Top Virginia Colleges17 of the Top Colleges in VirginiaBy Allen Grove

Virginia is a strong state for higher education. From large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, from military colleges to single-sex campuses, Virginia offers a little of everything. The 17 top Virginia colleges listed below vary so much in size and mission that I have simply listed them alphabetically rather than force them into any sort of artificial ranking. That said, Washington and Lee, the University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary are probably the most selective and prestigious schools on the list.

Christopher Newport University

jeredb / Flickr

Location: Newport News, Virginia Enrollment: 4,952 (4,786 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public university Distinctions: $500 million in campus improvements in recent years; rated

as an "up and coming" school by U.S. News & World Report; excellent center for the arts; active student life scene 

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Christopher Newport University   profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Christopher Newport

College of William and Mary

Lyndi&Jason / flickr

Location: Williamsburg, Virginia Enrollment: 7,874 (5,836 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public university Distinctions: one of the country's best public universities; home to the

original chapter of Phi Beta Kappa; founded in 1693 (the second oldest college in the country); numerous academic strengths; highly selective admissions; excellent value for in-state students

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the College of William and Mary profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for William and Mary

George Mason University (GMU)

funkblast / Flickr

Location: Fairfax, Virginia Enrollment: 32,067 (19,702 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public university Distinctions: ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report among "up-and-

coming schools"; member of the NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association; rapidly expanding school with several branch campuses

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the George Mason University profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for George Mason

Hampden-Sydney College

deeleywoman / Flickr

Location: Hampden-Sydney, Virginia Enrollment: 1,068 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college for men affiliated with the

Presbyterian Church Distinctions: 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; rich history dating back to

1775; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; good financial aid

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Hampden-Sydney College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Hampden-Sydney

Hollins University

drewsaunders / Flickr

Location: Roanoke, Virginia Enrollment: 1,057 (796 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college for women Distinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; 475-acre campus near the Blue

Ridge Parkway; strong international learning and internship programs;

chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; good financial aid

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Hollins College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Hollins

James Madison University (JMU)

taberandrew / Flickr

Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia Enrollment: 18,971 (17,281 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public university Distinctions: high rankings for value and academic quality; attractive

campus features a lake and arboretum; member of the NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association and Eastern College Athletic Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the James Madison University profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for JMU

Longwood University

basbarnowl / Flickr

Location: Farmville, Virginia Enrollment: 4,832 (4,086 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public university Distinctions: emphasis on hands-on learning (all students are required to

take part in an internship or research project); average class size of 21; athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division I level

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Longwood University profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Longwood

Randolph College

taberandrew / Flickr

Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Enrollment: 500 (488 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 12;

chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; high marks for student engagement; located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains; good financial aid

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Randolph College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Randolph

Randolph-Macon College

Photo Credit: Randolph-Macon College

Location: Ashland, Virginia Enrollment: 1,246 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college affiliated with the Methodist

Church Distinctions: 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 15;

chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; all first-year students take an interdisciplinary team-taught seminar; good financial aid

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Randolph-Macon College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Randolph-Macon

Roanoke College

mlctuckerphotography / Flickr

Location: Salem, Virginia Enrollment: 2,044 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong programs in the liberal

arts and sciences; 14 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 18; good financial aid

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Roanoke College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Roanoke

Sweet Briar College

Photo by Aaron Mahler

Location: Sweet Briar, Virginia Enrollment: 756 (745 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college for women Distinctions: one of the top women's colleges; chapter of the Phi Beta

Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; 9 to 1student / faculty ratio; large and attractive campus in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Sweet Briar College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Sweet Briar

University of Mary Washington

Jte288 / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia Enrollment: 5,381 (4,398 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public liberal arts college Distinctions: one of the country's top public liberal arts colleges; attractive

176-acre campus with Jeffersonian architecture; located midway between Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia; highly ranked for its quality and value

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Mary Washington profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Mary Washington

University of Richmond

rpongsaj / Flickr

Location: Richmond, Virginia Enrollment: 4,344 (3,387 undergraduates)

Type of Institution: private university Distinctions: 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 16;

member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; well-regarded undergraduate business programs

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Richmond profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Richmond

University of Virginia

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Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Enrollment: 24,355 (15,476 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public research university Distinctions: one of the top public universities; largest endowment of any

public university; member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference; member of the Association of American Universities for research strengths; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Virginia profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UVA

Virginia Military Institute (VMI)

Mrzubrow / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Lexington, Virginia Enrollment: 1,500 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: public military college Distinctions: oldest public military college in the U.S.; disciplined and

demanding college environment; strong engineering programs; member of the NCAA Division I  Big South Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Virginia Military Institute   profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for VMI

Virginia Tech

CipherSwarm / Flickr

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Enrollment: 30,870 (23,558 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public university and senior military college Explore the Campus: Virginia Tech Photo Tour Distinctions: one of the country's top public universities; one of thetop

engineering schools; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences; member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Virginia Tech profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Virginia Tech

Washington and Lee University

wsuhonors / Flickr

Location: Lexington, Virginia Enrollment: 2,153 (1,759 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: one of the country's top liberal arts colleges; founded in 1746

and endowed by George Washington; attractive and historic campus; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; highly selective admissions

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Washington and Lee University profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Washington and Lee

Top Public Liberal Arts CollegesState-funded education at small colleges with a personal touchBy Allen GroveA public education doesn't need to take place at a huge university where you'll be lost in the crowd. The colleges listed here place an emphasis on quality teaching and undergraduate education. All are under 10,000 undergraduates (most under 5,000) and have a liberal arts curriculum. I've listed the schools alphabetically to avoid the often arbitrary distinctions that separate #1 from #2.

