school has a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio, and among
undergraduates nursing, engineering and business fields are all popular. The engineering
programs frequently place well in national rankings. In athletics, the Portland Pilots compete in

the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the University of

Portland profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UP
Villanova University
justinknabb / Flickr
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Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 10,470 (7,350 undergraduates)
Order: Augustinian
Description: Located just outside of Philadelphia, Villanova is well known for both its strong
academics and athletic programs. The university has a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a recognition
of its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. In athletics, the Villanova Wildcats compete in
the Division I Big East Conference (football competes in the Division I-AA Atlantic 10
Xavier University

Conference). Villanova students also host the Pennsylvania Special Olympics on their campus.
For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Villanova

University profile.
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Villanova
Photo by Andy Lyons / Getty Images
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Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Enrollment: 6,584 (3,923 undergraduate)
Order: Jesuit
Description: Founded in 1831, Xavier is one of the oldest Jesuit universities in the country. The
university's preprofessional programs in business, education, communications and nursing are
all popular among undergraduates. The school was granted a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta
Kappa Honor Society for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. In athletics, the Xavier
Musketeers compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference.
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For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Xavier
University profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Xavier
Auburn University
just camilla / Flickr
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Location: Auburn, Alabama
Enrollment: 24,602 (19,926 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public university
Distinctions: over 140 degree programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal
arts and sciences; over 300 student clubs and organizations; strong Division I athletic programs
within the Southeastern Conference
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Auburn University profile
!
Birmingham-Southern College
goforchris / Flickr
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Location: Birmingham, Alabama
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Enrollment: 1,549 (1,508 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private Methodist liberal arts college
Distinctions: good financial aid; strong student-faculty interaction; featured in Loren
Pope's Colleges That Change Lives; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and
sciences; good financial aid
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Birmingham-Southern
College profile
Huntingdon College
Spyder Monkey / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Montgomery, Alabama
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Huntingdon College
profile
Enrollment: 1,075 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private Methodist college
Distinctions: 15 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 20; popular programs in
business; most students receive grant aid; level tuition payments for four years
Samford University
Sweetmoose6 / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Enrollment: 4,658 (2,908 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private Christian university
Distinctions: largest private university in Alabama; 138 undergraduate majors; 12 to 1 student /
faculty ratio; no classes are taught by graduate students; good value; member of the NCAA
Division I Southern Conference
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Samford University profile
Spring Hill College
Altairisfar / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Mobile, Alabama
Enrollment: 1,521 (1,310 undergraduates)
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Type of Institution: private Catholic college
Distinctions: 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 18; attractive 381-acre campus;
good value; most students receive grant aid; popular programs in business and nursing; founded
in 1830 (oldest Catholic college in the Southeast)
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Spring Hill College profile
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Anivron / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Enrollment: 7,681 (6,119 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public university
Distinctions: 16 to 1 student / faculty ratio; popular programs in business, nursing and
engineering; strong research initiatives including partnerships with NASA, the U.S. Army, Pratt
& Whitney, and others; NCAA Division II Athletics (Division I Hockey)

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Alabama in
Huntsville profile
University of Alabama Main Campus
maggiejp / Flickr
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Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Enrollment: 28,699 (23,700 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public university
Distinctions: Alabama's flagship institution of higher learning; highly ranked public university;
good value; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; strong athletic
programs in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Alabama
profile
University of Mobile
MattTheCat / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Mobile, Alabama
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Mobile
profile
Enrollment: 1,570 (1,425 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private Christian university
Distinctions: 14 to 1 student / faculty ratio; 800-acre campus; good value; broad academic
offerings for a small college; popular programs in nursing, business and education
University of Montevallo
Courtesy of Matt Orton
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Location: Montevallo, Alabama
Enrollment: 3,044 (2,567 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public liberal arts college
Distinctions: good value; attractive 160-acre campus; center of campus is a National Historic
District; 75 majors to choose from; 16 to 1 student / faculty ratio
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Montevallo
profile
Top California Colleges
12 of the Top Colleges and Universities in California
By Allen Grove
in the country. The University of California system has many strengths, and California has both strong liberal arts colleges and
private research universities. The 12 top colleges listed below vary so much in size and type of school that I have simply listed
them alphabetically rather than force them into any sort of artificial ranking.
