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.
To see full rankings, SAT/ACT scores, scholarship and grant information, graduation rates, and more, sign up for the U.S. News College Compass!
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,220 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $21,754 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 10,134
- Setting:
- urban
Kansas City, MO
At the University of Missouri—Kansas City (UMKC), students can explore more than 175 clubs and about 15 Greek-letter organizations. Former President Harry Truman attended the law school at UMKC for two years and later received the school’s first honorary degree.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,809 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $19,919 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 22,643
- Setting:
- urban
Albuquerque, NM
Founded in 1889, University of New Mexico is a public institution. University of New Mexico follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,980 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $23,650 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 17,627
- Setting:
- suburban
Muncie, IN
At Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., undergraduate students can choose from about 180 majors, including the highly ranked entrepreneurship program. Notable alumni include late-night talk show host David Letterman, who created a scholarship for creative Ball State media students with average grades.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $10,520 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,828 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 15,059
- Setting:
- rural
Bowling Green, OH
Located about 85 miles south of Detroit in northern Ohio, Bowling Green State University (BGSU) offers more than 300 student clubs, about 40 Greek organizations, and an anonymous, masked spirit crew. Notable alumni include Academy Award-winning actress Eva Marie Saint.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,233 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,478 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 11,911
- Setting:
- city
Fargo, ND
Located in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University (NDSU) offers more than 100 academic majors and Division I sports. Notable NDSU alumni include Alf Clausen, Emmy Award-winning music director for The Simpsons television show.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,094 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $19,424 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 5,935
- Setting:
- city
Huntsville, AL
Students at University of Alabama—Huntsville can choose from more than 60 academic majors. UAHuntsville history majors with good academic merit may be eligible for a scholarship established by alumnus John Hendricks, founder and chair of Discovery Communications.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,211 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,601 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 31,764
- Setting:
- urban
Houston, TX
With its campus situated in one of the largest cities in the country, the University of Houston puts its students in an ideal location to find internships and research opportunities. Options exist on campus, too, with about 40 research centers.
- Tuition and fees:
- $24,478 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,929
- Setting:
- rural
Berrien Springs, MI
Andrews University is a private institution that was founded in 1874. The school has 61.7 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Andrews University is 11:1.
- Tuition and fees:
- $28,582 (2011-12)
- Setting:
- rural
Ashland, OH
Ashland University is a private school in Ohio affiliated with the Brethren Church. Ashland students have about 70 undergraduate major programs to choose from.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,749 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $20,018 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 12,188
- Setting:
- city
Bozeman, MT
Montana State University is home to many unique research facilities, such as the Plant Growth Center of nearly 30 greenhouses, and the Center for Bison and Wildlife Health. Notable alumni include Jan Stenerud, one of the few Pro Football Hall of Fame placekickers.
