Top 100 US Universities

Johns Hopkins University

Rank: 10 (tie) City: Baltimore, MD Strong Programs: Premed, Public Health Studies, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, International Studies, Engineering, Creative Writing, Music Atmosphere: the hop's reputation as a top-notch premed factory can be misleading. it's true, but hopkins also has fine programs in international studies (with d.C. close at hand) as well as in the humanities and social sciences. With total enrollment at the homewood campus at just over 7,600—5,400 of them undergraduates—hopkins is smaller than most people think. Major effort underway to diversify the student body. One of the few U.S. universities initially founded as a graduate school, The Johns Hopkins University has garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional professors, extensive resources, and abundant research opportunities. Though the university has a reputation for churning out premed students, the administration has been working for a number of years to make it clear that this midsized Baltimore uni- versity has plenty to offer undergrads whose interests are decidedly nonmedical or nonscience based. Students who attend this elite university know they are at the top of the game, and they burn the midnight oil to stay there, but a freshman insists that they also "let loose every once in a while." The arts and sciences and engineering schools are on the main Homewood campus, 140 picturesque acres just three miles north of Baltimore's revitalized Inner Harbor. Tree-lined quadrangles, open lawns, and playing fields make for an idyllic "intersession is one of the best times of the year. the classes are pass/fail and so much fun!" setting on the edge of a major urban center. The architecture on this woody urban campus is mainly Georgian redbrick, with several recently built, more modern struc- tures scattered throughout. Malone Hall is a state-of-the-art building that houses several collaborative research institutions. Hopkins's medical campus is easily acces- sible via a crosstown shuttle. Hopkins recently opened a building that combines 157 student apartments with 31,000 square feet of commercial space, to encourage new business development in the Charles Village neighborhood that surrounds the Homewood campus.

Northwestern University

Rank: 10 (tie) City: Evanston, IL Strong Programs: Economics, Psychology, Political Science, Journalism, Engineering, Visual and Performing Arts, Education, Premed Atmosphere: the Big ten is not the ivy league, and nU has more school spirit than its eastern counterparts. Much more preprofessional than its nearby rival University of Chicago or any of the ivies except penn, nU is comparable to duke and stanford. World- renowned in journalism. suburban setting on the shore of lake Michigan, with quick access to Chicago. On Sunday nights before finals begin at Northwestern University, students are encouraged to let off steam with a campuswide "primal scream." The ear-shattering event illustrates two big themes at NU: students work really hard, but they also know how to let loose and enjoy themselves. Regarded as the most elite school in the Midwest, this top-tier university, the only private school in the Big Ten, boasts some of the most well-respected preprofessional programs in the country. Plus, Northwestern is ideally located just outside of Chicago. "I love being at a place where I can learn and have a great social life," says one student. Northwestern is situated on 231 acres about a dozen miles north of the Chicago Loop. An eclectic mix of stone buildings with abundant ivy, the leafy campus is set off from the town of Evanston and runs for a mile along the shore of Lake Michigan. Students migrate between the North Campus (techy) and the South Campus (artsy). The newer buildings are located adjacent to a 14-acre lagoon, part of an 85-acre lakefill addition built in the '60s. This area provides students with a prime location for picnicking, fishing, running, cycling, roller-skating, or just daydreaming. The Garage, located in a repurposed facility whose origins you can guess, offers meeting and high-tech workshop spaces, classrooms, and a café on a 24/7 basis for entrepre- neurs from across the university.

California Institute of Technology

Rank: 12 (tie) City: Pasadena, CA Strong Programs: Physics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Geological and Planetary Sciences Atmosphere: if you're armed with a near-perfect sAt score; a burning desire to study math, science, or engineering; and some independent research or published papers already under your belt, maybe you'll have a fighting chance of getting into and out of Caltech. Best experienced with grit, a propensity for pranks, and wide-ranging intellectual curiosity. The California Institute of Technology counts 38 Nobel Prize winners among its faculty and alumni, and students' demanding courseload means plenty of opportu- nities to tap into that brilliance. Expectations are high; "Techers" are fond of saying that "the admissions office doesn't make mistakes," and it's fairly common to take time off to deal with stress and avoid burnout. "The atmosphere promotes a love of science, learning, and discovery that is truly exhilarating," says a biology major. No doubt about it—if you prefer particle physics to partying, Caltech is the place to be. Caltech's 124-acre campus is located in Pasadena, "a wealthy suburban town about 15 miles outside Los Angeles," says a senior. "It's not a college town at all." The distance from downtown means the school is relatively isolated from the glitz, glamour, and good times that many people asso-ciate with La La Land. Outside the classroom, at least, tranquility prevails, with olive trees, lily ponds, and plenty of flowers breaking up clus-ters of older Spanish mission-style buildings. Leafy courtyards and arcades link these with the more modern, "block institutional" structures. The Beckman Auditorium (affectionately dubbed "The Wedding Cake" due to its round shape and conical roof) features spaces for performing arts, lectures, films, classes, and entertainment events. The $64 million, 212-bed Bechtel Residence opened in 2018.

Dartmouth College

Rank: 12 (tie) City:Hanover, NH Strong Programs: Economics, Government, Computer Science, Engineering Sciences, English, History, Biological Sciences, Foreign Languages Atmosphere: the smallest ivy and the one with the strongest emphasis on undergraduates. traditionally the most conservative member of the ivy league, it has steered toward more student diversity and more serious scholars, but long-standing party culture persists. ivy ties notwithstanding, dartmouth has more in common with places like Colgate, Middlebury, and Williams. Great for those who like the outdoors. Unlike the other seven members of the Ivy League, which trace their roots to Puritan New Englanders or progressive Quaker colonists, Dartmouth College was founded in 1769 to educate Native Americans. The student body has always been the smallest in the Ancient Eight, and the school's focus on undergraduate education differentiates Dartmouth from its peers, though it does offer graduate programs in engineering, business, and medicine. The college attracts plenty of hiking and skiing enthusiasts, and the Dartmouth Outing Club is still the most popular extracurricular organiza- tion. But these days, as Dartmouth focuses increasingly on building a warm, inclu- sive community and emphasizing the importance of global ties, students are just as likely to join a hip-hop dance group or to spend a vacation doing college-sponsored community service in Latin America. According to one freshman, "We strongly value traditions, we like to have fun in our woodsy New Hampshire home, and at the same time, everyone is incredibly academically involved." Dartmouth's picturesque campus is the most rural of the Ivies, and its winters may be the coldest, with the possible exception of those at Cornell. Set in the "small, Norman Rockwell town" of Hanover, NewHampshire, which is bisected by the AppalachianTrail, the campus is arranged around a traditionalNew England green. It's bounded by the impressive library at one end and by the college-ownedHanover Inn at the other. Architectural styles range from Romanesque to postmodern, but the dominant theme is copper-topped colonial frame. The nearest big city, Boston, is two hours away, but major artists like Itzhak Perlman routinely visit Dartmouth's Hopkins Center for the Arts, adding to the growing arts culture on campus.

Brown University

Rank: 14 (tie) City: Providence, RI Strong Programs: Economics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Neuroscience, Classics, Geology, Comparative Literature Atmosphere: to today's stressed-out students, the fantasy of taking every course pass/fail seems like a dream come true. nobody at Brown actually does this, but the pass/fail option, combined with the school's notable lack of distribution requirements, gives it the freewheeling image that students love. in reality, doing well at Brown is just as tough as at other ivies. scorned by conservatives as a hotbed of political correctness. Brown University is a perennial "hot college," with an overwhelming number of happy students and many more clamoring to join their ranks. Once here, students receive not only a prestigious and quality education, but also a chance to explore their creative sides at a liberal arts and sciences college that does not idolize grades or preprofessionalism and shuns GPAs, required courses, and competitive attitudes among its undergraduates. Brown's environment and policies have drawn both praise and criticism over the years, but its students thrive on this discussion and lively debate. "Brown's open curriculum, though not for everyone, is incredibly lib- erating," says one student. Founded in 1764 as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Brown was renamed in 1804 after Nicholas Brown Jr., a major benefactor whose father—one of the school's founders—was a businessman with controversial ties to the slave trade. The school recently established a memo- rial to slaves at Brown and a Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice. The uni- versity sits atop College Hill on the east side of Providence, and its 140-acre campus affords an excellent view of downtown Providence. Campus architecture is a com- posite of old and new—plenty of grassy lawns surrounded by historic buildings that offer students refuge from the city streets beyond. The neighborhoods that surround the campus lie within a national historic district and boast beautiful tree- lined streets full of ethnic charm. Recent construction includes the Engineering Research Center, featuring research labs for multiple disciplines and a large under- graduate teaching lab.

Cornell University

Rank: 16 (tie) City: Ithaca, NY Strong Programs: Engineering, Business, Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Hotel Administration, Architecture, China and Asia-Pacific Studies, Industrial and Labor Relations Atmosphere: Cornell University's reputation as a pressure cooker comes from its preprofessional attitude and a "we try harder" mentality. spans seven undergraduate colleges—four private and three public—and tuition varies accordingly. strong in engineering and architecture, world famous in hotel administration. easiest ivy to get into, and also the farthest from an urban center. once you're there, ithaca is a great college town. Cornell University has a long tradition of being the lone wolf among the Ivy League universities—not least for its ambition to become the finest research university for undergraduate education in the nation. The mixture within one institution of pri- vate and state-funded colleges and schools, preprofessional programs, and liberal arts results in, as one student says, "a diversity of opportunities in and outside of the classroom." Perched atop a hill that commands a view of both the city of Ithaca and Cayuga Lake, Cornell is breathtakingly scenic, with ravines, waterfalls, and parks border- ing all sides of the campus. (As the saying goes, "Ithaca is gorges.") The Cornell Botanic Gardens, more than 3,500 acres of woodlands, natural trails, streams, and gorges, provide space for walking, picnicking, or contemplation. Cornell's superb library system consists of 20 libraries, including the beautiful underground Carl A. Kroch Library, featuring sky-lit atriums and renowned collections of Icelandic and Southeast Asian materials. The Johnson Museum of Art, designed by I. M. Pei, is one of the best university museums in the nation. The state-of-the-art Bill and Melinda Gates Hall houses high-tech research and teaching labs for the university's computer and information science departments. One of the campus's newest buildings, the LEED Platinum-certified Klarman Hall is dedicated to teaching, research, and educa- tion in the humanities.

University of Notre Dame

Rank: 18 City: Notre Dame, IN Strong Programs: Economics, Finance, Political Science, Mechanical Engineering, English, Theology, Physics, Accountancy Atmosphere: the holy Grail of higher education for many roman Catholics. nd's heartland location and 80-percent-Catholic enrollment make it a bastion of solid education and equally solid values, religious and otherwise. offers business, science, architecture, and engineering in addition to the liberal arts. nd's personality is much closer to Boston College or holy Cross than Georgetown. only school ever ranked #1 in both football and graduation rates. Founded in 1842 by the French priest Edward Sorin from the Congregation of Holy Cross, the University of Notre Dame has come a long way from its fledgling days in a rustic log cabin. While described as "a Catholic academic community of higher learning," its students need not be affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Notre Dame takes pride in fostering a culture that values open discussion of religious, spiri- tual, and social issues—witness the willingness of its president to stick by a contro- versial decision in 2009 to award former president Barack Obama an honorary doctorate even though Obama does not share Catholic views on abortion. The school appeals to non-Catholics who are committed to social justice or seek a broadly spiritual dimension to their education. A soft spot for football doesn't hurt either. With 1,250 acres of manicured quads, twin lakes, and woods, the university offers a peaceful setting for studying. The lofty Golden Dome that rises above the ivy-covered Gothic and modern buildings and the old brick stadium, where Knute Rockne made the Fighting Irish almost synonymous with college football, are national symbols. The university is in the midst of a $1.1 billion construction spree that will add 20 new buildings by 2020, including several new academic buildings and residence halls. The nine-story Duncan Student Center, which overlooks the football stadium, opened in 2018 and boasts a career services center, dining facili- ties, a massive rock-climbing wall, and premium new stadium seating for football VIPs. Notre Dame's $13 billion endowment is the largest of any of the country's Catholic colleges and universities.

Emory University

Rank: 21 City: Atlanta, GA Strong Programs: Business Administration, Biology, Economics, Nursing, Neuroscience, Political Science, English and Creative Writing, Irish Studies Atmosphere: often compared to duke and vanderbilt, emory may be most similar to Washington University in st. louis. Both are in major cities and both tout business and premed as major draws. emory's suburban Atlanta location is tough to beat. Attracts a larger contingent from the northeast than more southern competitors such as vanderbilt. Also consider oxford College, emory's two-year, small-town liberal arts campus. Emory University may lack the liberal arts prowess of the Northeastern schools with which it competes, but it's a favorite of preprofessional students from both U.S. coasts and around the globe. They come for its size (big, but not too big), loca- tion, national reputation, and, increasingly, for its diversity. One sophomore says, "Probably the best part of Emory [is] meeting people from all over the world and all different kinds of backgrounds." Regardless of where they come from, students are challenged, not coddled, in the classroom; they form study groups and work together to succeed. An atmosphere of Southern friendliness enhances the vibrant campus life. Set on 631 acres of woods and rolling hills in the Druid Hills suburb of Atlanta, Emory's campus spreads out from an academic quad of marble-covered, red-roofed buildings. Contemporary structures dot the periphery of the lush, green grounds. In recent years, Emory has expanded science and math research facilities, added a performing arts center, and updated freshman housing. The three-story Emory Student Center, opened in 2019, houses the campus's main dining facilities, student organizations, and various multipurpose spaces. Emory University offers applicants the choice between two different undergrad- uate experiences at two distinct campuses: Emory College in Atlanta, GA, and Oxford "[Faculty members] set aside a significant amount of time for mentoringand helping students." College in Oxford, GA. Emory College may be best for students who seek a four-year undergrad- uate experience at a research institution that values academic independence and intellectual engagement. Oxford College is suited for students who seek a small liberal arts college experience and early opportunities for leadership; it is also easier to get into. Following two years of study at Oxford, all students continue as juniors at Emory's Atlanta campus. Emory's distribution requirements aim to develop competence in writing, quantitative methods, a second language, and physical education, and include exposure to the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Other required coursework helps broaden students' perspectives on national, regional, and global history and culture. All freshmen take a first-year seminar that is limited to 15 students each and participate in PACE (Pre- Major Advising Connections at Emory), which brings together faculty, staff, and student leaders to mentor them on all aspects of college life.

University of Chicago

Rank: 3 (tie) City: Chicago, IL Strong Programs: Economics, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Political Science, English, Area Studies, Molecular Engineering, Premed Atmosphere: The University of Chicago attracts students eager to move beyond the cliquishness of high school and the superficial trappings of Ivy League résumé building—the kids more concerned about learning for learning's sake than about getting a job after graduation, though they're certainly capable of the latter. "'Life of the Mind' is taken very seriously," says a student. "The academic atmosphere extends beyond the class-room, and most people like it that way." Still, administrators have realized that in the 21st century, even the best schools cannot survive on intellectual might alone. To make UChicago more attractive, they've stopped requiring the SAT or ACT for admission, broadened the offerings in the core curriculum, expanded study abroad programs and career advising, and completed a bevy of new facilities. The result? Applications have tripled since 2005 and enrollment is surging. Says a freshman, "The fact that college here is a good time just makes us that much happier." The university's 217-acre, tree-lined campus is in Hyde Park, an eclectic community on Chicago's South Side, surrounded by neighborhoods on three sides and Lake Michigan on the other. One of 77 city neighborhoods, Hyde Park "is pretty intel- lectual," says one student, noting that "two-thirds of our faculty live here." Streets are lined with brownstones, rowhouses, and townhouses, giving way to luxury high- rises with beautiful views as you get closer to the lake; the city's Museum of Science and Industry is within spitting distance. The campus itself is self-contained and architecturally magnificent. The main quads are steel-gray Gothic—gargoyles and all—and other buildings were designed by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, Eero Saarinen, and Mies van der Rohe. The Regenstein Library (known as "the Reg") is a national treasure, symbolically located in the heart of the campus. Next to the Reg is the Mansueto Library, a geodesic dome. The new Green Line Performing Arts Center opened in Washington Park in 2018.

University of Rochester

Rank: 33 (tie) City: Rochester, NY Strong Programs: Psychology, Financial Economics, Economics, Biomedical Engineering, Business, Premed, Optics, Music Atmosphere: the name may conjure up a nondescript public university, but rochester, located in an up-and-coming city, is a quality private university in the orbit of Carnegie Mellon, Case Western reserve, Johns hopkins, and Washington University in st. louis. the university has a scientific bent and a strong reputation for churning out premeds. Music is another strength. has half as many undergraduates as neighboring rit. The University of Rochester is not afraid of change. This distinguished private uni- versity implemented its unique Rochester Renaissance Plan in the mid-1990s, and since then it has never looked back. The plan included reducing class size; making new investments in the library, classrooms, and computer networking facilities; and launching a curriculum that eliminates entry-level general education courses to allow students to design their own paths. Today, ever-expanding academic opportu- nities ensure that students have freedom to explore while getting plenty of hands- on experience in the process. Founded in 1850, the University of Rochester occupies a snug little 90-acre campus, which nestles up to a bend in the Genesee River. One student acknowledges that the university lives under "perpetually gray [read: winter] skies," but finds com- fort that "it's great for winter sports or studying or even sleeping late on a snowy Saturday." Althougha few buildings are modern—the Wilson Commons student center designed by I. M. Pei, for example—most of the older structures come in Greek Revivaland Georgian colonial styles. There is an aesthetically pleasing contrast between old and new, and the Eastman Quadrangle, with the library and original academic buildings, adds to Rochester's stately look. Wegmans Hall, a 58,000-square-foot- building designed for interdisciplinary work in data science, opened in 2017.

