Top 15 Private Universities in the USA

Among the several locations that students want to pursue their studies in, one of the prime destinations that witnesses a lot of student crowds is the USA. Due to its higher standard of living, better career opportunities, and diverse courses offered by colleges and universities, many students dream of studying in the USA. 

The foremost reason why students want to study in the USA is because of its holistic environment for education. It has some of the world’s best educational institutions which are listed in the QS World Rankings 2024. They offer their students an academic degree of high value, a vibrant campus life, access to the latest technology, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

The US being a melting pot of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds provides the optimum atmosphere for students to gain global exposure. This enables them to build upon their networking skills. Learning from some of the best minds and being amongst students from across the globe widen a student’s approach and perspective. Studying in the USA is a major lifetime opportunity for students who wish to make it big in their careers. 

In this blog, we will look at the top 15 private universities in the USA.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, located in Cambridge was founded in 1861. It is known globally for its vibrant STEM programs, research, and entrepreneurial projects. It stands at the 3rd position in the Forbes List of ‘Top Colleges 2025.’ 

MIT has an acceptance rate of 4% making it quite difficult for students to get admission. A student must at least score an SAT score within the range of 1530-1580. The student-faculty ratio at MIT is 3:1, making it easier for students to interact with their professors.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology comprises 5 schools: Science, Engineering, Architecture and Planning, Management and Humanities, Arts and Sciences. MIT has no schools for law or medicine. Apart from this, the Schwarzman College of Computing is involved with computing education, research, and infrastructure across all the MIT schools.

MIT’s most popular course is Computer Science and Engineering. Its Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory is involved with research in robotics, AI, and machine learning. Other known programs are Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics, Biological Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, Economics, Material Sciences, and Engineering.

Also, the MIT Media Lab is widely recognized for its technology, design, and multimedia. Several alumni of MIT have gone on to be bestowed with the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, John Bates Clark Medal, and the MacArthur Fellowship.

MIT scholarships are provided to students through MIT general funds, endowments, and gifts from the alumni of MIT. MIT has always been known for its emphasis on meritocracy and technical proficiency. 

Tuition Fee– $83,330

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Semester-mid-June to late December, 

b) Spring Semester- Early February to mid-May

University website– https://web.mit.edu/

2. Yale University 

Founded in 1701, Yale University, a private Ivy League research university is situated in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. It is the third oldest institute for higher education in the USA. As per the U.S. News and Reports 2025, it has been ranked at the 5th position in the list of the ‘National Universities’ and the ‘Best Value Schools’ in the U.S. 

Yale University has an acceptance rate of 5% and a student-faculty ratio of 6:1. Students wanting to be a part of this university need to at least obtain an SAT score between 1500-1580.

It comprises 14 schools, the undergraduate college, the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Yale Law School. In the US, Yale University has the 3rd largest academic library. 

Economics Majors at Yale University is the most famous as it delves deep into the concepts of economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics. Its economics students have gone on to have successful careers in the fields of finance, consulting, policy, and academia. 

Other popular programs are Computer Science, Political Science, History, Global Affairs, English, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Psychology, Statistics and Data Science, History of Science, Medicine and Public Health. Yale’s athletic team takes part in the NCAA Division I level. 

Amongst its alumni, five students have gone on to become the U.S. President. Yale Scholarship amount varies from a few 100 dollars to over $70,000 per year. The average need-based scholarship offered by the university is around $50,000. Overall, Yale University is recognized for its commitment to interdisciplinary learning and research. 

Tuition Fee– $88,430

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Term- Late August to mid-December

b) Spring Term- Early January to Early May

University website– https://www.yale.edu/

3. Stanford University

The Standford University was built in 1885 and is situated in Stanford, California. According to the U.S. News and World Report 2025, it is in the 4th position in the list of ‘Best Value Schools’ in the USA. It has an acceptance rate of 4%. It has a student-faculty ratio of 6:1. To study at Stanford University, your SAT score must be between 1510-1580. Over the years, Stanford has contributed not only in the STEM field but also in other areas like humanities and social sciences.

The college has seven schools: the School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences; the School of Engineering; the School of Humanities & Sciences; the School of Law; the School of Medicine; and the Graduate Schools of Business and Education. Amongst these schools, the most widely recognized is its School of Engineering which ranks 2nd in the U.S. News list of Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. 

The most popular major at Stanford is Computer Science which focuses on a student’s ability to understand processes like computer science theory, abstraction, design, and implementation to solve problems in the field. Other well-known courses at Stanford are Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics, Economics, and Psychology.