Berkeley (University of California at Berkeley)
phoosh / Flickr
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Location: Berkeley, California
Enrollment: 35,396 (25,151 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public research university
Distinctions: one of the 11 University of California schools; member of the Association of
American Universities for strong research programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong
liberal arts and sciences; member of the NCAA Division I Pacific 10 Conference; vibrant
cultural environment in the San Francisco Bay area
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Berkeley profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Berkeley
Caltech (California Institute of Technology)
Velo Steve / Flickr
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Location: Pasadena, California
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Caltech profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Caltech
Enrollment: 2,126 (921 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private engineering university
Distinctions: one of the top engineering schools; amazing 3 to 1 student / faculty ratio; member
of the Association of American Universities for strong research programs
Claremont McKenna College
Bazookajoe1 / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Claremont, California
Enrollment: 1,135 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: high ranking liberal arts college; one of the most selective colleges in the
country; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; cross-registration with
the otherClaremont Colleges
For more information and admissions data, visit the Claremont McKenna profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Claremont McKenna
Harvey Mudd College
Imagine / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Claremont, California
Enrollment: 735 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: undergraduate engineering college
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Distinctions: one of the top undergraduate engineering colleges; engineering curriculum
grounded in the liberal arts; member of theClaremont Colleges with Scripps College, Pitzer
College, Claremont McKenna College, and Pomona College
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Harvey Mudd profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Harvey Mudd
Occidental College
Geographer / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Los Angeles, California
Enrollment: 1,868 (1,846 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; diverse
student body; blend of urban and suburban advantages -- located just eight miles from
downtown Los Angeles
For more information and admissions data, visit the Occidental College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Occidental
Pepperdine University
John Beagle / Flickr
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Location: Malibu, California
Enrollment: 7,614 (3,404 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private research university
Distinctions: 830-acre campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean in Malibu; strong programs in
business and communications; member of the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference;
affiliated with the Churches of Christ
For more information and admissions data, visit the Pepperdine University profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Pepperdine
Pomona College
CMLLovesDegus / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Claremont, California
Enrollment: 1,547 (all undergraduate)
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Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Pomona College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Pomona
Distinctions: one of the 10 top liberal arts colleges in the country; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa;
member of the Claremont Colleges; 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 14
Scripps College
Mllerustad / Flickr
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Location: Claremont, California
Enrollment: 972 (954 undergrads)
Type of Institution: private women's liberal arts college
Distinctions: one of the top women's colleges in the country; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its
strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; member of the Claremont Colleges
For more information and admissions data, visit the Scripps College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Scripps
Stanford University
jillclardy / Flickr
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Location: Stanford, California
Enrollment: 19,782 (6,584 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private research university
Distinctions: chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences;
membership in the Association of American Universities for research strengths; one of the top
10 universities in the country; member of the NCAA Division I Pacific 10 Conference
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Stanford University profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Stanford
UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles)
saturnism / flickr
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Location: Los Angeles, California
Enrollment: 37,476 (25,928 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public research university
Distinctions: chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences;
membership in the Association of American Universities for research strengths; part of
the University of California system; one of the top-ranked public universities in the country;
member of the NCAA Division I Pacific 10 Conference
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Explore the Campus: UCLA photo tour
For more information and admissions data, visit the UCLA profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UCLA
UCSD (University of California at San Diego)
kafka4prez / Flickr
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Location: San Diego, California
Enrollment: 26,247 (21,369 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public research university
Distinctions: chapter of Phi Beta Kappafor strengths in the liberal arts and sciences;
membership in the Association of American Universities for research strengths; part of
