2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges

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Best Mid-Sized Colleges

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Not too small and not too big, the best mid-sized colleges are a good medium for students who want to experience the best of both worlds. The list of the top mid-sized colleges includes schools that have between 3,000 and 9,999 total students enrolled – undergraduates and graduate students.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Princeton University	5813	4.62	1,510 – 1,570	19811	87815	#1 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Princeton University Princeton, NJ A private Ivy League research university, Princeton University was founded in 1746 and originally known as the College of New Jersey, making it the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the country. An extremely selective school, Princeton receives around 40,500 applications annually. Undergraduates 5,813 Acceptance Rate 4.6% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $19,811 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $87,815
2	Columbia University in the City of New York	9157	3.86	1,510 – 1,590	20869	88535	#2 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY Columbia University was founded in 1754, making it the oldest institution of higher education in the state. A doctoral/research university, some top majors for students include Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other, and Computer Science....Read more Undergraduates 9,157 Acceptance Rate 3.9% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,590 Avg. Net Price $20,869 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $88,535
3	Dartmouth College	4570	5.4	1,500 – 1,580	17322	82541	#3 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Dartmouth College Hanover, NH An Ivy League research university, Dartmouth College was founded before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Some famous alumni include Daniel Webster, Robert Frost, Dr. Seuss, and Thaddeus Stevens....Read more Undergraduates 4,570 Acceptance Rate 5.4% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,580 Avg. Net Price $17,322 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $82,541
4	Rice University	4789	8	1,510 – 1,570	20587	79751	#4 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Rice University Houston, TX A private, doctoral/research college, Rice University sits on a 300-acre campus in Houston. The school is known for its research collaboration with NASA, and today 16 Rice faculty and alumni have served as astronauts or NASA Administrators....Read more Undergraduates 4,789 Acceptance Rate 8.0% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $20,587 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $79,751
5	Barnard College	3269	7.96	1,450 – 1,540	27738	60411	#5 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Barnard College New York, NY Barnard College is a private women’s liberal arts college located on the banks of the Hudson River. It was founded in response to Columbia University not admitting women. Today, it’s part of the Seven Sisters, an association of women’s liberal arts colleges. Their motto is "Following the Way of Reason” in Greek. Undergraduates 3,269 Acceptance Rate 8.0% SAT Score 1,450 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $27,738 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,411
6	United States Naval Academy	4465	9.36	1,200 – 1,420	0	63721	#6 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD A public undergraduate school, the United States Naval Academy’s motto, in Latin, is “Ex Scientia Tridens,” or “From Knowledge, Seapower.” It was established in 1845 and saw disruption and riots during the Civil War that almost caused the government to move the school. Today, it has a 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Undergraduates 4,465 Acceptance Rate 9.4% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
7	Babson College	2793	17.09	1,400 – 1,530	30220	91354	#7 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Babson College Wellesley, MA Babson College began as an all-male school in 1919, originally known as Babson Institute, and became coeducational in 1969. It has an astounding 95% first year retention rate and 90% four year graduation rate. The only available undergraduate major is Business Administration and Management, General....Read more Undergraduates 2,793 Acceptance Rate 17.1% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $30,220 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $91,354
8	Wesleyan University	3805	16.49	1,330 – 1,510	20463	60385	#8 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Wesleyan University Middletown, CT Wesleyan University’s most popular major is Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. The school, located on the bends of the Connecticut River, was founded as a men’s college and became fully coeducational in 1970. Their athletes, known as the Cardinals, appropriately wear cardinal and black. Undergraduates 3,805 Acceptance Rate 16.5% SAT Score 1,330 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $20,463 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,385
9	Colgate University	3193	13.88	1,450 – 1,530	26954	64949	#9 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Colgate University Hamilton, NY Colgate University is known as a “Hidden Ivy” and a “Little Ivy.” It regularly makes lists naming it one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States. Most Colgate students study as undergraduates, but the school also offers master’s degrees in Teaching and Religious Studies. Maroon and white are the official colors. Undergraduates 3,193 Acceptance Rate 13.9% SAT Score 1,450 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $26,954 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,949
10	Wake Forest University	5471	21.56	1,410 – 1,510	27790	67722	#10 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC Based in Winston-Salem, Wake Forest University accepts 22% of applicants. They require $85 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 34% of students at Wake Forest University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 5,471 Acceptance Rate 21.6% SAT Score 1,410 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $27,790 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,722
11	University of Richmond	3055	22.2	1,440 – 1,540	35263	67927	#11 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA “Verbum Vitae et Lumen Scientiae” or “Word of life and light of knowledge” is the University of Richmond’s motto. 23% of accepted students go on to attend in the fall. A NCAA Division I-FCS school, 405 athletes are cheered on by WebstUR the Spider. Undergraduates 3,055 Acceptance Rate 22.2% SAT Score 1,440 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $35,263 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,927
12	College of the Holy Cross	3107	17.61	1,260 – 1,420	35455	69984	#12 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA The College of the Holy Cross is the oldest Catholic college in New England, and today it’s part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The school has a 94% first year retention rate, and an impressive 90% four-year graduation rate. Athletes are known as the Crusaders and wear royal purple and white. Undergraduates 3,107 Acceptance Rate 17.6% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $35,455 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $69,984
