Top Rated U.S. Private Colleges

The Best Private Colleges in America for 2024

These are the top ranked private four-year colleges in the United States. Leading the rankings for 2024 as the highest ranked private college in America is Princeton University. Learn how the Best Colleges rankings are calculated on our ranking methodology page.
Private 4 year

596 results nationwide

Lycoming College
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L
Williamsport, PA

Lycoming College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#31 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

  • 1,059enrollment
  • $19,697net price
  • 75%acceptance rate
  • 1053-1238SAT range
  • 20-25ACT range
  • 3.57Avg GPA

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The College of Idaho
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I
Caldwell, ID

The College of Idaho

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#1 Best Private Colleges in Idaho

  • 1,082enrollment
  • $24,075net price
  • 46%acceptance rate
  • 1070-1240SAT range
  • 23-29ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA

Applications Due Feb 15

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William Carey University
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W
Hattiesburg, MS

William Carey University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#1 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi

  • 5,662enrollment
  • $15,271net price
  • 54%acceptance rate
  • 1050-1320SAT range
  • 20-29ACT range
  • 3.46Estimated Avg GPA

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Millikin University
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M
Decatur, IL

Millikin University

Private 4 Year

3 reviews

#16 Best Private Colleges in Illinois

  • 1,807enrollment
  • $10,492net price
  • 75%acceptance rate
  • 930-1200SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
  • 3.4Avg GPA

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Nova Southeastern University
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N
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University

Private 4 Year

2 reviews

#8 Best Private Colleges in Florida

  • 20,948enrollment
  • $29,589net price
  • 76%acceptance rate
  • 1040-1310SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
  • 3.99Avg GPA

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University of Mary
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M
Bismarck, ND

University of Mary

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#1 Best Value in North Dakota

  • 3,652enrollment
  • $18,369net price
  • 81%acceptance rate
  • 1096-1320SAT range
  • 21-27ACT range
  • 3.37Estimated Avg GPA

Applications Due Sep 30

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Saint Edward's University
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S
Austin, TX

Saint Edward's University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#11 Best Private Colleges in Texas

  • 3,470enrollment
  • $27,193net price
  • 85%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1270SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
  • 3.53Estimated Avg GPA

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Iona College
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I
New Rochelle, NY

Iona College

Private 4 Year

2 reviews

#45 Best Private Colleges in New York

  • 3,621enrollment
  • $28,827net price
  • 96%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1210SAT range
  • 23-31ACT range
  • 3.4Avg GPA

Applications Due Feb 15

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Carroll College
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C
Helena, MT

Carroll College

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#1 Best Value in Montana

  • 1,168enrollment
  • $23,916net price
  • 78%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1200SAT range
  • 13-29ACT range
  • 3.64Avg GPA

Applications Due Feb 28

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Suffolk University
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S
Boston, MA

Suffolk University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#27 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

  • 6,734enrollment
  • $32,270net price
  • 87%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1300SAT range
  • 24-30ACT range
  • 3.33Avg GPA

Applications Due Feb 15

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Gannon University
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G
Erie, PA

Gannon University

Private 4 Year

2 reviews

#32 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

  • 4,665enrollment
  • $22,200net price
  • 81%acceptance rate
  • 990-1250SAT range
  • 20-28ACT range
  • 3.59Avg GPA

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Southwestern College
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S
Winfield, KS
 

Southwestern College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#1 Best Private Colleges in Kansas

  • 1,174enrollment
  • $27,003net price
  • 70%acceptance rate
  • 900-1220SAT range
  • 17-22ACT range
  • 3.33Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 22

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Asbury University
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A
Wilmore, KY

Asbury University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#3 Best Value Colleges in Kentucky

  • 1,650enrollment
  • $21,506net price
  • 79%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1320SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.65Avg GPA

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Marymount University
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M
Arlington, VA

Marymount University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia

  • 3,711enrollment
  • $24,664net price
  • 81%acceptance rate
  • 970-1170SAT range
  • 20-28ACT range
  • 3.38Avg GPA

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King's College
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K
Wilkes-Barre, PA

King's College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#33 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

  • 1,993enrollment
  • $25,869net price
  • 96%acceptance rate
  • 1070-1260SAT range
  • 22-26ACT range
  • 3.5Avg GPA

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Marymount Manhattan College
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M
New York, NY

Marymount Manhattan College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#46 Best Private Colleges in New York

  • 1,608enrollment
  • $39,442net price
  • 72%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1280SAT range
  • 22-28ACT range
  • 3.45Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 1

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Stetson University
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S
DeLand, FL

Stetson University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#9 Best Private Colleges in Florida

  • 3,928enrollment
  • $25,756net price
  • 94%acceptance rate
  • 1110-1305SAT range
  • 25-29ACT range
  • 3.69Avg GPA

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Hampton University
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H
HBCU
Hampton, VA

Hampton University

Private 4 Year

5 reviews

#6 Best Private Colleges in Virginia

  • 3,286enrollment
  • $32,421net price
  • 74%acceptance rate
  • 840-1220SAT range
  • 17-27ACT range
  • 3.3Avg GPA

Applications Due Mar 1

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