Speaking of which, there are many “Southern Ivies” or “Public Ivies” you’ll find in the southeast.

We are excited to present a list of the top ten colleges in the southeast representing six different states. 

Some of these schools are committed to enrolling a vast majority of in-state students, while others welcome an unlimited number of out-of-state students with open arms. 

The schools on this list also happen to be in some of the most beautiful and appealing locations in the United States. 

From the festive foodie central that is New Orleans to the majestic mountain retreat of Charlottesville, these cities are guaranteed to lure students out of their dormitories for a break from the books. 

Of course, academics come first. After all, many of the schools on our list are competitive, admitting as few as one out of every 12 candidates! 

For this list, we have ranked each school in the southeast based on their appearance in the US News best overall national universities list.

Here are the 10 best colleges in the southeast!

10. Tulane University (New Orleans, LA)

As if the chance to spend four years in one of the most culturally diverse and exciting cities in the United States isn’t appealing in and of itself, New Orleans is also home to one of the best universities in the southeast.

With an acceptance rate of 8.4%, Tulane is one of the more competitive colleges on this list. What sets it apart from other schools? 

Undergraduates can enroll in classes within any of the university’s schools. They are additionally permitted to double- or triple-major, increasing their competitiveness in the job market. 

Community service is also a significant pillar of Tulane’s curriculum, and they are ranked #2 in service learning by the U.S. News & World Report. 

The Outreach Tulane program unifies the student body through various initiatives, including the university-sponsored day of service.

9. Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)

Georgia Tech’s reputation is built upon its commitment to innovative research – the school receives more than $1 billion in awards, and its Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) is the oldest tech incubation center in the United States. 

Forbes recently lauded the ATDC as one of the 12 world-changing incubators.

It is no surprise that students from all 50 states and 149 countries flock to Georgia Tech, as its engineering and computer science programs are among the best-ranked in the country. 

Graduates from the computer sciences program maintain the highest average salaries within a year of graduation – an impressive $73,936. That figure increases to nearly $95,000 after five years and almost $125,000 after ten years!

One would think that a school with such a long list of accolades would be extremely competitive to get into, and it’s true that many apply. 

The admissions committee reviewed over 50,000 applications and accepted 17% of candidates. 

Here’s the kicker: 35% of in-state applicants were accepted, while only 13% of out-of-state applicants were admitted. 

Clearly, Georgia Tech is an excellent option for Georgia residents interested in computer science or engineering.

8. William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA)

You’ll definitely recognize some of the names on the College of William & Mary’s list of notable alumni. 

Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and two presidents attended this prestigious school, chartered by King William III and Queen Mary II of England in 1693. 

The college is the second-oldest higher learning institution in the nation and the first to gain university status.

As one can imagine, William & Mary boasts a long list of “firsts,” including the first programs in modern languages, modern history, and political economy. 

Today, its U.S. colonial history graduate school is ranked among the best in the nation.

William & Mary has a slightly competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of 33%. If you’re a history buff, you’re sure to find like-minded peers in your midst. 

The school enrolled 1,643 new first-time first-year students in the past year (most of them Virginia residents), which means that students will enjoy a close-knit community in the beautiful setting of Williamsburg.

7. Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)

Let’s get down to business. It is the most popular major at Wake Forest, after all! The B.S. in business exposes undergraduates to the principles of financial consulting, enterprise management, accounting, and more.

Many students apply to Wake Forest based on the school’s study-abroad programs, recently ranked #3 by the Open Doors Report. 

Over 70% of undergraduates receive credit for studying abroad in stimulating cities such as Vienna, Austria; Santiago, Chile; and Hirakata, Japan.

Back on campus, a select number of undergraduates can apply and gain admission to the “Open Curriculum” option, where they have the freedom to design a completely flexible degree program unlimited by the typical core degree requirements. 

Here, they may get the chance to conduct meaningful research with faculty like Anthony Atala, known nationwide as an organ growth pioneer.

6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)

It’s a great day to be a Tar Heel! Once a term used to imply that someone worked in a menial job, North Carolina workers took ownership of the term and used it to proclaim their state pride. That pride is still a defining characteristic of the UNC student body. 

There’s indeed much to be proud of at UNC. 

The school boasts an enduring commitment to educating North Carolina residents, and a 1986 policy stipulates that the out-of-state first-year undergraduate student population may not exceed 18% of the entire new cohort. 