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Rank: 70 (tie) City: Amherst, MA Strong Programs: Management, Engineering, Psychology, Finance, Biology, Economics, Accounting, Computer Science Atmosphere:A liberal mecca in cosmopolitan and scenic western Massachusetts, UMass boasts strong study abroad programs and an international flavor. Management and engineering are also strong. in addition to the resources of a major research university, offers ready access to privates Amherst, hampshire, Mount holyoke, and smith via the Five College Consortium. lack of big-time sports makes for a lower national profile than the likes of Michigan or UnC. A leading flagship and land grant university with more than 150 years of tradi- tion, the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers students a dizzying array of majors, extracurriculars, and social opportunities in a top college town, plus a strong honors program. UMass's membership in the Five College Consortium makes it a good choice for students who want to take advantage of the extensive resources and programs of a large research university, while also getting a taste of the small-school atmosphere and intellectual rigor of four elite private colleges—all without empty- ing their wallets. UMass's sprawling 1,463-acre campus is centered on a pond full of ducks and swans, while architectural styles range from colonial to modern. The school is located on the outskirts of Amherst, a city that combines the energy of a bustling cosmopolitan center with the quaintness of an old New England town, while also catering to college life. UMass's library system is the largest of any public institution in theNortheast. The campus is undergoing a spate of new construction, including the Physical Sciences Building, offering flexible labs for research teams, and the state-of-the-art Design Building, housing programs in environmental conservation, architecture, and regional planning. In addition, the historic Old Chapel was recently restored.

University of Pittsburgh

Rank: 70 (tie) City: Pittsburgh, PA Strong Programs:Psychology, Finance, Biological Sciences, Nursing, Premed, Rehabilitation Science Bioengineering, Politics and Philosophy Atmosphere: As its home city has risen in stature, pitt has become a hot commodity along with next-door neighbor Carnegie Mellon. A state-related university in the mold of the University of Cincinnati—not the state flagship, but strong in a host of preprofessional programs, especially in health fields. Curiously, pitt is among the nation's best in philosophy. Admissions is rolling, so apply early. Pittsburgh has joined the ranks of the most livable cities in the United States. The University of Pittsburgh has matured too, becoming a formidable public research institution. The school offers numerous opportunities for students pursuing busi- ness, medical, and engineering careers, but leaves a great deal of room for explora- tion in the liberal arts. Students are encouraged to be individuals and carve out their own academic niche, either with multiple majors or with certificate programs. "The great thing about Pitt is they are always adding and adapting programs to fit the students' needs and interests," says a junior. Pitt began as a tiny, private educational academy in the Allegheny Mountains in 1787. Oh, how times have changed. The university, which became state-related in 1966, is adjacent to Carnegie Mellon and is now part of the landscape of shops, museums, and galleries that make up Oakland, the heart of Pittsburgh's educational and medical center. Spacious, light-filled, contemporary buildings and generic modern office buildings make up the Pitt campus, but the architectural delight is the fabled 42-story, neo-Gothic academic building, appropriately called the Cathedral of Learning, a national historic landmark. The stately and towering cathedral, with its unique Nationality Rooms, attracts 30,000 visitors annually. And contrary to images you may hold of inner-city Pittsburgh, the campus borders a 456-acre city park.

University of Iowa

Rank: 89 (tie) City: Iowa City, Iowa Strong Programs: Creative Writing, Finance, Psychology, Communication Studies, Health and Human Psychology, Nursing, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Business Atmosphere: A bargain compared with other Big ten schools such as Michigan and illinois. iowa is world-famous for its creative writing program and Writers' Workshop. other areas of strength include health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and business. Future scientists should check out the research Fellows program. the university is a regional draw, although more students are arriving from outside the Midwest. At first glance, one might dismiss Iowa as a standard-issue Midwestern State U. But look beyond the state's endless miles of fields and corn and you'll find one of the most dynamic schools in the country—and one of the best values to boot. Iowa is known for breeding stellar nurses, future doctors, and of course, wrestlers. "I feel like I'm at home when I'm here," says a sophomore. "Iowa has a great vibe." Iowa was the first public university in the 19th century to admit men and women on an equal basis and the first to accept theater, music, and the other arts as equal to more tradi- tional areas of academic research. The university has long been a major player in the creative fields, particularly writing, and its small-town atmosphere is just one of many reasons students nationwide flock to this "budget Ivy." The 1,770-acre campus is located in the rolling hills of the Iowa River valley. Among the 300 major buildings is Old Capitol, the first capitol of Iowa, a national Social and Behavioral Sciences Business historic landmark, and the symbol of the university.The primary architectural styles of the campus build-ings are Greek Revival and modern. Notable facilities include a 216,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art recre-ation and wellness center. The university spent the better part of a decade recovering from severe flooding that damaged 20 campus buildings in 2008; the recent opening of three new buildings, the Voxman Music Building, Hancher Auditorium, and the Visual Arts Building, marked the completion of those efforts.

Marquette University

Rank: 89 (tie) City: Milwaukee, Wi Strong Programs: Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Marketing, Psychology, Social Welfare and Justice, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Bioinformatics, Theatre Arts Atmosphere: Marquette is an old-line roman Catholic university that is actively engaged in strengthening its Jesuit character. service learning is a major emphasis. the student body is mainly from the southern Wisconsin/northern illinois corridor and is nearly two-thirds Catholic. relatively inexpensive, in keeping with its middle- and working- class roots. Compare to saint louis University and loyola of Chicago. At Marquette University, students practice what they preach. The college experience at this Roman Catholic institution includes an emphasis on personal growth, civic responsibility, and community service. The university has worked in recent years to strengthen its traditions and values drawn from the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), while at the same time expanding its global focus and connecting students with practical, real-world experiences. Service learning, which helps students put classroom theo- ries to the test through volunteer work, is a cornerstone of campus life, helping to shape well-rounded students who graduate ready, as the school puts it, to "be the difference" in the world. Marquette occupies more than 80 acres of "concrete with interludes of grass and trees" just a few blocks from the heart of downtown Milwaukee. While offering the advantages of an urban setting, its campus does have plenty of open spaces suitable "We are the type of students who love debate, and love the free flowing exchange of ideas." for throwing everything from a Frisbee to a barbe- cue. Although most of the buildings are relatively modern, the campus is the site of the St. Joan of Arc Chapel, which was built in France more than 500 years ago and later transported to Wisconsin. It is said to be the only medieval structure in the Western Hemisphere dedicated to its original purpose. The university's first new residence hall in 50 years, a $108 mil- lion, two-building complex housing 865 freshmen and sophomores, opened in 2018.

Howard University

Rank: 89 (tie) City: Washington, DC Strong Programs: Business, Communication, Physical Sciences, Biology, Political Science, Nursing, Computer Science, Afro American Studies Atmosphere: the flagship university of black America and the first to integrate the black experience into all areas of study. strategically located in d.C., howard depends on Congress for much of its funding. preprofessional programs such as nursing, business, and architecture are strong. only 10 percent of students are an ethnicity other than African American. Contrary to the advice of early black leaders such as Booker T. Washington, who argued in favor of technical training, Howard has promoted the liberal arts since its inception. This focus has served the school well; Howard's law school counts the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall among its alumni, and Nobel Prize- winning author Toni Morrison went here too. In recent years, Howard has strength- ened its financial position and has been implementing a strategic plan structured around "Leadership for America and the Global Community." The four-part plan focuses on strengthening academic programs and services, promoting excellence in teaching and research, increasing private support, and enhancing national and community services. Founded in 1867 by General Oliver Howard primarily to educate freed slaves, the university now operates five campuses and serves roughly 8,600 full-time stu- dents. Interestingly, Howard is one of a handful of universities in the nation sup- ported partly by federal subsidies; these days, the school gets about 55 percent of its budget from Congress. The 89-acre main campus houses most classrooms, dorms, and administrative offices, as well as the university center, the Founders, and under- graduate, medical, and dental libraries. The Howard Law Center is on the west campus near Rock Creek Park; the Divinity School is on a 22-acre site in northeast Washington; and there's also a 108-acre campus in suburban Beltsville, Maryland, and a campus in Silver Spring. Architecturally, the main campus is a blend of old and new, with numerous sculptures and murals created by Jacob Lawrence, Richard Hunt, Elizabeth Catlett, and the late Romare Bearden. Newer facilities include the state-of-the-art, 82,000-square-foot Interdisciplinary Research Building.

University of Colorado Boulder

Rank: 96 (tie) City: Boulder, CO Strong Programs: Psychology, Integrative Psychology, Communication, Finance, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Physics, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Music Atmosphere: Boulder is a legendary place that draws everyone from east Coast ski bums to California refugees. the scenery is breathtaking and the science programs are first- rate. the University of Arizona is the only public university of similar stature in the Mountain West. Check out the residential academic programs and other living/ learning communities. Wild buffalo may be all but extinct on America's Great Plains, but they're in bois- terous residence, proudly wearing gold and black, at the University of Colorado Boulder. A bevy of scholars' programs, residential academic programs, and other learning communities give the campus a community feel, and students choose from a solid menu of academic programs, including research experience, study abroad, and service learning. "There are so many ways to be active and engaged in your learning at Boulder," cheers a sophomore. And with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, is it any wonder that CU Boulder Buffaloes are a happy herd? Tree-shaded walkways, winding bike paths, open spaces, and an incredible view of the dramatic Flatirons rock formation make CU's 600-acre Boulder campus a haven for students from both coasts and forColorado residents eager to pursue knowledge in a snowy paradise. The campus includes about200 classic rural Italian-style buildings and com-plexes built of Colorado sandstone with red tile roofs. The 45,000-square-foot Gallogly Discovery Learning Center houses 12 advanced labs supporting collabora- tive research in fields ranging from biotechnology to unmanned vehicle systems. City bus passes are included in the cost of tuition and fees, the campus Environmental Center facilitates sustainable culture and practices, and ongoing renovations and construction projects embody the university's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

University of California-Berkeley

Rank: 22 (tie) City: Berkeley, CA Strong Programs: Engineering, Architecture, Economics, Political Science, Business, Sociology, Mathematics, Physics Atmosphere: like everything else at Berkeley, the academic offerings at this flagship of flagship universities can be overwhelming. With more than 29,000 undergraduate overachievers crammed into such a small space, it is no wonder that the academic climate is about as intense as you can get at a world-class public university. don't expect to be on a first-name basis with your professor in intro Bio. Berkeley. Mention the name, and even down-to-earth students get stars in their eyes. Students who come here want the biggest and best of everything, though sometimes that idealism runs headlong into budget cuts, tuition increases, and housing short- ages. Never mind. Berkeley is where the action is. If you want a quick indicator of Berkeley's academic prowess, look no farther than the parking lot. The campus is dotted with spots marked "NL"—spots reserved for resident Nobel laureates. The last time anyone counted, Berkeley boasted 22 of them, along with hundreds of Guggenheim fellows, Pulitzer Prize recipients, MacArthur fellows, and Fulbright scholars. Is it any wonder that this radical institution of the '60s still maintains the kind of reputation that makes the top private universities take note? The social climate at this mother of UC schools is not as explosive as it once seemed to be, but don't expect anything tame on today's campus. It has often been at the epicenter of the Free Speech movement. Flower children and granola chompers still abound, as do fledgling Marxists, young Republicans, and body-pierced activists. Spread across 1,200 scenic acres on a hill overlooking San Francisco Bay, the Berkeley campus is a parklike oasis in a small city. The startlingly wide variety of archi-tectural styles ranges from the stunning classi-cal amphitheater to the modern UniversityArt Museum draped in neon sculpture. Large expanses of grass dot the campus and are just"perfect for playing Frisbee or lying in the sun." The oaks along Strawberry Creek and the eucalyptus grove date back to Berkeley's beginnings more than 150 years ago. Sproul Plaza, in the heart of the campus, is one of the great people-watching sites of the world.

University of Virginia

Rank: 25 (tie) City: Charlottesville, VA Strong Programs: Economics, Commerce, Biology, Psychology, Foreign Affairs, Sociology, Life Sciences, Public Policy Atmosphere: is it thomas Jefferson? the romanesque architecture? the Charlottesville air? Whatever it is, students nationwide go gaga for UvA, where competition for out-of- state admission has hit the ivy league level. relatively small for a top-notch public flagship, UvA combines old-line conservatism with high-quality academics and a social scene that is spirited in multiple senses of the word. Charlottesville is a big small town with plenty of culture, just over two hours from d.C. Easily one of the most prestigious public schools in the nation, the University of Virginia is known to all in Charlottesville as Mr. Jefferson's University. Not just any Mr. Jefferson, mind you, but the Mr. Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence. Though he passed away nearly two centuries ago, he is referred to here as if he ran down to the apothecary shop for a bit of snuff and will be back in a moment. Of all his accomplishments, Jefferson was arguably proudest of UVA—he even asked that his epitaph speak to his role in creating the university rather than his presidency of the United States. Located just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, UVA's campus (the "Grounds") is dotted with historic buildings designed by Jefferson himself and is still in use today. At the core is Jefferson's "academical village," with majestic white pillars, serpentine walls, and extensive brickwork. The village rises around a rectangular terraced green, known as the Lawn, which is flanked by two rows of identical one-story rooms reserved for undergraduate student leaders. Five pavilions, each in a different style, are arranged on either side of the Lawn; all of them open onto a colonnaded walkway. Behind the buildings are public gardens, while the Rotunda, a half-scale model of the Roman Pantheon, overlooks the Lawn and stands as a symbol of Jefferson's Enlightenment belief in secularism and freedom.

Tufts University

Rank: 27 (tie) City: Medford, MA Strong Programs: International Relations, Economics, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Classics, Philosophy, Child Study and Human Development Atmosphere: one of the smallest and most undergraduate-focused of the major research universities, tufts is known for its global focus. strengths run the gamut from classics and philosophy to engineering and international relations. located just outside student-friendly Boston, it has more in common with Brown than any other ivy. Compare to other top urban schools such as Georgetown, northwestern, and WashU. the experimental College lets student take nontraditional courses for credit. Once considered a safety school for those who couldn't get into an Ivy, Tufts isn't so safe anymore. Applications are up dramatically, propelling Tufts into the ranks of the more selective schools in the country. With its strong academics, high-achieving student body, and attractive setting, some might say that not all that much more separates Tufts University from its illustrious neighbors, Harvard and MIT, than a few stops on the T. Says one senior, "Tufts is a school for people who aren't afraid to speak their mind but are also open to having someone change their mind." Tufts's 150-acre, tree-lined campus on Walnut Hill overlooks the heart of nearby Boston and is a striking scene. The main campus, with its brick and stone build- ings, sits on the Medford/Somerville boundary. Medford, the fifth-oldest city in the country, was a powerful shipbuilding center during the 19th century. Somerville lies adjacent to the Tufts campus, and in 1776, the first American flag was raised on its Prospect Hill. For years, Tufts, founded in 1852 by Universalist businessman Charles Tufts, has devoted resources to traditional areas of graduate strength—medicine, dentistry, veterinary, and diplomacy—as well as new ventures, such as a Nutrition Research Center. Tufts has acquired the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, expanding opportunities for study in fine arts and design, and recent campus addi- tions include the Science and Engineering Complex.

Wake Forest University

Rank: 27 (tie) City: Winston Salem, NC Strong Programs: Finance, Communication, Psychology, Politics and International Affairs, Business and Enterprise Management, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Atmosphere: Wake Forest's Baptist heritage and Winston-salem location give it a more down- home flavor than duke or emory. With more than 5,000 undergraduates, Wake Forest is small compared with its Atlantic Coast Conference rivals but bigger than most liberal arts colleges. the strong Greek system dominates the social scene. holds its own in the ACC with universities more than five times its size. Long one of the top private schools in the Southeast, Wake Forest has transformed its regional recognition into a national reputation. Known for basketball—at least half the student body attends every home game, one junior says—Wake Forest's solid academics are worthy of a look as well. Students work hard, hence the nick- name "Work Forest," but the university's size and strong Greek system means it's also easy to establish close friendships. "Wake Forest is the best of both worlds," says a political science major. "Academics are challenging, and you're surrounded by motivated and intelligent peers. At the same time, students pride themselves on being social." Located in the Central Piedmont region of North Carolina, Wake Forest's 340- acre campus features flowers, wooded trails, and stately magnolias. There are more than 40 Georgian-style buildings constructed of old Virginia brick with granite trim. The campus is bordered by the lush, 148-acre Reynolda Gardens annex, which features a formal garden, green-houses, and one of the first collections of Japanese cherry trees in the U.S. In 2017 the university opened Wake Downtown, a 115,000-square-foot, STEM-focused space adjacent to Wake's School of Medicine in downtown Winston-Salem. The 180,000-square-foot Wake Forest Wellbeing Center, housing fitness and recreation facilities as well as offices for student health and other support services, was completed in 2018.

Yale University

Rank: 3 (tie) City: New Haven, CT Strong Programs: Economics, Life Sciences, Political Science, Engineering, History, English, Architecture, Modern Languages Atmosphere: Founded in 1701 by Connecticut Congregationalists concerned about "backsliding" among their counterparts at a certain school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Yale has long been recognized as one of the world's finest private universities, and one of the handful of Ivy League schools focused on undergraduates. Students here remain as focused on their studies as ever and tend to carry their achievements lightly. And thanks to Yale's residential college system, this huge research university feels like more of a home for its students. "Yale students are truly happy to be here," says a sophomore. "Everyone has a massive crush on Yale, and that makes all the difference in living and working here for four years." Yale's campus looks like the traditional archetype—magnificent courtyards, imposing quadrangles, Gothic buildings designed by James Gamble Rogers, and Harkness Tower, a 201-foot spire once washed with acid to create its aged, stately look. All the residential colleges, most of which date back to the 1930s, have been renovated. The university intends to increase its undergraduate enrollment to 6,200 by 2020 and has opened two new residential colleges, built in the traditional colle- giate Gothic style, to accommodate that growth. Kroon Hall is a LEED-certified build- ing that houses the environmental studies program. The Greenberg Engineering Teaching Concourse, opened in 2017, offers state-of-the-art spaces for undergradu- ate teaching and collaboration. Inside Yale's wrought-iron gates, academic programs are superb across the board, with arts and humanities programs especially outstanding. With tradition ever- "While the workload is present on campus, the Puritan work ethic challenging, most classes remains. Graduating from Yale requires 36 help students collaborate." courses—nine a year—rather than the 32 courses required at most other colleges. Students agree that despite all the hard work, the academic environment is not based on competi- tion. "While the workload is challenging, most classes help students collaborate by promoting study groups, facilitating discussions in small, seminar classes, and orga- nizing class section meetings for larger lecture classes," explains a senior.Although Yale has 12 professional schools and a Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Yale College—the undergraduate arts and sciences division—remains the university's heart. Virtually all professors teach undergraduates, and the profes- sional schools' resources—especially architecture, fine arts, drama, and music—are available to them as well. Yale's superb economics department, replete with budding hedge fund managers and management consultants, offers the most popular under- graduate major, followed by life sciences, political science, engineering, history, and English. History offers one of the most demanding programs, including a mandatory 30- to 50-page senior essay. The English department is routinely at the vanguard of literary theory, while an outstanding interdisciplinary humanities major includes the study of the medieval, Renaissance, and modern periods. Most science labs and classrooms are located on Science Hill (the sciences were latecomers to all of the oldest U.S. universities and had to find space outside campus cores). Yale has spent $1 billion on science and engineering facilities and faculty since 2001, and nearly half of incoming students now arrive at Yale with an interest in a STEM major. The biological science departments are excellent, and its students' interests range from biomedical engineering research to preparation for medical school. Architecture and modern languages, especially French and Chinese, are first-rate, and the school's Center for the Study of Globalization is renowned as well. Majors have been added in neuroscience and statistics and data science.