13	Santa Clara University	6577	48	1,370 – 1,490	49651	91198	#13 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA Opened in 1851, Santa Clara University is the oldest operating institution of higher education in California. A NCAA Division I without football school, athletes are known as the Broncos and compete in the West Coast Conference. Former Broncos have gone onto play in the NBA, NFL, and MLB....Read more Undergraduates 6,577 Acceptance Rate 48.0% SAT Score 1,370 – 1,490 Avg. Net Price $49,651 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $91,198
14	William & Mary	7063	34.07	1,410 – 1,530	20422	62959	#14 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges William & Mary Williamsburg, VA The second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, King William III and Queen Mary II founded the aptly named William & Mary in 1693. Alumni include Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, James Comey, and Jon Stewart. Athletes wear green and gold, and the school mascot is The Griffin. Undergraduates 7,063 Acceptance Rate 34.1% SAT Score 1,410 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $20,422 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,959
15	United States Air Force Academy	4124	13.93	1,250 – 1,460	0	63721	#15 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO Students who complete the United States Air Force Academy’s four year program receive commissions as second lieutenants along with their bachelor’s degrees. The USAFA is extremely selective, and 79% of accepted students enroll. With a 7 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, it also boasts a very high first year retention rate of 96%. Undergraduates 4,124 Acceptance Rate 13.9% SAT Score 1,250 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
16	Bucknell University	3920	28.93	1,180 – 1,400	38486	78852	#16 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA Bucknell University was founded in 1846 and has a proud tradition of fostering diversity and inclusion. Most students are undergraduates and they enjoy a cozy 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. A NCAA Division I-FCS school, Bucknell has 743 athletes competing in several sports, such as Football, Basketball, and Lacrosse. Undergraduates 3,920 Acceptance Rate 28.9% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $38,486 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $78,852
17	Lehigh University	5911	25.93	1,380 – 1,500	33289	88810	#17 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA Lehigh University’s motto is “Homo minister et interpres naturae,” which is Latin for “Man, the servant and interpreter of nature.” Known as the Mountain Hawks, student athletes wearing brown and white often compete in Football, Basketball, and Lacrosse. Clutch the Mountain Hawk is their mascot. Undergraduates 5,911 Acceptance Rate 25.9% SAT Score 1,380 – 1,500 Avg. Net Price $33,289 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $88,810
18	Brandeis University	3632	40.51	1,400 – 1,530	44668	52967	#18 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Brandeis University Waltham, MA Brandeis University is named for Louis Brandeis, a former Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Students and athletes are appropriately named, going by the Judges. Their mascots are The Judge and Ollie the Owl....Read more Undergraduates 3,632 Acceptance Rate 40.5% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $44,668 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,967
19	Bentley University	4526	45.05	1,290 – 1,430	43858	86679	#19 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Bentley University Waltham, MA A private school, Bentley University offers students up to Doctor's degrees. It originally opened as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, and today many students choose to major in Finance, General, Business Administration and Management, General, and Business Statistics....Read more Undergraduates 4,526 Acceptance Rate 45.1% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $43,858 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $86,679
20	United States Military Academy	4473	12.45	1,230 – 1,440	0	63721	#20 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges United States Military Academy West Point, NY The United States Military Academy, also known as West Point or the Academy, accepts just 12% of applicants. 78% of these accepted students will go on to attend. Their motto is “Duty • Honor • Country.” The entire site of West Point is a national landmark and is home to historic sites, a museum, and more. Undergraduates 4,473 Acceptance Rate 12.5% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
21	Worcester Polytechnic Institute	5558	60.16	1,200 – 1,390	47799	85038	#21 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA Located in Worcester, Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s acceptance rate is 60%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be available. About 95% of students attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute currently receive institutional grant aid. At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, there is a 94%......Read more Undergraduates 5,558 Acceptance Rate 60.2% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $47,799 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $85,038
22	Providence College	4556	50.89	1,110 – 1,340	46645	69326	#22 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Providence College Providence, RI Providence College was founded in 1917 and was also a founding member of the original Big East Conference. The athletes are cheered on by Friar Dom and Huxley the Dalmatian. Providence offers 1 majors and programs, and many go to study Neuroscience. Undergraduates 4,556 Acceptance Rate 50.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $46,645 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $69,326
23	Stevens Institute of Technology	4236	47.58	1,390 – 1,510	43665	90326	#23 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, NJ Located right on the Hudson River a few minutes from New York City, Stevens Institute of Technology has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and about 63% of students will graduate in 4 years....Read more Undergraduates 4,236 Acceptance Rate 47.6% SAT Score 1,390 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $43,665 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $90,326
24	Fairfield University	5391	33.29	1,290 – 1,410	47630	73693	#24 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges Fairfield University Fairfield, CT Fairfield University has 76 degree programs. Composed of 5 different schools, the most popular majors among students are Finance, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. There are 35 buildings on campus, including 3 manor houses. Fairfield is highly selective. Undergraduates 5,391 Acceptance Rate 33.3% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $47,630 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $73,693
25	St Olaf College	3124	48.32	1,310 – 1,450	27282	48373	#25 Best Colleges – Best Mid-Sized Colleges St Olaf College Northfield, MN Founded by Norwegian-American immigrant pastors and farmers, St. Olaf has actually been visited by King Olav and King Harald V. Their mascot is St. Olaf Lion and the school’s athletes are known as the Oles. With 45 majors offered, the most popular area of study is Biology/Biological Sciences, General. Undergraduates 3,124 Acceptance Rate 48.3% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $27,282 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,373