UNC is proud of making quality education more accessible to all. 

The Carolina Covenant was the second policy instituted at a U.S. college (and the first among public universities) to ensure a debt-free college experience for qualifying students. 

Additionally, the Morehead-Cain Scholarship Program is the country’s longest-enduring merit scholarship, awarding four full years of tuition, room and board, books, and summer study fees to a select group of scholars. 

High-achieving North Carolina high school students would be wise to apply for this rare opportunity!

5. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)

With an acceptance rate of 30%, UF attracts scholars with palpable school spirit, award-winning athletics programs, and even an online bachelor’s program ranked #1 in the country! 

You’re guaranteed to spot gators regularly (the school’s mascot), but don’t worry, they’ll stay away as long as you don’t bother them!

UF is perhaps best known for its programs in anthropology. Undergraduates can concentrate on one or more of four subtopics: linguistic, biological, cultural, or archaeological anthropology. The opportunities for scholars in this area are boundless. 

From conducting qualitative interviews with indigenous populations in Mexico, Southeast Asia, and West Africa to examining animal remains in historical sites across the world, anthropology majors at UF are guaranteed top-notch field experiences! 

Cutting-edge facilities like the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory engages students in developing forensics skills to study skeletal trauma and pathology in deceased humans.

The chance to work in a laboratory of this caliber is excellent preparation for those intent on building a career as a forensic analyst, medical researcher, or historian. 

4. University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)

Founded by President Thomas Jefferson in 1819, UVA has since graduated 55 Rhodes Scholars and founders of renowned companies like Reddit. 

The school’s business program is ranked #8 in the nation, and those who pursue a commerce B.S. with a marketing concentration, for example, will gain skills in global marketing, product development, consumer behavior, and advertising.

UVA meets 100% of students’ demonstrated financial need, and over a third of students receive some sort of assistance to attend school. 

The Princeton Review recently awarded UVA the top spot among the best schools offering financial aid.

Attending college in Charlottesville is a dream in its own right. With the Blue Ridge Mountains, Monticello, and Charlottesville wine country all within reach, there are plenty of opportunities for culinary, recreational, and natural indulgence. 

Charlottesville is recognized as the #3 happiest city in the United States and the #10 top college town. “

3. Emory University (Atlanta, GA)

It’s an exciting time to be an Emory Student. The school’s 2036 campaign includes a blueprint of ambitious plans designed to improve all aspects of a student’s experience. 

For example, the Student Flourishing initiative is implementing multidisciplinary seminars, a customized BBA curriculum, and an influx of experiential learning opportunities. 

One seminar challenges students to use research and justice-oriented discussions to design a prototype of a just city.

The new Oxford Milestone Project (named after the school’s original location) will require students at the Oxford College campus to design a cumulative ePortfolio to showcase their collegiate journey. 

The portfolio can be a helpful resource in job interviews leading to or after graduation.

There are many opportunities at Emory that students won’t find at other colleges. The school offers a five-year dual degree engineering program, a dual MSW degree, and abundant research opportunities. 

Currently, one group of undergraduates is documenting the slave voyage journeys to learn more about how millions of Africans were treated during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. 

Another cohort is scanning the brains of grandmothers to understand their reaction to viewing their grandchildren, all with the effort to understand the power of familial bonds better. 

Your burning question or problem might be the next research project at Emory!

2. Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)

Vanderbilt is located in Music City; understandably, its music school is one of the best in the country! 

The music integrated studies major, for example, allows students to grow their skills in the instrument of their choice while additionally refining their skills in another area, like pedagogy, composition, or music theory.

Groundbreaking research is occurring on campus at all times. Undergraduates remark that their research experiences have helped them learn valuable techniques, ranging from gel electrophoresis and insect dissection to culturing cells and performing DNA extractions. 

Students are prompted to join or create a research endeavor based on personal motivations or curiosities.

When we say Vandy scholars receive hands-on experience, we mean it. 

1. Duke University (Durham, NC)

Duke undergraduates pursue a liberal arts education at Trinity College or an engineering degree at the College of Engineering. 

That being said, all scholars can criss-cross between schools, depending on the classes they’re interested in. All first-year students must complete a writing class and a seminar focused on a current event or issue.

Computer science and public policy are two of the most popular majors at Duke. 

The Robert J. Margolis, MD Center for Health Policy is Duke’s newest center poised to facilitate the next wave of healthcare policy leaders in transitioning to their first careers outside of college. 

