Princeton University
Holding the 1st position in National Universities for yet another year, Princeton University, founded in 1746, remains the crown jewel of American academia. With an undergraduate enrollment of 5,813 (fall 2024) and tuition fees of $65,210, Princeton continues to blend intimate learning environments with research-driven rigor. Its student body, boasting SAT scores between 1510–1580 and ACT scores from 34–35, reflects the university’s unyielding academic bar.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
In the 2nd spot, MIT continues to lead in scientific and technological breakthroughs. Established in 1861, this Cambridge-based institution is a laboratory of future innovation—its engineers, data scientists, and entrepreneurs define the world’s next industrial frontiers. With tuition at $64,730 and an undergraduate population of 4,535, MIT remains synonymous with intellectual intensity and discovery.
Harvard University
Harvard University, founded in 1636, stands at 3rd in National Universities for 2026, cementing its long-standing influence on global education. Its 7,038 undergraduates, drawn by a tradition of excellence and a network of leadership unmatched anywhere in the world, represent the institution’s continued dominance. Tuition is set at $64,796, with top-tier SAT scores between 1510–1580 and ACT scores from 34–36.
Stanford University
Sharing the 4th spot, Stanford University continues to blur the boundaries between academia and enterprise. Founded in 1885, Stanford remains the intellectual nucleus of Silicon Valley—where classrooms are incubators for global innovation. With 7,904 undergraduates, tuition fees of $68,544, and SAT scores averaging 1510–1580, Stanford’s strength lies in its fusion of liberal education and entrepreneurial spirit.
Yale University
Tied with Stanford at 4th position, Yale University, established in 1701, offers an education steeped in tradition yet sharply attuned to the modern world. Ranked #4, Yale’s 6,814 undergraduates thrive in an environment that prizes critical thought as much as creativity. With tuition at $69,900, it attracts students scoring 1470–1570 (SAT) and 33–35 (ACT)—a cohort destined for leadership in law, policy, and the arts.
University of Chicago
At 6th, the University of Chicago remains the fortress of analytical rigor and intellectual independence. Since 1890, it has built a culture where questioning is not rebellion but a rite of passage. With 7,519 undergraduates, tuition fees of $73,266, and SAT scores from 1510–1580, Chicago stands at the intersection of theory and transformative thought.
Duke University
Tied for 7th, Duke University, founded in 1838, has transformed Durham, North Carolina, into a hub of innovation and medical research. With 6,523 undergraduates, tuition fees of $73,172, and SAT scores between 1500–1570, Duke exemplifies intellectual ambition with a distinctly global outlook.
Johns Hopkins University
Another institution sharing the 7th position, Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1876, continues to redefine the boundaries of scientific inquiry. Known for pioneering research and medical innovation, Hopkins enrolls 6,356 undergraduates, charges $67,170 in tuition, and attracts students with SAT scores from 1520–1570.
Northwestern University
Also ranked 7th Northwestern University, established in 1851, has evolved into one of America’s most interdisciplinary institutions. With 9,060 students, tuition of $70,589, and SAT scores between 1510–1570, Northwestern stands out for its blend of arts, journalism, and engineering—a rare confluence of creativity and research excellence.
University of Pennsylvania
Closing the top tier is the University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1740, and ranked 7th among National Universities. With 10,013 undergraduates, tuition at $71,236, and SAT scores from 1510–1570, Penn bridges tradition and technology. Its schools of business, law, and medicine continue to set global benchmarks in applied learning and cross-disciplinary education.
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