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:
- $12,923 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $35,801 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 18,523
- Setting:
- city
Riverside, CA
A public institution, University of California--Riverside was founded in 1954. University of California--Riverside offers a Greek system, where 1.9 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 2.1 percent is involved in a fraternity.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,068 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $20,968 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 19,345
- Setting:
- city
Lincoln, NE
The University of Nebraska—Lincoln, or UNL, is a large, public research institution that offers about 150 undergraduate majors. There are more than 400 student organizations to join, as well as a large community of fraternities and sororities.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,341 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,978 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 21,413
- Setting:
- city
Norman, OK
The University of Oklahoma is a large, public research institution in Norman. Its campus is also home to the National Weather Center, where undergraduates can find research and study opportunities.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,396 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $25,238 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 21,214
- Setting:
- urban
Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee is a public research institution in Knoxville, one of the state’s largest cities. The UT sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference and traditionally draw large crowds during football season.
- Tuition and fees:
- $34,218 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 9,856
- Setting:
- urban
Chicago, IL
Loyola University Chicago is the largest Jesuit school in the country. The university has two locations in Chicago, known as Lake Shore and Water Tower, as well as an international campus in Rome.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,788 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $20,953 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 25,176
- Setting:
- urban
Raleigh, NC
North Carolina State University, known as NC State for short, is the largest four-year college in the state. Students have more than 100 degree programs and more than 400 clubs and organizations to choose from.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,482 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $15,592 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 19,334
- Setting:
- suburban
Buffalo, NY
University at Buffalo--SUNY has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,334, with a gender distribution of 54.0 percent male students and 46.0 percent female students. At this school, 35.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 65.0 percent of students live off campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,222 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $22,608 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 19,695
- Setting:
- city
Lawrence, KS
Founded in 1866, University of Kansas is a public institution. University of Kansas follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered more selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $16,424 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $28,884 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 12,609
- Setting:
- rural
Durham, NH
University of New Hampshire is a public institution that was founded in 1866. The school has 42.2 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at University of New Hampshire is 18:1.
- Tuition and fees:
- $38,884 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 6,051
- Setting:
- urban
San Francisco, CA
The University of San Francisco is a Jesuit institution located in the California Bay Area. USF is committed to giving back to the surrounding community and offers service-learning semesters for students interested in volunteer work.
- Tuition and fees:
- $38,320 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 3,883
- Setting:
- city
Stockton, CA
The University of the Pacific is a private college in Stockton, Calif. The school’s picturesque campus has been featured in films including All the King’s Men, Porgy & Bess, and Flubber.
- Tuition and fees:
- $37,093 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 2,714
- Setting:
- urban
Chicago, IL
The Illinois Institute of Technology, a private university in Chicago, provides a variety of options for students interested in the sciences. IIT offers a wide range of engineering degree programs, as well as degrees in architecture, political science, and more.
- Tuition and fees:
- $32,035 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 6,175
- Setting:
- urban
St. Paul, MN
Founded in 1885, University of St. Thomas is a private institution. University of St. Thomas follows a 4-1-4-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered more selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $38,610 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 3,018
- Setting:
- rural
Potsdam, NY
Clarkson University is a private institution in northern New York, where students can attend several annual events, get involved with Greek life, and explore numerous varsity and recreational sports. Off campus, Clarkson students can discover the nearby Adirondack Mountains and Lake Placid, drive an hour to Canada, or take a day trip to New York City.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $12,590 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $25,910 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 7,465
- Setting:
- city
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey—Newark is located in the largest city in the state. More than 60 percent of students complete majors in the Newark College of Arts and Sciences.
- Tuition and fees:
- $33,400 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 7,843
- Setting:
- suburban
Dayton, OH
Located about an hour away from both Cincinnati and the Ohio state capital of Columbus, the University of Dayton is a private school that encourages its students to practice their Catholic faith on campus. Students can also get involved in more than 200 organizations, the campus radio and television stations, and Division I varsity sports.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,310 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $28,660 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 20,623
- Setting:
- city
Eugene, OR
University of Oregon students have a variety of extracurricular options to choose from, including joining fraternities and sororities, cheering on the Ducks athletic teams, and checking out local art performances. More than 20 percent of students participate in Greek life.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $10,168 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $26,352 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 22,556
- Setting:
- city
Columbia, SC
At the University of South Carolina, freshmen students are eased into college life through University 101, a transition program pioneered at the school. The Columbia campus is the flagship location for the University of South Carolina system.
- Tuition and fees:
- $36,820 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 3,633
- Setting:
- urban
Washington, DC
The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church. With the school’s location in downtown Washington, D.C., students have easy access to national landmarks.
