2027 College Rankings

Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges

About

Top research colleges offer exceptional academic opportunities, allowing students and faculty to participate in practical, innovative research that drives progress in the sciences. What is a Research College? Research universities—public or private—provide hands-on research experiences and award degrees at all levels. Research colleges typically secure federal grants, boast distinguished faculty, and feature strong academic programs, positioning them as leaders in education and innovation.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	4561	4.56	1,520 – 1,570	20996	131633	#1 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, offers up to a Doctor's degree. It became a land grant-college in 1863. Top majors include Computer Science, Management Science, and Mechanical Engineering. Alumni have gone on to found well-known companies, such as Intel, Koch Industries, Raytheon, and Hewlett-Packard. Undergraduates 4,561 Acceptance Rate 4.6% SAT Score 1,520 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $20,996 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $131,633
2	Princeton University	5916	4.42	1,500 – 1,570	15313	87815	#2 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit 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 42,300 applications annually. Undergraduates 5,916 Acceptance Rate 4.4% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $15,313 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $87,815
3	Harvard University	6738	4.18	1,460 – 1,560	17525	99572	#3 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Harvard University Cambridge, MA Harvard University has more alumni, researchers, and faculty that have won Nobel Prizes and Field Medals than any other school in the world. It also produced eight U.S. presidents, 188 living billionaires, and 110 Olympic medalists....Read more Undergraduates 6,738 Acceptance Rate 4.2% SAT Score 1,460 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $17,525 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $99,572
4	California Institute of Technology	971	3.79	1,550 – 1,590	14513	132140	#4 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA Also known as Caltech, the California Institute of Technology is a private, doctoral/research university located on a 124-acre campus in Pasadena. The school's motto is, “the truth shall make you free.” Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering are top majors among students, and there have been over 75 Nobel laureates that......Read more Undergraduates 971 Acceptance Rate 3.8% SAT Score 1,550 – 1,590 Avg. Net Price $14,513 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $132,140
5	University of Chicago	7519	4.56	1,510 – 1,570	28060	80870	#5 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges University of Chicago Chicago, IL The University of Chicago receives 42,800 applications annually and the school is considered extremely selective. It's made up of an undergraduate college and five graduate research divisions. UChicago also has campuses all over the world, from Hong Kong to Paris....Read more Undergraduates 7,519 Acceptance Rate 4.6% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $28,060 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $80,870
6	University of Pennsylvania	9989	4.92	1,510 – 1,570	23570	90555	#6 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA The University of Pennsylvania, one of the oldest schools in the country, was founded in 1740, primarily by Benjamin Franklin, who was also their first president. A doctoral/research university, UPenn has a 98% first year retention rate, and 86% of students will go on to graduate in four years....Read more Undergraduates 9,989 Acceptance Rate 4.9% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $23,570 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $90,555
7	Columbia University in the City of New York	9164	3.86	1,510 – 1,590	22520	88535	#7 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit 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 9,164 Acceptance Rate 3.9% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,590 Avg. Net Price $22,520 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $88,535
8	Stanford University	7346	3.8	1,520 – 1,590	25078	102887	#8 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Stanford University Stanford, CA Stanford University is a private college that goes by a Quarter academic calendar rather than a Semester. Alumni have included Fulbright Scholars, members of Congress, astronauts, and billionaires, as well as former President Herbert Hoover. Known as the Stanford Cardinals, athletes wear cardinal and white....Read more Undergraduates 7,346 Acceptance Rate 3.8% SAT Score 1,520 – 1,590 Avg. Net Price $25,078 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $102,887
9	Yale University	6667	4.75	1,470 – 1,570	22408	81765	#9 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Yale University New Haven, CT Yale University got its start in 1701 as the Collegiate School, getting its current name in 1718. Their motto, “lux et veritas,” means “light and truth” in Latin. It's made up of fourteen schools including the undergraduate college, twelve professional schools, and the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences....Read more Undergraduates 6,667 Acceptance Rate 4.8% SAT Score 1,470 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $22,408 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $81,765
10	Duke University	6525	5.24	1,510 – 1,560	21981	85792	#10 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Duke University Durham, NC Methodists and Quakers founded Duke University in 1838. The school has produced 50 Rhodes Scholars, three Turing Award winners, and 15 Noble laureates. Known as the Blue Devils, the university’s colors are Duke blue and white....Read more Undergraduates 6,525 Acceptance Rate 5.2% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $21,981 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $85,792
11	Dartmouth College	4715	6.02	1,440 – 1,560	20322	82541	#11 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit 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 4,715 Acceptance Rate 6.0% SAT Score 1,440 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $20,322 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $82,541
