2026 College Rankings

Best Private, For-Profit Colleges

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

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.

Sort by:

View as:

Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Stanbridge University	2373	11.37	--	23800	53729	#1 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Stanbridge University Irvine, CA A for-profit school, Stanbridge University only offers undergraduate majors in Health/Health Care Administration/Management and Registered Nursing. It's extremely selective and out of those accepted, 96% enroll. The school boasts 96% four year graduation rate. Undergraduates 2,373 Acceptance Rate 11.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,800 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,729
2	School of Visual Arts	3255	92.61	1,210 – 1,420	59211	31855	#2 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges School of Visual Arts New York, NY Found in New York, the School of Visual Arts accepted 93% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $50 to apply. Approximately 51% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 3,255 Acceptance Rate 92.6% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $59,211 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,855
3	Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences	1892	89.44	--	29243	59213	#3 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences Draper, UT Previously known as the Ameritech College of Healthcare, Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences non selective. 80% of accepted students go on to attend. The only undergraduate major Joyce offers is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. It also has a 100% four year graduation rate. Undergraduates 1,892 Acceptance Rate 89.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $29,243 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
4	Chamberlain University-Illinois	14259	92.86	--	25875	59213	#4 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Chamberlain University-Illinois Addison, IL Undergraduates 14,259 Acceptance Rate 92.9% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $25,875 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
5	DigiPen Institute of Technology	1016	67.2	1,190 – 1,410	40015	58771	#5 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges DigiPen Institute of Technology Redmond, WA The DigiPen Institute of Technology has 7 areas of study available to students, with a focus on computer science, music, animation, and similar fields. A private for-profit university, it also has campuses in Singapore and Spain. The school's DigiPen Academy has a Youtube and adult education program dedicated to STEM fields. Undergraduates 1,016 Acceptance Rate 67.2% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $40,015 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,771
6	Neumont College of Computer Science	530	89.47	1,000 – 1,250	28592	77865	#6 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Neumont College of Computer Science Salt Lake City, UT One of the younger colleges in America, the Neumont College of Computer Science was founded in 2003. The school offers 5 total undergraduate majors: Computer Programming, Network and System Administration, Information Technology Project Management, Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design, and Modeling,......Read more Undergraduates 530 Acceptance Rate 89.5% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $28,592 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $77,865
7	Musicians Institute	780	71.29	980 – 1,300	39056	24962	#7 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Musicians Institute Hollywood, CA Undergraduates 780 Acceptance Rate 71.3% SAT Score 980 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $39,056 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,962
8	New York Film Academy	965	52.4	--	50504	25150	#8 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges New York Film Academy Burbank, CA New York Film Academy is a private-for-profit school offering Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Arts (MA) programs. The school's philosophy is "learning by doing." Famous alumni include Bill Hader, Mohamad Diab, and James Friend, among others. Undergraduates 965 Acceptance Rate 52.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $50,504 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,150
9	Westcliff University	2037	45.09	--	26051	63721	#9 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Westcliff University Irvine, CA Found in Irvine, Westcliff University accepted 45% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $30 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 32% of students at Westcliff University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 2,037 Acceptance Rate 45.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $26,051 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
10	Nossi College of Art and Design	278	43.27	--	23745	28099	#10 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Nossi College of Art and Design Nashville, TN Found in Nashville, Nossi College of Art and Design’s acceptance rate is 43% and charges $150 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 63% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. They are given $591 on average. The first year retention rate is 77%....Read more Undergraduates 278 Acceptance Rate 43.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,745 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,099
11	Paier College	199	61.54	740 – 880	31768	63721	#11 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Paier College Bridgeport, CT Found in Bridgeport, Paier College’s acceptance rate is 62%. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 6% of students at Paier College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 199 Acceptance Rate 61.5% SAT Score 740 – 880 Avg. Net Price $31,768 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
12	LIM College	1142	98.75	970 – 1,170	39389	45359	#12 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges LIM College New York, NY Based in New York, LIM College accepted 99% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $40 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending LIM College currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 67%....Read more Undergraduates 1,142 Acceptance Rate 98.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $39,389 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,359
13	University of Advancing Technology	892	95.15	950 – 1,180	21148	39016	#13 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges University of Advancing Technology Tempe, AZ Undergraduates 892 Acceptance Rate 95.2% SAT Score 950 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $21,148 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,016
14	Monroe College	6206	67.51	--	11476	36973	#14 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Monroe College Bronx, NY Based in Bronx, Monroe College accepted 68% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $35 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 85% of students at Monroe College will receive institutional grant aid. At Monroe College, there is a 67% first year......Read more Undergraduates 6,206 Acceptance Rate 67.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,476 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,973