Columbia University

Rank: 3 (tie) City: New York, NY Strong Programs: English, History, Political Science, Economics, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Biology, Engineering Atmosphere: Though students entering Columbia will, of course, expect the rigorous academic program they'll encounter at this Ivy League school, they must also be streetwise, urbane, and together enough to handle one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Columbia lets its students experience life in the Big Apple, but serves as a refuge when it becomes necessary to escape from New York, allowing students to immerse themselves in the best academia has to offer, starting with the Core Curriculum. "Students here want a classical liberal arts education but do not want to live in a college bubble," says a freshman. Famous alums can be found in the high- est echelons of their chosen professions, whether it be politics, literature, sports, or entertainment. Think Barack Obama.

University of California - Davis

Rank: 38 (tie) City: Davis, California Strong Programs: Biological Sciences, Economics, Psychology, Animal Science, Engineering, Agriculture Atmosphere: the closest thing to a cow college in the UC system, but with a cultured, upscale feel. described by the New Yorker as "the Mit of American fermentation." premed, prevet, food science—you name it. if the subject lives and breathes, you can study it here. A small-town alternative to the bright lights of UC Berkeley and UClA. As is often true at science-oriented schools, the work is hard. At the University of California Davis, environmental science and most everything that has to do with animals, agriculture, winemaking, or biological science is note- worthy. The Aggies' cup truly runneth over. Originally developed as the University of California Farm, the campus maintains its sprawling, verdant beauty, replete with native and imported forestry, charming bike paths, and mooing cows. But lest you assume this environmentally oriented university is full of quaint country folk right out of American Gothic, think again. UC Davis is a major research university and has become an international leader in the agricultural, biological, biotechnical, and veterinary sciences. Located 20 miles west of Sacramento and 73 miles north of San Francisco, the 5,300-acre campus is located along the Capitol Corridor, skirting the Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta watershed. It features a 100-acre arboretum and hundreds of "Academics are fairly buildings with a blend of architectural styles, intense, yet the students are from traditional dairy barn to the modern positive and collaborative." Sciences Laboratory building with its rooftop greenhouse. The hub of the university is a cen- tral area known as the Quad, one of many grassy open spaces on campus outfitted with hammocks, perfect for soaking up the abundant California sunshine. Recent construction includes the 75,000-square-foot Shrem Museum of Art, which devotes one-third of its space to education.

University of California - San Diego

Rank: 41 City: La Jolla, CA Strong Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Oceanography, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Psychology, Cognitive Science Atmosphere: Applications have doubled in the past 10 years at this seaside paradise. UC san diego now rivals better-known Berkeley and UClA as the Cal campus of choice for top students. six undergraduate colleges break the university down to a more manageable size. Best known for science, engineering, and the famed scripps institution of oceanography. Some say that looking good is better than feeling good, but at UC San Diego, they're doing a lot of both. Set against the serene beauty of La Jolla's beaches, students catch as much relaxation time as they do study time. But it's not all fun and games around this campus. The research star of the UC system, San Diego's faculty rates high nationally among public institutions in science productivity. And within each of the six undergraduate colleges, a system that offers undergraduates more intimate set- tings, students are honing their minds with the classics and the cutting edge in academics. Sure, San Diegans tend to be more mellow than the average Southern Californian, and the students here follow suit. But beneath the tanned foreheads and bright smiles, UC San Diego is bubbling with intellectual energy and the healthy desire to be at the top of the UC system. San Diego's tree-lined campus sits high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific in the seaside resort of La Jolla. The predominant architectural theme is contempo- rary, with a few out-of-the-ordinary structures, including a library that looks like an inverted pyramid. Another tinge of the postmodern is the nation's largest neon sculpture, which wraps around one of the high-rise academic buildings and consists of seven-foot-tall letters that spell out the seven virtues superimposed over the seven vices. Plans are in the works for a significant campus expansion that will add several new academic and residential facilities.

Northeastern University

Rank: 44 (tie) City: Boston, MA Strong Programs: Business and Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions, Social Sciences, Biological and Life Sciences Atmosphere:northeastern is synonymous with preprofessional education and hands-on experience. By interspersing co-op jobs with academic study, students can help finance their education while getting a leg up on the job market—domestic and global. Aided by a huge spike in applications and an ambitious building program, nU has transformed itself from blue-collar urban into Boston chic. With students always coming and going, campus life is minimal. Long known for its co-op program and hands-on learning experiences, Northeastern University has set its sights on becoming one of the region's top-tier institutions. More selective than ever, NU has added lavish new facilities and recruited big- name professors while continuing to combine liberal arts requirements with up to 18 months of challenging work placements. "The school has encouraged and empowered me to explore the world through research and study abroad," cheers one mechanical engineering major, "experiences that will stay with me forever." Northeastern's 73-acre campus is an unlikely oasis located in the heart of Boston, just minutes away from Fenway Park, shopping centers, nightclubs, cafés, Symphony Hall, and the Museum of Fine Arts. The campus's green spaces are inter- spersed with brick walkways, sculptures, and outdoor art. Older buildings are utilitarian gray-brick, while newer structures are modern glass and brick. During inclement weather, students can be found navigating the underground tunnel system that connects many campus buildings. No longer a commuter college, NU has the rare luxury for an urban institution of having erstwhile parking lots available for new construction. The state-of-the-art Interdisciplinary Sciences and Engineering Complex furthers NU's emphasis on applied—or, to use the local jargon, "use-inspired"—research.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Rank: 46 (tie) City: Champaign, IL Strong Programs: Engineering, Business, Communication, Social Sciences, Architecture, Education, Industrial Design, Agriculture Atmosphere:half a step behind Michigan and neck and neck with Wisconsin among top Midwestern public universities. U of i's strengths include business, communication, engineering, architecture, and the natural sciences. three-quarters of the undergraduates hail from in state. huge Greek system. Like many of its Midwestern neighbors, the University of Illinois has its roots in agriculture. The Morrow Plots, the oldest experimental fields in the nation, still rest in the middle of campus—and when the wind blows the wrong way, students are not-so-subtly reminded of their heritage as a farm school. Like most big, public universities, U of I has a barn full of choices, and with a strong Greek system and 1,200 clubs, social activities are more than plentiful. Homecoming weekend was invented at the University of Illinois, and whether cheering for the Illini, pledg- ing a Greek organization, or celebrating Moms', Dads', or Siblings' Weekends, students here stir up a vibrant mix of school spirit and good times. This may look and feel like a laid-back Midwestern campus, but make no mistake: Illinois's stellar academics and learning communities are on par with any of the country's public flagships. Befitting the oldest land grant institution, the Illinois campus was built in farm country between the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. The parklike campus was designed along a mile-long axis where trees and walkways separate stately white-columned Georgian structures made of brick. Physically challenged students tend to appreciate the campus because it is flat and well equipped with ramps and widened doorways. The impressive Illinois library system, the largest public univer- sity collection of its kind worldwide, makes it easier to keep up with classwork. A 225,000-square-foot computer science center and the physical education center are notable. New construction includes the $25 million Siebel Center for Design, open- ing in 2020.

University of Georgia

Rank: 46 (tie) City: Athens, GA Strong Programs: Finance, Psychology, Biology, Marketing, Journalism, Ecology, Agricultural Sciences, Public Relations Atmosphere: What a difference (nearly) free tuition makes. top Georgia students now choose UGA over highly selective private institutions. Business, engineering, and social and natural sciences head the list of strong and sought-after programs. the college town of Athens boasts a great nightlife and is within easy reach of Atlanta. the university's Center for Undergraduate research offers rich opportunities. Twenty-six years ago, the state of Georgia began using lottery receipts to fund the HOPE Scholarship program. The program covers 78 percent of tuition at the University of Georgia for all four years for students who finish high school in the state with a B average and maintain that average in college. The impact of the scholarship has been huge. Top Georgia students who in the past would have looked to more "the experiential learning requirement has made me explore things outside of what i am predisposed to." prestigious out-of-state universities are opting instead to set their sights on UGA, which is now much tougher to get into. The program has been widely criticized as a somewhat cynical middle- class assistance program, but there is no doubt that it has helped transform a school that was previously known primarily for its dynamite football team and raucous parties into a widely respected research univer- sity. Today, "Georgia offers the most complete 'Southern college experience' in the South," says a senior. Founded in 1785, Georgia was the nation's first state-chartered university (UNC was chartered later but wins bragging rights as the first public university to open its doors). Its attractive 706-acre campus is dotted with greenery and wooded walks. The older north campus houses administrative offices and the law school, and features 19th-century architecture and landscaping. The southern end of campus has more modern buildings and residence halls. The new, six-building Business Learning Community complex, featuring such high-tech resources as a trading room, a music business lab, and a business innovation lab, has been a major, multi- year construction project.

Pepperdine University

Rank: 46 (tie) City: Malibu, CA Strong Programs: Business Administration, Communication, Management, Psychology, Sports Medicine, Economics, Biology Atmosphere: Pepperdine has arguably the most beautiful campus setting in America. the buildings are nothing special, but the views of the pacific ocean are incomparable. With l.A. nearby, small wonder its popularity is soaring. students should come to pepperdine ready to embrace an evangelical Christian emphasis. With picturesque surroundings, it's easy to confuse Pepperdine University with its nickname—Pepperdine Resort. Surrounded by the beautiful Southern California seashore, Pepperdine University might seem like paradise for students seeking sun- shine rather than studies at this conservative, Christian-affiliated university, though students take their work and their worship seriously. "The philosophy of the school is that God and the academic experience must be married," says a senior communication major. "This creates an intimate learning environment that prides itself on moral integrity and a high academic standard." Business and communica- tion are the most blessed programs, though other departments deserve recognition too. Undergrads praise their educational opportunities, the strength of their school's spiritual community, and the vast sandy beaches beckoning below their hilltop campus. There's no denying that Pepperdine's location—high in the Santa Monica Mountains, about 25 miles northwest of Los Angeles—is a strong selling point. The 830-acre Malibu campus, to which the school moved in 1972, overlooks the Pacific "[pepperdine offers]an intimate learning environment that prides itself on moral integrity and a high academic standard." Ocean and features fountains, hillside gardens, mountain trails, and a 20-minute walk to the beach. Cream-colored, Mediterranean-style buildings topped with red terra-cotta roofs dot the landscape. A 125-foot-tall white stucco cross stands near the center of campus, remind- ing students and faculty of the school's affiliation with the Churches of Christ (to which 12 percent of students belong). Pepp's 10-facility library system boasts nearly 500,000 volumes.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Rank: 49 (tie) City: Madison, WI Strong Programs: Economics, Biology, Computer Science, Psychology, Education, Agriculture, Communication, Business Atmosphere:Madison draws a third of its students from out of state, a higher proportion than some other leading Midwestern public universities. Why brave the cold? reasons include top programs in an array of professional fields and several innovative living/ learning programs. there's also the pleasure of life in Madison, a combination state capital/college town in the mold of Austin, texas. sky-high retention rates. For more than a century, the University of Wisconsin has been guided by the Progressive-era philosophy of the "Wisconsin Idea" that the purpose of a great state university is to seek truth and apply the resulting knowledge to the benefit of the students and society as a whole. Such a philosophy has turned Wisconsin into one of the world's leading universities—one where nearly 30,000 undergraduates take advantage of high-level academics and a rich array of resources. After five years of deep budget cuts enacted by the former governor and other state leaders with little sympathy for the Wisconsin Idea, state funding is back on the rise, and Wisconsin remains a place where professional and other programs are outstanding. Just bring a strong desire to learn—and a very warm coat. Described by one Madison student as "architecturally olden with a modern touch," the mainly brick campus is distinctive. It spreads out over 936 hilly, tree- covered acres and across an isthmus between two glacial lakes, Mendota and Monona, named by Native Americans who once lived along their shores. From atop Bascom Hill, the center of campus, you look east past the statue of Lincoln and the liberal arts buildings, down to a library mall that was the scene of many a political demonstration during the '60s. Farther east you see rows of State Street pubs and restaurants and the bleached dome of the Wisconsin state capitol. On the other side of the hill, another part of campus, dedicated to the agricultural and health sciences, twists along Lake Mendota. But students from both sides of the hill congregate in the old student union, Memorial Union, where political arguments and backgammon games can rage all night. Outside on the union's veranda, students can look out at the sailboats in summer or iceboats in winter.

Lehigh University

Rank: 53 (tie) City: Bethlehem, PA Strong Programs: Finance, Mechanical Engineering, Accounting, Marketing, Arts and Engineering, Computer Science and Business, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Business and Engineering Atmosphere:Built on the powerful combination of business, engineering, and the humanities, lehigh occupies a middle ground between techie havens such as drexel and rensselaer and liberal arts/engineering institutions such as Bucknell and Union. By graduation, students are primed for the global job market. hillside campus means that students get plenty of exercise. A wrestling powerhouse. From the College of Arts and Sciences to the College of Business and Economics, Lehigh University combines the academic resources of a large research university with the collegial atmosphere of a much smaller institution. Because much of Lehigh's reputation rests on its consistently strong engineering program, the school has invested millions of dollars to enhance critical academic programs such as nano- technology, biotechnology, bioscience, and optoelectronics. And with its robust approach to experiential learning, students are well prepared for life after college. Says one engineering major, "Lehigh students have the know-how to jump right into the workforce and tackle any challenges that they may face." Grand old oaks shade the buildings on Lehigh's 2,358-acre campus, which is tucked into the side of an eastern Pennsylvania mountain. Architectural styles range from ivy-covered collegiate Gothic to modern glass and steel. In an apt symbol of Lehigh's efforts to link tradition with what it takes to be part of a global workforce, the 1878 collegiate Gothic Linderman Library in the center of campus was completely gutted and rebuilt with attention to computer access, group study areas, and a café. The Goodman Campus provides first-class practice and play- ing facilities for Lehigh's Division I and recreational sports teams alike.

Syracuse University

Rank: 53 (tie) City: Syracuse, NY Strong Programs: Communications, Architecture, Social Sciences, Management, Marketing, Visual and Performing Arts, Life Sciences, Writing and Rhetoric Atmosphere: syracuse has defined itself as a research university that takes undergraduates seriously. World renowned in the field of communications, its signature program, syracuse is also strong in architecture, management, the arts, and public affairs. the university has been a national leader in promoting socioeconomic diversity. Basketball provides solace during snowy winter nights. Anyone who has watched college sports on TV is familiar with the bright orange color associated with Syracuse University. They've seen the screaming fans and the stadiums overflowing with cheering hordes. But beyond all the athletic fanfare is passion of another sort: Syracuse has set out to become a thriving, student-centered research university. In recent years, the university has launched academic programs in emerging areas such as global enterprise technology and sport analytics and created integrated learning majors in fields such as forensic science and neurosci- ence. By fostering close working relationships between students and faculty, expand- ing course offerings, and pouring loads of money into facility upgrades, Syracuse has made its former reputation as an academic assembly line with killer sports teams a thing of the past. The Syracuse campus is located on a hill overlooking the city of Syracuse in central New York State. The character and mixture of architectural styles depict a continuously changing campus, which is grassy, full of trees, and bordered by residential neighborhoods. Fifteen of the university's 140 buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Many schools and colleges have restructured facilities to accommodate more faculty/student research, as well as social interaction between the two groups. A $118 million renovation of the Carrier Dome is underway.

Ohio State University

Rank: 56 (tie) City: Columbus, OH Strong Programs: Psychology, Finance, Communication, Biology, Business, Engineering, Neuroscience, Dance Atmosphere:the biggest school in the Big ten, ohio state lacks the prestige of a Michigan or a Wisconsin, in part because it competes with two other ohio publics, Miami and ohio U, for top students. operates the mother of all college sports programs that consistently claims multiple national titles. Check out the top-notch honors program. Columbus is a major city and the capital of ohio. Envision a campus with 52,000 students and too many opportunities to count. What might come to mind is Ohio State University, located in the heart of the state's capital, offering 15 colleges and 12,000 courses in more than 200 undergradu- ate majors. If those numbers aren't staggering enough, consider the fact that OSU has 36 varsity sports, 30 intramural sports, nearly 60 sports clubs, and the third larg- est campus in the nation. It also has an operating budget larger than that of the state of Delaware. While students cite the school's size as both a blessing and a curse, all seem to agree that at OSU, the sky is the limit for those with a desire to sample its academic and other resources. This mega university stands on 1,777 acres in the middle of the city, just two miles north of downtown Columbus. Across the Olentangy River from campus is a teaching and research farm associated with the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. "One part of the campus maintains a nostalgic air while another is relatively modern," observes a student. The grounds are nicely landscaped, and a centrally located lake provides a peaceful setting for contemplation and a break from all the surrounding activity. OSU's rich array of academic resources includes 15 libraries, all linked electronically, with seven million volumes. The Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC) is the nation's largest facility dedicated to student fitness, wellness, and recreation. Since 2016, eight new residence halls, a dining hall, and a recreation facility have been added to the campus's North district.