Stanford’s research park in Palo Alto is the world’s 1st university research park. Stanford has won several NCAA team championships and its students and alumni have won around 302 Olympic medals. Several alumni of Stanford are prominent world leaders and recipients of the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, and the Turing Award.

Undergraduate students at Stanford who are in dire need of financial help are eligible to apply for the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). 

Tuition Fee– $ 87,833

Academic Calendar–

a) Autumn Quarter- Late September to Early December

b) Winter Quarter- Early January to mid-March

c) Spring Quarter- Late March to Early June

d) Summer Quarter- mid-June to mid-August

University website– https://www.stanford.edu/

4. Harvard University

Harvard University was founded in 1626, making it the oldest educational institute in the US. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is ranked 4th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Harvard has an acceptance rate of 3%, creating a tough competition amongst students to get in. To study at Harvard, your SAT score should be between 1500-1570. Its student-faculty ratio is 7:1, which is quite impressive.

According to the QS World Ranking by Subject 2024, the Legal Studies program at Harvard University is very popular amongst students. Other popular courses are Sociology, Economics, Econometrics, Medicine, Biotechnology: Life Sciences, History, Finance, and Psychology.

Harvard has the largest academic library in the world. The Harvard Innovation Labs (i-lab) facilitates the entrepreneurial spirit amongst its students and provides them with the resources needed to start their ventures. Among the Harvard alumni, faculty, and researchers, there are over 188 living billionaires and 8 U.S. presidents. Its students and alumni have also gone on to win several Academy Awards and Olympic medals.

A renowned scholarship initiative offered by Harvard University is the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Scholarship Program which includes more than 2000 individual endowment and gift funds given by alumni and donors. Ever since its inception, Harvard University has been known for its academic excellence all over the world.

Tuition Fee– $82,950

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Term- Early September to mid-December
b)Spring Term- mid-January to Early May

University website– https://www.harvard.edu/

5. Dartmouth College

Established in 1769, Dartmouth College is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. It is located in Hanover, New Hampshire. It is ranked at the 15th position in the list of ‘National Universities,’ as per the U.S. News and World Reports 2025. 

To get into Dartmouth College, a student must secure a SAT score between 1500-1570. It has an acceptance rate of 6% and a student-faculty ratio of 6:1. With a student enrollment of about 6000, it is the smallest university in the Ivy League. 

The Engineering College at Dartmouth is quite popular as it offers a dual degree program. In this, students belonging to other liberal arts colleges can pursue an engineering degree at Dartmouth. It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for its extensive involvement in research work. Other well-known academic courses offered by Dartmouth College are Economics, Political Science and Government, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Research and Experimental Psychology, and Statistics.

Another notable feature of Dartmouth College is the Dartmouth Ski Way, the school-owned ski area. Many of its alumni have gone on to become professional sports stars, authors, and media personalities. Its alumni are known for their significant contribution to Dartmouth’s alma mater. Depending upon the eligibility criteria of a student, the Dartmouth Scholarship amount is within the range of $1000-$80,000. Dartmouth College has been widely recognized globally for its fierce school spirit and traditions. 

Tuition Fee– $87,923

Academic Calendar–

a)Summer Term- Late June to Early September

b) Fall Term- mid-September to Late November

c) Winter Term- Early January to mid-March

d) Spring Term- Late March to Early June

University website– https://home.dartmouth.edu/

6. Columbia University

Columbia University was established in 1754 as the King’s College on the grounds of Trinity College, Manhattan. It is the 5th oldest educational institution in the US. It is a founding member of the Association of American Universities and was the 1st school in the US to grant an MD degree. 

According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, Columbia University is ranked at the 23rd position. It has an acceptance rate of 4%. Students must obtain an SAT score between 1490-1580, to get admission to Columbia University. It has an impressive student-faculty ratio of 6:1.

The most popular course at Columbia University is Art History and Archaeology. Every student must take an art history course called Art Hum. Its Art History and Archaeology department is the best in the world. Students of this course go on to study in detail the historical, cultural, geographical, and methodological spectrum of art, architecture, and archaeology. Other widely recognized Majors are Political Science, Creative Writing, Economics, and Medieval and Renaissance Studies.  

The scientists and scholars of this university have played an instrumental role in major scientific projects like the brain-computer interface, laser, maser, and the 1st nuclear pile to name a few. The university also awards the Pulitzer Prize every year. 

Among Columbia University’s alumni, faculty, and staff, we have 7 founding fathers of the US, 4 US presidents, 2 secretaries-general of the UN, and several Olympic medallists, Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize, and Academic Award winners. 