College of Charleston

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Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston provides a historically rich environment for students. C of C is a public liberal arts college with a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of about 21. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, but students will also find thriving pre-professional programs in business and education.

Location: Charleston, South Carolina Enrollment: 11,772 (10,147 undergraduates) Learn more: College of Charleston profile Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for C of C

The College of New Jersey

Iggynelix / Wikimedia Commons

Located near Trenton, The College of New Jersey gives its students easy train and bus access to Philadelphia and New York City. With seven schools and degrees in over 50 programs, TCNJ offers the educational breadth of much larger universities. The college also wins high marks for student satisfaction, and retention and graduation rates are well above the norm.

Location: Ewing, New Jersey Enrollment: 6,980 (6,237 undergraduates) Learn more: The College of New Jersey profile Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for TCNJ

New College of Florida

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The New College of Florida was founded in the 1960s as a private college, but was purchased by the University of South Florida in the 1970s during a time of financial crisis. In 2001 it became independent of USF. In the past few years, New College has found itself high on several rankings of public liberal arts colleges. New College boasts an interesting student-centered curriculum with no traditional majors, an emphasis on independent study, and written evaluations rather than grades.

Location: Sarasota, Florida Enrollment: 801 (all undergraduate) Explore Campus: New College photo tour Learn more: New College of Florida profile Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for New College

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Copyright Ramapo College

A liberal arts college at heart, Ramapo also has many preprofessional programs. Among undergraduates, the Business Administration, Communication Studies, Nursing and Psychology are the most popular majors. Established in 1969, Ramapo is a young college with many modern facilities including the Anisfield School of Business and the Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center.

Location: Mahwah, New Jersey Enrollment: 6,026 (5,776 undergraduates) Learn more: Ramapo College profile Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for

St. Mary's College of Maryland

dicoplio / Flickr

Located on an attractive 319 acre water-front campus, St. Mary's College of Maryland stands on a historic piece of land first settled in 1634. The college boasts a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio. The school's academic strengths earned it a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Student life on the water has led to some interesting student traditions such as an annual cardboard boat race and a winter swim in the river.

Location: Saint Mary's City, Maryland Enrollment: 2,060 (2,017 undergraduates) Learn more: St. Mary's College of Maryland profile Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for

SUNY Geneseo

bdesham / Flickr

SUNY Geneseo is a highly ranked public liberal arts college located on the western edge of New York State's Finger Lakes region. Geneseo receives high marks for its value for both in-state and out-of-state students. The combination of low cost and quality academics has made SUNY Geneseo one of the more selective public colleges in the country. Strengths in the liberal arts and sciences earned the college a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.

Location: Geneseo, New York Enrollment: 5,660 (5,495 undergraduates) Learn more: SUNY Geneseo profile Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for

Truman State University

DavidOaks / Wikipedia

Truman State University is an exceptional value, even for out-of-state students. Located in the small town of Kirksville, Truman State isn't for the student looking for the bustle of an urban setting. Nevertheless, with 25% of students in the Greek system and abundant student organizations, there's plenty to do on the weekends. For its academic strengths, Truman State was awarded a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

Location: Kirksville, Missouri Enrollment: 5,781 (5,468 undergraduates) Learn more: Truman State profile Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for

University of Mary Washington

Jte288 / Wikimedia Commons

Named after the mother of George Washington, the University of Mary Washington was the women's college of the University of Virginia before going coed in 1970. The primary campus is located midway between Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C. UMW also has a branch campus for its graduate programs located in Stafford, Virginia. The University has highly selective admissions and a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia Enrollment: 5,381 (4,398 undergraduates) Learn more: University of Mary Washington profile Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for

Today!

University of Minnesota - Morris

resedabear / Flickr

Founded in 1860, the University of Minnesota offers over 30 majors, and students enjoy the close relationships with faculty that come with a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio and average class size of 16. Biology, Business, Elementary Education and Psychology are the most popular majors, and roughly 45% of students go on to seek an advanced degree.

Location: Morris, Minnesota Enrollment: 1,705 (all undergraduate) Learn more: University of Minnesota-Morris profile Admission: GPA, SAT and ACT graph for

University of North Carolina at Asheville

Marcy Reiford / Flickr

The University of North Carolina at Asheville is the designated liberal arts college of the UNC system. The college is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. In athletics, the UNC Asheville Bulldogs compete in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference.

Location: Asheville, North Carolina Enrollment: 3,897 (3,845 undergraduates) Learn more: UNC Asheville profile

Top Catholic Colleges and UniversitiesA List of 23 of the Best Catholic Colleges and Universities in the U.S.By Allen Grove

The schools below have been selected for a range of factors including reputation, retention rates, graduation rates, academic quality, value and curricular innovations. The colleges and universities vary widely in size, location and mission, so I have not tried to force any kind of arbitrary ranking on them. Instead, I simply list them alphabetically.

