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Spike Rankings 2027

Best Private Colleges in America

Private colleges and universities ranked on what happens to their students: who finishes, what they earn, and what they pay. How Spike ranks

  1. Number 1: Princeton University
  2. Number 2: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  3. Number 3: Yale University

How this list is ranked.

The Best Colleges order, kept to private colleges.

120 colleges qualify from Spike’s guide of 233. Private colleges only. Colleges without enough reported data are left out.

Guide updated . Data snapshot: . Sources and data years.

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120 colleges

  1. Number 1: Princeton University

    Princeton, NJ · Private · University · 5,709 students

    • 97% graduate
    • $134k after 10 years
    • $7,815 average net price
    Acceptance
    5%
    Net price
    $7,815
    SAT median
    1515

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  2. Number 2: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge, MA · Private · University · 4,535 students

    • 96% graduate
    • $153k after 10 years
    • $14,815 average net price
    Acceptance
    5%
    Net price
    $14,815

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  3. Number 3: Yale University

    New Haven, CT · Private · University · 6,758 students

    • 96% graduate
    • $118k after 10 years
    • $11,340 average net price
    Acceptance
    4%
    Net price
    $11,340
    SAT median
    1530

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  4. Number 4: California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena, CA · Private · University · 987 students

    • 92% graduate
    • $167k after 10 years
    • $8,509 average net price
    Acceptance
    3%
    Net price
    $8,509

    ViewAdd to list

  5. Number 5: Harvard University

    Cambridge, MA · Private · University · 7,601 students

    • 97% graduate
    • $122k after 10 years
    • $19,148 average net price
    Acceptance
    4%
    Net price
    $19,148
    SAT median
    1530

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  6. Number 6: Stanford University

    Stanford, CA · Private · University · 7,554 students

    • 92% graduate
    • $125k after 10 years
    • $12,307 average net price
    Acceptance
    4%
    Net price
    $12,307
    SAT median
    1520

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  7. Number 7: Columbia University in the City of New York

    New York, NY · Private · University · 8,973 students

    • 96% graduate
    • $109k after 10 years
    • $15,370 average net price
    Acceptance
    4%
    Net price
    $15,370
    SAT median
    1520

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  8. Number 8: University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, PA · Private · University · 10,650 students

    • 97% graduate
    • $122k after 10 years
    • $29,577 average net price
    Acceptance
    5%
    Net price
    $29,577
    SAT median
    1525

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  9. Number 9: Dartmouth College

    Hanover, NH · Private · University · 4,541 students

    • 95% graduate
    • $111k after 10 years
    • $26,707 average net price
    Acceptance
    5%
    Net price
    $26,707
    SAT median
    1500

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  10. Number 10: Duke University

    Durham, NC · Private · University · 6,442 students

    • 96% graduate
    • $114k after 10 years
    • $23,706 average net price
    Acceptance
    6%
    Net price
    $23,706
    SAT median
    1513

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  11. Number 11: University of Chicago

    Chicago, IL · Private · University · 7,569 students

    • 95% graduate
    • $104k after 10 years
    • $16,776 average net price
    Acceptance
    4%
    Net price
    $16,776
    SAT median
    1545

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  12. Number 12: Rice University

    Houston, TX · Private · University · 4,776 students

    • 95% graduate
    • $91k after 10 years
    • $11,164 average net price
    Acceptance
    8%
    Net price
    $11,164
    SAT median
    1530

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  13. Number 13: Webb Institute

    Glen Cove, NY · Private · 106 students

    • 88% graduate
    • $14,510 average net price
    Acceptance
    14%
    Net price
    $14,510
    SAT median
    1450

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  14. Number 14: Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore, MD · Private · University · 5,693 students

    • 94% graduate
    • $105k after 10 years
    • $18,431 average net price
    Acceptance
    6%
    Net price
    $18,431

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  15. Number 15: Washington and Lee University

    Lexington, VA · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,881 students

    • 95% graduate
    • $103k after 10 years
    • $25,279 average net price
    Acceptance
    14%
    Net price
    $25,279
    SAT median
    1470

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  16. Number 16: Vanderbilt University

    Nashville, TN · Private · University · 7,208 students

    • 93% graduate
    • $99k after 10 years
    • $15,497 average net price
    Acceptance
    6%
    Net price
    $15,497
    SAT median
    1525

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  17. Number 17: Northwestern University