The average amount of financial aid given to an overseas student is $79,375, which is a Columbia grant that does not have to be repaid, and a student work-study job. Over the years, Columbia University has been well known for its large crowd of international students.

Tuition Fee– $68,171

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Semester- Early September to Mid-December

b) Spring Semester- Mid-January to Early May

University website– https://www.columbia.edu/

7. Brown University

Brown University built in 1764 is located in Providence, Rhode Island. As per the U.S. News and World Reports 2025, it is ranked at the 12th position in the list of ‘Best Value Schools’ in the U.S. It is the 7th oldest institute in the US for higher studies. 

It has an acceptance rate of 5% and a student-faculty ratio of 6:1. Students must secure a SAT score between 1500-1570 to get into Columbia University. It was the 1st Ivy League School to accept students from all religious groups. 

The university comprises the College, the Graduate School, Alpert Medical School, the School of Engineering, the School of Public Health, and the School of Professional Studies. It is home to the oldest applied mathematics program in the US and the oldest engineering program in the Ivy League. 

Most of the students at Brown opt for the Behavioral Decision Science program which consists of courses like psychology, cognitive science, economics, philosophy, computer sciences, and neuroscience. Other popular majors at Brown University are Economics, Applied Mathematics, Design Engineering, Modern Culture and Media, Science, Technology and Society, Contemplative Studies, Entrepreneurship, Public Health, and History.

Several Brown alumni have been Nobel Laureates, Rhodes Scholars, and Olympic medallists. Brown University only offers scholarships to its students based on financial needs. 

As it is a part of QuestBridge, a prestigious scholarship program, students at Brown University are eligible to apply for a 4 year, full-ride scholarship. Several students also receive a Pell Grant to study here. Brown University has gained prominence for its vibrant academic programs, especially in the field of science, over time.

Tuition Fee– $89,489

Academic Calendar–

a) Summer Term- mid-June to Early August

b) Fall Term- Early September to mid-December

c) Winter Term- mid-December to mid-January

d) Spring Term- mid-January to Late May

University website– https://www.brown.edu/

8. Rice University

Rice University was founded in 1912 and is situated in Houston, Texas, U.S. According to the U.S. News and World Reports 2025, it has been ranked 6th in the category of ‘Best Value Schools’ in the U.S. To get into Rice University, students must have an SAT score between 1500-1570. It has an acceptance rate of 8%, making it difficult for students to get admission. Its student-faculty ratio is 6:1.

Rice University has 8 schools of academic studies: the School of Humanities, the School of Social Sciences, Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business, George R. Brown School of Engineering, Wiess School of Natural Sciences, Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, Rice School of Architecture, and Shepherd School of Music. 

One of the most well-known programs offered by Rice University is Computer Science under which students study matrix analysis, linear algebra, computational thinking, principles of programming languages, and compiler construction. Other preferred courses at Rice University are Psychology, Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Sports and Fitness Management, Kinesiology, and Exercise Science. 

Its sports team is a part of the NCAA Division I athletics and has been a part of the American Athletic Conference. Most of Rice University’s alumni have been Fulbright Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, and Watson Fellows. 

Some of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the Rice University are:

• The President’s scholarship for which a student needs to obtain a CGPA of 4.0. It is entirely renewable for the duration of the undergraduate program.
• James A. Baker III scholarship which is a merit-based grant given to 1st year students who have potential in the fields of leadership, academics, and public service. 

Tuition Fee– $78,978

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Semester- Late August to mid-December

b) Spring Semester- Early January to Early May

c) Summer Semester- Early May to mid-August

University website– https://www.rice.edu/

9. Vanderbilt University

Established in 1873, the Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tennessee, US. The Vanderbilt campus is adorned with a mix of historic and modern buildings. As per the U.S. News and World Reports 2025, it has been ranked 8th in the category of ‘Best Value Schools’ in the U.S. 

It has a student-faculty ratio of 7:1.A SAT score between 1510-1560 is required for a student to seek admission to Vanderbilt University. It has an acceptance rate of 6%. 

The 10 schools of Vanderbilt University are the College of Arts and Science, Blair School of Music, Divinity School, School of Engineering, Graduate School, Law School, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Owen Graduate School of Management, and Peabody College of Education and Human Development. 

Some of the popular courses offered by Vanderbilt University are English, Chemistry, Economics, Climate Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Business, Law, and Nursing. 

Its College of Arts and Sciences along with Duke University and Virginia University provides students with joint instruction in endangered languages like Ki’che’ Maya, Haitian Creole, Turkish, and Swahili. 

