National University Rankings
National University Methodology
Schools in the National Universities category, such as Columbia University and Stanford University, offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master's and Ph.D. programs. These colleges also are committed to producing groundbreaking research.
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- Tuition and fees:
- $34,750 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 5,148
- Setting:
- suburban
South Orange, NJ
A private, Catholic school in South Orange, N.J., Seton Hall University is about a 30-minute train ride to New York City. Many students take advantage of the university’s location by interning and job hunting in the nearby city while still enjoying the clubs, Greek life, and Division I sports on campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,525 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,145 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 12,779
- Setting:
- suburban
Albany, NY
The University at Albany, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, offers a wide range of academic programs, including many highly ranked graduate degrees such as criminal justice and public affairs. Notable Albany alumni include Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to a major political office in America and the subject of the movie Milk, starring Sean Penn.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,608 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $24,400 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 23,261
- Setting:
- city
Fort Collins, CO
Colorado State University, also known as CSU, is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in the city of Fort Collins. CSU students have opportunities to conduct research with faculty, join one of the hundreds of campus organizations, or cheer on more than 15 Division I sports teams.
- Tuition and fees:
- $32,295 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 16,384
- Setting:
- urban
Chicago, IL
DePaul University is a large institution spread across six campuses in and around Chicago. The university offers a variety of academic programs, including the School for New Learning, which caters exclusively to adult students.
- Tuition and fees:
- $35,450 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 7,183
- Setting:
- suburban
Hempstead, NY
Attending Hofstra University, a school in Long Island, N.Y., means students are in close proximity to the attractions and internships available in New York City. Close to 15 percent of the student body is active in Greek life.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,354 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $19,362 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 23,977
- Setting:
- urban
Baton Rouge, LA
LSU, or Louisiana State University—Baton Rouge, is a public institution in the southeast region of the state, near the Mississippi River. Students at LSU can explore more than 350 student organizations or visit several free museums and an arboretum.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,554 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,434 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 19,027
- Setting:
- city
Fayetteville, AR
Located in the city of Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas is a public school with many opportunities for students on campus, including several media outlets and events featuring famous speakers and musical acts. Graduate students can choose from several programs, including those in the law school, where Bill and Hillary Clinton taught before they moved to the White House.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,724 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $22,977 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 58,404
- Setting:
- urban
Tempe, AZ
As one of the largest schools in the country, Arizona State University offers students more than 275 majors, 500 clubs and organizations, and 300 study abroad opportunities. It has four campuses throughout Phoenix.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,620 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $27,764 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 20,782
- Setting:
- suburban
Fairfax, VA
George Mason University is suburban school not far from Washington, D.C. Despite a large commuter population, the school offers a Weekends at Mason program and events for students who stick around after the school week is complete.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,657 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $19,123 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 19,385
- Setting:
- city
Manhattan, KS
Kansas State University is located in the northeast region of the state and is home to the Biosecurity Research Institute, where students can train to research infectious diseases, and the Landon Lecture Series, which has hosted many prestigious speakers, including five former U.S. presidents.