    Evanston, IL · Private · University · 9,201 students

    • 96% graduate
    • $104k after 10 years
    • $34,420 average net price
    Acceptance
    8%
    Net price
    $34,420
    SAT median
    1520

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  18. Number 18: Cornell University

    Ithaca, NY · Private · University · 15,995 students

    • 95% graduate
    • $114k after 10 years
    • $33,934 average net price
    Acceptance
    9%
    Net price
    $33,934
    SAT median
    1505

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  19. Number 19: University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame, IN · Private · University · 8,818 students

    • 95% graduate
    • $113k after 10 years
    • $25,339 average net price
    Acceptance
    11%
    Net price
    $25,339
    SAT median
    1480

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  20. Number 20: Brown University

    Providence, RI · Private · University · 7,226 students

    • 96% graduate
    • $100k after 10 years
    • $26,976 average net price
    Acceptance
    5%
    Net price
    $26,976
    SAT median
    1515

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  21. Number 21: Washington University in St Louis

    St. Louis, MO · Private · University · 7,857 students

    • 94% graduate
    • $91k after 10 years
    • $13,360 average net price
    Acceptance
    12%
    Net price
    $13,360
    SAT median
    1530

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  22. Number 22: Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh, PA · Private · University · 7,304 students

    • 94% graduate
    • $125k after 10 years
    • $35,780 average net price
    Acceptance
    12%
    Net price
    $35,780
    SAT median
    1520

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  23. Number 23: Emory University

    Atlanta, GA · Private · University · 7,298 students

    • 91% graduate
    • $94k after 10 years
    • $16,754 average net price
    Acceptance
    11%
    Net price
    $16,754
    SAT median
    1480

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  24. Number 24: Georgetown University

    Washington, DC · Private · University · 7,569 students

    • 95% graduate
    • $111k after 10 years
    • $33,661 average net price
    Acceptance
    13%
    Net price
    $33,661
    SAT median
    1480

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  25. Number 25: University of Southern California

    Los Angeles, CA · Private · University · 20,443 students

    • 91% graduate
    • $103k after 10 years
    • $33,056 average net price
    Acceptance
    10%
    Net price
    $33,056
    SAT median
    1475

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  26. Number 26: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

    New York, NY · Private · 842 students

    • 81% graduate
    • $77k after 10 years
    • $12,999 average net price
    Acceptance
    21%
    Net price
    $12,999

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  27. Number 27: Lehigh University

    Bethlehem, PA · Private · University · 5,898 students

    • 86% graduate
    • $116k after 10 years
    • $25,272 average net price
    Acceptance
    26%
    Net price
    $25,272
    SAT median
    1408

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  28. Number 28: Boston College

    Chestnut Hill, MA · Private · University · 10,085 students

    • 90% graduate
    • $112k after 10 years
    • $38,930 average net price
    Acceptance
    16%
    Net price
    $38,930
    SAT median
    1475

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  29. Number 29: Wake Forest University

    Winston-Salem, NC · Private · University · 5,485 students

    • 90% graduate
    • $104k after 10 years
    • $28,165 average net price
    Acceptance
    22%
    Net price
    $28,165

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  30. Number 30: University of Portland

    Portland, OR · Private · 2,957 students

    • 80% graduate
    • $86k after 10 years
    • $28,803 average net price
    Acceptance
    89%
    Net price
    $28,803
    SAT median
    1263

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  31. Number 31: University of the Pacific

    Stockton, CA · Private · University · 3,204 students

    • 71% graduate
    • $88k after 10 years
    • $24,186 average net price
    Acceptance
    71%
    Net price
    $24,186
    SAT median
    1250

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  32. Number 32: Stevens Institute of Technology

    Hoboken, NJ · Private · University · 4,222 students

    • 88% graduate
    • $118k after 10 years
    • $37,396 average net price
    Acceptance
    48%
    Net price
    $37,396
    SAT median
    1440

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  33. Number 33: College of the Holy Cross

    Worcester, MA · Private · Liberal arts college · 3,106 students

    • 87% graduate
    • $100k after 10 years
    • $38,829 average net price
    Acceptance
    18%
    Net price
    $38,829
    SAT median
    1330

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  34. Number 34: Tufts University

    Medford, MA · Private · University · 7,061 students

    • 94% graduate
    • $89k after 10 years
    • $38,797 average net price
    Acceptance
    11%
    Net price
    $38,797
    SAT median
    1495