Several alumni of Vanderbilt University have made significant progress in the fields of medicine, literature, and sports. Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship and the Ingram Scholars Program are some of the popular scholarship initiatives offered by Vanderbilt University. 

Tuition Fee– $89,126

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall term- mid-August to mid-December

b) Summer Term- Early January to Early May

c) Spring Term- Early January to Early May

d) Early May to Early August

University website– https://www.vanderbilt.edu/

10. Princeton University

Founded in 1746, the Princeton University is situated in Princeton, New Jersey. As per the latest U.S. News and World Report, Princeton University is ranked at the No. 1 position in the category of National Universities in the U.S. It has an acceptance rate of 4%. Students need to have a SAT score between 1500-1580 to be able to study here. It has a student-faculty ratio of 5:1. 

The widely recognized program offered by Princeton University is the Public and International Affairs Majors. This course follows an interdisciplinary approach and makes the students study history, political science, economics, and other subjects. Other popular majors at the university are Computer Science, Physics, Molecular Biology, Mathematics, Humanities, and Economics. 

Its alumni have gone on to be very successful in the fields of US politics, space, acting, and literature. Also, three of its alumni have gone on to become the US president. 

Princeton University provides a variety of scholarships for its graduate students, out of which the most famous one is given by its Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. It consists of a university fellowship of 12 months which is of amount $456,600. Apart from this, it offers many external scholarship schemes for foreign students. Over the years, Princeton University has gained recognition as the best place to study international relations and public affairs in the US. 

Tuition Fee– $ 84,040

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Term- Early September to Late December

b) Spring Term- Late January to Late May

University website– https://www.princeton.edu/

11. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

The University of Pennsylvania was built in 1740. It is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. It is in the 7th position as per the Forbes list of 2025 in the list of US universities. The university has an impressive student-faculty ratio of 8:1. The acceptance rate is 6%. To be a part of the University of Pennsylvania, a student needs to obtain an SAT score between 1500-1570.

The University of Pennsylvania has 4 undergraduate schools, 12 graduate schools, and professional schools. Its Perelman School of Medicine was the 1st medical school to be built in North America and its Wharton School was the first collegiate business school in the US. A remarkable feature of Penn University is its Pennovation Center, which is dedicated to entrepreneurship and technology. 

UPenn’s Wharton School which has been ranked no.1 in the ‘Best Business Schools’ category offers the best Business administration program. Widely recognized courses offered by UPenn are: Marketing, and Related Support Services, Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. 

Its notable alumni have served in various prestigious positions in US politics and diplomacy. 

One of the most notable need-based grants offered by UPenn is the Penn Grant which is given to the university’s undergraduate students. Another popular scholarship scheme is the Named Scholarship which is offered to UPenn students by the Penn alumni. 

Tuition Fee– $89,028

Academic Calendar–

a) Summer Term- Late May to Early August

b) Fall Term- Late August to mid-December

c) Spring Term- mid-January to mid-May

University website– https://www.upenn.edu/

12. Duke University

Duke University was founded in 1838. It is situated in Durham, North Carolina, US. As per Forbes, it is ranked at the 20th position amongst Top Colleges in the US in 2025. It has an acceptance rate of 7% and a student-faculty ratio of 5:1. Students must get a SAT score between 1520-1570 to be able to study at Duke University.

It is divided into two undergraduate schools: the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the Pratt School of Engineering. The most famous courses offered at Duke University are Computer Science, Economics, Biology, Public Policy Analysis, Nursing, Research, and Experimental Psychology. 

Established in 1966, a lesser-known center at this university is the Lemur Center which is dedicated to the study, care, and protection of the lemur animal.

Duke University is the alma mater of one of the presidents of the US and it has several alumni who have been bestowed with the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, and the Rhodes Scholarship. 

It offers many scholarships among which some of the most famous are the David M. Rubenstein Scholarship which is given to students who are the first in their families to attend college. Another known scholarship is the Alumni Endowed Scholarship which is meant for the children and grandchildren of the Duke alumni who have an excellent academic record and are in dire need of financial aid. 

Tuition Fee–  $89,853

Academic Calendar–

a) Summer Term- mid-May to Early August

b) Fall Term- Late August to mid-December

c) Spring Term- mid-March to Early-May

University website– https://duke.edu/

13. Georgetown University

Georgetown University was built in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, US in the year 1789. It has an acceptance rate of 13% and a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. A student needs to get a SAT score between 1390-1550, to be a part of this university. As per the U.S. News and World Reports 2025, it is in the 24th position in the list of National Universities in the U.S. It is the 1st federally chartered university in the U.S. 