15	Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design	1888	87.27	990 – 1,160	27459	30280	#15 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Lakewood, CO Found in Lakewood, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and . About 66% of students at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Undergraduates 1,888 Acceptance Rate 87.3% SAT Score 990 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $27,459 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,280
16	Five Towns College	662	73.89	800 – 1,020	23005	25305	#16 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Five Towns College Dix Hills, NY Located in Dix Hills, Five Towns College accepted 74% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $35 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. About 88% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 662 Acceptance Rate 73.9% SAT Score 800 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $23,005 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,305
17	Southwest University at El Paso	1817	0	--	17365	29611	#17 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Southwest University at El Paso El Paso, TX Undergraduates 1,817 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,365 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,611
18	Los Angeles College of Music	267	81.37	--	43023	20538	#18 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Los Angeles College of Music Pasadena, CA Undergraduates 267 Acceptance Rate 81.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $43,023 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $20,538
19	DeVry University-Illinois	172	100	--	31063	42178	#19 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges DeVry University-Illinois Lisle, IL Based in Lisle, DeVry University-Illinois accepts 100% of applicants. They charge $30 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 82% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At DeVry University-Illinois, there is a 100% first year retention rate and around 26% of students will......Read more Undergraduates 172 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $31,063 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,178
20	American Public University System	40478	0	--	10322	32917	#20 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges American Public University System Charles Town, WV Undergraduates 40,478 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $10,322 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,917
21	Chamberlain University-Missouri	328	83.33	--	34947	84533	#21 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Chamberlain University-Missouri St. Louis, MO Undergraduates 328 Acceptance Rate 83.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $34,947 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $84,533
22	University of Silicon Valley	378	51.31	980 – 1,210	30602	39802	#22 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges University of Silicon Valley San Jose, CA Located in San Jose, the University of Silicon Valley accepted 51% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 64% of students attending the University of Silicon Valley will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 378 Acceptance Rate 51.3% SAT Score 980 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $30,602 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,802
23	Central Penn College	806	29.39	660 – 910	18681	40798	#23 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Central Penn College Summerdale, PA Found in Summerdale, Central Penn College accepts 29% of applicants and requests $35 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 81% of students at Central Penn College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 806 Acceptance Rate 29.4% SAT Score 660 – 910 Avg. Net Price $18,681 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,798
24	Berkeley College	1900	78.32	--	20068	37060	#24 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Berkeley College Woodland Park, NJ Based in Woodland Park, Berkeley College’s acceptance rate is 78%. Undergraduates have to send in $50 to apply. Approximately 88% of students at Berkeley College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 1,900 Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,068 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,060
25	Full Sail University	25195	0	--	30879	31917	#25 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Full Sail University Winter Park, FL Undergraduates 25,195 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $30,879 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,917
26	South College	6406	54.39	--	16584	37570	#26 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges South College Knoxville, TN Based in Knoxville, South College accepted 54% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $50 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 58% of students attending South College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Undergraduates 6,406 Acceptance Rate 54.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,584 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,570
27	Salem University	695	47.33	900 – 1,130	11626	31612	#27 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Salem University Salem, WV Found in Salem, Salem University’s acceptance rate is 47%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 49% of students at Salem University will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 43%....Read more Undergraduates 695 Acceptance Rate 47.3% SAT Score 900 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $11,626 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,612
28	Northwest College of Art & Design	150	76.32	--	20185	51847	#28 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Northwest College of Art & Design Tacoma, WA Located in Tacoma, Northwest College of Art & Design accepted 76% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 20% of students at Northwest College of Art & Design will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 150 Acceptance Rate 76.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,185 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,847
29	Washington University of Science and Technology	302	11.49	--	0	63721	#29 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Washington University of Science and Technology Alexandria, VA Undergraduates 302 Acceptance Rate 11.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
30	Waldorf University	2196	72.6	970 – 1,110	21510	50515	#30 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Waldorf University Forest City, IA Based in Forest City, Waldorf University accepted 73% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 90% of students attending Waldorf University will receive grant aid from the school. At Waldorf University, there is a 46% first year retention......Read more Undergraduates 2,196 Acceptance Rate 72.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $21,510 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,515