Clemson University

Rank: 66 (tie) City: Clemson, SC Strong Programs: Psychology, Biological Sciences, Management, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, Agriculture, Architecture, History Atmosphere:Clemson is a technically oriented public university in the mold of Georgia tech, north Carolina state, and virginia tech. smaller than the latter two and more focused on undergraduates than Georgia tech, Clemson serves up its education with ample helpings of school spirit and orange paint. small-town location makes for a tight- knit campus, though also something of a hayseed image next to more sophisticated Carolina locales such as Columbia and Chapel hill. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson University is a place where traditional Southern spirit continues to flourish alongside modern academics, big-time athletics, and state-of-the-art facilities. This public university has the ring of a private institution and features quality academics in technical and scientific areas such as engineering and biology. Tiger spirit is as strong as ever, as evidenced by the ubiquitous orange tiger paws that decorate the campus, and students here are happy to make tracks of their own. CU's 1,400-acre campus is situated on what was once Fort Hill Plantation, the homestead of Thomas Green Clemson. The campus is surrounded by 17,000 acres of university farms and woodlands and offers a spectacular view of the nearby lake and mountains. Architectural styles are an eclectic mix of modern and 19th-century collegiate. Clemson Bottoms, half a mile down the road from the 80,000-seat foot- ball stadium, is home to the Calhoun Field Laboratory, a pastoral site dedicated to agricultural research that features a large, student-run organic garden. A fantastic resource for science enthusiasts and history buffs is the library's collection of first editions of the scientific works of Galileo and Newton. Douthit Hills is a $212 mil- lion residential village complete with dining and fitness facilities.

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Rank: 76 (tie) City: Minneapolis, MN Strong Programs: Psychology, Communication Studies, Journalism, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Entrepreneurial Management, International Business Atmosphere:not quite as highly rated as the University of Michigan or the University of Wisconsin, but not nearly as expensive if you happen to be from out of state. in a university the size of Minnesota, the best bet is to find a niche, such as the honors program. strong programs include engineering, management, and health fields. pack your woollies. The University of Minnesota, like the nearby Mall of America, can be overwhelming, given its seemingly limitless variety of offerings and gargantuan size. With 150 undergraduate majors across seven schools and colleges, plus one of the largest study abroad programs in the nation, the U of M offers an abundance of academic choices. Be warned, though—winters can be frigid and it can take a cool customer to navigate the endless choices here. The vast Twin Cities campus actually consists of two campuses with three main sections. The St. Paul campus encompasses the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences; the College of Biological Sciences; the College of Veterinary Medicine; and the College of Continuing Studies. The Minneapolis campus is divided by the Mississippi River into an East Bank and a West Bank that are home to the other colleges and most of the dormitories, as well as most of the "the classes are relatively difficult [but] it really depends on the subject." fraternities and sororities. Both campuses offer a blend of traditional and modern architecture, with columned buildings seated next to sleek geo- metric structures. The two campuses are five miles apart and linked by a free bus service. Academic facilities are excellent, beginning with the seven-million-volume library system, one of the largest in North America. Every one of the colleges has its own library, many of which are good places to study. A 695-acre arboretum is used for research and teaching, and the West Bank Arts Quarter makes a lively setting for the university's art disciplines.

American University

Rank: 78 (tie) City: Washington, DC Strong Programs: Political Science and Government, International Studies, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Journalism, Public Health, Politics Policy and Law Atmosphere: if the odds are against you at Georgetown and you can't see yourself on GW's ultra-urban campus, welcome to American University. the allure of AU is simple: Washington, d.C. American has a nice campus in a nice neighborhood with easy access to the Metro and endless internship opportunities. American is smaller—and now more selective—than GW. Located just a few miles from our country's seat of power, American University is a breeding ground for the next generation of reporters, diplomats, lobbyists, and political leaders who will shape domestic and international policy. Alongside these eager buzzhounds is a host of students who take advantage of AU's strong programs in the arts, sciences, and business, and who recognize that Boston and New York City are not the only good urban destinations for college students. "American University is a diverse, pulsing, and dynamic school driven by some of the best fac- ulty, staff, scholars, and students in the world," a senior says. Thanks to phenome- nal internships, a comfortable location, and a strong international focus, AU continues to attract students from around the world. AU's 84-acre residential campus is located in the northwest corner of Washington, D.C., in an upscale (and safe) area that's just minutes from down- town; free shuttle buses transport students to the nearby Metro (subway) station. There's a mix of classical and modern architecture. Flower gardens line the park- ing lots, and the quad has numerous sitting areas for reflection and study. The 70,000-square-foot, environmentally friendly School of International Service build- ing is LEED Gold-certified. In 2018 AU became the first university in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality.

Duke University

Rank: 8 (tie) City: Durham, NC Strong Programs: Economics, Computer Science, Public Policy, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Global Health, English Atmosphere: Duke University is one of the few elite U.S. colleges where strong academics and championship-caliber sports teams manage to coexist. It might be south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and may seem a bit wet behind the ears compared to those ancient and prestigious Northeastern schools known for the erstwhile foliage on their walls, but Duke wins its fair share of intellectually serious superachievers, as well as lots of top athletes. One senior says Duke offers plenty to cheer about, includ- ing "a diverse student body, challenging academics, world-renowned professors, research opportunities, and an immense amount of school spirit." Founded in 1838 as the Union Institute (later Trinity College), Duke University is young for a school of its stature. It sprouted up in 1924, thanks to a stack of tobacco-stained dollars known as the Duke Endowment. Duke's campus in the North Carolina Piedmont is divided into two main sections, West and East, and "[duke offers] world-renowned professors, research opportunities, and an immense amount of school spirit." with 8,300 acres of adjacent forest, offers enough open space to satisfy even the most diehard outdoors enthusiast. West Campus, the hub of the university, is laid out in spa- cious quadrangles and dominated by the impressive Gothic chapel, a symbol of the university's Methodist tradition. Constructed in the 1930s, West includes collegiate Gothic residential and class- room quads, the administration building, the huge Perkins Library, and the recently renovated student union. East Campus, built in the 1920s, consists primarily of Georgian redbrick buildings. East and West are connected by shuttle buses, though many students enjoy the mile-or-so walk or bike ride between them along wooded Campus Drive.

University of Pennsylvania

Rank: 8 (tie) City: Philadelphia, PA Strong Programs: Business, Engineering, Nursing, Finance, Economics, Anthropology, Management and Technology, Cognitive Science Atmosphere: Benjamin Franklin would be proud of the way his university has surged in recent years. Once relegated to the bottom of the Ivy League (and occasionally confused with Penn State), the University of Pennsylvania is now the first choice for top students who see no conflict between high-level academics and having a life. The undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences—once on the university's back burner— is now central not only to its undergraduates, but also to three other undergraduate schools that tap into its programs and course offerings. Penn established the nation's first medical school, the first business school, the first journalism curriculum, and the first psychology clinic, and is a pioneer in service learning and service research. In her inaugural address, a former president paid tribute to Franklin as "the ultimate visionary and pragmatist. Franklin thought education should be for the body as well as for the soul—that it should enable a graduate to be a breadwinner as well as a thinker, that it should produce socially conscious citizens as well as conscientious bankers and traders." "Penn" is the university's traditional informal name. In recent years "UPenn" has also emerged as a nickname; although this alternative is used more by outsiders than by students themselves, it is gaining currency. Penn's campus is situated in a tree-shaded, self-contained, 299-acre nest called University City, which is adjacent to downtown Philadelphia. Its 217 buildings range from Victorian Gothic to post- modern. There are very old structures, such as College Hall, and newer ones, such as Wharton's Huntsman Hall and Skirkanich Hall, home to Penn's bioengineering programs. Recent construction projects include an overhaul of Hill College House, home to first-year students.

Binghamton University - SUNY

Rank: 80 (tie) City: Binghamton, NY Strong Programs: Integrative Neuroscience, Psychology, Economics, Biological Sciences, Accounting, Engineering, Global Studies Atmosphere: if 100,000 screaming fans on a saturday afternoon tickles your fancy, head 200 miles southwest to penn state. Binghamton has become one of the premier public universities in the northeast because of its outstanding academics and commitment to undergraduates. it is writing the rules on how to integrate global awareness and international experiences into undergraduate study. Binghamton University offers a private-school experience at a public-school price, even for out-of-staters. With more than 300 clubs and an emphasis on small classes—87 percent of those taken by undergraduates have fewer than 50 stu- dents—it's no wonder that students who apply here are also considering schools such as Cornell and NYU. Binghamton offers an intellectually challenging envi- ronment with an emphasis on global experiences, including study abroad oppor- tunities in more than 100 countries, area studies programs that focus on specific regions of the world, and the unique Languages Across the Curriculum program. "The biggest complaint," muses one student, "is the one thing that no one can change: the weather." Binghamton's campus sits on 930 acres of open grassy space and includes a nature preserve, trails, fountains, and a pond. The oldest buildings date from 1958, so the prevailing architectural style is modern and "functional." Some students say that, from the air, the circular campus bears a striking resemblance to the human brain, but administrators say that's merely a coincidence. A slew of recent renovations and construction, including two residential communities, science and technology build- ings, and a major renovation of the University Union, is giving the campus a more up-to-date feel. A new, eight-acre Health Sciences Campus, located a short drive from the main campus, includes the new School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences building and plans for a nursing and health sciences building.

Yeshiva University

Rank: 80 (tie) City: New York, NY Strong Programs: ?? Jewish School Atmosphere: Our undergraduate schools combine rigorous academics in the liberal arts and sciences and business, together with comprehensive Jewish studies. You learn from—and interact with—a talented and diverse faculty who prize and encourage intellectual discourse and discovery. Additionally, the University's joint and combined programs offer advanced degrees at either one of YU's graduate schools or other top institutions.

Miami University - Oxford

Rank: 96 (tie) City: Oxford, OH Strong Programs: Strong School for Teaching Atmosphere: iami University—Oxford is a public institution that was founded in 1809. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,147, its setting is rural, and the campus size is 2,100 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Miami University—Oxford's ranking in the 2019 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 96. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,825 (2018-19); out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,577 (2018-19). Miami University students make up three-fourths of the population of the approximately 7-square-mile town of Oxford, Ohio. Freshmen must live on campus, which is also home to more than 400 student organizations. The Greek system constitutes a large part of campus life, with about a third of the student body involved in nearly 50 fraternities and sororities. In fact, the school often gets the moniker "Mother of Fraternities" because the Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Kappa Tau and Sigma Chi organizations were founded at Miami University. The school is also known as the "Cradle of Coaches" for the number of professional and collegiate coaches who once competed for Miami. The RedHawks, who compete in the Division I Mid-American Conference, were known as the Redskins until 1997. The name was changed after years of controversy and a request from the Miami Indian Tribe. (The tribe is the namesake of the university.) To help ease the transition into freshman year, older students often create a guide to life at Miami University, called the "M Book." Student couples who marry are known as "Miami Mergers" and are reminded of their alma mater each Valentine's Day, when the admissions office sends cards to congratulate former students on finding love at school. To travel around campus and Oxford, students can use the Butler County Regional Transit Authority buses, free with student ID, and the door-to-door SafeRide shuttle service after dark. Cincinnati and Dayton are 35 and 45 miles away, respectively. Notable alumni of Miami University include Paul Brown, Hall of Fame NFL coach; Richard Smucker, chief executive officer of The J.M. Smucker Co.; and Benjamin Harrison, former president of the United States.

Brigham Young University, Provo

Rank: 66 (tie) City: Provo, UT Strong Programs: Business, Accounting, Engineering, Nursing, Education, Exercise Science, Prelaw, Public Health Promotion Atmosphere:From the time they are knee high, Mormons all around the world dream about coming to ByU. Most men and some women do a two-year stint as a missionary. strongest academic programs are all preprofessional. the atmosphere is generally mild-mannered and conservative, but ByU goes bonkers for its sports teams. Brigham Young University's strong ties with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints means that "BYU has high morals and a wholesome environment, which makes students feel safe and comfortable," a senior says. A sense of spirituality per- vades most everything at BYU, where faith and academia are intertwined and life is governed by a demanding code of ethics that has even led to the suspension of star athletes in mid-season. The strict Honor Code covers everything from dating prac- tices to academic honesty; no-no's include men wearing beards; the consuming ofdrugs, alcohol, and caffeinated tea and coffee (although caffeine in soda is allowed); and entering the bedroom of a member of the opposite sex. While students else- where might find the code burdensome, at BYU it is a point of pride. Indeed, the school's commitment to church values is the reason most students choose it. "The students who attend BYU are unique," says a communications major. "Everyone is clean-cut, shaven, modestly dressed, and proper in their etiquette." The church's values of prosperity, chastity, and obedience are strongly evident on BYU's 557-acre campus, where the utilitarian buildings, like everything else, are "ByU has high morals and a wholesome environment, which makes studentsfeel safe and comfortable." "clean, modern, and orderly." The campus lies on the western edge of the Rocky Mountains, 4,600 feet above sea level, between the shores of Utah Lake and Mount Timpanogos, offering breathtaking sunsets and easy access to magnifi- cent skiing, camping, and hiking areas. Days begin early; church bells rouse students at 8 a.m. with the first four bars of the hymn "Come, Come Ye Saints." (The same bells also peal every hour throughout the day.)

Princeton University

Rank: 1 City: Princeton, New jersey Strong Programs: Public and International Affairs, Economics, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Computer Science, Engineering, Molecular Biology Atmosphere: The academic atmosphere across campus is dominated by commitment to the liberal arts—with a carefully structured set of core requirements and a heavy empha- sis on independent study, including a mandatory senior thesis. "Many schools brag about great buildings and great professors, but it's really your fellow students that end up making or breaking your college experience," says one sophomore. "What sets Princeton students apart is that they come here not just for an excellent educa- tion, but they come to share knowledge with others."

Vanderbilt University

Rank: 14 (tie) City: Nashville, TN Strong Programs: Human and Organizational Development, Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine Health and Society, Economics, Education Atmosphere: strongest and most selective of schools that still manage to blend old south gentility with modern ways. long a preferred choice for Atlanta and Birmingham elites, vandy has become more diverse, geographically and otherwise. More selective than emory and now comparable to duke among leading schools south of the Mason-dixon line. one of the few major universities where both academics and athletics are top-notch. Once a quiet, conservative school in the heart of the South, Vanderbilt University has diversified its student body and brought a more cosmopolitan atmosphere to campus. Coats, ties, and pearls may be outnumbered by Commodore fan gear at football games these days, but the university has succeeded in marrying Old South gentility with modern attitudes. The result is a relaxed, friendly culture that makes the rigorous academic environment easier to handle. "Students looking for a bal- ance between great academics and a solid social life need to look at Vandy," counsels a history major. Founded in 1873 by Cornelius Vanderbilt, the university's 330-acre tract in Nashville is an arboretum and includes Peabody College, the central section of which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On the main campus, art and sculptures dot the landscape, and architectural styles range from Gothic to modern glass and brick. The Sarratt Student Center is a social hub, with a movie the- ater, Rand Dining Hall, a pub, and offices for student organizations. Newer additions include the Engineering and Science Building and the Wond'ry, a space designed for innovation and entrepreneurship.

UC Berkeley

Rank: Lol Idk? City: Berkeley, CA

Rice University

Rank: 16 (tie) City: Houston, TX Strong Programs: Engineering, Biosciences, Social Sciences, Computer Science, Architecture, Economics, Music, Entrepreneurship Studies Atmosphere: one of the few elite private colleges that keeps tuition relatively affordable. rice is outstanding in engineering, architecture, the sciences, and music, and it is a national leader in entrepreneurship studies. With nearly 4,000 undergraduates, rice is smaller than many applicants realize. in lieu of frats, rice has a residential college system like yale and princeton. Founded in 1912 by Texas cotton mogul William Marsh Rice, Rice University has stayed true to its mission of providing unsurpassed programs in science, engineer- ing, the arts, and humanities—with a price tag most families can afford. With its top-notch programs in the liberal arts and sciences and huge endowment (used to keep tuition modest), Rice is a good deal among top schools. It is the dominant uni- versity in the Southwest and second only to Duke in the entire South. Thanks to an aggressive growth plan and generous financial aid, the university continues to attract more and more top talent from around the country. Rice was modeled after such disparate institutions as progressive, low-tuition Cooper Union and the more traditional Princeton University. Today, Rice boasts "the political climate at rice is pretty liberal, especially for a texas school." plenty of distinctive characteristics all its own. The predominant architectural theme of the campus, situated three miles from downtown Houston, is Spanish Mediterranean, and it's surrounded by a row of hedges—the singular buffer between the quiet campus and the sounds of the city. A particular standout is the colorful Duncan Hall, designed by British architect John Outram.

University of California - Los Angeles

Rank: 19 (tie) City: Los Angeles, CA Strong Programs: Economics, Sociology, Biology, Political Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry, Theater Atmosphere: tucked into exclusive Bel Air with the beach, the mountains, and chic hollywood hangouts all within easy reach. the adjacent town of Westwood is an ideal student hangout. practically everything is offered here, but the programs in arts and media are some of the best in the world. less politically active than Berkeley but just as difficult to get into. With five Nobel Prizes awarded to alumni and faculty in the past decade, you might think UCLA is an intellectual brain trust. Or with a long list of well-known and highly accomplished alumni in the arts, film, and sports, maybe UCLA is some sort of incubator for truly talented and gifted people. Well, UCLA is all that and more. A superb faculty, a reputation for outstanding academics, and a powerful athletics program make this university an ultimate place to study. UCLA's prime location—sandwiched between two glamorous neighborhoods (Beverly Hills and Bel Air) and a short drive from the beach, Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, and downtown Los Angeles—makes it appealing for students who want more from their college experience than going to class. The beautifully landscaped, 419-acre campus features a range of architectural styles, with Romanesque/Italian Renaissance as the dominant motif, providing only one of a number of reasons students enjoy staying on campus. A wealth of gardens—botanical, Japanese, and sculpture—add a touch of quiet elegance. The campus is philosophically divided into North and South. North attracts more liberal arts aficionados, while those in math and science tend to favor South. Recent construction includes BFIT—the Bruin Fitness Center, intended exclusively for undergraduate use.

Washington University in St.Louis

Rank: 19 (tie) City: St.Louis, MO Strong Programs: Business, Engineering, Biology, Social Sciences, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology, Premed Atmosphere: no longer simply a backup to the ivies, WashU has emerged as a nationally competitive university with a wholesome Midwestern feel. Core strength in the biological sciences, but strong across the disciplines. Maintains low acceptance rate—and higher ranking—by favoring early decision and denying top applicants who it thinks will enroll elsewhere. preprofessional orientation, yet encourages exploration. Though it's always been well recognized regionally, Washington University in St. Louis long ago established itself as a truly national institution—with a friendly, relaxed Midwestern feel that differentiates it from the high-strung Eastern Ivies. Applications have skyrocketed, and with a hefty $7.7 billion endowment, strong preprofessional programs, and an emphasis on research, it's not hard to see why. An architecture major says, "WashU is a high-end, collaborative research institution dedicated more to the growth of its students than the growth of its own personal brand." The school's 169-acre campus adjoins Forest Park, one of the nation's largest urban parks. Buildings are constructed in the collegiate Gothic style, mostly in red Missouri granite and white limestone, with plenty of climbing ivy, gargoyles, and arches. The state-of-the-art Knight and Bauer Halls are home to the Olin Business School and include classrooms in tiered lecture configurations as well as "flat" class- rooms with mobile furniture, designed to enhance student and faculty interaction. Recent construction projects include the Sumers Recreation Center and a renovation of the Olin Library.