the University of California system; one of the top-ranked public universities in the country; one
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of the top-ranked engineering schools
For more information and admissions data, visit the UCSD profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UCSD
USC (University of Southern California)
koyochi / Flickr
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Location: Los Angeles, California
Enrollment: 33,408 (16,384 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private research university
Distinctions: member of the Association of American Universities for its research strengths;
chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; over 130 majors to
choose from; member of the NCAA Division I Pac 12 Conference
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Explore the Campus: USC Photo Tour
For more information and admissions data, visit the USC profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for USC
Top Maryland Colleges
15 of the Top Colleges in Maryland
By Allen Grove
Maryland has excellent higher education options for both public and private institutions. From a large public university like the
University of Maryland to tiny St. John's College, Maryland has schools to match a wide range of student personalities and
interests. The 15 top Maryland colleges listed below represent diverse school types and missions, so I have simply listed them
alphabetically rather than force them into any sort of artificial ranking. That said, Johns Hopkins is the most selective and
prestigious institution on the list. The schools were chosen based on factors such as academic reputation, curricular innovations,
first-year retention rates, six-year graduation rates, selectivity, financial aid and student engagement.
Annapolis (United States Naval Academy)
Rory Finneren / Flickr
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Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Enrollment: 4,552 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: miltary academy
Distinctions: one of the most selective colleges in the country; no costs (but 5-year service
requirement); strong engineering programs; competes in the NCAA Division I Patriot League
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Annapolis profile.
Goucher College
Photo Credit: Tom McDowell
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Location: Towson, Maryland
Enrollment: 2,279 (1,481 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; new $48 million student center; eight miles from
downtown Baltimore; chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society for strong programs in the
liberal arts and sciences

Hood College
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Goucher College profile.
Sarah Camp / Flickr
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Location: Frederick, Maryland
Enrollment: 2,493 (1,432 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private master's-level college
Distinctions: 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio; high graduation rate for its student profile; one hour
from Washington D.C. and Baltimore; good grant aid
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Hood College profile.
Johns Hopkins University
Laughidea / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Enrollment: 20,383 (5,831 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private research university
Distinctions: 10:1 student / faculty ratio; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and
sciences; membership in the AAU for strong research programs; multi-billion dollar
endowment; one of the country's top universities

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Johns Hopkins University
profile.
Loyola University Maryland
Crhayes88 / Wikipedia Commons
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Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Enrollment: 6,067 (3,757 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private Catholic university
Distinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 25; popular business and
communications programs; member of the NCAA Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic
Conference (MAAC); located near Johns Hopkins University
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Loyola University
Maryland profile.
McDaniel College
cogdogblog / Flickr
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Location: Westminster, Maryland
Enrollment: 3,607 (1,695 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 17; located half an hour from
Baltimore and one hour from D.C.; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong programs in the liberal
arts and sciences
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the McDaniel College profile.
MICA, the Maryland Institute College of Art
ramsey everydaypants / Flickr
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Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Enrollment: 2,084 (1,862 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private college of art
Distinctions: one of the country's top studio art programs; rich history (founded in 1826); 10 to
1 student / faculty ratio; students come from 48 states and 52 countries; impressive number of
Presidential Scholars and Fulbright Scholars
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the MICA profile.
Mount St. Mary's University
Guoguo12 / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Emmitsburg, Maryland
Enrollment: 2,080 (1,620 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private Catholic university
Distinctions: 13 to 1 student faculty ratio; average class size of 20; identity built on four pillars
of "faith, discover, leadership, and community"; member of the NCAA Division I Northeast
Conference
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Mount St. Mary's
University profile.
St. John's College
smi23le / Flickr
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Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Enrollment: 540 (463 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: no textbooks (only great works of Western civilization); common curriculum for
all students; 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; 20 student seminars taught by two faculty members;
extremely high placement rate for law school, med school and graduate school
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the St. John's College profile.