Boston College

Juthamas / Flickr

Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Enrollment: 14,621 (9,860 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Explore the Campus: Boston College Photo Tour Description: Boston College was founded in 1863 by the Jesuits, and today

it is one of the oldest Jesuit university in the U.S., and the Jesuit university with the largest endowment. The campus is distinguished by its stunning Gothic architecture, and the college has a partnership with beautiful St. Ignatius Church. The school always places high on rankings of national universities. The undergraduate business program is particularly strong. BC has a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The Boston College Eagles compete in the NCAA Division 1-AAtlantic Coast Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Boston College profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Boston College

College of the Holy Cross

GeorgeThree / Flickr

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts Enrollment: 2,847 (all undergraduate) Order: Jesuit Description: Holy Cross has an impressive retention and graduation rate,

with well over 90% of entering students earning a degree within six years. The college was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, and the school's 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio means that students will have a lot of personal interaction with their professors.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the College of the Holy Cross profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Holy Cross

Creighton University

White & Blue Review / Flickr

Location: Omaha, Nebraska Enrollment: 7,051 (4,087 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Creighton has a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio. Biology and

nursing are the most popular undergraduate majors. Creighton frequently ranks #1 among Midwest master's universities in U.S. News & World Report, and the school also wins high marks for its value. On the athletic front, the Creighton Bluejays compete in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Creighton University profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Creighton

Fairfield University

WalkingGeek / Flickr

Location: Fairfield, Connecticut Enrollment: 5,128 (4,084 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Fairfield strong international programs and has produced a

surprising number of Fulbright Scholars. Fairfield's strengths in the liberal arts and sciences earned the school a chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and the university's Dolan School of Business is also well regarded. In athletics, the Fairfield Stags compete in the NCAA Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Fairfield University profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Fairfield

Fordham University

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Location: Bronx, New York Enrollment: 14,448 (7,652 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Fordham University's main campus sits next to the Bronx Zoo

and the Botanical Garden. Fordham The school has a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 22. For its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, the university was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Preprofessional programs in business and communication studies are most popular among undergraduates. In athletics, the Fordham Rams compete in the NCAA Division I Athletic 10 Conference except for the football team which competes in the Patriot League.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Fordham University   profile .

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Fordham

Georgetown University

tvol / Flickr

Location: Washington, D.C. Enrollment: 14,826 (7,038 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Georgetown's location in the capital has contributed to its

sizable international student population and the popularity of the International Relations major. Over half of Georgetown students take

advantage of the many study abroad opportunities, and the university recently opened a campus in Qatar. For strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, Georgetown was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. On the athletic front, the Georgetown Hoyas compete in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference. Established in 1789, Georgetown is the oldest Jesuit university in the country.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Georgetown University profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Georgetown

Gonzaga University

Christine Salek / Flickr

Location: Spokane, Washington Enrollment: 6,873 (4,385 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Gonzaga, like many Catholic universities, focuses on the

education of the whole person -- mind, body and spirit. The university ranks highly among Master's institutions in the West. On the athletic front, the Gonzaga Bulldogs compete in the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference. The basketball team has met with notable success.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Gonzaga University profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Gonzaga

Loyola Marymount University

Adan Garcia / Flickr

Location: Los Angeles, California Enrollment: 8,977 (5,766 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Loyola Marymount University is the largest Catholic university

on the West Coast. The school has an average undergraduate class size of 18 and a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio. Undergraduate student life is active with 144 clubs and organizations and 15 national Greek fraternities and sororities. In athletics, the LMU Lions compete in the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Loyola Marymount University profile.

Loyola University Chicago

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Location: Chicago, Illinois Enrollment: 15,545 (9,950 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Loyola University in Chicago is the largest Jesuit college in the

country. Loyola's business school frequently does well in national rankings, and the university's strengths in the liberal arts and sciences have earned it a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Loyola occupies some prime real estate in Chicago, with a northern campus on the Chicago waterfront and a downtown campus just off the Magnificent Mile. In athletics, the Loyola Ramblers competes in the NCAA Division I Horizon League.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Loyola University Chicago profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Loyola Chicago

Loyola University Maryland

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Location: Baltimore, Maryland Enrollment: 6,028 (3,580 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Loyola University is located on a 79-acre campus just down

the road from Johns Hopkins University. Among all the undergraduate majors, the preprofessional programs in business and communication studies are by far the most popular. Loyola University is proud of its 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio, and its average class size of 25. In athletics, the Loyola Greyhounds compete in the NCAA Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, with women's lacrosse competing as an associate member of the Big East Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Loyola University Maryland profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Loyola Maryland

Marquette University

scottfeldstein / Flickr

Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin Enrollment: 11,516 (7,955 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Marqueete frequently places well on rankings of national

universities, and its programs in business, nursing and the biomedical sciences are worth a close look. For its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, Marquette was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. On the athletic front, Marquette, competes in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Marquette University profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Marquette

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Notre Dame, University of

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Location: Notre Dame, Indiana Enrollment: 11,733 (8,371 undergraduates) Order: Holy Cross Description: Notre Dame boasts that its undergraduate alumni have

earned more doctorates than any other Catholic university. The school is highly selective and has a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Roughly 70% of accepted students rank in the top 5% of their high school class. The university's 1,250 acre campus has two lakes and 137 buildings including Main Building with its well-known Golden Dome. In athletics, many Notre Dame Fighting Irish teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Notre Dame profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Notre Dame

Providence College

Obersmith / Flickr

Location: Providence, Rhode Island Enrollment: 5,297 (4,504 undergraduates) Order: Dominican Description: Providence College typically ranks well for both its value and

its academic quality when compared to other master's-level colleges in the Northeast. The curriculum is distinguished by a four-semester long course on western civilization that covers history, religion, literature and philosophy. Providence College has an impressive graduation rate of over 85%. In athletics, the Providence College Friars compete in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Providence College profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Providence College

