US National Universities Ranking - Elite Schools

The U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges Ranking for 2009 provides a comprehensive look at some of the top-tier educational institutions in the United States, with the National Universities category showcasing the nation’s most prestigious universities. The institutions featured in the Top 50 list have consistently demonstrated excellence in academics, research, faculty quality, campus facilities, and overall student outcomes. Among these elite schools, five in particular stand out at the very top of the list: Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Stanford University. These universities represent the pinnacle of higher education in the U.S., each offering a unique blend of history, tradition, and innovation that continues to shape the global academic landscape.

At number one, we find Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard has long been recognized as one of the leading academic institutions in the world. With a total enrollment of 19,257 students in 2007, it maintains a rigorous academic environment with a strong focus on both undergraduate and graduate education. Harvard’s acceptance rate in the fall of 2007 was a highly selective 9.2%, highlighting the intense competition for admission to this Ivy League school. The tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year was $36,173, which is typical for top-tier private universities in the U.S., though Harvard has a generous financial aid program designed to make its education accessible to a wide range of students. The university’s reputation for academic excellence is paired with a distinguished faculty, groundbreaking research initiatives, and an extensive alumni network that includes Nobel laureates, world leaders, and influential scholars. Harvard’s commitment to interdisciplinary study, intellectual growth, and global impact ensures that it remains a top destination for students seeking an exceptional educational experience.

At number two, we have Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey. With a smaller total enrollment of 7,334 students in 2007, Princeton offers a more intimate academic environment, allowing for closer interactions between students and faculty. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2011 was 9.7%, indicating that competition for admission remains fierce. Princeton’s 2008-2009 tuition and fees were $34,290, making it somewhat more affordable than some of its peer institutions, though like Harvard, Princeton provides generous financial aid to ensure that cost is not a barrier for qualified students. Princeton is known for its commitment to undergraduate education, with an emphasis on personalized learning, small class sizes, and a close-knit campus community. The university has a strong tradition in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, and its undergraduate research programs are particularly notable. Princeton’s focus on cultivating leadership, ethical responsibility, and global citizenship makes it an ideal place for students seeking to make a positive impact in the world.

In third place on the list is Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut. With a slightly larger enrollment of 11,454 students in 2007, Yale maintains a high level of academic rigor and offers a diverse range of programs across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional disciplines. Yale’s 2008-2009 tuition and fees amounted to $35,300, positioning it alongside other Ivy League schools in terms of cost, though Yale is renowned for its commitment to financial aid, with a strong focus on ensuring that students can attend regardless of their financial background. Yale’s fall 2007 acceptance rate was 9.9%, reflecting the competitive nature of admission. Yale is especially known for its law school, drama school, and graduate programs, though its undergraduate liberal arts education is also top-tier. The university fosters a creative and intellectual environment, where students are encouraged to think critically, engage in cross-disciplinary work, and develop a deep understanding of the world’s most pressing issues. Yale’s strong emphasis on fostering leaders who are capable of addressing complex global challenges makes it a top choice for students committed to making meaningful societal contributions.

In fourth place, we find two universities: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University, both of which are leaders in technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship, among other fields.

MIT, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is particularly known for its strength in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). With a total enrollment of 10,220 students in 2007, MIT is slightly smaller than some of the other Ivy League schools, allowing for a more focused, collaborative academic environment. The 2008-2009 tuition and fees at MIT were $36,390, slightly higher than those of Harvard. The 12.5% acceptance rate reflects MIT’s selective admission process, which looks for highly motivated and talented students, particularly those with strong backgrounds in math and science. MIT is famous for its innovation, research, and groundbreaking work in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration allows students to apply their technical skills in real-world scenarios, whether through startups, internships, or cutting-edge research projects. MIT’s vibrant entrepreneurial culture has fostered the creation of countless successful tech companies and continues to attract ambitious students with a passion for making a difference through technological innovation.

The other university tied for fourth is Stanford University, located in Stanford, California. With a larger total enrollment of 19,782 students in 2007, Stanford offers a broad range of programs, particularly excelling in engineering, business, and computer science. The 2008-2009 tuition and fees were $36,030, which is on par with many top-tier universities, and Stanford’s 10.3% acceptance rate reflects the highly competitive nature of admissions. Stanford is perhaps most renowned for its location in the heart of Silicon Valley, which offers unparalleled opportunities for students interested in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The university has long been a hotbed for startups, and its close ties with the tech industry provide students with valuable resources for launching their careers. Beyond its strength in the tech sector, Stanford is also known for its programs in the humanities, social sciences, and business, offering a well-rounded education that encourages interdisciplinary learning. The university’s strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, along with its focus on developing leaders who can solve global challenges, ensures that Stanford graduates are well-equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

US News Best Colleges Ranking 2009- National Universities (Top 50 List):

1 Harvard University|Cambridge, MA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,173
2007 Total enrollment: 19,257
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 9.2 %

2 Princeton University|Princeton, NJ
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $34,290
2007 Total enrollment: 7,334
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 9.7 %

3 Yale University|New Haven, CT
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $35,300
2007 Total enrollment: 11,454
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 9.9 %

4 Massachusetts Institute of Technology |Cambridge, MA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,390
2007 Total enrollment: 10,220
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 12.5 %

4 Stanford University |Stanford, CA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,030
2007 Total enrollment: 19,782
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 10.3 %

6 California Institute of Technology|Pasadena, CA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $34,437
2007 Total enrollment: 2,133
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 16.9 %

6 University of Pennsylvania |Philadelphia, PA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,526
2007 Total enrollment: 18,916
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 16.0 %

8 Columbia University |New York, NY
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $39,326
2007 Total enrollment: 22,655
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 10.6 %

