Best National Universities - Princeton & Harvard in Top 2 Nationally
Princeton University has once again secured its place as the number one institution in the United States according to the 2017 U.S. News & World Report survey. Princeton’s continued dominance as the top-ranked national university underscores its commitment to academic excellence, research, and providing students with a well-rounded, enriching higher education experience. Known for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and exceptional student resources, Princeton has established itself as a leader among American institutions of higher learning. Princeton's first-place position is followed closely by Harvard University, which retains its standing as a global leader in research and education. Both institutions have long histories of excellence, producing some of the brightest minds and most impactful research across a variety of disciplines.
Princeton's number one ranking is a testament to its strong undergraduate teaching, dedication to research, and the outstanding support it offers to students. With its combination of small class sizes, low student-to-faculty ratios, and access to leading professors, Princeton provides students with an exceptional educational environment. Additionally, Princeton's financial resources and commitment to providing need-based financial aid make it an attractive choice for talented students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. The university's emphasis on the liberal arts, research opportunities, and leadership development positions it as one of the most desirable and prestigious institutions for students seeking a comprehensive undergraduate education.
Wake Forest University also continues to maintain its position among the nation’s most highly regarded institutions. In the 2017 U.S. News & World Report survey, Wake Forest University was ranked 27th overall among 310 national universities. Wake Forest's ranking reflects its long-standing commitment to academic excellence, undergraduate teaching, and student success. Notably, Wake Forest was also ranked 5th for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, which highlights the university's focus on creating a supportive and engaging educational environment for its students. Wake Forest has held its spot in the top 30 national universities for an impressive 21 consecutive years, illustrating its ability to maintain consistent quality and leadership in higher education.
Wake Forest’s commitment to undergraduate teaching emphasizes personalized attention, academic rigor, and a dedication to helping students develop both intellectually and personally. The university offers a variety of programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences, with opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, research, and community engagement. Its emphasis on teaching quality and its ability to provide students with opportunities to work closely with professors distinguish it as one of the leading institutions in the country. Additionally, Wake Forest has a reputation for producing graduates who go on to successful careers and meaningful lives after graduation, supported by the university’s dedication to holistic education.
Boston College has also made its mark in the 2017 U.S. News & World Report rankings, securing the 31st spot among national universities. Boston College’s position in the rankings reflects its ongoing efforts to invest strategically in areas such as faculty recruitment, instructional support, and the student learning experience. The university has demonstrated continuous improvement across various survey categories, signaling its commitment to strengthening both its academic programs and the resources available to students. Boston College's strategic investments in faculty and financial resources highlight its mission to create a vibrant educational environment while enhancing its students’ academic experiences.
The university’s strong academic programs, coupled with its Jesuit tradition, emphasize the values of intellectual inquiry, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. Boston College offers a well-rounded liberal arts education with a focus on encouraging students to engage critically with global issues and develop a well-rounded worldview. With strong undergraduate programs, a commitment to research, and a dedication to the Jesuit ideals of service and reflection, Boston College continues to provide students with opportunities for growth, academic inquiry, and professional development.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) has demonstrated its strength and growth within the national rankings as it continues to climb the ranks of American public universities. In the 2017 U.S. News & World Report survey, UMass Amherst moved up another two positions to secure the 27th spot among the nation’s best public universities. UMass Amherst’s rise in the rankings highlights the university's focus on academic excellence, research innovation, and affordability. Additionally, UMass Amherst advanced one slot to No. 74 in the Best National Universities category, which includes a mix of public, private, and for-profit institutions. This upward movement demonstrates the institution’s strategic emphasis on improving resources, research opportunities, and educational outcomes for its students.
UMass Amherst is celebrated for its strong undergraduate programs, faculty expertise, and innovation in research across various disciplines. With programs in the humanities, sciences, engineering, and business, UMass Amherst provides students with a comprehensive and diverse range of educational opportunities. Furthermore, the university maintains its commitment to serving as an affordable and accessible option for students. UMass Amherst continues to prioritize student success, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement, further solidifying its position as one of the leading public universities in the United States.
Pepperdine University is another institution that has shown impressive progress in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. For the 2017 survey, Pepperdine University was ranked 50th overall among 310 national universities, improving from its previous standing of 52nd in 2016. This two-spot increase highlights Pepperdine’s strategic investments in academic programming, research opportunities, and student support. Pepperdine’s rise demonstrates its commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment while providing students with opportunities to excel academically and professionally.
Pepperdine University is widely recognized for its emphasis on strong undergraduate programs, community engagement, and global perspectives. The institution offers students opportunities to study in a variety of disciplines, including business, law, psychology, and education, while fostering a commitment to ethical leadership and service. Additionally, Pepperdine’s strong emphasis on values-based learning, combined with its location in beautiful Malibu, California, positions it as an attractive option for students seeking both academic rigor and personal growth.
The impressive rankings of Princeton, Wake Forest, Boston College, UMass Amherst, and Pepperdine University in the 2017 U.S. News & World Report survey demonstrate the strength of these institutions in fostering academic excellence, research opportunities, and undergraduate teaching. These universities are celebrated for their ability to provide students with high-quality education, meaningful opportunities for research, and a strong commitment to student success. Their consistent performances in national and global rankings reflect their ability to maintain innovative programs, attract distinguished faculty, and invest in the academic and personal development of their students. These rankings also emphasize the strength of American higher education as a whole, as these universities continue to lead the way in shaping the future of students through scholarship, research, and opportunity.
