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:
- $6,216 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $21,806 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 10,567
- Setting:
- urban
Missoula, MT
The University of Montana offers unique academic opportunities, including classes devoted to American Indian culture and an internship on the school’s farm. Several interesting people have graduated from the University of Montana, including Carroll O’Connor, who starred as Archie Bunker in the All in the Family television show.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,857 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,386 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 20,283
- Setting:
- suburban
Charlotte, NC
University of North Carolina--Charlotte is a public institution that was founded in 1946. The school has 26.2 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at University of North Carolina--Charlotte is 19:1.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,704 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $9,650 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 7,473
- Setting:
- rural
Vermillion, SD
University of South Dakota was established in 1862 as a public institution. University of South Dakota follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $28,260 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 4,698
- Setting:
- suburban
Miami Shores, FL
Located in Miami, Barry University is a private, Catholic school that offers unique programs for all levels of students. Barry has weekend and evening classes across Florida for adult students and a freshmen program that requires all students to read the same book in the summer, ahead of their fall semester classes.
- Tuition and fees:
- $25,330 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 3,825
- Setting:
- suburban
Lisle, IL
Benedictine University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,825, with a gender distribution of 38.9 percent male students and 61.1 percent female students. At this school, 23.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 77.0 percent of students live off campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,483 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,039 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 4,452
- Setting:
- suburban
Bowie, MD
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is a public institution. Bowie State University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $24,330 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 2,940
- Setting:
- suburban
Milwaukee, WI
Cardinal Stritch University is a private institution that was founded in 1937. The student-faculty ratio at Cardinal Stritch University is 17:1.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $10,950 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $23,670 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 21,698
- Setting:
- city
Mount Pleasant, MI
The main campus of Central Michigan University (CMU) is located in Mount Pleasant, although it has about 60 other locations across North America. On the main campus, CMU students participate in many annual events and traditions, including Native American Month, when the school celebrates its relationship with the local Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.
- Tuition and fees:
- $18,912 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 3,127
- Setting:
- urban
Atlanta, GA
Clark Atlanta University is a historically black institution that formed when Atlanta University and Clark College merged in 1988. Many notable people have passed through Clark Atlanta and the two founding schools, such as civil rights activist and writer W.E.B. DuBois, who taught social work at the university.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,289 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $12,411 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 11,729
- Setting:
- urban
Cleveland, OH
At Cleveland State University (CSU), students can study in more than 200 academic programs, join more than 150 campus clubs, and visit numerous city attractions, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Notable CSU alumni include the late Carl Stokes, who, as a former mayor of Cleveland, was the first African-American elected mayor of a major American city.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,503 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $20,799 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 12,539
- Setting:
- city
Johnson City, TN
East Tennessee State University in Johnson City is largely a commuter school. The ETSU Buccaneers compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,187 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,127 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 11,180
- Setting:
- city
Tallahassee, FL
Located in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University is a historically black institution that offers a range of degrees to students of all races. The university, more commonly known as FAMU, offers more than 100 student organizations and several fraternities and sororities to join.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $4,687 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $19,048 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 24,281
- Setting:
- city
Boca Raton, FL
Florida Atlantic University was established in 1961 as a public institution. Florida Atlantic University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,417 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,816 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 35,875
- Setting:
- urban
Miami, FL
Florida International University is a public school in Miami. Hispanic students comprise about 60 percent of the student body.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,724 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $19,000 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 17,525
- Setting:
- rural
Statesboro, GA
At Georgia Southern University, students can get a global perspective by utilizing the school’s three centers specifically for Irish, Africana, and International studies, or by studying abroad. On campus, Georgia Southern hosts many annual events for students, such as Finals Feast, when administrators treat students to a breakfast buffet during the stressful weeks of final exams.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,664 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $27,874 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 24,101
- Setting:
- urban
Atlanta, GA
Georgia State University, located in downtown Atlanta, is one of the largest universities in Georgia. To help ease the college transition, first year students can opt into the Freshmen Learning Communities program, which clusters classes of students based on shared interests.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,796 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,032 (2011-12)
- Setting:
- city
Pocatello, ID
Located in the city of Pocatello, Idaho State University offers more than 280 academic programs. Students can get involved in more than 130 campus clubs, play intramural sports, or try out for the Division I Idaho State Bengals varsity teams.
- Tuition and fees:
- $28,850 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 3,070
- Setting:
- suburban
Immaculata, PA
Immaculata University was established in 1920 as a private institution. Immaculata University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,098 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,644 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 9,449
- Setting:
- city
Terre Haute, IN
Located in Terre Haute, Indiana State University offers more than 100 academic majors. Indiana State students can get involved in more than 120 organizations and many campus events, such as the annual tandem bicycle race.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,362 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,722 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 12,943
- Setting:
- suburban
Indiana, PA
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, better known as IUP, is located about 60 miles northeast of Pittsburgh and offers Division II sports, Greek life, and more than 200 campus clubs. Notable IUP alumni include Chad Hurley, the cofounder and former CEO of YouTube.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,605 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $29,062 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 22,236
- Setting:
- urban
Indianapolis, IN
Better known as IUPUI, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis hosts many events for students to attend, including the Indianapolis Tennis Championships and the annual International Festival. Students at IUPUI can also get involved in Division I sports and Greek life.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,504 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $13,494 (2011-12)
- Setting:
- city
Jackson, MS
Jackson State University is a public institution that was founded in 1877. The student-faculty ratio at Jackson State University is 18:1.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,672 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,632 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 22,260
- Setting:
- suburban
Kent, OH
Located about 40 miles south of Cleveland, Kent State University offers more than 200 campus organizations, including Greek life, leadership programs for underclassmen, and community service clubs. In the classroom, Kent State students can choose from nearly 300 academic programs, including peace and conflict studies.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,544 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $20,574 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 9,840
- Setting:
- city
Beaumont, TX
A public institution, Lamar University was founded in 1923. Lamar University offers a Greek system, where 2.0 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 3.0 percent is involved in a fraternity.