Saint Louis University

Matthew Black / Flickr

Location: St. Louis, Missouri Enrollment: 16,086 (11,187 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is the second oldest

Jesuit university in the country. The university has a 13 to 1student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 23. Professional programs such as business and nursing are particular popular among undergraduates. Students come from all 50 states and 90 countries. In athletics, the Saint Louis Billikens compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Saint Louis University profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Saint Louis University

Santa Clara University

Photo Credit: Santa Clara University

Location: Santa Clara, California

Enrollment: 8,758 (5,267 undergraduates) Order: Jesuit Description: Santa Clara University frequently ranks among the best

master's universities in the country. The university wins high marks for its retention and graduation rates, community service programs, alumni salaries, and sustainability efforts. Business programs are the most popular among undergraduates, and the Leavey School of Business ranks highly among the nation's undergraduate B-schools. In athletics, the Santa Clara University Broncos compete in the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Santa Clara University profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Santa Clara

Siena College

Katherine Ollier / Flickr

Location: Loudonville, New York Enrollment: 3,217 (all undergraduate) Order: Franciscan Description: Siena College is highly student-centered with a 14 to

1student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 20. The college can also boast of an 80% six-year graduation rate (with most students graduating in four years). Business is the most popular field for students at Siena. In athletics, the Siena Saints compete in the NCAA Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Siena College profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Siena

Stonehill College Location: Easton, Massachusetts Enrollment: 2,426 (all undergraduate) Order: Holy Cross Description: Stonehill ranks well among national liberal arts colleges, and the school recently

appeared in U.S. News & World Report's list of "Top Up-and-Coming Schools." Stonehill students come from 28 states and 14 countries, and the college wins high marks for its level of student engagement. Stonehill College has a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratioand an average class size of 20. Students can choose from 80 majors and minors. In athletics, the Stonehill Skyhawks compete in the NCAA Division II Northeast Ten Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit theStonehill College profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Stonehill

Thomas Aquinas College

DardanAeneas / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Santa Paula, California Enrollment: 340 (all undergraduate) Order: Independent Description: Little Thomas Aquinas College is probably the most unusual

school on this list. The college uses no textbooks; instead, students read the great books of Western civilization. The college has no lectures, but sustained tutorials, seminars and laboratories. Also, the school has has no majors, for all students acquire a broad and integrated liberal education. The college frequently ranks highly among national liberal arts colleges, and it also wins praise for its small classes and its value.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Thomas Aquinas College profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Thomas Aquinas

University of Dallas

Wissembourg / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Dallas, Texas Enrollment: 2,972 (1,233 undergraduates) Order: Diocesan Description: The University of Dallas does well on the financial aid front --

nearly all students receive significant grant aid. Academically, the university can boast of a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio, and the school's strengths in the liberal arts and sciences earned it a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The university has a campus in Rome where nearly 80% of all undergraduates study for a semester.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the University of Dallas profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for the University of Dallas

University of Dayton

brighterworlds / Flickr

Location: Dayton, Ohio Enrollment: 10,395 (7,434 undergraduates) Order: Marianist Description:  The University of Dayton's program in entrepreneurship has

been ranked highly by U.S. News and World Report, and Dayton also gets high marks for student happiness and athletics. Nearly all Dayton students get financial aid. In athletics, the Dayton Flyers compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the University of Dayton profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Dayton

University of Portland

Svyatoslav / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Portland, Oregon Enrollment: 3,661 (3,041 undergraduates) Order: Holy Cross Description: Like many schools on this list, the University of Portland is

committed to teaching, faith and service. The school frequently ranks among the best western master's universities, and it also earns high marks for its value. The school has a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio, and among undergraduates nursing, engineering and business fields are all popular. The engineering programs frequently place well in national rankings. In athletics, the Portland Pilots compete in the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the University of Portland profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UP

Villanova University

justinknabb / Flickr

Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 10,470 (7,350 undergraduates) Order: Augustinian Description: Located just outside of Philadelphia, Villanova is well known

for both its strong academics and athletic programs. The university has a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a recognition of its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. In athletics, the Villanova Wildcats compete in the Division I Big East Conference (football competes in the Division I-AA Atlantic 10 Conference). Villanova students also host the Pennsylvania Special Olympics on their campus.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Villanova University profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Villanova

Xavier University

Photo by Andy Lyons / Getty Images

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Enrollment: 6,584 (3,923 undergraduate) Order: Jesuit Description: Founded in 1831, Xavier is one of the oldest Jesuit universities

in the country. The university's preprofessional programs in business, education, communications and nursing are all popular among undergraduates. The school was granted a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. In athletics, the Xavier Musketeers compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference.

For acceptance rates, standardized test scores, costs and more information, visit the Xavier University profile.

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Xavier

Auburn University

just camilla / Flickr

Location: Auburn, Alabama Enrollment: 24,602 (19,926 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public university

Distinctions: over 140 degree programs; chapter of  Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; over 300 student clubs and organizations; strong Division I athletic programs within the  Southeastern Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Auburn University profile

!

