Top Rated South Private Colleges

The Best Private Colleges in the South for 2025

These are the top ranked private four-year colleges in the South. Leading the rankings for 2025 as the highest ranked private college in the South is Duke University. Learn how the Best Colleges rankings are calculated on our ranking methodology page.
South Private 4 year

170 results

Randolph Macon College
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R
Ashland, VA

Randolph Macon College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#4 Best Private Colleges in Virginia

  • 1,523enrollment
  • $29,058net price
  • 83%acceptance rate
  • 1040-1210SAT range
  • 22-29ACT range
  • 3.7Avg GPA

Applications Due Mar 1

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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

  • 1,942enrollment
  • $21,375net price
  • 64%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1320SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.65Avg GPA

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Nova Southeastern University
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N
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University

Private 4 Year

2 reviews

#9 Best Private Colleges in Florida

  • 20,877enrollment
  • $32,756net price
  • 73%acceptance rate
  • 1050-1310SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.99Avg GPA

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Lincoln Memorial University
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L
Harrogate, TN

Lincoln Memorial University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#7 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee

  • 5,805enrollment
  • $19,401net price
  • 59%acceptance rate
  • 1006-1220SAT range
  • 19-24ACT range
  • 3.29Avg GPA

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Abilene Christian University
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A
Abilene, TX

Abilene Christian University

Private 4 Year

6 reviews

#10 Best Private Colleges in Texas

  • 5,114enrollment
  • $28,311net price
  • 64%acceptance rate
  • 1060-1290SAT range
  • 22-28ACT range
  • 3.65Avg GPA

Applications Due Feb 15

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Ouachita Baptist University
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O
Arkadelphia, AR

Ouachita Baptist University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#3 Best Value Colleges in Arkansas

  • 1,815enrollment
  • $22,087net price
  • 69%acceptance rate
  • 1060-1290SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.72Avg GPA

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University of St Thomas
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S
Houston, TX

University of St Thomas

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#11 Best Private Colleges in Texas

  • 3,813enrollment
  • $20,469net price
  • 93%acceptance rate
  • 1075-1340SAT range
  • 22-28ACT range
  • 3.53Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 15

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Xavier University of Louisiana
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X
HBCU
New Orleans, LA

Xavier University of Louisiana

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#1 Best Value in Louisiana

  • 3,181enrollment
  • $17,874net price
  • 74%acceptance rate
  • 953-1138SAT range
  • 19-25ACT range
  • 3.7Avg GPA

Applications Due Jul 1

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Saint Edward's University
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S
Austin, TX

Saint Edward's University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#12 Best Private Colleges in Texas

  • 3,309enrollment
  • $28,351net price
  • 84%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1235SAT range
  • 20-25ACT range
  • 3.53Estimated Avg GPA

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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

  • 5,448enrollment
  • $17,192net price
  • 58%acceptance rate
  • 880-1200SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
  • 3.46Estimated Avg GPA

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The University of Tampa
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T
Tampa, FL

The University of Tampa

Private 4 Year

13 reviews

#10 Best Private Colleges in Florida

  • 11,054enrollment
  • $35,975net price
  • 41%acceptance rate
  • 1070-1240SAT range
  • 23-28ACT range
  • 3.5Avg GPA

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Campbell University
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C
Buies Creek, NC

Campbell University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#7 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina

  • 5,115enrollment
  • $24,517net price
  • 94%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1230SAT range
  • 19-25ACT range
  • 3.52Avg 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

  • 3,667enrollment
  • $28,147net price
  • 81%acceptance rate
  • 970-1170SAT range
  • 20-28ACT range
  • 3.38Avg GPA

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Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach
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P
West Palm Beach, FL

Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#11 Best Private Colleges in Florida

  • 3,875enrollment
  • $31,103net price
  • 88%acceptance rate
  • 970-1210SAT range
  • 19-26ACT range
  • 3.36Estimated Avg 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

  • 3,649enrollment
  • $28,576net price
  • 48%acceptance rate
  • 857-1226SAT range
  • 12-24ACT range
  • 3.3Avg GPA

Applications Due Mar 1

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Shenandoah University
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S
Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#7 Best Private Colleges in Virginia

  • 4,343enrollment
  • $26,400net price
  • 78%acceptance rate
  • 1010-1230SAT range
  • 19-26ACT range
  • 3.7Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 1

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Mississippi College
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M
Clinton, MS

Mississippi College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#2 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi

  • 4,087enrollment
  • $21,135net price
  • 49%acceptance rate
  • 1140-1260SAT range
  • 21-29ACT range
  • 3.56Estimated Avg GPA

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Dallas Baptist University
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D
Dallas, TX

Dallas Baptist University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#13 Best Private Colleges in Texas

  • 4,201enrollment
  • $30,275net price
  • 91%acceptance rate
  • 960-1217SAT range
  • 21-27ACT range
  • 3.46Avg GPA

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