It has 11 undergraduate and graduate schools. The most popular majors offered are Political Science and Government, International Relations, Finance, Economics, Psychology, Management Sciences and Information Systems, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. 

Two of its alumni have gone on to become the US president and other alumni have been Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, and Fullbright scholars. 

Some of the best scholarships given by the Georgetown University are:

• Service Scholarships are given to students involved with community services.
• EdAssist Scholarship Alliance is offered to students with considerable professional experience and to those students who wish to study an online degree or certificate program from the university.

Tuition Fee– $89,450

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Term- Late August to mid-December

b) Spring Term- Early January to mid-May

University website– https://www.georgetown.edu/

14. Harvey Mudd College

The Harvey Mudd College, situated in Claremont, California was established in 1955. It is a part of the Claremont Colleges. In the U.S. News and World Reports 2025, Harvey Mudd College has been ranked at the 3rd position in the list of Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs in the U.S. 

It has an acceptance rate of 13%. The student-faculty ratio at this university is 9:1. To be a student here, you need to obtain a SAT score between 1480-1560. 

Over the years, Harvey Mudd College has gained recognition as one of the top universities in the US for its engineering, computer science, and mathematics programs. It also provides a liberal arts education in which the students are required to study humanities, social sciences, and the arts. 

The most popular majors at Harvey Mudd College are Computer Science, Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, and Mathematics. Other known courses include physics, biology, and chemistry. Students must take the college’s Common Core Curriculum, throughout their freshman and sophomore years. It includes courses in computer science, engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, writing, a critical inquiry course, and a social impact course.

The alma mater at Harvey Mudd College has done remarkable work in the fields of screenwriting, film production, software development, and politics.  

Harvey S. Mudd Scholars receive a $10,000 scholarship amount from the university for exceptional academic record and contribution to the community. The scholarship can be renewed at the end of the first year, only if a student has a minimum CGPA of 2.75 by the end of the spring term.  

Tuition Fee– $90,165

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Term- Late August to mid-December

b) Spring Term- mid-January to Early May

University website– https://www.hmc.edu/

15. Washington University in St.Louis (WashU)

Washington University located in St. Louis, Missouri, US was founded in 1853. It is named after the 1st President of the U.S., George Washington. It is at the 18th position in the category of ‘Best Value Schools’ in the US as per the U.S. News and World Reports. 

It has an acceptance rate of 12%. To study at Washington University, a student must have a SAT score between 1500-1570. Its student-faculty ratio is 7:1.

It has 8 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools including Arts and Sciences, George Warren Brown School, Olin Business School, Washington University School of Medicine, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University School of Law, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts.

The top subjects at this university are Engineering, Computer Science and  Engineering, Data Science and Analytics, Sciences, Robotics, Business, Finance, Arts, and Management. Other known programs are Accounting, Information Studies, Performing Arts, Public Health, and Psychology. 

Washington University was a founding member of the University Athletic Association of NCAA Division III. Its alumni include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, and US State Poet laureates. 

The Washington University in St. Louis offers financial aid to its students. Some of the prominent scholarship schemes include:

• Academic Division Scholarships – Each undergraduate division at the university gives a no. of four-year scholarships that cover the full tuition cost.
• Neilson Scholarship Program is offered to students who have suffered a spinal injury and wish to pursue higher studies. 

Tuition Fee– $88,488

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Semester- mid-August to mid-December

b) Spring Semester- Early January to Early May

c) Summer Semester- mid-May to Early August

University website– https://washu.edu/

Conclusion

With access to cutting-edge research, a vibrant campus life, renowned faculty, and flexible academic programs, the US is one of the best locations for students who wish to pursue higher studies. By deciding to study at a private university in the USA, you get a chance to imbibe both theoretical and practical knowledge. These universities have faculty and students from across the world, which enhances a student’s outlook toward life. It gives you a chance to carve a niche in your career. 

Several students wish to go to the USA, but only a few can achieve this dream. To be able to study in the USA, an important requirement is a well-written SOP. A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a document that provides insight into who you are, your academic and professional career, your choice of course and university, and your goals and ambitions. It requires a student to thoroughly understand what s/he needs to write in their SOP.

This can seem a daunting task for many students who may not be good at expressing themselves in words. However, with several study abroad consultants and professional SOP writers who provide SOP writing services, this problem can be solved. At Contentholic, we provide one of the best SOP writing services in India which has won several awards. We have a team of some of the best SOP writers in India who specialize in SOP and LOR writing services. So, if you need any assistance regarding writing a SOP, we will be happy to you.