Best National Universities (2024 Rankings)

Bill Townsend
8/7/2024 | 7 Min Read

Best National Universities (2024 Rankings)

Table of Contents

If you're looking to snag a prestigious job that has everyone in awe, you might want to consider attending one of the top national universities in the United States after high school. These schools are where the bigwigs get their start.

On average, graduates from esteemed Ivy League institutions tend to garner significantly higher earnings than their counterparts from other four-year universities.

In this guide, we'll dive into the deets about the best of the best, so you can decide if one of these universities is your dream destination.

Before we get started, just a little disclaimer: Any university can be considered "national" - obviously, this is designed to boost rankings, so a better approach is to look at what kind of school you want and what you may want to study.

Consider these factors before rankings:

Big/midsize/small school
Undergraduate only or graduate school
Distance from where you grew up
Private or public schools
Available majors

10 best national universities of 2024

Here's a list of the GOATs in the American university game, in no particular order. Keep reading for a breakdown of each so you can find your perfect match.

Princeton University

Admission rate: 4%

Undergraduate and graduate students: 8,478

6-year graduation rate: 98%

Welcome to Princeton, where brains and beauty come together in a stunning New Jersey location. This iconic Ivy League school has a cozy campus and a low acceptance rate. Those lucky enough to get in will find an excellent graduation rate and top-notch humanities, social sciences, and engineering programs.

Students can choose from a wide range of undergrad degrees, from humanities and social sciences to engineering and natural sciences. Princeton is committed to providing its students with exceptional resources and opportunities, such as state-of-the-art research facilities, renowned faculty members, and extensive support systems.

Harvard University

Admission rate: 4%

Undergraduate and graduate students: 31,345

6-year graduation rate: 97%

Ah, Harvard - where the future leaders of America get their start. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this legendary university boasts a diverse campus, a range of competitive undergraduate and graduate programs (hello, law and business!), and alumni who include some of the world's most successful people. Eight U.S. presidents graduated from Harvard. Getting in isn't easy, but Harvard's rep speaks for itself.

At Harvard, you can enjoy a wealth of resources and opportunities to nurture your intellectual and personal growth. The university is dedicated to providing a well-rounded educational experience, blending rigorous academics with an engaging campus life. This allows you to participate in extracurricular activities, research, and community service.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Admission rate: 4%

Undergraduate and graduate students: 11,934

6-year graduation rate: 96%

If you're all about science, tech, and engineering, MIT is your playground. Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT's campus is a hub for innovation. This school has a competitive acceptance rate and is perfect for those who dream big and aim to make a difference in the world.

This prestigious institution has a relatively small enrollment and encourages a collaborative atmosphere where students can work together on groundbreaking projects and research.

Columbia University

Admission rate: 4%

Undergraduate and graduate students: 33,776

6-year graduation rate: 97%

Hitting up the Big Apple? Check out Columbia, a prestigious Ivy League school in New York City. Known for its diverse campus and top-notch programs in journalism, law, and more, Columbia's the place to be if you're all about city life and want an education that'll make your resume shine.

Stanford University

Admission rate: 4%

Undergraduate and graduate students: 17,680

6-year graduation rate: 97%

Nestled in sunny California, Stanford is where tech-savvy students make their mark. With a sprawling campus and a focus on innovation, this school is a top choice for those interested in engineering, computer science, and entrepreneurship. It's got the prestige, the weather, and the vibe - what more could you want?

Yale University

Admission rate: 5%

Undergraduate and graduate students: 14,567

6-year graduation rate: 97%

Yale, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is another Ivy League gem known for its stunning campus and top-tier programs in law, medicine, and more. With a tight-knit community and a rep for academic excellence, Yale's a fantastic choice for those looking to make a name for themselves.

University of Chicago

Admission rate: 6%

Undergraduate and graduate students: 18,832

6-year graduation rate: 96%

If you're all about deep-dish pizza and vibrant urban life on campus, the University of Chicago might be the place for you. With a range of programs in economics, law, and more, this school is known for its academic rigor and top-notch faculty.

University of Pennsylvania

Admission rate: 6%

Undergraduate and graduate students: 28,038

6-year graduation rate: 96%

Located in historic Philadelphia, UPenn is an Ivy League powerhouse known for its business school, nursing program, and impressive research opportunities. With a diverse student body and a competitive edge, UPenn is the real deal.

At the University of Pennsylvania, students can immerse themselves in a vibrant campus community that encourages intellectual curiosity, innovation, and personal development. UPenn offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees, enabling students to explore their passions and prepare for successful careers.

California Institute of Technology

Admission rate: 4%

Undergraduate and graduate students: 2,397

6-year graduation rate: 93%

Caltech, located in Pasadena, California, is a small but mighty institution focused on science and engineering. With a tight-knit community and access to cutting-edge research, this school is a dream for those looking to make big strides in STEM fields.