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  35. Number 35: Bentley University

    Waltham, MA · Private · 4,474 students

    • 87% graduate
    • $126k after 10 years
    • $38,969 average net price
    Acceptance
    45%
    Net price
    $38,969
    SAT median
    1327

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  36. Number 36: Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara, CA · Private · University · 6,552 students

    • 88% graduate
    • $117k after 10 years
    • $50,570 average net price
    Acceptance
    48%
    Net price
    $50,570
    SAT median
    1410

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  37. Number 37: Lafayette College

    Easton, PA · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,757 students

    • 87% graduate
    • $102k after 10 years
    • $35,879 average net price
    Acceptance
    31%
    Net price
    $35,879
    SAT median
    1380

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  38. Number 38: University of Rochester

    Rochester, NY · Private · University · 6,331 students

    • 84% graduate
    • $88k after 10 years
    • $34,347 average net price
    Acceptance
    40%
    Net price
    $34,347
    SAT median
    1445

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  39. Number 39: Villanova University

    Villanova, PA · Private · University · 6,938 students

    • 92% graduate
    • $115k after 10 years
    • $41,536 average net price
    Acceptance
    27%
    Net price
    $41,536
    SAT median
    1420

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  40. Number 40: Trinity College

    Hartford, CT · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,146 students

    • 83% graduate
    • $103k after 10 years
    • $37,004 average net price
    Acceptance
    29%
    Net price
    $37,004
    SAT median
    1407

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  41. Number 41: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    Troy, NY · Private · University · 5,714 students

    • 82% graduate
    • $113k after 10 years
    • $32,758 average net price
    Acceptance
    63%
    Net price
    $32,758
    SAT median
    1440

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  42. Number 42: Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    Worcester, MA · Private · University · 5,447 students

    • 90% graduate
    • $114k after 10 years
    • $43,885 average net price
    Acceptance
    60%
    Net price
    $43,885

    ViewAdd to list

  43. Number 43: Drexel University

    Philadelphia, PA · Private · University · 13,233 students

    • 78% graduate
    • $92k after 10 years
    • $37,529 average net price
    Acceptance
    79%
    Net price
    $37,529
    SAT median
    1310

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  44. Number 44: Berea College

    Berea, KY · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,513 students

    • 62% graduate
    • $48k after 10 years
    • $5,836 average net price
    Acceptance
    19%
    Net price
    $5,836
    SAT median
    1194

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  45. Number 45: Centre College

    Danville, KY · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,400 students

    • 80% graduate
    • $67k after 10 years
    • $19,980 average net price
    Acceptance
    54%
    Net price
    $19,980
    SAT median
    1350

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  46. Number 46: Southern Methodist University

    Dallas, TX · Private · University · 7,277 students

    • 84% graduate
    • $90k after 10 years
    • $39,816 average net price
    Acceptance
    63%
    Net price
    $39,816
    SAT median
    1425

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  47. Number 47: Case Western Reserve University

    Cleveland, OH · Private · University · 6,437 students

    • 87% graduate
    • $90k after 10 years
    • $44,622 average net price
    Acceptance
    37%
    Net price
    $44,622
    SAT median
    1470

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  48. Number 48: Creighton University

    Omaha, NE · Private · University · 4,348 students

    • 83% graduate
    • $81k after 10 years
    • $32,456 average net price
    Acceptance
    80%
    Net price
    $32,456
    SAT median
    1250

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  49. Number 49: Marquette University

    Milwaukee, WI · Private · University · 7,660 students

    • 81% graduate
    • $84k after 10 years
    • $30,561 average net price
    Acceptance
    81%
    Net price
    $30,561
    SAT median
    1270

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  50. Number 50: Rhodes College

    Memphis, TN · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,836 students

    • 83% graduate
    • $80k after 10 years
    • $28,776 average net price
    Acceptance
    50%
    Net price
    $28,776
    SAT median
    1410

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  51. Number 51: Illinois Institute of Technology

    Chicago, IL · Private · University · 2,833 students

    • 73% graduate
    • $91k after 10 years
    • $22,443 average net price
    Acceptance
    55%
    Net price
    $22,443
    SAT median
    1320

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  52. Number 52: George Washington University

    Washington, DC · Private · University · 11,182 students

    • 83% graduate
    • $97k after 10 years
    • $35,760 average net price
    Acceptance
    47%
    Net price
    $35,760
    SAT median
    1400