- Tuition and fees:
- $32,600 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,619
- Setting:
- suburban
Boca Raton, FL
At Lynn University, a small private school in Florida, freshmen can apply for a selective program that allows them to graduate in three years instead of four. Students at Lynn University are in a prime location, with the beach just three miles away and Miami within an hour’s drive.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,018 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $21,406 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 23,415
- Setting:
- city
Murfreesboro, TN
Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. Middle Tennessee State University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,082 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $16,426 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 6,711
- Setting:
- urban
Baltimore, MD
Morgan State University is a public institution that was founded in 1867. The school has 40.4 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Morgan State University is 14:1.
- Tuition and fees:
- $18,975 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 1,437
- Setting:
- urban
Chicago, IL
National-Louis University was established in 1886 as a private institution. National-Louis University follows a quarter-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,199 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $15,797 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 9,206
- Setting:
- city
Greensboro, NC
North Carolina A&T State University is a historically black school in Greensboro. The Aggies sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,364 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,262 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 20,750
- Setting:
- rural
Flagstaff, AZ
Northern Arizona University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 20,750, with a gender distribution of 41.9 percent male students and 58.1 percent female students. At this school, 32.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 68.0 percent of students live off campus.
- Tuition and fees:
- $24,500 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 6,397
- Setting:
- suburban
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Founded in 1964, Nova Southeastern University is a private institution. Nova Southeastern University follows a trimester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $10,860 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $23,190 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 15,838
- Setting:
- suburban
Rochester, MI
Located about 30 miles northwest of Detroit, Oakland University is in the suburb of Rochester, Mich. Classes at Oakland are usually small, often with fewer than 35 students, and only 1 percent of courses are taught by graduate assistants.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,450 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $23,330 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 19,367
- Setting:
- urban
Norfolk, VA
Old Dominion University is a state school located in Norfolk, Va. The ODU sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association.
- Tuition and fees:
- $23,588 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,489
- Setting:
- urban
San Antonio, TX
A private institution, Our Lady of the Lake University was founded in 1895. Our Lady of the Lake University offers a Greek system, where 0.9 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 0.4 percent is involved in a fraternity.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,764 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $22,983 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 22,780
- Setting:
- urban
Portland, OR
Portland State University is a public school in the Oregon University System. The campus is located in downtown Portland, where students can live in university housing.
- Tuition and fees:
- $14,850 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 2,333
- Setting:
- city
Virginia Beach, VA
Founded in 1977, Regent University is a private institution. Regent University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,120 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,650 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 14,921
- Setting:
- rural
Huntsville, TX
Sam Houston State University is a public institution that was founded in 1879. The school has 22.8 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Sam Houston State University is 22:1.
- Tuition and fees:
- $19,350 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 1,371
- Setting:
- urban
Louisville, KY
Spalding University was established in 1814 as a private institution. Spalding University follows a other-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,088 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,616 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 7,105
- Setting:
- urban
Nashville, TN
Tennessee State University is a historically black institution just outside downtown Nashville. Famed TV personality Oprah Winfrey is one of the school’s many notable graduates.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,998 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $15,298 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 6,601
- Setting:
- rural
Commerce, TX
Texas A&M University--Commerce has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,601, with a gender distribution of 39.7 percent male students and 60.3 percent female students.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,668 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,198 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 8,275
- Setting:
- city
Corpus Christi, TX
Founded in 1947, Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi is a public institution. Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,940 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,470 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 5,557
- Setting:
- rural
Kingsville, TX
Texas A&M University--Kingsville is a public institution that was founded in 1925. The school has 34.3 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Texas A&M University--Kingsville is 19:1.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,442 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $16,742 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 6,881
- Setting:
- urban
Houston, TX
Texas Southern University is one of the largest historically black colleges in the country. The university is located in downtown Houston.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,050 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,580 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 9,010
- Setting:
- city
Denton, TX
A public institution, Texas Woman's University was founded in 1901.
- Tuition and fees:
- $21,290 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,419
- Setting:
- urban
Nashville, TN
Trevecca Nazarene University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,419, with a gender distribution of 43.6 percent male students and 56.4 percent female students.
- Tuition and fees:
- $25,840 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,265
- Setting:
- suburban
Deerfield, IL
Founded in 1897, Trinity International University is a private institution. Trinity International University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,863 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,063 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 22,966
- Setting:
- urban
Akron, OH
University of Akron is a public institution that was founded in 1870. The school has 39.0 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at University of Akron is 21:1.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,443 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,893 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 8,622
- Setting:
- city
Fairbanks, AK
University of Alaska--Fairbanks was established in 1917 as a public institution. University of Alaska--Fairbanks follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,854 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $16,066 (2012-13)
- Setting:
- city
Little Rock, AR
A public institution, University of Arkansas--Little Rock was founded in 1927.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $4,864 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $13,486 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 15,321
- Setting:
- city
Lafayette, LA
University of Louisiana--Lafayette has a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,321, with a gender distribution of 43.2 percent male students and 56.8 percent female students. At this school, 14.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 86.0 percent of students live off campus.