12	University of Notre Dame	8950	9.38	1,460 – 1,540	29300	86210	#12 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN Edward Sorin founded the University of Notre Dame in 1842 as a private Catholic research university. Their motto is, “Vita Dulcedo Spes” or “Life, Sweetness, Hope” – referencing the Virgin Mary. The school’s teams are known as the Fighting Irish, and wear the colors blue and gold. Their mascot is the very iconic Leprechaun....Read more Undergraduates 8,950 Acceptance Rate 9.4% SAT Score 1,460 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $29,300 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $86,210
13	Northwestern University	9060	7.69	1,510 – 1,560	26830	76844	#13 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Northwestern University Evanston, IL A founding member of the Big Ten Conference, top sports for the Wildcats include Football, Basketball, and Swimming and Diving (combined). Willie the Wildcat cheers them on and the colors are purple and white....Read more Undergraduates 9,060 Acceptance Rate 7.7% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $26,830 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $76,844
14	Johns Hopkins University	6354	6.11	1,540 – 1,570	26017	86306	#14 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876 and named for its first benefactor. The first research university in the country, its motto in Latin is “veritas vos liberabit,” or “the truth will set you free.” The Blue Jays men’s lacrosse team plays in the Big Ten Conference as an affiliate member and has over 40 national titles....Read more Undergraduates 6,354 Acceptance Rate 6.1% SAT Score 1,540 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $26,017 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $86,306
15	Rice University	4807	8.01	1,500 – 1,580	23589	79751	#15 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit 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 4,807 Acceptance Rate 8.0% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,580 Avg. Net Price $23,589 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $79,751
16	Vanderbilt University	7221	5.86	1,500 – 1,560	25186	73909	#16 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN Vanderbilt University was named in honor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a shipping and rail magnate, due to his gift of $1 million. Its campus spans 330 acres in midtown Nashville and the school's motto is "dare to grow." Many students at Vanderbilt major in Social Sciences, General, Computer Science, Management Sciences and......Read more Undergraduates 7,221 Acceptance Rate 5.9% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $25,186 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $73,909
17	Cornell University	16138	8.38	1,500 – 1,570	26361	87830	#17 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Cornell University Ithaca, NY Cornell University is made up of seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. Some famous alumni include Christopher Reeve, Bill Nye, E.B. White, and Anthony Fauci. 97% of students stay on after the first year, with 94% graduating within six years. Computer Science is the most popular major. Undergraduates 16,138 Acceptance Rate 8.4% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $26,361 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $87,830
18	Brown University	7951	6.34	1,460 – 1,560	26256	79131	#18 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Brown University Providence, RI Founded in 1764, Brown University was the first school in North America that accepted students regardless of their religion. Their women’s institution, Pembroke College, merged into Brown in 1971. Alumni have gone on to create famous companies including ZipRecruiter, Cards Against Humanity, and CNN....Read more Undergraduates 7,951 Acceptance Rate 6.3% SAT Score 1,460 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $26,256 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $79,131
19	Washington University in St Louis	8153	11.92	1,480 – 1,550	22408	78073	#19 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MO Washington University in St. Louis was named after George Washington and founded in 1853. A private research university, the school received 33,000 applications and accepted just 3,970. Commonly chosen majors are Business Statistics, Computer Science, and Law....Read more Undergraduates 8,153 Acceptance Rate 11.9% SAT Score 1,480 – 1,550 Avg. Net Price $22,408 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $78,073
20	Georgetown University	7908	13.49	1,420 – 1,540	39083	83222	#20 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Georgetown University Washington, DC A private Jesuit research university, Georgetown University was founded as the Georgetown College in 1789 by Bishop John Carroll. It’s the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the country and offers over 50 majors. Past graduates include Bill Clinton, Lyndon B....Read more Undergraduates 7,908 Acceptance Rate 13.5% SAT Score 1,420 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $39,083 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $83,222
21	Boston College	9677	14.22	1,440 – 1,540	32519	85717	#21 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA A private Jesuit research university, Boston College’s motto is Αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν, Greek for “Ever to Excel.” Their athletes, known as the Eagles, wear maroon and gold and are cheered on by Baldwin the Eagle. Past students include John F. Kerry, Leonard Nimoy, Chris O’Donnell, and Amy Poehler. Undergraduates 9,677 Acceptance Rate 14.2% SAT Score 1,440 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $32,519 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $85,717
22	Emory University	7320	10.3	1,460 – 1,550	27303	74980	#22 Best Colleges – Best Research Colleges – Private not-for-profit Colleges Emory University Atlanta, GA Emory University is a private, doctoral/research college. It has a 95% first year retention rate, 81% four year graduation rate, and 10 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. There are nine academic divisions, including the Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Laney Graduate School, and Rollins School of Public Health, among others. Undergraduates 7,320 Acceptance Rate 10.3% SAT Score 1,460 – 1,550 Avg. Net Price $27,303 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $74,980