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  53. Number 53: Boston University

    Boston, MA · Private · University · 18,248 students

    • 89% graduate
    • $89k after 10 years
    • $36,503 average net price
    Acceptance
    11%
    Net price
    $36,503
    SAT median
    1440

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  54. Number 54: Bucknell University

    Lewisburg, PA · Private · Liberal arts college · 3,876 students

    • 86% graduate
    • $110k after 10 years
    • $50,021 average net price
    Acceptance
    29%
    Net price
    $50,021
    SAT median
    1373

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  55. Number 55: Pitzer College

    Claremont, CA · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,227 students

    • 83% graduate
    • $72k after 10 years
    • $36,135 average net price
    Acceptance
    25%
    Net price
    $36,135

    ViewAdd to list

  56. Number 56: Trinity University

    San Antonio, TX · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,505 students

    • 83% graduate
    • $80k after 10 years
    • $22,962 average net price
    Acceptance
    26%
    Net price
    $22,962
    SAT median
    1374

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  57. Number 57: Pepperdine University

    Malibu, CA · Private · University · 3,553 students

    • 81% graduate
    • $89k after 10 years
    • $48,065 average net price
    Acceptance
    63%
    Net price
    $48,065
    SAT median
    1350

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  58. Number 58: New York University

    New York, NY · Private · University · 28,663 students

    • 88% graduate
    • $91k after 10 years
    • $35,737 average net price
    Acceptance
    9%
    Net price
    $35,737
    SAT median
    1510

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  59. Number 59: Kettering University

    Flint, MI · Private · 1,205 students

    • 72% graduate
    • $96k after 10 years
    • $29,797 average net price
    Acceptance
    79%
    Net price
    $29,797
    SAT median
    1240

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  60. Number 60: Chapman University

    Orange, CA · Private · University · 7,478 students

    • 82% graduate
    • $81k after 10 years
    • $46,708 average net price
    Acceptance
    65%
    Net price
    $46,708
    SAT median
    1310

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  61. Number 61: Occidental College

    Los Angeles, CA · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,877 students

    • 80% graduate
    • $80k after 10 years
    • $37,470 average net price
    Acceptance
    44%
    Net price
    $37,470
    SAT median
    1415

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  62. Number 62: University of Redlands

    Redlands, CA · Private · 2,049 students

    • 66% graduate
    • $81k after 10 years
    • $30,924 average net price
    Acceptance
    83%
    Net price
    $30,924
    SAT median
    1195

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  63. Number 63: Mount Holyoke College

    South Hadley, MA · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,169 students

    • 83% graduate
    • $66k after 10 years
    • $30,861 average net price
    Acceptance
    36%
    Net price
    $30,861
    SAT median
    1405

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  64. Number 64: Seattle University

    Seattle, WA · Private · University · 4,062 students

    • 73% graduate
    • $85k after 10 years
    • $34,324 average net price
    Acceptance
    77%
    Net price
    $34,324
    SAT median
    1225

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  65. Number 65: Connecticut College

    New London, CT · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,937 students

    • 82% graduate
    • $82k after 10 years
    • $35,960 average net price
    Acceptance
    37%
    Net price
    $35,960
    SAT median
    1405

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  66. Number 66: Bradley University

    Peoria, IL · Private · University · 3,574 students

    • 75% graduate
    • $76k after 10 years
    • $22,469 average net price
    Acceptance
    77%
    Net price
    $22,469
    SAT median
    1170

    ViewAdd to list

  67. Number 67: Art Center College of Design

    Pasadena, CA · Private · 2,017 students

    • 80% graduate
    • $76k after 10 years
    • $48,389 average net price
    Acceptance
    75%
    Net price
    $48,389

    ViewAdd to list

  68. Number 68: Dickinson College

    Carlisle, PA · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,273 students

    • 77% graduate
    • $83k after 10 years
    • $28,634 average net price
    Acceptance
    42%
    Net price
    $28,634

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  69. Number 69: Fordham University

    Bronx, NY · Private · University · 10,512 students

    • 81% graduate
    • $93k after 10 years
    • $42,760 average net price
    Acceptance
    59%
    Net price
    $42,760
    SAT median
    1390

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  70. Number 70: Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis, MO · Private · University · 7,267 students