Birmingham-Southern College

goforchris / Flickr

Location: Birmingham, Alabama Enrollment: 1,549 (1,508 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private Methodist liberal arts college Distinctions: good financial aid; strong student-faculty interaction; featured

in Loren Pope's Colleges That Change Lives; chapter of  Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; good financial aid

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Birmingham-Southern College profile

Huntingdon College

Spyder Monkey / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Montgomery, Alabama Enrollment: 1,075 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private Methodist college Distinctions: 15 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 20;

popular programs in business; most students receive grant aid; level tuition payments for four years

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Huntingdon College profile

Samford University

Sweetmoose6 / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Birmingham, Alabama Enrollment: 4,658 (2,908 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private Christian university Distinctions: largest private university in Alabama; 138 undergraduate

majors; 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; no classes are taught by graduate students; good value; member of the NCAA Division I Southern Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Samford University profile

Spring Hill College

Altairisfar / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Mobile, Alabama Enrollment: 1,521 (1,310 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private Catholic college Distinctions: 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 18;

attractive 381-acre campus; good value; most students receive grant aid; popular programs in business and nursing; founded in 1830 (oldest Catholic college in the Southeast)

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Spring Hill College profile

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Anivron / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Huntsville, Alabama Enrollment: 7,681 (6,119 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public university Distinctions: 16 to 1 student / faculty ratio; popular programs in business,

nursing and engineering; strong research initiatives including partnerships with NASA, the U.S. Army, Pratt & Whitney, and others; NCAA Division II Athletics (Division I Hockey)

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Alabama in Huntsville profile

University of Alabama Main Campus

maggiejp / Flickr

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama Enrollment: 28,699 (23,700 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public university Distinctions: Alabama's flagship institution of higher learning; highly

ranked public university; good value; chapter of  Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; strong athletic programs in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Alabama profile

University of Mobile

MattTheCat / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Mobile, Alabama Enrollment: 1,570 (1,425 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private Christian university Distinctions: 14 to 1 student / faculty ratio; 800-acre campus; good value;

broad academic offerings for a small college; popular programs in nursing, business and education

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Mobile profile

University of Montevallo

Courtesy of Matt Orton

Location: Montevallo, Alabama Enrollment: 3,044 (2,567 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public liberal arts college Distinctions: good value; attractive 160-acre campus; center of campus is

a National Historic District; 75 majors to choose from; 16 to 1 student / faculty ratio

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the University of Montevallo profile

Top California Colleges12 of the Top Colleges and Universities in CaliforniaBy Allen Grove

in the country. The University of California system has many strengths, and California has both strong liberal arts colleges and private research universities. The 12 top colleges listed below vary so much in size and type of school that I have simply listed them alphabetically rather than force them into any sort of artificial ranking.

Berkeley (University of California at Berkeley)

phoosh / Flickr

Location: Berkeley, California Enrollment: 35,396 (25,151 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public research university Distinctions:  one of the 11 University of California schools; member of

the Association of American Universities for strong research programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences;  member of the NCAA Division I Pacific 10 Conference; vibrant cultural environment in the San Francisco Bay area 

For more information and admissions data, visit the Berkeley profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Berkeley

Caltech (California Institute of Technology)

Velo Steve / Flickr

Location: Pasadena, California Enrollment: 2,126 (921 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private engineering university Distinctions: one of the top engineering schools; amazing 3 to 1 student /

faculty ratio; member of the Association of American Universities for strong research programs

For more information and admissions data, visit the Caltech profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Caltech

Claremont McKenna College

Bazookajoe1 / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Claremont, California Enrollment: 1,135 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: high ranking liberal arts college; one of the most selective

colleges in the country; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; cross-registration with the otherClaremont Colleges

For more information and admissions data, visit the Claremont McKenna profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Claremont McKenna

Harvey Mudd College

Imagine / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Claremont, California Enrollment: 735 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: undergraduate engineering college Distinctions: one of the top undergraduate engineering colleges;

engineering curriculum grounded in the liberal arts; member of theClaremont Colleges with Scripps College, Pitzer College, Claremont McKenna College, and Pomona College

For more information and admissions data, visit the Harvey Mudd profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Harvey Mudd

Occidental College

Geographer / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Los Angeles, California Enrollment: 1,868 (1,846 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and

sciences; diverse student body; blend of urban and suburban advantages -- located just eight miles from downtown Los Angeles

For more information and admissions data, visit the Occidental College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Occidental

Pepperdine University

John Beagle / Flickr

Location: Malibu, California Enrollment: 7,614 (3,404 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private research university Distinctions: 830-acre campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean in Malibu;

strong programs in business and communications; member of the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference; affiliated with the Churches of Christ

For more information and admissions data, visit the Pepperdine University profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Pepperdine

Pomona College

CMLLovesDegus / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Claremont, California Enrollment: 1,547 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: one of the 10 top liberal arts colleges in the country; chapter

of Phi Beta Kappa; member of the Claremont Colleges; 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 14

For more information and admissions data, visit the Pomona College profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Pomona

Scripps College

Mllerustad / Flickr

Location: Claremont, California Enrollment: 972 (954 undergrads) Type of Institution: private women's liberal arts college Distinctions: one of the top women's colleges in the country; chapter of Phi

Beta Kappa for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; member of the Claremont Colleges

For more information and admissions data, visit the Scripps College profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Scripps

Stanford University

jillclardy / Flickr

Location: Stanford, California Enrollment: 19,782 (6,584 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private research university Distinctions: chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and

sciences; membership in the Association of American Universities for research strengths; one of the top 10 universities in the country; member of the NCAA Division I Pacific 10 Conference

For more information and admissions data, visit the Stanford University profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Stanford

UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles)

saturnism / flickr

Location: Los Angeles, California Enrollment: 37,476 (25,928 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public research university Distinctions: chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and

sciences; membership in the Association of American Universities for research strengths; part of the University of California system; one of the top-ranked public universities in the country; member of the NCAA Division I Pacific 10 Conference

Explore the Campus: UCLA photo tour For more information and admissions data, visit the UCLA profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UCLA

UCSD (University of California at San Diego)

kafka4prez / Flickr

Location: San Diego, California Enrollment: 26,247 (21,369 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public research university

Distinctions: chapter of Phi Beta Kappafor strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; membership in the Association of American Universities for research strengths; part of the University of California system; one of the top-ranked public universities in the country; one of the top-ranked engineering schools

For more information and admissions data, visit the UCSD profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UCSD

USC (University of Southern California)

koyochi / Flickr

Location: Los Angeles, California Enrollment: 33,408 (16,384 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private research university Distinctions: member of the Association of American Universities for its

research strengths; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; over 130 majors to choose from; member of the NCAA Division I Pac 12 Conference

Explore the Campus: USC Photo Tour For more information and admissions data, visit the USC profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for USC

Top Maryland Colleges15 of the Top Colleges in MarylandBy Allen Grove

Maryland has excellent higher education options for both public and private institutions.  From a large public university like the University of Maryland to tiny St. John's College, Maryland has schools to match a wide range of student personalities and interests. The 15 top Maryland colleges listed below represent diverse school types and missions, so I have simply listed them alphabetically rather than force them into any sort of artificial ranking. That said, Johns Hopkins is the most selective and prestigious institution on the list. The schools were chosen based on factors such as academic reputation, curricular innovations, first-year retention rates, six-year graduation rates, selectivity, financial aid and student engagement.

Annapolis (United States Naval Academy)

Rory Finneren / Flickr

Location: Annapolis, Maryland Enrollment: 4,552 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: miltary academy Distinctions: one of the most selective colleges in the country; no costs

(but 5-year service requirement); strong engineering programs; competes in the NCAA Division I Patriot League

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Annapolis profile.

Goucher College

Photo Credit: Tom McDowell

Location: Towson, Maryland Enrollment: 2,279 (1,481 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; new $48 million student center;

eight miles from downtown Baltimore; chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society for strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences 

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Goucher College profile.

Hood College

Sarah Camp / Flickr

Location: Frederick, Maryland Enrollment: 2,493 (1,432 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private master's-level college Distinctions: 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio; high graduation rate for its

student profile; one hour from Washington D.C. and Baltimore; good grant aid

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Hood College profile.

Johns Hopkins University

Laughidea / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Baltimore, Maryland Enrollment: 20,383 (5,831 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private research university Distinctions: 10:1 student / faculty ratio; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for

strong liberal arts and sciences; membership in the AAU for strong research programs; multi-billion dollar endowment; one of the country's top universities

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Johns Hopkins University profile.

Loyola University Maryland

Crhayes88 / Wikipedia Commons

Location: Baltimore, Maryland Enrollment: 6,067 (3,757 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private Catholic university Distinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 25;

popular business and communications programs; member of the NCAA Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC); located near Johns Hopkins University

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Loyola University Maryland profile.

McDaniel College

cogdogblog / Flickr

Location: Westminster, Maryland Enrollment: 3,607 (1,695 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college

Distinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 17; located half an hour from Baltimore and one hour from D.C.; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the McDaniel College profile.

MICA, the Maryland Institute College of Art

ramsey everydaypants / Flickr

Location: Baltimore, Maryland Enrollment: 2,084 (1,862 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private college of art Distinctions: one of the country's top studio art programs; rich history

(founded in 1826); 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; students come from 48 states and 52 countries; impressive number of Presidential Scholars and Fulbright Scholars

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the MICA profile.

Mount St. Mary's University

Guoguo12 / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Emmitsburg, Maryland Enrollment: 2,080 (1,620 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private Catholic university Distinctions: 13 to 1 student faculty ratio; average class size of 20; identity

built on four pillars of "faith, discover, leadership, and community"; member of the NCAA Division I Northeast Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Mount St. Mary's University profile.

St. John's College

smi23le / Flickr

Location: Annapolis, Maryland Enrollment: 540 (463 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college

Distinctions: no textbooks (only great works of Western civilization); common curriculum for all students; 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; 20 student seminars taught by two faculty members; extremely high placement rate for law school, med school and graduate school

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the St. John's College profile.

St. Mary's College

jbweir / Flickr

Location: St. Mary's City, Maryland Enrollment: 2,060 (2,017 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public liberal arts college Distinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; attractive 319 acre water-front

campus; historic location; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the St. Mary's College profile.

Top North Carolina Colleges15 of the Top Colleges in North Carolina

North Carolina is a strong state for higher education. From large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, from urban to rural campuses, North Carolina offers something for everyone. The 15 top North Carolina colleges listed below vary so much in size and mission that I have simply listed them alphabetically rather than force them into any sort of artificial ranking. That said, Duke, Davidson, UNC Chapel Hill and Wake Forest are the most selective and prestigious schools on the list.