8 Duke University |Durham, NC
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,525
2007 Total enrollment: 13,598
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 23.0 %

8 University of Chicago |Chicago, IL
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,632
2007 Total enrollment: 12,336
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 34.7 %

11 Dartmouth College |Hanover, NH
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,915
2007 Total enrollment: 5,849
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 15.3 %

12 Northwestern University|Evanston, IL
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,125
2007 Total enrollment: 18,028
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 26.8 %

12 Washington University in St. Louis|St. Louis, MO
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,248
2007 Total enrollment: 13,382
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 17.3 %

14 Cornell University |Ithaca, NY
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,504
2007 Total enrollment: 19,800
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 21.4 %

15 Johns Hopkins University |Baltimore, MD
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,700
2007 Total enrollment: 19,737
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 24.3 %

16 Brown University |Providence, RI
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,718
2007 Total enrollment: 8,167
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 14.0 %

17 Rice University|Houston, TX
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $28,996
2007 Total enrollment: 5,243
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 25.1 %

18 Emory University |Atlanta, GA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,336
2007 Total enrollment: 12,570
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 27.2 %

18 University of Notre Dame |Notre Dame, IN
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,847
2007 Total enrollment: 11,733
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 24.5 %

18 Vanderbilt University |Nashville, TN
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,005
2007 Total enrollment: 11,847
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 32.8 %

21 University of California--Berkeley |Berkeley, CA
2008-2009 In-state: $8,932; Out-of-state: $29,540
2007 Total enrollment: 34,953
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 23.3 %

22 Carnegie Mellon University |Pittsburgh, PA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $38,844
2007 Total enrollment: 10,493
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 28.0 %

23 Georgetown University |Washington, DC
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $38,122
2007 Total enrollment: 14,826
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 20.8 %

23 University of Virginia |Charlottesville, VA
2008-2009 In-state: $9,300; Out-of-state: $29,600
2007 Total enrollment: 24,257
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 35.2 %

25 University of California--Los Angeles |Los Angeles, CA
2007-2008 In-state: $7,034; Out-of-state: $26,102
2007 Total enrollment: 38,896
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 23.6 %

26 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor|Ann Arbor, MI
2008-2009 In-state: $11,111; Out-of-state: $32,401
2007 Total enrollment: 41,042
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 50.3 %

27 University of Southern California |Los Angeles, CA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,740
2007 Total enrollment: 33,408
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 25.3 %

28 Tufts University |Medford, MA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $38,840
2007 Total enrollment: 9,758
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 27.5 %

28 Wake Forest University |Winston-Salem, NC
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,975
2007 Total enrollment: 6,788
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 42.4 %

30 University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill |Chapel Hill, NC
2008-2009 In-state: $5,396; Out-of-state: $22,294
2007 Total enrollment: 28,136
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 34.8 %

31 Brandeis University |Waltham, MA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,294
2007 Total enrollment: 5,333
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 34.4 %

32 College of William and Mary|Williamsburg, VA
2008-2009 In-state: $10,246; Out-of-state: $29,326
2007 Total enrollment: 7,795
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 33.7 %

33 New York University |New York, NY
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,372
2007 Total enrollment: 41,783
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 36.7 %

34 Boston College |Chestnut Hill, MA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,950
2007 Total enrollment: 13,723
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 27.3 %

35 Georgia Institute of Technology |Atlanta, GA
2008-2009 In-state: $5,272; Out-of-state: $21,386
2007 Total enrollment: 18,742
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 63.4 %

35 Lehigh University |Bethlehem, PA
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,550
2007 Total enrollment: 6,845
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 31.9 %

35 University of California--San Diego |La Jolla, CA
2008-2009 In-state: $8,911; Out-of-state: $28,932
2007 Total enrollment: 27,020
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 42.5 %

35 University of Rochester |Rochester, NY
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,250
2007 Total enrollment: 9,334
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 41.2 %

35 University of Wisconsin--Madison |Madison, WI
2008-2009 In-state: $7,568; Out-of-state: $21,818
2007 Total enrollment: 42,041
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 56.2 %

40 University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign |Champaign, IL
2008-2009 In-state: $11,261; Out-of-state: $25,334
2007 Total enrollment: 42,326
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 71.0 %

41 Case Western Reserve University |Cleveland, OH
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $34,252
2007 Total enrollment: 9,844
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 74.7 %

41 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |Troy, NY
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,990
2007 Total enrollment: 7,299
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 49.4 %

41 University of Washington |Seattle, WA
2008-2009 In-state: $6,802; Out-of-state: $23,219
2007 Total enrollment: 40,218
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 64.7 %

44 University of California--Davis |Davis, CA
2008-2009 In-state: $8,635; Out-of-state: $28,656
2007 Total enrollment: 29,796
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 58.6 %

44 University of California--Irvine |Irvine, CA
2008-2009 In-state: $7,556; Out-of-state: $27,176
2007 Total enrollment: 26,483
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 55.6 %

44 University of California--Santa Barbara |Santa Barbara, CA
2008-2009 In-state: $8,573; Out-of-state: $29,181
2007 Total enrollment: 21,410
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 54.4 %

47 Pennsylvania State University--University Park |University Park, PA
2008-2009 In-state: $13,706; Out-of-state: $24,940
2007 Total enrollment: 43,252
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 51.0 %

47 University of Texas--Austin |Austin, TX
2007-2008 In-state: $8,130; Out-of-state: $25,722
2007 Total enrollment: 50,170
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 50.7 %

49 University of Florida |Gainesville, FL
2008-2009 In-state: $3,790; Out-of-state: $21,400
2007 Total enrollment: 51,725
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 42.1 %

50 Yeshiva University |New York, NY
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $32,094
2007 Total enrollment: 6,358
Fall 2007 Acceptance rate: 69.4 %