California Institute of Technology students can work alongside renowned faculty and researchers in state-of-the-art facilities, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in STEM fields. Caltech's undergraduate programs emphasize interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to explore multiple areas of interest and develop a strong foundation in their chosen fields.

Johns Hopkins University

Admission rate: 8%

Undergraduate and graduate students: 32,049

6-year graduation rate: 95%

Get ready to be inspired at Johns Hopkins University, located in the vibrant city of Baltimore, Maryland. With a competitive acceptance rate and a strong focus on research, this university has a lot to offer.

Known for its renowned programs in medicine, public health, and engineering, Johns Hopkins is a great choice for those with a passion for making a difference. The campus offers a mix of urban and green spaces, creating a dynamic environment for students to thrive.

What's the top university in the U.S.?

Here's the deal: The top university in the U.S. can change depending on who you ask and the criteria they use. Princeton University is currently the top-rated college. But honestly, the best school for you just depends on your personal preferences and goals.

Not to sound like a broken record, but consider these factors before rankings:

Big/midsize/small school
Undergraduate only or graduate school
Distance from where you grew up
Public or private
Available majors

What is a Tier 1 university?

Tier 1 universities represent the pinnacle of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and esteemed faculty. These institutions are often major private research universities with large campuses, graduate schools, and a medium to large student population.

Some notable Tier 1 schools in the U.S. include:

Each of these schools offers a wide range of academic programs and resources, making them highly sought-after destinations for ambitious students.

How much is tuition at Tier 1 universities?

Tuition at Tier 1 universities varies, but they are generally quite expensive. Here's a list of annual tuition and fees for a selection of Tier 1 universities:

Princeton: $56,010
Harvard: $55,587
Columbia: $63,530
MIT: $55,878
Yale: $59,950
Stanford: $56,169
UChicago: $62,241
UPenn: $61,710
Northwestern University: $60,768
Duke: $60,244

It's important to note these figures represent the annual base tuition and fees, and additional expenses like room and board, books, and personal expenses may add to the overall cost of attendance.

Many Tier 1 universities offer substantial financial aid packages to help students with demonstrated financial need. As a result, the actual cost of attending these universities may vary significantly depending on your circumstances.

It's crucial to research each institution's specific tuition, fees, and available financial aid options when considering which Tier 1 university to attend.

How do you decide the best university for you?

Deciding on the best university for you involves considering several key factors that align with your goals, interests, and personal preferences.

Here's a list of factors to keep in mind when determining the best college or university for you:

Methodology. College rankings can provide a starting point, but it's super important to understand the methodology behind the rankings. Factors like academic quality, graduation rates, faculty credentials, financial aid, student-faculty ratios, retention rates, and student satisfaction can play a role in determining national university rankings. However, no single ranking will perfectly capture your unique priorities, so take these with a grain of salt.
Higher education goals. Consider your academic and career goals. If you have a specific major in mind or are looking for a particular type of degree (e.g., bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctoral), ensure the universities you're considering offer those programs.
Geographic location. Think about whether you want to attend a university close to home or farther away. You might be eligible for in-state tuition if you stay in your home state. Consider whether you prefer a rural, urban, or suburban environment.
School size. Reflect on whether you'd prefer a small liberal arts college with a tight-knit community or a larger university with a broader range of programs and resources.
Campus environment. Consider the campus culture, including the availability of extracurricular activities, sports teams, Greek life, and other aspects of student life that are important to you.
Academic quality. Research the academic reputation of each university you're considering. Look into their accreditation status, faculty credentials, and the success of their graduates.
Financial aspects. Evaluate the annual cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Compare financial aid packages from different universities to determine which offers the best support for your situation.
Resources and support systems. Consider the availability of academic resources (e.g., tutoring, writing assistance), health and wellness services, and career services (e.g., internships, networking opportunities, and job placement assistance).
Acceptance rates and admission requirements. As you research universities, consider each institution's acceptance rates and admission requirements. Some higher education institutions have strict requirements and low acceptance rates, making it challenging to gain admission.
Public universities. Don't forget to explore public universities, such as San Diego State University, University of Texas - Austin, and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, as they can offer excellent education and resources at a more affordable cost than some private institutions.

Easily compare and contrast your top schools with College Rover

Picking the right university is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your future. By considering factors like location, academic quality, overall cost, campus environment, and acceptance rates, you can make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs and goals.

Use College Rover to simplify the process even more. College Rover is a powerful tool designed to help you easily compare your top schools. You can get more information about specific colleges, find institutions that match your preferences, see how different universities stack up against each other, and search for majors and degree programs that interest you.

Don't wait any longer to start your college search journey. Begin exploring your options with College Rover today, and take the first step toward finding your dream school!

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.