Compare Top North Carolina Colleges: SAT Scores | ACT Scores

Appalachian State University

allygirl520 / Flickr

Location: Boone, North Carolina Enrollment: 16,610 (14,561 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public university

Distinctions: 140 major programs; 17 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 25; excellent value; member of the NCAA Division I Southern Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Appalachian State profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Appalachian State

Davidson College

functoruser / Flickr

Location: Davidson, North Carolina Enrollment: 1,668 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college affiliated with the

Presbyterian Church Distinctions: one of the country's top liberal arts colleges; chapter of Phi

Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; Division I athletic teams compete in the NCAA Southern Conference; low student / faculty ratio; high retention and graduation rate

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Davidson College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Davidson

Duke University

mricon / Flickr

Location: Durham, North Carolina Enrollment: 14,060 (6,496 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private research university Distinctions: one of the country's best universities; chapter of Phi Beta

Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; membership in the Association of American Universities for strong research programs; member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference; part of the "research triangle" with UNC Chapel Hill andNorth Carolina State University

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Duke University profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Duke

Elon University

photo courtesy of Elon University / Office of University Relations

Location: Elon, North Carolina Enrollment: 5,628 (4,992 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private university Distinctions: strong pre-professional programs; high marks for student

engagement; attractive campus a designated botanical garden; member of the NCAA Division I Southern Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Elon University profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Elon

Guilford College

Parkram412 / Wikipedia

Location: Greensboro, North Carolina Enrollment: 2,641 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college with ties to the Quaker

Friends Distinctions: featured in Loren Pope's well-regarded Colleges That Change

Lives; 16 to 1 student / faculty ratio; rich history as a station on the Underground Railroad; high value placed on community, diversity and justice; test-optional admissions

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Guilford College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Guilford

High Point University

Exwhysee / Wikimedia Commons

Location: High Point, North Carolina Enrollment: 3,409 (3,059 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college affiliated with the Methodist

Church Distinctions: 14 to 1 student / faculty ratio; students come from over 40

states and 50 countries; $300 million recently dedicated to upgrades and expansion; Panthers compete in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the High Point University profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for High Point

Meredith College

twbuckner / Flickr

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina Enrollment: 2,250 (2,001 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college for women Distinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio and average class size of 16;

strong experiential learning efforts through internships, co-ops and other programs; over 90 student clubs and organizations; attractive 225-acre campus; most students receive grant aid

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Meredith College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Meredith

North Carolina State University

opus2008 / Flickr

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina Enrollment: 32,872 (24,741 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public research university Distinctions: largest university in North Carolina; chapter of Phi Beta

Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; good value; founding member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the North Carolina State profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for NOrth Carolina State

Salem College

bnhsu / Flickr

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina Enrollment: 939 (735 undergraduates)

Type of Institution: private liberal arts college for women Distinctions: founded in 1772; oldest educational institution for women in

the country; 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; high placement rates for law and medical schools; excellent grant aid

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the Salem College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Salem

UNC Asheville

Marcy Reiford / Flickr

Location: Asheville, North Carolina Enrollment: 3,629 (3,589 undergraduates) Type of Institution: public liberal arts college Distinctions: one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the country;

public university with a strong undergraduate focus; beautiful location in the Blue Ridge Mountains; member of the NCAA Division I Big South Conference; good value

For acceptance rate, test scores, costs and other information, visit the UNC Asheville profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UNC Asheville

Top Pennsylvania Colleges19 of the Top Colleges and Universities in PennsylvaniaBy Allen Grove Pennsylvania has some of the best colleges in the country. Students will find top-ranked liberal arts colleges, public universities, and private universities. The 19 top colleges listed below vary so much in size and type of school that I have simply listed them alphabetically rather than force them into any sort of artificial ranking.Compare Top Pennsylvania Colleges: SAT Scores | ACT Scores

Allegheny College

Joshtys / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Meadville, Pennsylvania Enrollment:  2,125 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college

Distinctions:  14 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 22; featured in Loren Pope's well-regarded Colleges That Change Lives; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences 

For more information and admissions data, visit the Allegheny College profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Alleghany

Bryn Mawr College

thatpicturetaker / Flickr

Location: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 1,745 (1,287 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private women's liberal arts college Distinctions:  9 to 1 student / faculty ratio; one of the original "seven

sister" colleges; one of the top women's colleges in the U.S.; member of the Tri-College Consortium with Swarthmore and Haverford; many rich traditions

For more information and admissions data, visit the Bryn Mawr profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Bryn Mawr

Bucknell University

aurimasliutikas / Flickr

Location: Lewisburg, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 3,677 (3,520 undergraduates) Type of Institution: small comprehensive university Distinctions:  10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; feel of a small liberal arts

college with academic offerings of a comprehensive university; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; participation in the NCAA Division I Patriot League

For more information and admissions data, visit the Bucknell profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Bucknell

Carnegie Mellon University

Jimmy Lin / Flickr

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 10,326 (5,682 undergraduates) Type of Institution: comprehensive research university Distinctions:  11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; top-ranked science and

engineering programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; membership in the American Association of Universities for strengths in research

For more information and admissions data, visit the Carnegie Mellon profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for CMU

Dickinson College

ravedelay / Flickr

Location: Carlisle, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 2,381 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions:  10 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of

17; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; chartered in 1783 and named after a signer of the Constitution; member of the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference

For more information and admissions data, visit the Dickinson College profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Dickinson

Franklin and Marshall College

The Pocket / Flickr

Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 2,104 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions:  test-optional admissions; 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio;

hands-on approach to education (two-thirds of students engage in research under faculty guidance); chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences 

For more information and admissions data, visit the Franklin and Marshall profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for F&M