St. Mary's College
jbweir / Flickr
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Location: St. Mary's City, Maryland
Enrollment: 2,060 (2,017 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public liberal arts college
Distinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; attractive 319 acre water-front campus; historic
location; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the St. Mary's College profile.
Top North Carolina Colleges
15 of the Top Colleges in North Carolina
North Carolina is a strong state for higher education. From large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, from urban to
rural campuses, North Carolina offers something for everyone. The 15 top North Carolina colleges listed below vary so much in
size and mission that I have simply listed them alphabetically rather than force them into any sort of artificial ranking. That said,
Duke, Davidson, UNC Chapel Hill and Wake Forest are the most selective and prestigious schools on the list.
Compare Top North Carolina Colleges: SAT Scores | ACT Scores
Appalachian State University
allygirl520 / Flickr
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Location: Boone, North Carolina
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Appalachian State profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Appalachian State
Enrollment: 16,610 (14,561 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public university
Distinctions: 140 major programs; 17 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 25;
excellent value; member of the NCAA Division I Southern Conference
Davidson College
functoruser / Flickr
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Location: Davidson, North Carolina
Enrollment: 1,668 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church
Distinctions: one of the country's top liberal arts colleges; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for
strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; Division I athletic teams compete in the
NCAA Southern Conference; low student / faculty ratio; high retention and graduation rate
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Davidson College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Davidson
Duke University
mricon / Flickr
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Location: Durham, North Carolina
Enrollment: 14,060 (6,496 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private research university
Distinctions: one of the country's best universities; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in
the liberal arts and sciences; membership in the Association of American Universities for strong
research programs; member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference; part of the
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"research triangle" with UNC Chapel Hill andNorth Carolina State University
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Duke University profile
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GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Duke
Elon University
photo courtesy of Elon University / Office of University Relations
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Location: Elon, North Carolina
Enrollment: 5,628 (4,992 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private university
Distinctions: strong pre-professional programs; high marks for student engagement; attractive
campus a designated botanical garden; member of the NCAA Division I Southern Conference
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Elon University profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Elon
Guilford College
Parkram412 / Wikipedia
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Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Enrollment: 2,641 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college with ties to the Quaker Friends
Distinctions: featured in Loren Pope's well-regarded Colleges That Change Lives; 16 to
1 student / faculty ratio; rich history as a station on the Underground Railroad; high value placed
on community, diversity and justice; test-optional admissions
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Guilford College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Guilford
High Point University
Exwhysee / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: High Point, North Carolina
Enrollment: 3,409 (3,059 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college affiliated with the Methodist Church
Distinctions: 14 to 1 student / faculty ratio; students come from over 40 states and 50 countries;
$300 million recently dedicated to upgrades and expansion; Panthers compete in the NCAA
Division I Big South Conference
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the High Point University
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profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for High Point
Meredith College
twbuckner / Flickr
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Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Enrollment: 2,250 (2,001 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college for women
Distinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio and average class size of 16; strong experiential
learning efforts through internships, co-ops and other programs; over 90 student clubs and
organizations; attractive 225-acre campus; most students receive grant aid
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Meredith College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Meredith
North Carolina State University
opus2008 / Flickr
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Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Enrollment: 32,872 (24,741 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public research university
Distinctions: largest university in North Carolina; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the
liberal arts and sciences; good value; founding member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast
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Conference
For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the North Carolina State
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profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for NOrth Carolina State
Salem College
bnhsu / Flickr
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Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Enrollment: 939 (735 undergraduates)
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Type of Institution: private liberal arts college for women
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Salem College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Salem
Distinctions: founded in 1772; oldest educational institution for women in the country; 11 to
1 student / faculty ratio; high placement rates for law and medical schools; excellent grant aid
UNC Asheville
Marcy Reiford / Flickr
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Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Enrollment: 3,629 (3,589 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: public liberal arts college
Distinctions: one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the country; public university with a
strong undergraduate focus; beautiful location in the Blue Ridge Mountains; member of the
NCAA Division I Big South Conference; good value
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For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the UNC Asheville profile
 GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UNC Asheville
Top Pennsylvania Colleges
19 of the Top Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania
By Allen Grove
Pennsylvania has some of the best colleges in the country. Students will find top-ranked liberal arts colleges, public universities,
and private universities. The 19 top colleges listed below vary so much in size and type of school that I have simply listed them
alphabetically rather than force them into any sort of artificial ranking.