Harvard University

Rank: 2 City: Cambridge, Massachusetts Strong Programs: Economics, Government, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, History, Biological Sciences, East Asian Studies, African and African American Studies Atmosphere: Harvard's state-of-the-art physical facilities are surpassed only by the unparalleled brilliance of its faculty. Under its "star" system, Harvard grants tenure only to scholars who have already made it—usually somewhere else—and then gives them free for research. It seems like every time you turnaround, a Harvard professor is winning a NobelPrize or being interviewed on CNN or moving to Washington to hash out national policy. But one of Harvard's finest qualities is also one of its biggest problems. "You can have unlimited contact with professors, but it must be on your initiative," notes a biology major. "This is not a small liberal arts college where people will reach out to you." That's not to say profs are uncaring. Most teach at least one undergraduate course per year, and even the luminaries occasionally conduct small undergraduate seminars (including those reserved for freshmen, which can be taken pass/fail). Harvard also sponsors faculty dining programs, such as Professors & Pastries and Classroom to Table, encouraging professors to chew on ideas and éclairs with students at residential houses and local eateries.

Georgetown University

Rank: 22 (tie) City: Washington, DC Strong Programs: International Affairs, Government, International Politics, Finance, Nursing, Diplomatic History, International Economics, Theology Atmosphere: For anyone who wants to be a master of the political universe, this is the place. strong international and multicultural environment. in the excitement of studying in d.C., students may pay little attention to the Jesuit affiliation, which adds a slightly conservative tinge to the campus. occupies a tree-lined neighborhood that is home to many of the nation's most powerful people. As the oldest and most selective of the nation's Roman Catholic schools, Georgetown University offers students unparalleled access to Washington, D.C.'s corridors of power. Aspiring politicos benefit from the university's emphasis on public policy, international business, and foreign service. The national spotlight shines brightly on this elite institution, drawing dynamic students and athletes from around the world. A senior says, "Georgetown balances academics, social life, and faith in an all-encompassing college experience based on 'care of the whole person.'" From its scenic location just blocks from the Potomac River, Georgetown affords its students an excellent vantage point from which to survey the world. Established in 1789, the 104-acre campus reflects the history and growth of the first university in the nation to be founded by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). The Federal style of Old North, which once housed guests such as George Washington and Lafayette and is now home to the McCourt School of Public Policy, contrasts with the towers of the Flemish Romanesque-style Healy Hall, a post-Civil War landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

University of Southern California

Rank: 22 (tie) City: Los Angeles, CA Strong Programs: Business, Social Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, Engineering, Communication, Cinematic Arts Atmosphere: UsC's old handle: "the University of spoiled Children." UsC's new handle: highly selective West Coast university with preeminent programs in cinematic arts and business. the region's only major private university that just happens to have a top football team, UsC has been shaken by a series of well-publicized scandals. l.A.'s answer to sMU on the one hand and nyU on the other. Once dismissed as little more than an academic bastion of privilege, the University of Southern California has come into its own as a West Coast destination for stu- dents seeking the advantages of study in a center for the arts, technology, commu- nication, and international trade. The school's lush campus and prime Los Angeles location has led to a flood of applicants, making it continually tougher to win admission. Students cheer on national championship teams and give high marks to the Trojan alumni network as well. Often accused of being elitist, USC continues to populate the next generation of Los Angeles business leaders. USC's University Park campus has an unmistakably upscale vibe and offers a mix of traditional ivy-covered and modern structures, arranged around fountains and reflecting pools, well shaded from the Southern California sun. Sitting on "[UsC offers] the flexibility to take classes from different professional schools." 226 parklike acres, just minutes from down- town Los Angeles, USC is a veritable urban oasis. The university recently completed the $700 million, 2,700-bed USC Village, a student housing project as well as a neighborhood revitalization effort that includes eight residential colleges, a Gothic-style dining hall, and two dozen retail stores.

Carnegie Mellon University

Rank: 25 (tie) City: Pittsburgh, PA Strong Programs: Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Systems, Drama, Music, Design Atmosphere: the only premier university equally strong in technology and the arts, Carnegie Mellon is a national leader in what it calls "liberal-professional" education. Applications continue to increase, so it must be doing something right. shares its urban neighborhood with a variety of cultural and academic institutions, including the University of pittsburgh. Students at Carnegie Mellon don't have to choose between soaking up the high drama of Shakespeare and plunging into the fast-paced tech world. The university is known for both its science offerings and strong drama and music programs. But scholars can't just focus on their own course of study—Carnegie Mellon continues to strive to offer both its technical and liberal arts students a well-rounded education that requires a lot of hard work but promises great results. Carnegie Mellon was formed by the merger of Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Mellon Institute in 1967, resulting in a self-contained, 152-acre campus attractively situated in Pittsburgh's affluent Oakland section. Next door is the city's second-largest park and its major museum, named after—you guessed it—Andrew Carnegie. Henry Hornbostel, who attended the École des Beaux-Arts in the 1890s, designed the campus using a plan that is a modification of the Jefferson plan for the University of Virginia, with the Beaux-Arts device of creating primary and secondary axes and grouping buildings around significant open spaces. Buildings are designed in a Renaissance style, with buff-colored brick arches and piers, tile roofs, and terra cotta and granite details.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Rank: 27 (tie) City: Ann Arbor, MA Strong Programs: Computer Science, Business Administration, Psychology, Economics, Foreign Languages, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Health Sciences Atmosphere: the most interesting mass of humanity east of UC Berkeley. UM is among the nation's leaders in most subjects, but undergraduates must elbow their way to the front to get the full benefit. superb honors and living/learning programs are the best bet for highly motivated students. out-of-state families may need a second mortgage to cover pricey tuition. One of the nation's elite public universities, Michigan offers an excellent faculty, dynamite athletics, an endless number of special programs, and the most interesting collection of students east of Berkeley. Boasting more than 780,000 living alumni, it also produces more Fulbright scholars than any other U.S. university. "Michigan is a special place because it has a deep history and reputation," says a senior. "It is an excellent school and no matter what degree you have, it is respected." Situated on 3,207 acres, Michigan's campus is so extensive that newcomers may want to call on their GPS system to find their way to class. The university is divided into two main sections. Central Campus, the heart of the university, houses most of Michigan's 19 schools and colleges. North Campus, which is two miles northeast of Central, is home to the College of Engineering; the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance; the Stamps School of Art and Design; and the Taubman College of Architecture "no matter what degree and Urban Planning. Other campus areas include you have, it is respected." the Medical Center Complex, containing seven hospitals and 15 outpatient facilities, and South Campus, featuring state-of-the-art athletic facilities. Architecturally, the main drag of campus features a wide range of styles, from the classical Angell Hall to the ultra- contemporary Museum of Art addition. Recent construction includes the Trotter Multicultural Center and Blau Hall, which houses classrooms, workshop space, and support services for the Ross School of Business.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Rank: 3 (tie) City: Cambridge, MA Strong Programs: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Physics, Aeronautics and Astronautics, Economics, Architecture Atmosphere: MIT looked to the German system of learning based on research and hands-on experimentation. This emphasis is enshrined in the school motto—Mens et Manus, or Mind and Hand—as well as its muscular logo, showing a gowned scholar standing beside an ironmonger bearing a hammer and anvil. Intellect and craftsmanship pervade the classrooms, and students here are not so much taught as engaged and inspired. MIT is located on 168 acres that extend more than a mile along the Cambridge side of the Charles River basin facing historic Beacon Hill and the central sections of Many students join one of four Freshman Learning Communities that offer acoherent freshman curriculum, small classes, and common meeting spaces. have been added. The buildings have a utilitarian aura; most are even known by number instead of by name. Athletic playing fields, recreational buildings, dorms, and dining halls are closely arranged on the campus and provide a sense of unity. Sculptures and murals, including the works of Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, and Louise Nevelson, are found throughout the campus. The university's Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex is the world's largest neuroscience center.

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Rank: 30 (tie) City: Chapel Hill, NC Strong Programs: Communication and Media Studies, Chemistry, Sociology, English, Philosophy, Biology, Psychology, Economics Atmosphere: Close on the heels of UvA as the south's most prestigious public university. With 82 percent of the spots in each incoming class reserved for in-staters, admission is selective but not impossible for out-of-staters who aren't 6'9" with a 43-inch vertical jump. But they keep trying by the thousands. Chapel hill is a quintessential college town that is morphing into a medium-sized city. Welcome to "the Southern part of heaven," a place where the sky is Carolina Blue and the academics are red-hot. As the flagship campus of the state university system, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has earned its place among the South's most prestigious universities. The atmosphere here is a unique brand of Southern, a rowdy mixture of hard work, sports fanaticism, progressive social values, and tradi- tions that seems to attract bright, serious, and fun-loving students from everywhere. Chartered in 1789, UNC was the first public university in the United States to open its doors, and North Carolinians still take pride in Carolina's identity as "the "the majority of professors go out of their way to help students." University of the people." UNC's gorgeous and comfortable campus occupies 730 acres lush with trees and lawns and brick-paved walkways. The architecture ranges from Palladian, Federal, and Georgian to postmodern, with redbrick the prevailing motif. The Old Well, the uni- versity's symbol, stands at the center of the campus. Recent construction includes a soccer and lacrosse stadium and a field hockey stadium.

New York University

Rank: 30 (tie) City: New York, NY Strong Programs: Business, Economics, Nursing, Theater, Dance, Film and Televison, Foreign Languages, Accounting Atmosphere: From safety school to global brand, nyU's rise has been breathtaking. the siren song of Greenwich village now includes the tandon school of engineering in Brooklyn, degree-granting campuses in Abu dhabi and shanghai, and a dozen global academic centers around the world. Major draws include the renowned tisch school of the Arts and the best undergraduate business school north of penn. With the world at its doorstep, New York University invites its student body to jump right in. Firmly planted in the heart of Greenwich Village, one of the most eclectic and energizing neighborhoods in New York City, NYU has set its sights on becoming the world's first truly global university. Its growing student body, burgeoning new facilities, and multiple opportunities for high-level internships and research projects have made it a top option for a rising number of students. "NYU is a place to gain street smarts in addition to book smarts," says a senior. "The combination of strong academics and an amazing location give NYU a big advantage." It doesn't get more real world than the venue that NYU calls home. NYU has campuses and centers throughout the city but is primarily situated on Washington Square. Trendy shops, galleries, clubs, bars, and eateries crowd neighboring blocks; "nyU is a place to gain street smarts in addition to book smarts." SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown are just blocks away. Academic buildings—both modern and his- toric—blend with 19th-century brick townhouses surrounding Washington Square Park (the closest thing NYU has to a quad). Kimmel Center for University Life houses meeting space for NYU's more than 600 student clubs, plus areas for the frequent recruitment fairs and lectures from national and international leaders. It also holds the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts' 860-seat theater, which is the largest performing arts facility south of 42nd Street.

University of California - Santa Barbara

Rank: 30 (tie) City: Santa Barbara, CA Strong Programs: Biological Sciences, Psychology, Economics, Communication, Marine Biology, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry Atmosphere: Willpower is the word at UC santa Barbara. on a beautiful day with the sound of waves crashing in the distance, that's what it takes to hang in there with pen, paper, laptop, or book. Fairly or not, santa Barbara is known as the party animal of the UC system. in the classroom, science is the best bet. Free spirits should check out the unusual College for Creative studies. For students at UC Santa Barbara, California's famed beaches serve as both class- room and playground. On weekends, sun-worshipping students grab surfboards and don bikinis and head to the water for some serious fun. During the week, those same students can likely be found studying technology rather than tan lines. UCSB provides a comfortable mixture of work and play that is unique to the UC system and draws praise from its students. "On a nice sunny day, the beaches and grassy areas will be flooded with students," says a freshman, "but most of them are there with a book." Located just a stone's throw from the beach, UC Santa Barbara's 1,000-acre campus is bordered on two sides by the Pacific Ocean, with a clear view of the "on a nice sunny day, the beaches and grassy areas will be flooded with students." Channel Islands. On the landward side are a nature preserve and the predominantly stu- dent community of Isla Vista, and five miles to the north lie the Santa Ynez Mountains. The campus itself features mainly 1950s Southern California architecture with a Southern California atmosphere to match. An $86 million bioengineering building recently opened, housing offices, research labs, and a 100-seat auditorium.

University of California - Irvine

Rank: 33 (tie) City: Irvine, CA Strong Programs: Atmosphere: irvine sits in the midst of one of the nation's biggest suburbs, combining funky, modern architecture with a studious, preprofessional student body. premed is the featured attraction, along with computer science and engineering. not quite as close to the beach as santa Barbara—but close enough for students to enjoy it regularly. On the surface, UC Irvine's clean, contemporary campus appears to be home to students who study diligently in the busy library, wear sensible shoes to class, and at least try to resist that double shot of espresso at the busy coffee shops around campus. But that image starts to dissipate as soon as you hear that bizarre noise: "Zot! Zot! Zot!" Then a UCI student explains that "it's the sound that an anteater supposedly makes when it swipes an ant with its tongue." Hey, any school that has a marauding anteater as a mascot can't be completely straitlaced. The university is, however, serious about its reputation as a school with stellar programs in science, technology, and the arts. Located in the heart of Orange County and founded in 1965, UCI is among the newest of the UC campuses. While enrollment is up and the administration antici- pates further expansion, according to one English major, "It is the perfect size." UCI is liberally supplied with trees and shrubs from all over the world. Futuristic build- ings are arranged in a circle around 21-acre Aldrich Park, "giving it the appearance of a relaxed art school," says one observer. Undergraduates have long quipped that UCI stood for "Under Construction Indefinitely." New residential towers housing nearly 500 first-year students opened in 2019 at the Middle Earth community (named after the Lord of the Rings trilogy).

University of Florida

Rank: 35 (tie) City: Gainesville, FL Strong Programs: Engineering, Business, Social Sciences, Biology, Accounting, Citrus Science, Entomology, Latin American Studies Atmosphere: it should come as no surprise that UF is a world leader in citrus science. Add accounting, engineering, and latin American studies to the list of renowned programs. Among deep south public universities, only the University of Georgia rivals UF in overall quality. top-shelf varsity sports teams are a year-round draw, and UF's party-school reputation remains intact. Set on 2,000 acres of rolling, heavily forested terrain in north-central Florida, the University of Florida is an athletic powerhouse, and administrators are working hard to gain the same level of national recognition for their academic offerings as well. With roughly 30,000 undergraduates, the school is already massive and continues to become more so as it adds scores of new faculty in areas such as food security, big data, drug discovery, and neuroscience. While some students certainly get lost in the shuffle, those who can navigate the bureaucratic red tape will find ample resources at their fingertips, including the world's largest collection of butterflies and moths, an $85 million Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, and extensive facilities for agriculture education. The state's flagship university has become more selective in its admissions and continues to wage an aggressive campaign against its long- standing tradition of free-flowing alcohol. UF's campus has more than 20 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Most are collegiate Gothic in style—redbrick with white trim. They're aug- mented by more modern facilities, including a 173,000-square-foot complex for "prospective students should definitely look into a course called First year Florida." nursing, pharmacy, and the health profes- sions, and a 110,000-square-foot chemistry building that opened in 2017. UF's research capabilities and equipment are likewise impressive and a boon to aspiring physicians. Cypress Hall is one of only five resi- dence halls in the nation designed specifically to accommodate students with severe physical impairments.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Rank: 35 (tie) City: Atlanta, Georgia Strong Programs:Industrial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Architecture Atmosphere: As the south's premier technically oriented university, Ma tech does not coddle her young. students must contend with the sometimes mean streets of downtown Atlanta and fight through a wall of graduate students to talk with their professors. Architecture and big-time sports supplement the engineering focus. tech's 61/39 male/female ratio is tempered by women from all-female Agnes scott. If you're looking for lazy days on the college green and hard-partying weekends, look elsewhere. You won't find those at Georgia Institute of Technology, the South's premier tech university, and a relatively new member of the elite Association of American Universities. What you will find are challenging courses that prepare you for a high-paying job as an engineer, architect, or computer scientist. "Tech is tough," reasons one student. "You have to want to be here." Even those who want to be there are happy to finally arrive at graduation day. What makes Tech a special place? "The fact that I survived it and got out with a degree," says a computer sci- ence major, only partially joking. As part of its efforts to become a top technological research university globally, Tech has developed an extensive offering of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), available for free to the general public. Located just off the interstate in Georgia's capital city, Tech's 450-acre campus embraces 40 undergraduate residence halls, an aquatic center, a sports performance complex, and an amphitheater. Taking in the campus architecture is like traveling through time: building styles include the Georgian Revival and collegiate Gothic of the historic Hill District (listed on the National Register of HistoricPlaces) and surrounding area, the International Style buildings constructed from the 1940s into the 1960s, the modernist structures of the 1970s and '80s, the post- modern facilities of the '90s, and the newly built high-tech facilities. All these styles coexist comfortably on a tree-filled, landscaped campus that serves as a green oasis in the midst of a dense urban environment.

Brandeis University

Rank: 35 (tie) City: Waltham, MA Strong Programs:Biology, Psychology, Economics, Business, Neuroscience, Chemistry, Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies Atmosphere: Founded in 1948 by members of the American Jewish community who sought to expand access to education, Brandeis is an elite institution seeking top students of all faiths and backgrounds. Academic specialties range from the natural sciences to business and near eastern and Judaic studies. has one of the top programs in neuroscience at a midsized research university. Competes with tufts in the Boston area. Brandeis University, founded to provide educational opportunities to those facing discrimination, has always had a reputation for intense progressive thought. Now it's being recognized as a rising star among research institutions, hosting more than 30 on-campus research centers, and is expanding its experiential- and service- learning offerings. The only nonsectarian Jewish-sponsored college in the nation, Brandeis appears to be focusing less on maintaining its Jewish identity and more on attracting a well-rounded, eclectic group of students from all backgrounds. Set on a hilltop in a pleasant residential neighborhood nine miles west of Boston, Brandeis's attractively landscaped 235-acre campus boasts many distinctive buildings. The music building, for example, is shaped like a grand piano; the the- ater looks like a top hat. The 24-hour Shapiro Campus Center includes a student theater, electronic library, and bookstore. The Shapiro Academic Building houses the International Center for Ethics, Justice, and Public Life; the Mandel Center for Jewish Education; conference rooms; and faculty offices.