- Tuition and fees:
- $30,034 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 5,677
- Setting:
- urban
Pittsburgh, PA
Duquesne University was established in 1878 as a private institution. Duquesne University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $22,683 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 7,164
- Setting:
- urban
Washington, DC
Howard University is a historically black college located in Washington, D.C. Despite its urban setting, students are permitted to bring cars to campus—though freshmen may not apply for on-campus parking.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $13,353 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $27,258 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 5,731
- Setting:
- rural
Houghton, MI
Located on Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Peninsula, the Michigan Technological University campus is in the small town of Houghton, about 100 miles north of the Wisconsin border. Students at Michigan Tech have many opportunities to conduct research and participate in annual events such as the Snow Carnival.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $10,035 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $26,231 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 30,665
- Setting:
- city
Tucson, AZ
The University of Arizona offers its students a wide variety of ways to get involved, from joining the ZonaZoo cheering section at Wildcats sports games to checking out the burgeoning Greek scene with more than 30 fraternities and sororities.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,350 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $23,666 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 5,672
- Setting:
- rural
Missouri University of Science & Technology largely focuses on engineering and science degrees. Engineering majors include aerospace, mining, petroleum, nuclear, and more.
- Tuition and fees:
- $37,846 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 7,081
- Setting:
- urban
New York, NY
New School was established in 1919 as a private institution. New School follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $13,508 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $23,334 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 27,702
- Setting:
- urban
Philadelphia, PA
Temple University is an urban college in Philadelphia that offers housing to freshman and sophomore students. Center City, a hub of shopping and city life, is less than two miles from campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,676 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $19,864 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 20,099
- Setting:
- city
Lexington, KY
Located in the city of Lexington, the University of Kentucky offers Division I sports, Greek life, and nearly 350 student organizations. Off campus, Lexington can also be a source of fun for students, who can shop, golf, tour a museum, browse the farmers’ market, or spend a day at the horse track.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,212 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $22,912 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 24,297
- Setting:
- urban
Salt Lake City, UT
The University of Utah is known to students as the U of U or simply The U. Its campus is located in the state capital, Salt Lake City.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $12,300 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $25,382 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 22,763
- Setting:
- rural
Pullman, WA
Washington State University is a public school that is committed to research. In addition to its campus in Pullman, the school has regional locations in Spokane and the Tri-Cities, as well as in Vancouver.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $10,216 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $19,180 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 21,655
- Setting:
- city
Athens, OH
Ohio University is a public school in Athens that operates on the quarter system. Students are required to live on campus for six quarters unless they commute from a parent’s nearby home.
- 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.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $14,740 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $27,140 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 6,604
- Setting:
- urban
Newark, NJ
A public institution, New Jersey Institute of Technology was founded in 1881. New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a Greek system, where 3.0 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 5.0 percent is involved in a fraternity.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,442 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $19,457 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 19,009
- Setting:
- city
Stillwater, OK
Oklahoma State University is a large public institution in Stillwater. The OSU Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,082 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $22,212 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 20,621
- Setting:
- suburban
Corvallis, OR
Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University (OSU) is about 90 minutes south of Portland and an hour drive from the Pacific coast. OSU students can get involved in hundreds of clubs and Greek life and attend events such as the “Civil War” football game against University of Oregon.
- Tuition and fees:
- $39,566 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,939
- Setting:
- urban
Brooklyn, NY
The Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU—Poly) emphasizes research, innovation, and a combination of academic and professional experience. The school is affiliated with New York University.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $10,784 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $25,816 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 21,878
- Setting:
- urban
Cincinnati, OH
Students at the University of Cincinnati (UC) can explore more than 300 campus organizations, join Greek life, or play Division I sports. Notable UC alumni include Joseph Strauss, who designed the Golden Gate Bridge, and Abe Bookman, who invented the Magic 8-ball toy.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,258 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,170 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 3,744
- Setting:
- city
Orangeburg, SC
A public institution, South Carolina State University was founded in 1896. South Carolina State University offers a Greek system, where 32.0 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 38.0 percent is involved in a fraternity.
- Tuition and fees:
- $35,520 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 15,766
- Setting:
- urban
Queens, NY
St. John's University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,766, with a gender distribution of 45.6 percent male students and 54.4 percent female students. At this school, 31.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 69.0 percent of students live off campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $13,050 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $25,440 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 16,925
- Setting:
- urban
Chicago, IL
The University of Illinois—Chicago, also known as UIC, is a large, public research institution. About one in every 20 Chicago residents attended UIC.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $11,366 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $27,454 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 13,219
- Setting:
- rural
Kingston, RI
Located in the village of Kingston, the University of Rhode Island (URI) has clubs and Division I sports on campus and nearby beaches off campus. Notable URI alumni include oceanographer Robert Ballard, who discovered the sunken Titanic.
- Tuition and fees:
- $27,370 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 2,871
- Setting:
- suburban
Rochester, NY
St. John Fisher College was established in 1948 as a private institution. St. John Fisher College follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