Compare Top Pennsylvania Colleges: SAT Scores | ACT Scores
Allegheny College
Joshtys / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Meadville, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 2,125 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: 14 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 22; featured in Loren Pope's
well-regarded Colleges That Change Lives; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and
sciences
For more information and admissions data, visit the Allegheny College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Alleghany
Bryn Mawr College
thatpicturetaker / Flickr
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Location: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 1,745 (1,287 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private women's liberal arts college
Distinctions: 9 to 1 student / faculty ratio; one of the original "seven sister" colleges; one of
the top women's colleges in the U.S.; member of the Tri-College Consortium
with Swarthmore and Haverford; many rich traditions
For more information and admissions data, visit the Bryn Mawr profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Bryn Mawr
Bucknell University
aurimasliutikas / Flickr
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Location: Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 3,677 (3,520 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: small comprehensive university
Distinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; feel of a small liberal arts college with academic
offerings of a comprehensive university; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and
sciences; participation in the NCAA Division I Patriot League
For more information and admissions data, visit the Bucknell profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Bucknell
Carnegie Mellon University
Jimmy Lin / Flickr
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Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 10,326 (5,682 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: comprehensive research university
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Distinctions: 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; top-ranked science and engineering programs;
chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; membership in the American
Association of Universities for strengths in research
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Carnegie Mellon profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for CMU
Dickinson College
ravedelay / Flickr
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Location: Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 2,381 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 17; chapter of Phi Beta
Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; chartered in 1783 and named after a signer of the
Constitution; member of the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Dickinson College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Dickinson
Franklin and Marshall College
The Pocket / Flickr
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Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 2,104 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: test-optional admissions; 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; hands-on approach to
education (two-thirds of students engage in research under faculty guidance); chapter of Phi
Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences
For more information and admissions data, visit the Franklin and Marshall profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for F&M
Gettysburg College
fauxto digit / Flickr
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Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 2,503 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio and average class size of 18; historic location; ;
chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; new athletic center; music
conservatory and professional performing arts center
For more information and admissions data, visit the Gettysburg College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Gettysburg
Grove City College
nyello8 / Flickr
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Location: Grove City, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 2,499 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private Christian liberal arts college
Distinctions: one of the country's top conservative colleges; excellent value; impressive
retention and graduation rates; chapel requirement for all students
For more information and admissions data, visit the Grove City College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for GCC
Haverford College
edwinmalet / flickr
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Location: Haverford, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 1,169 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; one of the country's top liberal arts colleges; chapter
of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; opportunities to take classes at Bryn
Mawr,Swarthmore, and the University of Pennsylvania
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Haverford profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Haverford
Juniata College
mjk4219 / Flickr
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Location: Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
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Enrollment: 1,526 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 14; no traditional majors
but "programs of emphasis"; 30% of students design their own majors; main campus is
complemented by a large nature preserve and environmental studies field station
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Juniata College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Juniata
Lafayette College
Retromoderns / Flickr
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Location: Easton, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 2,403 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; excellent value; several engineering programs as
well as traditional liberal arts and sciences; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and
sciences; member of the NCAA Division I Patriot League
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Lafayette College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Lafayette
Lehigh University
conormac / Flickr
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Muhlenberg College
Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 6,845 (4,756 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: small comprehensive research university
Distinctions: 9 to 1 student / faculty ratio; strong engineering and applied science
programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; althetic teams
participate in the NCAA Division I Patriot League
For more information and admissions data, visit the Lehigh University profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Lehigh
JlsElsewhere / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 2,492 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college with Lutheran affiliation
Distinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; strengths in several pre-professional areas as well
as a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; high retention and graduation
rates
For more information and admissions data, visit the Muhlenberg College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Muhlenberg
Penn State University
nick knouse / Flickr
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Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 44,406 (37,988 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: comprehensive public research university
Distinctions: large school with wide-ranging academic offerings; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for
strong liberal arts and sciences, membership in the Association of American Universities for
research strengths; athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference
For more information and admissions data, visit the Penn State profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Penn State
Swarthmore University
EAWB / flickr
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Location: Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 1,490 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; one of the country's top liberal arts colleges; chapter
of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; opportunities to take classes at
neighboring Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and the University of Pennsylvania
For more information and admissions data, visit the Swarthmore University profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Swarthmore
University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
rubberpaw / Flickr
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Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 24,107 (11,851 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: comprehensive private research university
Distinctions: member of the Ivy League; membership in theAssociation of American
Universities for strong research programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and
sciences; rich history (founded by Benjamin Franklin)
For more information and admissions data, visit the Penn profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Penn
University of Pittsburgh (Pitt)
shadysidelantern / Flickr
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Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 27,562 (17,427 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: comprehensive public research university
Distinctions: wide-ranging strengths including philosophy, medicine, engineering and business;
membership in the Association of American Universities for strong research programs; chapter
of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; athletic teams compete in the NCAA
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Division I Big East Conference
For more information and admissions data, visit the Pitt profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Pitt
Ursinus College
PennaBoy / Wikimedia Commons
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Location: Collegeville, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 1,583 (all undergraduate)
Type of Institution: private liberal arts college
Distinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; student-centered curriculum; 170-acre campus
boasts an excellent art museum, observatory, and new performing arts facility; chapter of Phi
Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Ursinus College profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Ursinus
Villanova University
Lauren Murphy / Flickr
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Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania
Enrollment: 10,470 (7,350 undergraduates)
Type of Institution: private Catholic university
Distinctions: oldest and largest Catholic university in Pennsylvania; one of the country's top
Catholic universities; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; athletic
teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference
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For more information and admissions data, visit the Villanova profile
GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Villanova
Your SAT Scores Good Enough?
By Allen Grove:
What are good SAT scores? Do you have the SAT scores you need to get into your top choice schools? This article explains the
relationship between college admissions and SAT scores. You can also check out these SAT links (or ACT links):
Answer: SAT scores are just one of many criteria used by colleges to make admissions decisions.
Nevertheless, their importance shouldn’t be underestimated. As much as admissions officers say they
take an open-minded and holistic approach to their decisions, SAT scores can make or break an
application. And let’s face it -- it’s easier to compare numerical data than it is to decide whether a
semester in France should be ranked higher than a state soccer championship.
Also, schools usually make their SAT data public, and they know that their reputations depend upon
high numbers. A college won’t be considered “highly selective” or “elite” if its students have an
average SAT math score of 470.
So what is a good SAT score? The exam consists of three parts: Critical Reading, Mathematics and
Writing. The scores from each section can range from 200 to 800, so the best possible total score is
2400. The average score for each section is roughly 500, so the average total score is about 1500. For
the 1.65 million test-takers in the class of 2011, the mean scores were 497 critical reading, 514 math,
and 489 writing.
Very few students get a perfect SAT score, even those at the country’s top colleges. The list below
shows the middle range of SAT scores for different schools. The middle 50% of admitted students fell
within these numbers. Keep in mind that 25% of students who were admitted scored below the lower
numbers listed here.
Finally, you'll see that some of the school profiles include the critical reading and math scores, but not
the writing scores. This is because the writing part of the exam is still new, and many schools do not
yet use it in their admissions decisions. We're likely to see that change in the next couple years as
colleges figure out the relationship between the writing score and academic success.