Boston College

Rank: 38 (tie) City: Chestnut Hill, MA Strong Programs: Biology, Communication, Economics, Finance, Nursing, English, Physics, Theology Atmosphere: one of the main reasons that Boston is the ultimate college town. set on a quiet hilltop at the end of a t (subway) line, BC is a close second to notre dame in the pecking order among true-blue Catholics (though many students clamoring for a spot are not aware of its religious ties). About 70 percent of students are Catholic, compared to 50 percent at Georgetown and 80 percent at notre dame. Boston College, one of the largest Roman Catholic schools in the country, is a study in contrasts. The academics and the athletic teams are both well respected. The environment is safely suburban, yet barely 20 minutes from Boston, the hub of the Eastern seaboard's college scene. The influence of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) on the college provides a guiding spirit for campus life, but the social opportunities still seem endless. Despite the paradoxes (or perhaps because of them), students at BC enjoy a rich college experience. Don't let the modest name fool you. Boston College is actually a research uni- versity with nine schools and colleges. It has three campuses: the main campus at Chestnut Hill, the Brighton campus across the street, and the Newton campus a mile and a halfaway. The dominant architecture of the main campus (known as "the Heights") is GothicRevival, with modern additions over the past few years. There's lots of grass and trees, not to mention a large, peaceful reservoir (per- fect to jog around) right in the front yard. The university is nearing the end of a multiyear master plan intended to double the size of the main campus. A new dorm, a field house, and a variety of athletic fields are the latest facilities to open.

College of William and Mary

Rank: 38 (tie) City: Williamsburg, VA Strong Programs: History, Government, Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Economics, International Relations, Accounting Atmosphere: Founded in 1693 as a private university, William and Mary is the original public ivy. history, government, and international relations are among the strongest departments. With 6,200 undergraduates, larger than Mary Washington and richmond, and smaller but more intellectual than the University of virginia. Williamsburg is more exciting for tourists than for college students. Traditions abound at the College of William and Mary, yet this historic university— the second oldest in the nation after Harvard—continues to evolve in its pursuit of academic excellence. "Students at William and Mary choose to attend the college for its intense academic rigor, strong sense of community, rich history, and legacy of traditions," says one senior. It has graduated three former U.S. presidents—Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler. Rival UVA prides itself on being "Mr. Jefferson's" university, but W&M is quick to remind the Cavaliers that it educated Mr. Jefferson in the first place. profusion of azaleas and crape myrtle adds splashes of color to William and Mary's finely manicured campus, located about 150 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. The campus is divided into three sections and includes Lake Matoaka, the oldest human-made lake in Virginia, and a wooded wildlife preserve, which is filled with trails and widely used by the science departments. The Ancient Campus is a group- "professors at William and Mary are...mentors, career advisors, and lifelong friends to their students." ing of three colonial structures—including the Wren Building, which was constructed between 1695 and 1700 and is the country's oldest col- lege building, and arguably one of the most beautiful—still in use. The Old Campus build- ings date from the '20s and '30s, and New Campus, where ground was first broken in the '60s, features a recreation center, the 95,000-square-foot Sadler Center, and the Integrated Science Center. The W&M campus boasts one of the most romantic spots of any in the nation: Crim Dell, a wooded area with a small pond spanned by an old-style wooden bridge.

Boston University

Rank: 42 City: Boston, MA Strong Programs: Business Administration, Communication, Engineering, Economics, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Health Professions Atmosphere: one of the nation's largest private universities and namesake to a city that boasts 45 four-year colleges. location adjacent to the Fenway is the promised land for hordes of students from all over the world seeking a funky, artsy, youth-oriented urban setting that is less in-your-face than new york City. More selective than in the past and comparable to nyU and George Washington. Like The George Washington University and NYU, Boston University is an integral part of the city it calls home. The school's mammoth collection of nondescript high- rises stretches along bustling, six-lane Commonwealth Avenue—and so do thou- sands upon thousands of students. From aspiring actors, musicians, journalists, and filmmakers, to future doctors, dentists, and hotel managers, BU seems to offer some- thing for everyone. A junior says, "You definitely walk away from BU with a sense of accomplishment and individuality." The BU campus is practically indistinguishable from the rest of the city that surrounds it. A measure of relief is available on the tree-lined side streets, which "[Faculty] bring real- world experiences into the classroom." feature quaint Victorian brownstones. Facilities include the 35,000-square-foot Hillel House, a multi- level fitness center, and a hockey arena that doubles as a concert hall. The Center for Integrated Life Sciences and Engineering, which features a cognitive neuroimaging center, a satellite vivarium, and six floors dedicated to faculty research, opened in 2017.

Case Western Reserve University

Rank: 42 City: Cleveland, OH Strong Programs: Atmosphere: CWrU has most of the offerings available at Carnegie Mellon or WashU in st. louis, but somehow it hasn't quite found a niche in the national consciousness. students in the know sing its praises, especially since CWrU is less difficult to get into than other institutions of comparable quality. students get an outstanding technical education with solid offerings in other areas. Cleveland's Case Western Reserve has much in common with Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon. Both are the product of mergers between a technical college, known for excellence in engineering, and a more traditional university, focused on the arts and sciences. Both are located in erstwhile Rust Belt cities that have long since rein- vented themselves through technology, medicine, education, and advanced manu- facturing. And both tend to attract brainy students more concerned with studying than socializing. While CWRU has received less national attention than Carnegie Mellon and WashU, a senior calls it "a university on the rise": applications have doubled since 2010 and the school has become more selective. CWRU has also increased its investment in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, with an aim toward helping students connect these disciplines with their technical studies. CWRU is located on the eastern edge of Cleveland, at University Circle. This 550-acre area of parks and gardens is home to more than 40 cultural, educational, medical, and research institutions, including the city's museums of art and natural history, its botanical gardens, and Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra. "[CWrU is] a university on the rise." Campus buildings are an eclectic mix of architectural styles, and several are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Peter B. Lewis Building (or "PBL," as it's known around campus), designed by Frank Gehry, is home of the Weatherhead School of Management and features undulating walls similar to those of Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. The Tinkham Veale University Center ("the Tink") meets LEED Silver standards and serves as a hub for campus dining, special events, and more than 160 student organizations, while the recently expanded Sears think[box] is a fabrication lab designed to support cross-disciplinary entrepreneurial innovation.

Tulane University

Rank: 44 (tie) City: New Orleans, LA Strong Programs: Business, Public Health, Social Sciences, Biological Science, Environmental Studies, International Studies Atmosphere:the map may say that tulane is in the south, but it has the temperament of an east Coast institution. tulane aspires to join emory and vanderbilt in the front ranks of southeastern universities. has developed a strong emphasis on community service, both academic and practical. high achievers should shoot for the tulane honors program. Once a staid, genteel choice for students seeking a traditional education, Tulane University has rebranded itself with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research, schol- arship, and community service. It now attracts service-minded students from all 50 states who choose from more than 130 service-learning opportunities, many of them existing courses that were revamped to include a service-learning component after Hurricane Katrina, which devastated Louisiana in 2005. Indeed, Tulane promises a solid education to those who are ready to take up residence in the Big Easy. The school's 110-acre campus is located in an attractive residential area of uptown New Orleans, about 15 minutes from the French Quarter and the business district. Tulane's administration building, Gibson Hall, faces St. Charles Avenue, where one of the nation's last streetcar lines still clatters past mansions. Across the street is Audubon Park, a 385-acre spread where students jog, walk, study, or feed the ducks in the lagoon. The buildings of gray limestone and pillared brick, separated by live southern oak trees, are modeled after the neocollegiate/Creole mixture indig- enous to Louisiana institutional-type structures. One particular point of pride is the university's 13 Tiffany windows, one of the largest collections anywhere.

University of Texas at Austin

Rank: 49 (tie) City: Austin, TX Strong Programs: Engineering, Business, Communication, Biology, Accounting, Architecture, Social Work, Computer Science Atmosphere:Ut Austin is on anybody's list of the top 10 public universities in the nation. the plan ii liberal arts honors program is one of the country's most renowned. though it is also the capital of texas, Austin ranks among the nation's best college towns—a progressive enclave in a conservative state. Boot camp for aspiring political types in the lone star state and beyond. Where else can you spend time watching bats? The University of Texas at Austin has come a long way from where it began in 1883 as a small school with only one building, eight teachers, two departments, and 221 students. Today, the campus is a Texas-sized home to more than 37,000 under- graduates. From its extensive academic programs to its powerful athletic teams to its location in one of the nation's ultimate college towns, the University of Texas has everything a Longhorn could ask for. "Our university is a diverse community with amazing opportunities for success," says a junior. A 400-acre oasis near downtown Austin, replete with rolling hills, trees, creeks, and fountains, the campus features buildings ranging from "old, distinguished" limestone structures to contemporary Southwest architecture. The fabled UT Tower is adorned with a large clock and chimes (a lifesaver for the disorganized) and is illuminated in Longhorn orange after big athletic wins. From the steps of the Tower, one can see the verdant Austin hills and the state capitol. The outstanding library system at the University of Texas has more than 10 million volumes located in 17 different libraries across campus. Recent construction includes the $310 million Engineering Education and Research Center.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rank: 49 (tie) City: Troy, NY Strong Programs: Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Business and Management, Biological Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Architecture, Electronic Arts Atmosphere:if you can spell rensselaer, you've already got a leg up on many applicants. rpi is one of the nation's great technical universities—along with Caltech, harvey Mudd, Mit, and Worcester polytech—and one of the most innovative. the beauty of rpi is the chance for hands-on learning and synergy between technology and management. Building boom and faculty hiring spree have raised its profile, and it's now much more selective in admissions than a few years ago. It would be an exaggeration to say that technology is god at RPI, though the school's conversion of a Gothic chapel into a computer lab does hint in that direction. Even if it's not deified, technology remains omnipresent at this school, which pioneered the teaching of calculus via computer in the early '90s. Students attend class in high- tech studio classrooms where they work on team projects and collaborate to solve real-world problems, and the institute continues to ramp up its research funding. For students who may have been known as geeks in high school, coming to Rensselaer is like coming home. Set high on a bluff overlooking Troy, New York, Rensselaer's 275-acre campus mixes modern research facilities and classical, ivy-covered brick buildings dating to the turn of the century. The cutting-edge Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies houses more than 400 researchers in biotechnology and related disciplines who work in such areas as regenerative medicine, bioinformatics, biocatalysis, and metabolic engineering.

Villanova University

Rank: 49 (tie) City: Villanova, PA Strong Programs: Finance, Engineering, Nursing, Economics, Social Sciences, Biology, Communication Atmosphere:set in an upscale suburb, villanova is becoming increasingly respected as philadelphia's answer to Boston College. As at BC, about 70 percent of the students are roman Catholic (compared with about half at Georgetown). the troika of business, engineering, and nursing are popular at 'nova. downtown philadelphia is a quick hop away by train. Villanova University takes pride in its Augustinian heritage, emphasizing intel- lectual, professional, and spiritual growth as a path to "transforming hearts and minds." The school has all the trappings of a typical Roman Catholic university, from strong academics to deeply rooted traditions and rivalries, and students firmly dedicated to their faith and service to others. Says one junior, "There are times I walk out of a class at Villanova and just have to stop for a second to take it all in and appreciate what an amazing opportunity I've been afforded." Founded in 1842 by the community-focused Order of Saint Augustine, Villanova's lush campus of more than 260 acres is situated along Philadelphia's sub- urban Main Line. Old stone buildings, well-kept lawns, and secluded, tree-lined walkways are a reminder of the campus's historical roots, while several newer build- ings are LEED certified. Recent construction includes a major project that has trans- formed 14 acres of parking lots and asphalt into a bustling area featuring new residence halls, eateries, a bookstore, and a performing arts center, all linked to the campus core by a new pedestrian bridge.

University of Miami

Rank: 53 (tie) City: Coral Gables, FL Strong Programs: Nursing, Finance, Psychology, Biology, Marine Science, Architecture, Music, Latin American Studies Atmosphere: Football is a major reason UM is on the map, but it's hardly the only one. renowned programs in marine science and music are big draws; business is also strong. housing takes the form of a distinctive residential college system that offers living/learning opportunities. Attracts more northerners than other leading Florida universities, with geographic reach continuing to expand. Year-round sunshine and the colorful Miami culture could make even the most dedicated students forget why they are at college. But at the University of Miami, students can have their fun and get a solid education at the same time. The univer- sity boasts a boatload of strong programs, including red-hot preprofessional offer- ings. Sound academics, a diverse and energetic student population, and a subtropical climate create a perfect storm that attracts talented Hurricanes from far and wide. "At UM you will find diversity, tradition, unity, and rivalry," says one senior, "while getting an exceptional education." Twenty minutes from Key Biscayne and Miami's beaches, and 10 minutes from downtown Miami, the university's 239-acre campus is located in tranquil suburbia and features tall palms, wide lawns, flowering vines, outdoor sculptures, and even a butterfly garden. The campus, with its own lake right in the middle, is architecturally varied, from postwar, international-style structures to modern buildings, most with open-air breezeways to let in the warm winds. A massive, $190 million Student Housing Village, to be composed of 25 interconnected buildings featuring suite- and apartment-style housing for 1,100 students, recreational and dining areas, a 200-seat auditorium, and other facilities, is expected to open in 2020.

Rutgers University

Rank: 56 (tie) City: Piscataway, NJ Strong Programs: Psychology, Nursing, Communication, Exercise science and sports studies, Philosophy, Fine Arts, Agricultural Sciences, Pharmacy Atmosphere:one of only nine American universities founded during the Colonial period, rutgers is the dominant public university in the Garden state. originally chartered as Queens College but subsequently renamed for revolutionary War hero and benefactor henry rutgers. everything is available: engineering, business, pharmacy, the liberal arts, and the nation's largest women's college. Well known as the birthplace of football. Proud of traditions that extend back to its founding in 1766, this flagship public uni- versity of New Jersey likes to compare itself to a city with multiple neighborhoods, each with its own particular identity. With 45,000 full-time undergraduate students spread across three regional campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, Rutgers is all about choice. Choices between more than 100 undergraduate majors and 4,000 courses. Choices about which of the more than 500 student organizations catch your fancy. Even choices about which of its 18 computer centers or six student centers to frequent. "Rutgers is a place that gives students opportunities to do and be whatever they want," says a senior. Seventy-five percent of undergraduates (about 34,000) enroll in Rutgers-New Brunswick, which is itself a collection of five residential sub-campuses strung out along the Raritan River and linked by a free university bus system that allows stu- dents to move easily among the various units for classes, housing, and social life. The historical core is the College Avenue campus, which boasts architectural gems dating to the American Revolution and is home to the huge School of Arts and Sciences. In addition to the football stadium, the Busch campus hosts the engineering and the newly expanded pharmacy schools, while Cook offers abucolic setting for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Douglass, with its Georgian Colonial architecture, is home to the Douglass Residential College, the largest women's college in the country. Livingston, with its extensive array of solar panels, is home to the business school and the basketball arena.

Purdue University

Rank: 56 (tie) City: West Lafayette, IN Strong Programs: Management, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Pharmacy, Nursing, Professional Flight Technology, Aeronautical and Astrological Engineering Atmosphere: Purdue is indiana's steM university—with side helpings of business, health professions, and liberal arts. Compare to Kansas state and Big ten rival Michigan state. does better than most large universities in giving students hands-on opportunities such as internships and co-ops. Flight technology and aerospace—and turning out future astronauts—are longtime specialties. Successful Indiana colleges typically have three things in common: a solid agricul- tural program, a powerhouse basketball team, and a conservative student body. Purdue University has all of these—plus one of the nation's strongest engineering programs, and the distinction of having awarded more bachelor's degrees in the field than any other institution. Purdue is also home to the nation's first computer science department, and its programs in pharmacy, nursing, and management are top-notch. Budding classicists, dramatists, and literary critics might want to look elsewhere, but those seeking small-school friendliness with big-school spirit may be very happy to join the ranks of Boilermakers. Purdue is the main attraction in the small industrial town of West Lafayette, where the population triples when students return each fall. The campus features redbrick and limestone buildings arranged around lush shaded courtyards. Recent construction includes the $90 million Honors College and Residences facility. Purdue is also home to Amazon.com's first ever brick-and-mortar location, where students can have textbooks shipped overnight for no cost.

University of Washington

Rank: 59 City: Seattle, WA Strong Programs: Business, Communication, Psychology, Economics, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, English Atmosphere: Udub wows visitors with its sprawling parklike campus in hugely popular seattle. Washington is tougher than University of oregon for out-of-state admission but not as hard as UC heavyweights Berkeley or UClA. location near both the coast and mountains makes for strong marine and environmental studies programs. has recently increased its percentage of out-of-staters and international students in an effort to balance the budget. The University of Washington has cemented its reputation as a solid research insti- tution, and its 29,000 full-time undergraduates benefit from traditional strengths in business, health, and natural sciences. Students here understand that anonymity and size are the prices that must be paid for the wealth of opportunities that await them, although First-Year Interest Groups and a four-year honors program help make the university feel smaller. Those looking for an extra-personal touch might want to investigate UW's two branch campuses in Tacoma and Bothell, where class sizes average 25 students. But if the Seattle campus is your focus, one senior hints, just "learn to work the system." Washington's Seattle campus blends Gothic architecture and the lush, green landscape of the Pacific Northwest. It features a number of distinctive landmarks. Red Square sits atop the Central Plaza parking garage and features the Broken Obelisk, a 26-foot-high steel sculpture gifted to the university by the Virginia Wright Fund. All of the university's energy comes from renewable resources (including, of course, hydropower) and, despite campus growth, UW has reduced its overall energy use.