    • 79% graduate
    • $76k after 10 years
    • $29,674 average net price
    Acceptance
    75%
    Net price
    $29,674
    SAT median
    1325

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  71. Number 71: Franklin and Marshall College

    Lancaster, PA · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,799 students

    • 81% graduate
    • $81k after 10 years
    • $33,445 average net price
    Acceptance
    28%
    Net price
    $33,445

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  72. Number 72: Lawrence University

    Appleton, WI · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,396 students

    • 78% graduate
    • $59k after 10 years
    • $22,758 average net price
    Acceptance
    64%
    Net price
    $22,758
    SAT median
    1345

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  73. Number 73: University of Miami

    Coral Gables, FL · Private · University · 12,913 students

    • 84% graduate
    • $84k after 10 years
    • $36,483 average net price
    Acceptance
    19%
    Net price
    $36,483
    SAT median
    1380

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  74. Number 74: California Lutheran University

    Thousand Oaks, CA · Private · 2,296 students

    • 69% graduate
    • $78k after 10 years
    • $26,445 average net price
    Acceptance
    76%
    Net price
    $26,445
    SAT median
    1190

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  75. Number 75: Texas Christian University

    Fort Worth, TX · Private · University · 11,026 students

    • 86% graduate
    • $77k after 10 years
    • $35,045 average net price
    Acceptance
    44%
    Net price
    $35,045
    SAT median
    1240

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  76. Number 76: Gettysburg College

    Gettysburg, PA · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,099 students

    • 81% graduate
    • $80k after 10 years
    • $33,015 average net price
    Acceptance
    39%
    Net price
    $33,015
    SAT median
    1355

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  77. Number 77: Butler University

    Indianapolis, IN · Private · 4,317 students

    • 79% graduate
    • $84k after 10 years
    • $37,499 average net price
    Acceptance
    85%
    Net price
    $37,499
    SAT median
    1245

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  78. Number 78: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

    Terre Haute, IN · Private · 2,309 students

    • 76% graduate
    • $108k after 10 years
    • $43,360 average net price
    Acceptance
    77%
    Net price
    $43,360
    SAT median
    1375

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  79. Number 79: University of Denver

    Denver, CO · Private · University · 6,025 students

    • 75% graduate
    • $77k after 10 years
    • $31,961 average net price
    Acceptance
    78%
    Net price
    $31,961
    SAT median
    1295

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  80. Number 80: The University of the South

    Sewanee, TN · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,607 students

    • 79% graduate
    • $72k after 10 years
    • $31,931 average net price
    Acceptance
    57%
    Net price
    $31,931
    SAT median
    1295

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  81. Number 81: Agnes Scott College

    Decatur, GA · Private · Liberal arts college · 836 students

    • 70% graduate
    • $60k after 10 years
    • $24,648 average net price
    Acceptance
    62%
    Net price
    $24,648

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  82. Number 82: Elon University

    Elon, NC · Private · University · 6,452 students

    • 83% graduate
    • $83k after 10 years
    • $35,785 average net price
    Acceptance
    66%
    Net price
    $35,785

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  83. Number 83: Clarkson University

    Potsdam, NY · Private · University · 2,196 students

    • 73% graduate
    • $92k after 10 years
    • $32,137 average net price
    Acceptance
    77%
    Net price
    $32,137
    SAT median
    1280

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  84. Number 84: University of San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA · Private · University · 5,287 students

    • 68% graduate
    • $95k after 10 years
    • $30,496 average net price
    Acceptance
    62%
    Net price
    $30,496
    SAT median
    1290

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  85. Number 85: Rhode Island School of Design

    Providence, RI · Private · 2,084 students

    • 90% graduate
    • $69k after 10 years
    • $50,513 average net price
    Acceptance
    19%
    Net price
    $50,513
    SAT median
    1395

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  86. Number 86: Willamette University

    Salem, OR · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,592 students

    • 71% graduate
    • $62k after 10 years
    • $25,908 average net price
    Acceptance
    77%
    Net price
    $25,908

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  87. Number 87: Lewis & Clark College

    Portland, OR · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,120 students

    • 75% graduate
    • $64k after 10 years
    • $34,286 average net price
    Acceptance
    78%
    Net price
    $34,286
    SAT median
    1330