Gettysburg College

fauxto digit / Flickr

Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 2,503 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions:  11 to 1 student / faculty ratio and average class size of 18;

historic location; ; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; new athletic center; music conservatory and professional performing arts center

For more information and admissions data, visit the Gettysburg College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Gettysburg

Grove City College

nyello8 / Flickr

Location: Grove City, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 2,499 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private Christian liberal arts college Distinctions: one of the country's top conservative colleges; excellent

value; impressive retention and graduation rates; chapel requirement for all students 

For more information and admissions data, visit the Grove City College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for GCC

Haverford College

edwinmalet / flickr

Location: Haverford, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 1,169 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; one of the country's  top liberal

arts colleges; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; opportunities to take classes at Bryn Mawr,Swarthmore, and the University of Pennsylvania

For more information and admissions data, visit the Haverford profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Haverford

Juniata College

mjk4219 / Flickr

Location: Huntingdon, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 1,526 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 14;

no traditional majors but "programs of emphasis"; 30% of students design their own majors; main campus is complemented by a large nature preserve and environmental studies field station

For more information and admissions data, visit the Juniata College profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Juniata

Lafayette College

Retromoderns / Flickr

Location: Easton, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 2,403 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions:  11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; excellent value; several

engineering programs as well as traditional liberal arts and sciences; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; member of the NCAA Division I Patriot League 

For more information and admissions data, visit the Lafayette College profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Lafayette

Lehigh University

conormac / Flickr

Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 6,845 (4,756 undergraduates) Type of Institution: small comprehensive research university Distinctions: 9 to 1 student / faculty ratio; strong engineering and applied

science programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; althetic teams participate in the NCAA Division I Patriot League

For more information and admissions data, visit the Lehigh University profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Lehigh

Muhlenberg College

JlsElsewhere / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 2,492 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college with Lutheran affiliation Distinctions:  12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; strengths in several pre-

professional areas as well as a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; high retention and graduation rates

For more information and admissions data, visit the Muhlenberg College profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Muhlenberg

Penn State University

nick knouse / Flickr

Location: University Park, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 44,406 (37,988 undergraduates) Type of Institution: comprehensive public research university Distinctions:  large school with wide-ranging academic offerings; chapter

of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences, membership in the Association of American Universities for research strengths; athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference

For more information and admissions data, visit the Penn State profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Penn State

Swarthmore University

EAWB / flickr

Location: Swarthmore, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 1,490 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; one of the country's  top liberal

arts colleges; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; opportunities to take classes at neighboring Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and the University of Pennsylvania

For more information and admissions data, visit the Swarthmore University profile

GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Swarthmore

University of Pennsylvania (Penn)

rubberpaw / Flickr

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 24,107 (11,851 undergraduates) Type of Institution: comprehensive private research university Distinctions: member of the Ivy League; membership in theAssociation of

American Universities for strong research programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; rich history (founded by Benjamin Franklin)

For more information and admissions data, visit the Penn profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Penn

University of Pittsburgh (Pitt)

shadysidelantern / Flickr

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 27,562 (17,427 undergraduates) Type of Institution: comprehensive public research university Distinctions: wide-ranging strengths including philosophy, medicine,

engineering and business; membership in the Association of American Universities for strong research programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference

For more information and admissions data, visit the Pitt profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Pitt

Ursinus College

PennaBoy / Wikimedia Commons

Location: Collegeville, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 1,583 (all undergraduate) Type of Institution: private liberal arts college Distinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; student-centered curriculum;

170-acre campus boasts an excellent art museum, observatory, and new performing arts facility; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences 

For more information and admissions data, visit the Ursinus College profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Ursinus

Villanova University

Lauren Murphy / Flickr

Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania Enrollment: 10,470 (7,350 undergraduates) Type of Institution: private Catholic university Distinctions:  oldest and largest Catholic university in Pennsylvania; one of

the country's top Catholic universities; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference

For more information and admissions data, visit the Villanova profile GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Villanova

Your SAT Scores Good Enough?By Allen Grove: What are good SAT scores? Do you have the SAT scores you need to get into your top choice schools? This article explains the relationship between college admissions and SAT scores. You can also check out these SAT links (or ACT links):

Answer: SAT scores are just one of many criteria used by colleges to make admissions decisions. Nevertheless, their importance shouldn’t be underestimated. As much as admissions officers say they take an open-minded and holistic approach to their decisions, SAT scores can make or break an application. And let’s face it -- it’s easier to compare numerical data than it is to decide whether a semester in France should be ranked higher than a state soccer championship.

Also, schools usually make their SAT data public, and they know that their reputations depend upon high numbers. A college won’t be considered “highly selective” or “elite” if its students have an average SAT math score of 470.

So what is a good SAT score? The exam consists of three parts: Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing. The scores from each section can range from 200 to 800, so the best possible total score is 2400. The average score for each section is roughly 500, so the average total score is about 1500. For the 1.65 million test-takers in the class of 2011, the mean scores were 497 critical reading, 514 math, and 489 writing.

Very few students get a perfect SAT score, even those at the country’s top colleges. The list below shows the middle range of SAT scores for different schools. The middle 50% of admitted students fell within these numbers. Keep in mind that 25% of students who were admitted scored below the lower numbers listed here.

Finally, you'll see that some of the school profiles include the critical reading and math scores, but not the writing scores. This is because the writing part of the exam is still new, and many schools do not yet use it in their admissions decisions. We're likely to see that change in the next couple years as colleges figure out the relationship between the writing score and academic success.