Southern Methodist University

Rank: 59 (tie) City: Dallas, TX Strong Programs: Economics, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Performing Arts, Engineering, Applied Physiology and Sport Management, Human Rights Atmosphere:sMU is best known for business, the performing arts, and an abundance of school spirit. Go-getter mentality is pervasive, and students benefit from internships and other opportunities in nearby dallas. picture-book campus on the city outskirts adds to its appeal. Methodist, but mainly in name. Southern Methodist University is moving well beyond its long-standing character- ization as a training ground for the business elite of Dallas. Admissions standards are on the rise, and recent years have brought an updated curriculum, a new residential model, and, in the words of one senior, "tons of new campus buildings." The highly regarded Cox School of Business sets the no-nonsense tone for SMU's success-driven academic climate. Although founded by what is now the United Methodist Church, SMU is nondenominational; less than 10 percent of students are Methodist and all faiths are welcomed. SMU's well-landscaped campus is located in the toney suburb of University Park, located "five minutes from downtown Dallas and within 30 minutes of everything else," according to one student. Flower beds, fountains, and neatly trimmed lawns "some of my professors have practically been my life coaches." surround stately brick buildings, most of them col- legiate Georgian. Dallas Hall, with its four-story rotunda, is the centerpiece. The Embrey Engineering Building is one of the first academic buildings in the nation to be designed and constructed to LEED Gold Standards of environmental design. The Meadows Museum houses one of the finest collections of Spanish art outside Spain, and SMU is the only private college in the country to host a presiden- tial library on its main campus, the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Pennsylvania State University - University Park

Rank: 59 (tie) City: University Park, PA Strong Programs: Business, Engineering, Computer and information sciences, Social Science, Meteorology, Food Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Forensic Sciences Atmosphere:Although its athletic programs have tended to grab most of the headlines, penn state remains one of the premier public universities academically. With a student body the size of a small city, the university is strong in fields from meteorology to film and television. the 1,800-student schreyer honors College is one of the nation's elite programs. Once viewed as the model of how the values of big-time football and academic excellence could coexist, Penn State's image took a major hit seven years ago with the conviction of a former assistant football coach as a sexual predator. Since then a new administration has enacted governance and other changes aimed at shor- ing up institutional values. Fortunately, the legendary school spirit of the 40,000 undergraduate denizens of what sportswriters have long called Happy Valley is still alive, as are Penn State's stellar choices in engineering, the sciences, and other fields appropriate to a land grant university. With an eclectic architectural mix, including white-columned brick, stone, and some modern apartments, Penn State continues to experience growth as major reno- 1vation and expansion projects proceed. New facilities are added every year, and renovations and other improvements are constantly underway. The $144 million Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Building was completed in 2019. "Penn State just keeps growing and improving itself," says one student.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Rank: 59 (tie) City: Worcester, MA Strong Programs: Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Interactive Media and Game Development Atmosphere:small, innovative, and undergraduate-oriented, Wpi is anything but a stodgy technical institute. the Wpi plan is hands-on and project-based and takes a humanistic view of engineering. emphasizes teamwork instead of competition. Global focus unusual for an engineering school. Wpi is smaller than rensselaer and half the size of Mit. As a pioneer in STEM education, Worcester Polytechnic Institute has built a solid reputation, particularly for its engineering programs. But with its ever-expanding academic curriculum, surprising devotion to music and theater, and dedication to hands-on undergraduate experiences, WPI has broadened the definition of what it means to be a techie haven. More than anything, it's WPI's humanistic approach to engineering that really sets it apart. As a mechanical engineering major explains, "We all have one common denominator that brings us together: we all love STEM and we all want to design, build, and innovate to make the world better." WPI is the third-oldest independent science and engineering school in the nation. Its compact 95-acre campus is set atop one of Worcester's "seven hills" on the residential outskirts of town and borders two parks and the historic Highland Street District, where local merchants and students come together to form the neighborhood community. Old English stone buildings complete with creeping ivy are focal points of the architecture, but modern facilities have moved into claim their own space on the immaculately kept grounds. The $49 million Foisie Innovation Studio, opened in 2018, features high-tech classrooms, makerspaces, and labs, as well as a 140-bed residence hall.

University of Maryland, College Park

Rank: 63 (tie) City: College Park, MD Strong Programs: Biological Sciences, Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Finance, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Business, Journalism Atmosphere:the name says Maryland, but the location says Washington, d.C. students in College park can jump on the Metro just as they do at American or Georgetown. Maryland is nothing if not big, and savvy students will look to programs such as the honors College and living/learning communities for some personal attention. For good luck on exams, University of Maryland students rub the nose of Testudo, the school's terrapin mascot. But even without touching the storied statue, most students here feel lucky to be at a diverse school that offers a multitude of programs, from living/learning communities to special opportunities for freshmen, that make it feel smaller and more personal, despite its daunting size. "With hundreds of different stu- dent organizations," says a senior, "students will always be able to find their niche." Maryland's 1,200-acre campus embraces an array of architectural styles, includ- ing the Georgian brick buildings ringing the oak-lined mall at the heart of the campus. The 17,950-seat Xfinity Center hosts Terrapin basketball games and special university events. The Iribe Center for Computer Science, featuring six floors of spe- cialized, high-tech labs, and the St. John Teaching and Learning Center are among the newest additions to campus.

Texas A&M University-College Station

Rank: 66 (tie) City: College Station, TX Strong Programs:Management, Management Information Systems, Psychology, Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Education, Oceanography Atmosphere:Coming to A&M is like joining an elite club with 58,000 members. in addition to fanatical school spirit, texas A&M offers leading programs in the natural sciences, engineering, and business. to succeed in this mass of humanity, students must find their academic niche. the student body is 94 percent texan, and out-of-staters should be prepared for major culture shock. Known for its top-notch science and engineering programs and its unsurpassed school spirit, Texas A&M opened in 1876 as the state's first public institution of higher education: a land grant college with a military training focus. Today, as one of only 17 universities in the nation to hold federal land, sea, and space grant des- ignations, Texas A&M would seem to have the whole universe covered. This school of nearly 47,000 full-time undergrads boasts a massive endowment and more tradi- tions than Vatican City. When they're not studying for rigorous classes, Aggies may be found at Midnight Yell before each home and away football game or yelling—as the saying around campus goes, "Aggies don't cheer, we yell!"—for their teams at other high-energy athletic events. Texas A&M is the largest university campus in the country, in terms of acreage (5,200)—something made obvious to students every time they walk to class. The campus combines historic brick buildings from the turn of the 20th century with newer structures in more modern styles, and is pulled together by a heavy cover of live oak trees. The campus is in a constant state of flux, as renovations and new construction take place on a regular basis, the most recent including a $125 million renovation and expansion of the Memorial Student Center.

Clark University

Rank: 66 (tie) City: Worcester, MA Strong Programs: Psychology, Geography, International Development and Social Change, Environmental Science, Management, Political Science, Biology, Economics Atmosphere: Clark has a distinguished history that dates to the late 19th century, and had it been established an hour to the east, it probably would have become a household name. Worcester is not Boston, but Clarkies bring a sense of mission to their relationship with this historic industrial town. Clark is liberal, tolerant, and world-renowned in psychology and geography. has a less national student body than institutions of comparable quality. Clark University started in 1887 as an all-graduate school on a German model, excel- ling in disciplines including psychology and geography, and today welcomes under- graduates of all backgrounds and interests with small classes and no shortage of faculty attention. Clark's Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP) educational model is designed to prepare students for success after college by combining a liberal arts curriculum with "intensive world, workplace, and personal experiences." As a junior explains, "LEEP serves to push students to bring their college education into the real world." Clark's compact, 50-acre campus has "enough ivy, tall maples, and collegiate brick buildings to make a traditionalist happy," even though it's located in the rather gritty Main South section of Worcester. Buildings range from remodeled Victorian- era residences—former homes of prosperous merchants—to the award-winning Robert Hutchings Goddard Library. Careful restoration has brought a renewed sense of history to the area. Clark is the only American university where famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud lectured, and his statue adorns the center of campus. The four-story Shaich Family Alumni and Student Engagement Center is home to the LEEP Center and a venue for special lectures and other events.

Stanford University

Rank: 7 City: Stanford, CA Strong Programs: Computer Science, Engineering, Human Biology, Management Science and Engineering, Public Policy, Communication, Biology Atmosphere: You might think the only difference between Stanford and the Ivy League is a couple hundred extra sunny days each year. You'd be wrong. From the red-tiled roofs to the lush greenery and California vibe, Stanford is a world away from the Gothic intel- lectual culture of the Ivies. Virtually all the great Eastern universities began as places to ponder human existence and the meaning of life, with European institutions as their models. Stanford, by contrast, built its academic reputation around science and engineering, fields characterized by American ingenuity, and only later cultivated excellence in the humanities and social sciences. Stanford is, without a doubt, the nation's first great "American" university. Now the most selective university in the country—turning down 19 of every 20 applicants—Stanford has begun to increase the size of its entering classes and intends to expand its dormitories and number of faculty proportionately until it reaches a new comfort level. The differences between Stanford and other institutions it competes against for the country's top high school seniors are evident everywhere, from the architecture to the curriculum. The school's mission-style buildings look outward to the world at large, rather than inward to ivy-covered courtyards. And unlike its Colonial-era The differences between Stanford and other institutions it competes against for the country's top high school seniors are evident everywhere, from the architecture to the curriculum. The school's mission-style buildings look outward to the world at large, rather than inward to ivy-covered courtyards. And unlike its Colonial-era predecessors, Stanford—founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their son Leland Jr.—has been co-ed from the beginning. During its centennial, the school became the first U.S. university to successfully launch a billion-dollar capi- tal campaign; today Stanford's endowment is $26.5 billion. Some architectural crit- ics say the campus looks like the world's biggest Mexican restaurant, even though Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of New York City's Central Park, planned many of the buildings. The campus stretches from the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the edge of Palo Alto in the heart of Silicon Valley, smack in the middle of earth- quake country. The campus is nationally recognized as "bicycle friendly" and is outfitted with 12 miles of bike lanes, 19,000 bike parking spaces, and free bike repair stations. Recent campus projects include the renovation of the Sapp Center for Science Teaching and Learning.

Fordham University

Rank: 70 (tie) City: Bronx, NY Strong Programs: Communication, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Biological Sciences, Theater, Dance, Global Business Atmosphere: new york City's Fordham is riding the wave of euphoria for colleges in new york. though still operating in the shadows of places like nyU and Boston College, Fordham is coming on strong. there is no better location than lincoln Center in Manhattan, where the performing arts programs are housed. the Bronx location is less appealing but home to larger programs and adjacent to the new york Botanical Garden and Bronx zoo. At Fordham University, the tradition of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) pervades all aspects of life, from the quality of teaching, to the emphasis on personal relation- ships, to the pursuit of both "wisdom and learning," which also happens to be the school's motto. Students benefit from two campuses: the gated Bronx community of Rose Hill and the Lincoln Center facility, just a short subway ride away from the heart of midtown Manhattan. Though half of the student population is Roman Catholic, there's plenty of variation in ethnic background and in students' politi- cal, social, and religious views. Fordham is "more diverse than Boston College, less funky than NYU," says a German and English double major. The 85-acre Rose Hill campus is an oasis of trees, grass, and Gothic architecture; it's close to the New York Botanical Garden and Yankee Stadium and had cameo appearances in films such as A Beautiful Mind. Rose Hill is home to Fordham College at Rose Hill, the largest liberal arts school at the university, as well as the primary programs of the Gabelli School of Business. The Lincoln Center campus benefits from its proximity to the Juilliard School, to the CBS and ABC television studios between 10th and 11th Avenues, and to Lincoln Center itself, Manhattan's perform- ing arts hub. In addition to its own liberal arts college, the campus also houses some business programs, Fordham's law school, and three other graduate schools. Shuttles run between the two campuses.

Stevens Institute of Technology

Rank: 70 (tie) City: Hoboken, NJ Strong Programs: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Business and Technology, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Quantitative Finance, Computer Science Atmosphere: stevens ranks with Clarkson and Worcester polytechnic among east Coast technical institutes that offer intimacy and personalized education. youth-oriented hoboken is a major plus and a quicker commute to Manhattan than most places in Brooklyn. Co-op and five-year programs are options. plan to work hard. At Stevens Institute of Technology, students accept intense classwork, all-nighters, and trips to the Big Apple as givens. The school is located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, which means that students have the cultural, athletic, and gastronomic resources of New York City at their fingertips. Engineering and the sciences dominate campus life—and even business, arts, and humanities programs are taught through the lens of technology—but students seem prepared to take on the challenge of balancing work and play. "Stevens is a great place to embrace one's inner nerd and party too," says one satisfied student.

University of California - Santa Cruz

Rank: 70 (tie) City: Santa Cruz, CA Strong Programs: Psychology, Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, Human Biology, Sociology, Marine Biology, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Community Studies Atmosphere:From its flower-child beginnings, UC santa Cruz has wandered back toward the mainstream. the yoga mats and surfboards still abound and sammy the banana slug is still the mascot, but the students are a lot more conventional than in its earlier incarnation. the emphasis here continues to be on environmental stewardship, community engagement, and teaching students how to think, not what to think. relatively small size and residential college system give it a homey feel. UC Santa Cruz, still a baby in the UC system, was born during the radical '60s when it reigned as the ultimate alternative school, a place that consciously rebelled against the stodginess of educational institutions. The founding vision of an inte- grated learning environment remains to this day, and every undergraduate affiliates with one of the residential colleges. Progressive thought continues to flourish, as does a strong academic program that strives to focus on undergraduate education. Students still come to UC Santa Cruz to do their own thing.

Florida State University

Rank: 70 (tie) City: Tallahassee, FL Strong Programs: Business, International Affairs, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Fine and Performing Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Communication Atmosphere:located in Florida's down-home panhandle, FsU is far from the glitz of south Beach or daytona. the motion picture college is among the best around, and business and the arts are also strong. notable programs include several living/learning options for freshmen. At Florida State University, you could have a Nobel laureate for a professor, study in one of the finest science facilities in the Southeast, or network at the state capitol. While the choices are plentiful here, the pace of life makes it possible to taste a little of everything: a wide array of solid academic options, blistering Florida sunshine, and plenty to do, from football to Tallahassee hangouts. "There is a relaxed feel to campus that makes FSU the cool, laid-back friend of the Florida university system," says a junior. FSU is located in the "Other Florida": the one with rolling hills, flowering aza- leas and dogwoods, and a canopy of moss-draped oaks. Glistening Gulf of Mexico waters are only half an hour away. The main campus features collegiate Jacobean structures surrounded by plenty of shade trees, with some modern facilities sprin- kled in. Situated on 450 compact acres, the campus is the smallest in the state uni- versity system—it's just a 10-minute walk from the main gate on the east side to the science complex on the west side. Construction on a new 130,000-square-foot building housing the earth, ocean, and atmospheric science department was com- pleted in 2019.

Virginia Tech

Rank: 76 (tie) City: Blacksburg, VA Strong Programs: Engineering, Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Business Information Technology, Finance, Human Nutrition Foods and Exercise, Animal Science, Forestry Atmosphere:offers a unique blend of high tech and southern hospitality. engineering has always been its calling card, but business and architecture are popular. Admission is competitive for out-of-state applicants. Blacksburg is a nice college town, but far from the population centers near the coast. hokie nation loves its football team. Compare to Clemson, Georgia tech, and purdue. Officially known as the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Tech is a land grant university that offers a slate of solid academic programs, com- petitive Division I athletics, and storied traditions. Engineering, business, and archi- tecture attract top students from around the country who are proud to be part of the "Hokie Nation." A senior says, "Even in a school with 32,000 students, I feel like I'm in a small town with 200 people. Everyone here is so friendly." Its campus, set on a plateau in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, occupies 3,000 acres and comes complete with a duck pond, hiking trails, and a 200-year-old plan- tation that is a local landmark. Students enjoy unlimited outdoor recreation thanks to the proximity of the Jefferson National Forest, the Appalachian Trail, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and the majestic old New River. The campus buildings are an attractive mix of gray limestone structures, colonial-style brick, and modern cement buildings. The campus continues to undergo renovations and additions, including a new caged drone-testing facility.

Baylor University

Rank: 78 (tie) City: Waco, TX Strong Programs: Biology, Nursing, Accounting, Psychology, Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, Communication Studies and Disorders Atmosphere: the largest and best-endowed Baptist university anywhere, Baylor has set its sights on becoming a leading research university. Atmosphere is avowedly Christian, but religious image has been tarnished by continuing controversies over how it has dealt with allegations of sexual assault. strong sense of community, especially when it comes to Saturday afternoon home football games. Baylor University offers students a solid Christian-influenced education at a bargain price. The university was founded in 1845, 10 months before Texas became a state, and its Baptist tradition fosters a strong sense of community among students and faculty. The school's vision plan promises a slew of strategic changes, such as lower- ing the student/teacher ratio and building new residence halls while renovating old ones, and it is investing in resources to become a top-tier research university while enhancing its Christian identity. "Baylor's commitment to academic excellence and an incredible alumni network ensures a great education and a chance to get a job," says a junior. The 1,000-acre Baylor campus abuts the historic Brazos River near downtown Waco, Texas (population 136,000). The architectural style emphasizes the gracious tradition of the Old South, and the central part of campus, the quadrangle, was built when Baylor moved from Independence, Texas, in 1886. The campus has been witness to a number of renovations and new construction, including the Foster Campus for Business and Innovation and an athletic nutrition center.

Texas Christian University

Rank: 80 (tie) City: Fort Worth, TX Strong Programs: Nursing, Communication Studies, Finance, Accounting, Biology, Strategic Communication, Education, Fine Arts Atmosphere: the personalized private alternative to texas-sized state universities. tuition is less, and the student body less affluent, than that at archrival sMU. though affiliated with the disciples of Christ, tCU goes lighter on religion than, say, Baylor. strengths include business, communication, and the fine arts. strong sense of community and school spirit. You know a school has spirit (if that's the right word) when its students paint them- selves purple to cheer raucously for a horny toad. Although outsiders might be baf- fled by such a display, Texans know these folks are TCU fans cheering for the home team (officially known as the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs) at a Saturday afternoon football game. There's a true sense of school spirit and solidarity here. And while TCU's acceptance rate is about on par with rivals Southern Methodist and Baylor, it has a reputation for being more accessible. Says a senior, "TCU is a com- munity, a real family." The spacious 277-acre campus is kept in almost perfect condition and features tree-lined walkways and grassy areas. Nearby is a lovely residential neighborhood not too far from the shops and restaurants of downtown Fort Worth. The campus boasts an eclectic mix of architecture, ranging from neo-Georgian to contemporary. Notable facilities include the Walsh Center for Performing Arts, a 56,000-square-foot performance hall and theater complex, as well as a new Greek Village.