    ViewAdd to list

  88. Number 88: University of Dayton

    Dayton, OH · Private · University · 7,682 students

    • 80% graduate
    • $84k after 10 years
    • $30,366 average net price
    Acceptance
    65%
    Net price
    $30,366
    SAT median
    1230

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  89. Number 89: Kenyon College

    Gambier, OH · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,732 students

    • 84% graduate
    • $66k after 10 years
    • $33,279 average net price
    Acceptance
    31%
    Net price
    $33,279
    SAT median
    1420

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  90. Number 90: Spelman College

    Atlanta, GA · Private · Liberal arts college · 3,414 students

    • 78% graduate
    • $66k after 10 years
    • $46,089 average net price
    Acceptance
    25%
    Net price
    $46,089

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  91. Number 91: Wentworth Institute of Technology

    Boston, MA · Private · 3,747 students

    • 66% graduate
    • $95k after 10 years
    • $30,134 average net price
    Acceptance
    91%
    Net price
    $30,134
    SAT median
    1235

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  92. Number 92: Loyola Marymount University

    Los Angeles, CA · Private · University · 7,094 students

    • 79% graduate
    • $86k after 10 years
    • $50,518 average net price
    Acceptance
    45%
    Net price
    $50,518
    SAT median
    1335

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  93. Number 93: Whitman College

    Walla Walla, WA · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,531 students

    • 78% graduate
    • $71k after 10 years
    • $29,486 average net price
    Acceptance
    38%
    Net price
    $29,486
    SAT median
    1375

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  94. Number 94: Drake University

    Des Moines, IA · Private · University · 2,543 students

    • 72% graduate
    • $79k after 10 years
    • $29,415 average net price
    Acceptance
    64%
    Net price
    $29,415
    SAT median
    1300

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  95. Number 95: Syracuse University

    Syracuse, NY · Private · University · 15,477 students

    • 82% graduate
    • $85k after 10 years
    • $43,336 average net price
    Acceptance
    46%
    Net price
    $43,336
    SAT median
    1310

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  96. Number 96: Tulane University of Louisiana

    New Orleans, LA · Private · University · 7,767 students

    • 87% graduate
    • $68k after 10 years
    • $40,693 average net price
    Acceptance
    14%
    Net price
    $40,693
    SAT median
    1435

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  97. Number 97: Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago, IL · Private · University · 11,737 students

    • 73% graduate
    • $78k after 10 years
    • $36,340 average net price
    Acceptance
    82%
    Net price
    $36,340
    SAT median
    1260

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  98. Number 98: Milwaukee School of Engineering

    Milwaukee, WI · Private · 2,654 students

    • 65% graduate
    • $93k after 10 years
    • $27,027 average net price
    Acceptance
    59%
    Net price
    $27,027
    SAT median
    1283

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  99. Number 99: Whittier College

    Whittier, CA · Private · Liberal arts college · 764 students

    • 58% graduate
    • $68k after 10 years
    • $24,940 average net price
    Acceptance
    81%
    Net price
    $24,940
    SAT median
    1230

    ViewAdd to list

  100. Number 100: Saint Edward's University

    Austin, TX · Private · 2,493 students

    • 60% graduate
    • $65k after 10 years
    • $26,034 average net price
    Acceptance
    81%
    Net price
    $26,034

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  101. Number 101: Howard University

    Washington, DC · Private · University · 10,108 students

    • 72% graduate
    • $70k after 10 years
    • $33,002 average net price
    Acceptance
    41%
    Net price
    $33,002
    SAT median
    1185

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  102. Number 102: Rochester Institute of Technology

    Rochester, NY · Private · University · 13,215 students

    • 70% graduate
    • $85k after 10 years
    • $37,232 average net price
    Acceptance
    67%
    Net price
    $37,232
    SAT median
    1360

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  103. Number 103: Denison University

    Granville, OH · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,380 students

    • 79% graduate
    • $73k after 10 years
    • $40,163 average net price
    Acceptance
    17%
    Net price
    $40,163
    SAT median
    1330

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  104. Number 104: Furman University

    Greenville, SC · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,379 students

    • 76% graduate
    • $70k after 10 years
    • $31,764 average net price
    Acceptance
    43%
    Net price
    $31,764
    SAT median
    1331

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  105. Number 105: Belmont University

    Nashville, TN · Private · University · 7,137 students

    • 71% graduate
    • $63k after 10 years
    • $32,648 average net price
    Acceptance
    95%
    Net price
    $32,648
    SAT median
    1245