31	Grand Canyon University	70929	60.36	960 – 1,150	22239	47280	#31 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ Undergraduates 70,929 Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 960 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $22,239 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,280
32	Chamberlain University-Arizona	745	87.5	--	31755	59213	#32 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Chamberlain University-Arizona Phoenix, AZ Undergraduates 745 Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $31,755 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
33	Los Angeles Film School	5833	95.1	--	32944	24375	#33 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Los Angeles Film School Hollywood, CA Undergraduates 5,833 Acceptance Rate 95.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $32,944 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,375
34	The College of Westchester	891	94.57	--	11332	32951	#34 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges The College of Westchester White Plains, NY Found in White Plains, The College of Westchester accepts 95% of applicants. They request $40 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 891 Acceptance Rate 94.6% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,332 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,951
35	Southern California Institute of Technology	537	87.5	--	27934	60630	#35 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Southern California Institute of Technology Anaheim, CA Found in Anaheim, Southern California Institute of Technology accepts 88% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 69% of students at Southern California Institute of Technology will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 537 Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $27,934 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,630
36	Academy of Art University	3644	100	--	36591	30452	#36 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA Based in San Francisco, Academy of Art University accepts 100% of applicants and requests $50 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 46% of students attending Academy of Art University will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 3,644 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $36,591 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,452
37	Post University	19575	96.54	800 – 1,030	18619	31401	#37 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Post University Waterbury, CT Found in Waterbury, Post University’s acceptance rate is 97%. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. About 18% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. They are given $18,555 on average. 60% of students decide to stay at Post University after completing their first year....Read more Undergraduates 19,575 Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score 800 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $18,619 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,401
38	Columbia Central University-Caguas	682	90	--	4046	19591	#38 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Columbia Central University-Caguas Caguas, PR Undergraduates 682 Acceptance Rate 90.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $4,046 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $19,591
39	Berkeley College-New York	1756	96.71	--	27509	37284	#39 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Berkeley College-New York New York, NY Located in New York, Berkeley College-New York accepted 97% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 97% of students at Berkeley College-New York currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year......Read more Undergraduates 1,756 Acceptance Rate 96.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $27,509 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,284
40	Newschool of Architecture and Design	213	100	--	50190	57073	#40 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Newschool of Architecture and Design San Diego, CA Located in San Diego, Newschool of Architecture and Design’s acceptance rate is 100% and requests $75 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 82% of students attending Newschool of Architecture and Design will receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year retention rate is 62% and 26% of......Read more Undergraduates 213 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $50,190 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,073
41	ECPI University	556	82.69	--	20051	41278	#41 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA Undergraduates 556 Acceptance Rate 82.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,051 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,278
42	NUC University	36488	0	--	5433	24259	#42 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges NUC University Bayamon, PR Undergraduates 36,488 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $5,433 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,259
43	Columbia Southern University	12213	100	--	14085	55140	#43 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, AL Undergraduates 12,213 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,085 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,140
44	American InterContinental University-Atlanta	670	95.45	--	15590	27823	#44 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges American InterContinental University-Atlanta Atlanta, GA Undergraduates 670 Acceptance Rate 95.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $15,590 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,823
45	Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs	24504	91.79	--	14784	30406	#45 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO Undergraduates 24,504 Acceptance Rate 91.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,784 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,406
46	Eastern International College-Jersey City	474	100	--	23532	59213	#46 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges Eastern International College-Jersey City Jersey City, NJ Undergraduates 474 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,532 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
47	American InterContinental University System	6830	92.44	--	14250	27823	#47 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges American InterContinental University System Chandler, AZ Undergraduates 6,830 Acceptance Rate 92.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,250 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,823
48	South University-Savannah Online	6494	54.82	--	26103	34115	#48 2026 Best Private, For-Profit Colleges South University-Savannah Online Savannah, GA Based in Savannah, South University-Savannah Online accepts 55% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 2% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 24% and its four year graduation rate is 3%. Three common......Read more Undergraduates 6,494 Acceptance Rate 54.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $26,103 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,115