Colorado School of Mines

Rank: 80 (tie) City: Golden, CO Strong Programs: Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Geophysical Engineering, Engineering Physics Atmosphere: Mines is the preeminent technical institute in the Mountain West. Getting in is not all that hard; graduating is another story. one-sixth the size of texas tech and best known for mining-related fields but strong in many areas of engineering. Men outnumber women nearly 3 to 1, and Golden provides little other than a nice view of the mountains. Graduates are heavily recruited. If you're a bit of a geek whose only dilemma is what type of engineer to become, and you want to spend your scarce free time hiking, biking, and skiing with friends, then Colorado School of Mines may be the place for you. This public school's small size and rugged location endear it to the mostly male students who shoulder heavy workloads to earn their degrees. "There are often fun and entertaining conversations that could only be possible with the types of students here," says a mechanical engi- neering major. Just down the road from Coors Brewing Co., which taps the Rockies for its legendary brews, students at Mines learn to tap the same mountains for coal, oil, and other natural resources. CSM's 373-acre campus sits in the shadow of the spectacular Rocky Mountains in tiny Golden, Colorado. Architectural styles range from turn-of-the-century gold dome to present-day modern, and native trees and greenery punctuate lush lawns. The $50 million CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering is the newest addition to campus.

North Carolina State University - Raleigh

Rank: 80 (tie) City: Raleigh, NC Strong Programs: Engineering, Business, Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Architecture, Textiles, Communication, Forest Management Atmosphere: Although nC state may lack the high national profile of neighbors duke and UnC at Chapel hill, it is a major player in north Carolina's research triangle and beyond—just ask the thousands of graduates who have moved into jobs in the area. engineering, business, and biology are the most popular programs. location in the state capital a big plus. Compare to Clemson and virginia tech. Whether you're looking for a stellar education or a top-rated basketball program, North Carolina State University offers students the benefits of a large school— highly regarded professors, a diverse student body, and plenty to do on weekends— while making sure that no one feels left out. Says an electrical engineering major, "There is definitely a place for everyone here, since there are so many avenues to explore." The 132-year-old, 2,100-acre campus consists of redbrick buildings, brick-lined walks, and cozy courtyards dotted with pine trees. There is no dominant style, but more of an architectural stream of consciousness that reveals a campus that has grown and changed with time. Holladay Hall has been designated as a historic site by the Raleigh City Council, while the ultramodern, $115 million Hunt Library features a game lab, visualization studio, digital production suites, and more than 100 collaborative spaces. For amusement you can always stroll over and watch its robotic book retrieval system in action. NC State's Centennial Campus is a 1,227- acre, public-private research campus where university researchers work alongside government, corporate, and nonprofit partners.

Stony Brook University - SUNY

Rank: 80 (tie) City: Stony Book, NY Strong Programs: Health Science, Biology, Business Management, Psychology, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Anthropology Atmosphere: strategically located 60 miles east of new york City, stony Brook has risen a few notches in the sUny pecking order. the natural sciences, engineering, and health fields are the major drawing cards. situated in the lap of long island luxury, stony Brook offers easy access to beachfront playlands. still caters mainly to students from the new york tristate area. Stony Brook, one of the academic leaders in the SUNY system, aims to be the model of a student-centered research university. The six Undergraduate Colleges provide a small college community experience with all the assets of a leading research uni- versity. Since its founding in 1957, the public university has made a name for itself with its top-notch programs in the hard sciences. It has also become known for its competitive learning environment and the high quality of its professors. In short, "Stony Brook is the complete package," boasts one senior. The school's location on Long Island's plush North Shore (Gatsby's stomping grounds) is a wonderful drawing point. Sitting on 1,040 wooded acres just outside of the small, picturesque village of Stony Brook, and only 90 minutes from New York City and half an hour from the beaches of the South Shore, the campus is a con- glomeration of redbrick buildings interspersed with several modern brick and con- crete designs. Campus beautification and sustainability are priorities, and grass and trees have replaced much of the uninspiring campus concrete. Recently completed construction includes two new residence halls and a dining facility.

Michigan State University

Rank: 85 (tie) City: East Lansing, MI Strong Programs: Marketing, Communication, Journalism, Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, Education, Agricultural Sciences, Supply Chain Management Atmosphere: Most people don't realize that MsU is the largest institution of higher education in Michigan. students can find a niche in strong preprofessional programs such as hospitality business management, prevet, and education. MsU's self-contained campus is like a town unto itself, with a bus system available to get from one side to the other. sexual abuse scandal continues to generate headlines. Michigan State's roots are agricultural—the school became the state's land grant institution in 1862—and future farmers, plant scientists, and veterinarians still flourish here. So do those with wanderlust, thanks to study abroad programs on each of the world's seven continents. MSU's programs in natural sciences and mul- tidisciplinary social sciences offer students the feel of a small, liberal arts college and the resources of a large research university. "Resources here abound," says a senior. The heart of the MSU campus, north of the Red Cedar River, boasts ivy-covered brick buildings, some of which predate the Civil War and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area houses five colleges plus the MSU Union and 10 residence halls. Across the river are the medical complex, newer dorms, and two 18-hole golf courses. Most notably, MSU is home to the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. Current construction includes the $730 million Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, a new facility for nuclear science research that is funded in part- nership with the U.S. Department of Energy and the state of Michigan and expected to be completed in 2022. On the southernmost part of campus are farms and animal research and teaching facilities.

University of California - Riverside

Rank: 85 (tie) City: RIverside, CA Strong Programs: Biology, Psychology, Business Administration, Sociology, Plant Biology, Entomology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering Atmosphere: Most diverse UC school and the easiest to get into, but offers a more personal touch. UCr's traditional strengths in the sciences are bolstered by expanding opportunities for undergraduate research. social life is relatively tame, since many students commute. While some complain of a lack of nightlife in riverside, they readily agree that activities on campus make up for it. Lacking the big-name reputation and booming athletic programs of the other UC schools, UC Riverside has chosen to place its emphasis on something that not all universities consider to be an important priority: the student. Riverside offers one of the lowest student/faculty ratios in the UC system, strong academic and cocurricular programs, and a richly diverse community. "Students are well taken care of and get personal attention," says one satisfied senior. Though part of the UC system, UC Riverside is a breed apart. Located 60 miles east of Los Angeles, UCR is surrounded by mountains on the outskirts of the city of Riverside. The beautifully landscaped, 1,200-acre campus con- sists of mainly modern architecture, with a 160-foot bell tower (with a 48-bell caril- lon) marking its center. Wide lawns and clusters of oaks create "a veritable botanical garden," where students and faculty enjoy relaxing between classes. Acres of citrus groves form a half-circle on the outer edges of campus and perfume the air. Recent campus additions include the 179,000-square-foot Multidisciplinary Research Building, supporting work in the sciences and engineering.

University of San Diego

Rank: 85 (tie) City: San Diego, CA Strong Programs: Finance, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Accountancy, Psychology, Engineering Atmosphere: With a panoramic view of the pacific ocean, Usd is riding a wave of popularity enhanced by its sun-drenched location. not to be confused with its UC counterpart across town, Usd is now often preferred to roman Catholic peers the University of san Francisco and santa Clara. strong in business, engineering, and study abroad. Students at the University of San Diego have many reasons to cheer: a beatific oceanside campus, a rich Roman Catholic heritage centered around ethical con- duct and compassionate service, and an array of superb academics. "USD is becom- ing more and more competitive, and the academic programs continue to get better," says one freshman. "There has never been a better time to come to USD than right now." Founded in 1949, the USD campus occupies 180 acres on a mesa overlooking San Diego's Mission Bay and is only two miles north of downtown San Diego. The buildings are designed in 16th-century Spanish Renaissance architectural style in a nod to San Diego's Catholic heritage and the Universidad de Alcalá in Spain. In a fitting architectural juxtaposition, at one end of campus is the Joan B. Kroc (of McDonald's fame) Center for Peace and Justice; at the other end is the Jenny Craig Athletic Center, where you can work off your Big Macs. The university recently opened the Architecture Pavilion, featuring seminar, lecture, and exhibition areas as well as space for student studios.

Indiana University - Bloomington

Rank: 89 (tie) City: Bloomington, IN Strong Programs: Finance, Informatics, Marketing, Accounting, Media, Music, Foreign Languages, Education Atmosphere: though men's basketball has traditionally been iU's most famous program, it may not be its best. that distinction could easily go to the world-renowned music school or to the distinguished foreign language program. iU enrolls almost twice as many out-of-staters as the University of illinois. Bloomington is a great college town, and most students live off campus after freshman year. With more than 32,000 undergraduates on its enormous campus, Indiana University is the prototype of the large Midwestern school. (And it is emphatically "Indiana University," not "the University of Indiana"—a common mistake.) With strong aca- demics, a thriving social scene, and some of the best sports teams around, this top- notch public institution is a testament to Hoosier determination. Located in southern Indiana's gently rolling hills, the 1,936-acre campus boasts architecture from Italianate brick to collegiate Gothic limestone to the dis- tinctive style of world-famous architect I. M. Pei. Other unique campus features include fountains, gargoyles, an arboretum of more than 450 trees and shrubs surrounding two reflecting pools, a limestone gazebo, and the Jordan River, a pretty creek that runs alongside a shaded path. Recent construction includes a $42 million, state-of-the-art building for the School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, and a $15 million renovation of the cinema that anchors the prominent film studies program.

University at Buffalo - SUNY

Rank: 89 (tie) City: Buffalo, NY Strong Programs: Psychology, Engineering, Business and Marketing, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Computer Science, Occupational and Physical Therapy, English Atmosphere: Glamorous it may not be, but the University at Buffalo offers solid programs in everything from business and engineering to geography and english. the majority of students come from Western new york and new york City, and a high percentage commute from home. the largest of the sUny campuses and the most academically comprehensive, UB is slowly building visibility with bigtime sports. As part of the mammoth State University of New York system, the University at Buffalo is working hard to ensure it gets noticed. Very few universities share its strength in medicine, engineering, and computer science, and UB is one of the world's leading supercomputer sites. Its resources are large enough to warrant three campuses: North, South, and Downtown. In addition to the sciences, the former private university offers strong professional schools. Students interested in phar- macy find Buffalo has the only accredited school in the SUNY system. "As large as we are, we have a very diverse and welcoming atmosphere," says a senior. The North Campus of the University at Buffalo, home to most undergraduate programs, stretches across 1,100 acres in the suburbs just outside the city line and boasts buildings designed by world-renowned architects such as I. M. Pei. Meanwhile, the South Campus, along Main Street, favors collegiate ivy-covered buildings and is the home of the schools of architecture, pharmacy and public health, as well as UB's highly rated den-tistry program. The university provides connecting bus service—known as the UB Stampede—between the North and South campuses. The academically oriented student body spends plenty of time in UB's six main libraries, which are, for the most part, comfortable and well stocked at more than four million volumes. The university continues build- ing and renovating at a steady pace and recently completed work on an extensive, state-of-the-art new campus for its medical school in Downtown Buffalo, in the heart of Buffalo's expanding medical corridor.

Loyola University Chicago

Rank: 89 (tie) City: Chicago, IL Strong Programs: Accounting, Finance, Management Information Systems Atmosphere: Loyola University Chicago is a private institution that was founded in 1870. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 11,420, its setting is city, and the campus size is 105 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Loyola University Chicago's ranking in the 2019 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 89. Its tuition and fees are $44,048 (2018-19). Loyola University Chicago, or Loyola Chicago, as it's known for short, is one of the largest Jesuit institutions in the country. The school has two locations in Chicago - Lake Shore and Water Tower - where on-campus living is separated between freshmen, sophomores and all upperclassmen. The university also has an international campus four miles from downtown Rome, where about 400 students study abroad each year. The Loyola Ramblers compete in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference.

University of Delaware

Rank: 89 (tie) City: Newark, DE Strong Programs: Atmosphere: plenty of students dream of someday becoming nittany lions or Cavaliers—even terrapins—but fewer aspire to be Blue hens. the challenge for Ud is how to win its share of students without the name recognition that comes from big-time sports. the state of delaware is tiny, and only about a third of the students are in-staters. Check out the variety of residential learning options. The University of Delaware is a public gem that boasts solid academic programs, from engineering to nursing. Though lacking a big-time sports program, UD has been gradually attracting more and more students who are looking for strong aca- demics and hands-on experiences. It all adds up to "the small-school feel with the opportunities of a larger university," as one junior says. Delaware's 970-acre Newark campus has an attractive mix of colonial and modern geometric buildings, set among flowering and native plantings. The hub of the campus is a grassy green mall, flanked by classic Georgian buildings. Mechanical Hall is a climate-controlled art gallery and home to the Paul R. Jones collection of African American Art. Hotel and restaurant management students benefit from classes in a fine dining restaurant and a Courtyard by Marriott right on campus, which doubles as a learning and research facility. A $2 million Innovation Suite recently opened for the electrical and computer engineering department.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Rank: 96 City: Chicago, IL Strong Programs: Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science, Business, Physics, Chemistry, Health Professions Atmosphere: Forget about cheerleaders, homecoming games, and other traditional trappings of college life. iit is about learning about technology, getting a degree, and landing a job. Academic focus is on engineering with a bit of architecture thrown in for good measure. if your goal is a technical job in the Chicago area, this is your place. though private, iit is relatively inexpensive. Engineers unite at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where classwork and real- world experience promise to propel students to the top of their fields. After all, when you're engaged in comprehensive undergraduate research and able to take advan- tage of state-of-the-art labs, you're nearly guaranteed a high-paying job after gradu- ation. IIT programs may be hard, says a junior, but the work "will pay off in the end" as students enter the workforce. Indeed, kids here tend to burn the midnight oil, but frequently escape to downtown Chicago for culture and much-deserved fun. IIT's home is an urban, 120-acre campus designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the influential 20th-century architect who directed the architecture school for 20 years. Founded in 1890, the school is just three miles south of Chicago's Loop, and one mile west of Lake Michigan. Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the White Sox, is located directly across from the campus. Miesian-style buildings are adorned by trees and grassy open parks. Crown Hall, home of IIT's College of Architecture, is a National Historic Landmark.

University of Vermont

Rank: 96 (tie) City: Burlington, VT Strong Programs: Business Administration, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Nursing, Biology, Political Science, Animal Science, Entrepreneurship Atmosphere: For an out-of-stater sizing up public universities, there could hardly be a more appealing place than UvM. the size is manageable, Burlington is a fabulous college town, and lake Champlain and the Green Mountains are on your doorstep. UvM feels like a private university, but, alas, it is also priced like one. Attracts a mix of party animals and serious types. With its beautiful setting, wide academic offerings, and abundance of clubs and cocurricular pursuits, the University of Vermont draws students from around the country. And, says a math major, they're not all granola types with a penchant for soy milk and snowboarding. While it's a public school, UVM's academics, research opportunities, and price tag are more akin to those of a private institution. Generous financial aid packages, investment in infrastructure, and a growing emphasis on hands-on learning experiences are helping to ensure that Vermont remains both affordable and relevant amid increasing competition from schools of both types. Chartered in 1791, UVM was established as the fifth college in New England. UVM's picturesque campus sits on the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington, virtually a stone's throw from the Canadian border.Architectural styles range from colonial to highVictorian Gothic and functional modern; theoldest structures, in the center of the campus,are recognized on the National Registry of Historic Places. The university has under- taken major construction on a state-of-the-art STEM complex featuring the new Discovery Hall and Innovation Hall lab and classroom buildings.

University of Denver

Rank: 96 (tie) City: Denver, CO Strong Programs: Finance, Psychology, International Studies, Marketing, Hospitality Management, Music, Chemistry, Computer Science Atmosphere: the only major midsized private university between tulsa and the West Coast. dU's campus in residential denver is pleasant, and admissions brochures tout rocky Mountain landscapes and healthy lifestyles. senior faculty teach all core courses. A haven for skiing enthusiasts and business majors, dU has become more selective in recent years. The oldest private university in the Rocky Mountain region, the University of Denver is where former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice earned her B.A. in political sci- ence at age 19 and later returned for a Ph.D. in international studies. Her mentor was Soviet specialist Josef Korbel, father of former secretary of state Madeleine Albright. Thus, it's not surprising that DU boasts strong programs in political science, inter- national studies, and public affairs. Many students, however, opt for DU's business program, and the campus location offers ample opportunities for networking, skiing, and taking in the beautiful Colorado landscape. A freshman says, "DU students share a sense of adventure, risk-taking, and spending time doing what one values." DU's 125-acre main campus is located in a comfortable residential neighbor- hood only eight miles from downtown Denver and an hour east of major ski areas. Architectural styles vary and materials include brick, limestone, Colorado sandstone, and copper. Nearby Mount Evans (14,265 feet)is home to the world's loftiest observatory, a DU facility available to both professors and stu-dents. A new facility for the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science recently opened, serving as a hub for interdisciplinary, STEM-related research and scholarship.

University of San Francisco

Rank: 96 (tie) City: San Francisco, CA Strong Programs:Business Administration, Nursing, Psychology, Finance, Biology, Data Science, Hospitality Management, Asian Studies Atmosphere: talk about prime real estate: UsF is next door to the legendary haight-Ashbury district, down the street from Golden Gate park, and within five miles of the pacific ocean. though UsF is a Jesuit institution, less than a third of its students are roman Catholic. Asia pacific studies is a standout, along with preprofessional offerings. About a third of the students are from outside California. In the heart of one of the nation's most liberal cities is a thriving university founded by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) that has become an integral part of its community. Instead of shunning the city's reputation, the University of San Francisco embraces it with a strong social conscience. With an incredibly diverse student body and an emphasis on programs such as nursing and business, students encounter a broad set of cultures, academic challenges in a liberal arts setting, and the chance to put all that experience to good use. USF's 55 well-kept acres, spotted with beautiful basilica-type buildings and modern facilities, are, as one student puts it, "wedged into the heart of San Francisco." The campus stands atop one of San Francisco's seven hills, adjacent to Golden Gate Park, overlooking San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. The university recently opened the LoSchiavo Center for Science and Innovation, which features cutting- edge classrooms, laboratories, and community gathering places.