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  106. Number 106: Pratt Institute-Main

    Brooklyn, NY · Private · 3,910 students

    • 74% graduate
    • $63k after 10 years
    • $48,876 average net price
    Acceptance
    73%
    Net price
    $48,876
    SAT median
    1300

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  107. Number 107: Southwestern University

    Georgetown, TX · Private · Liberal arts college · 1,440 students

    • 73% graduate
    • $63k after 10 years
    • $29,435 average net price
    Acceptance
    43%
    Net price
    $29,435
    SAT median
    1240

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  108. Number 108: Baylor University

    Waco, TX · Private · University · 14,785 students

    • 81% graduate
    • $72k after 10 years
    • $44,441 average net price
    Acceptance
    51%
    Net price
    $44,441
    SAT median
    1255

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  109. Number 109: Loyola University New Orleans

    New Orleans, LA · Private · University · 2,812 students

    • 60% graduate
    • $59k after 10 years
    • $21,888 average net price
    Acceptance
    93%
    Net price
    $21,888

    ViewAdd to list

  110. Number 110: School of Visual Arts

    New York, NY · Private · 3,244 students

    • 77% graduate
    • $52k after 10 years
    • $59,593 average net price
    Acceptance
    93%
    Net price
    $59,593
    SAT median
    1252

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  111. Number 111: Hampton University

    Hampton, VA · Private · University · 3,727 students

    • 61% graduate
    • $64k after 10 years
    • $25,683 average net price
    Acceptance
    62%
    Net price
    $25,683

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  112. Number 112: Bard College

    Annandale-On-Hudson, NY · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,414 students

    • 68% graduate
    • $55k after 10 years
    • $27,126 average net price
    Acceptance
    52%
    Net price
    $27,126

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  113. Number 113: Xavier University

    Cincinnati, OH · Private · University · 4,207 students

    • 70% graduate
    • $69k after 10 years
    • $31,905 average net price
    Acceptance
    86%
    Net price
    $31,905
    SAT median
    1185

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  114. Number 114: Emerson College

    Boston, MA · Private · 3,870 students

    • 79% graduate
    • $67k after 10 years
    • $49,215 average net price
    Acceptance
    51%
    Net price
    $49,215
    SAT median
    1300

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  115. Number 115: Morehouse College

    Atlanta, GA · Private · Liberal arts college · 2,844 students

    • 58% graduate
    • $62k after 10 years
    • $38,655 average net price
    Acceptance
    44%
    Net price
    $38,655

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  116. Number 116: Xavier University of Louisiana

    New Orleans, LA · Private · 2,628 students

    • 52% graduate
    • $60k after 10 years
    • $19,722 average net price
    Acceptance
    69%
    Net price
    $19,722
    SAT median
    1070

    ViewYour chancesAdd to list

  117. Number 117: California Institute of the Arts

    Valencia, CA · Private · 860 students

    • 65% graduate
    • $45k after 10 years
    • $49,996 average net price
    Acceptance
    32%
    Net price
    $49,996

    ViewAdd to list

  118. Number 118: Tuskegee University

    Tuskegee, AL · Private · 2,630 students

    • 55% graduate
    • $58k after 10 years
    • $40,141 average net price
    Acceptance
    49%
    Net price
    $40,141
    SAT median
    1025

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  119. Number 119: Berklee College of Music

    Boston, MA · Private · 7,468 students

    • 70% graduate
    • $43k after 10 years
    • $47,587 average net price
    Acceptance
    44%
    Net price
    $47,587

    ViewAdd to list

  120. Number 120: Clark Atlanta University

    Atlanta, GA · Private · University · 3,603 students

    • 44% graduate
    • $47k after 10 years
    • $38,626 average net price
    Acceptance
    64%
    Net price
    $38,626
    SAT median
    957

    ViewAdd to list

How to use this ranking.

Look past the sticker price. Many private colleges give large grants, so compare each college’s net price for your family’s income and ask about aid for your situation.

What the rank does not tell you.

Private colleges here include religious and specialized colleges. The order uses college-wide figures and does not show what a given major or department offers.

Spike ranks the colleges in its guide, not every college in America. Read the full method and its limits, or compare colleges by your own priorities.

What Spike does with this

A ranking is where to start looking.

Spike checks each college against your grades, budget and goals. Then it helps you build a list that holds up.

Free to start, right in your browser.