With only 6,789 undergraduates, Duke offers a community bursting with school spirit and camaraderie. 

No doubt, you’ve heard about the Cameron Crazies – Duke’s passionate athletics fans who spend the night outside the basketball stadium for days (and sometimes weeks!) to secure tickets to highly-coveted basketball games. 

In addition to an elite athletics program, the town of Durham offers a thriving cultural scene. 

Its inclusion in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) area grants desirable proximity to internship opportunities in the engineering and technology fields.

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As the first part of the country settled by colonists, the area is also home to some of the oldest and most prestigious learning institutions in America. 

If there’s one thing the best colleges in the northeast have in common, it’s a competitive admissions process. 

All of the universities featured on our list have an acceptance rate under 15%, with most limiting admission to 6% or fewer candidates.

Many of the best colleges in the northeast are situated in or proximal to major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. 

Undergraduates flock to these locations for a stimulating social experience in addition to ample internship and career preparation opportunities. 

While tuition at these schools is generally exorbitant, most of the institutions offer significant financial aid packages for those who demonstrate financial need.

Without further ado, here are the 10 highest-ranked universities, according to US News, that lie in the northeast United States.

For each school, we’ll share the most popular majors and unique experiential learning opportunities available to ambitious undergraduates.

10. Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)

Located in the burgeoning technology hub of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon is proximal to innovative companies (and potential internship locations) like Uber. Google, and Apple. 

Unsurprisingly, the school received the #1 ranking in undergraduate computer science programs, cybersecurity, game development, and software engineering. 

One of the most populated schools on our list, Carnegie Mellon boasts the country’s first-ever BS in artificial intelligence (launched in 2018) and a new BS in human-computer interaction (as of 2020). 

Undergraduates in the School of Computer Science have various interdisciplinary majors at their disposal, allowing them to combine a passion for computer science with art, music, and biology.

With an acceptance rate of 14% – considered highly competitive – Carnegie Mellon is actually one of the least competitive schools on our list. 

Accepted students will join the ranks of an alumni network that claims over 20 Nobel laureates, 13 Academy Award winners, 12 Emmy Awards, and other prizes in various departments. 

The school is also an ideal location for launching a start-up, and more than 400 existing startups originated at CMU.

9. Columbia University (New York, NY)

Columbia’s reputation is predicated upon its exceptional engineering program. 

Most engineering undergraduates take an interdisciplinary approach to their degrees, collaborating with faculty and peers across nine engineering departments.

The engineering management systems comparison within the operations research program exposes undergraduates to the most cutting-edge technology, and degree candidates select electives from offerings like Air Pollution Prevention and Control, Real Estate Finance for Construction, and Data Mining for Engineers.

In addition to offering engineering-centric study-abroad programs in locations like Madrid, Dublin, and Sydney, Columbia is home to the illustrious four-year Egleston Scholars Program. 

Accepted scholars receive $10,000 stipends for attending conferences, buying research equipment, and securing room and board over the summer. 

Scholars begin working with faculty mentors in their first year and are awarded work-study placements for four years.

8. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)

Acclaimed for its commitment to writing across disciplines, Cornell has a 9% acceptance rate and enrolls upwards of 25,000 students. The school claims many firsts in America, including the first four-year schools of hotel administration.

Today, the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration is the best in the nation. 93% of its graduates receive full-time job offers soon after graduation, with an average starting salary of $69,000. 

Undergraduates participate in various experiential learning opportunities within Cornell’s on-campus restaurant, Hotel Ezra Cornell, and Hotel Leadership Development Program.

The School of Industrial and Labor Relations is another popular program at Cornell. Undergraduates take an interdisciplinary approach to explore critical topics in globalization, how technology impacts work, and labor relations, among other issues.

7. Brown University (Providence, RI)

Brown is defined by its signature Open Curriculum, which frees undergraduates from the core course requirements set by most liberal arts institutions. 6% of applicants are accepted to Brown, and all undergraduates complete a senior capstone. 

There are several ways to fulfill the senior capstone: write a year-long thesis, complete a one-semester research project, or take an approved capstone course. 

Those who choose to write a thesis will present a poster on their findings at an annual research symposium and are eligible to graduate with honors. 

Eligible capstone courses include compelling offerings like Narrating the Anthropocene, The Nature of Cities, and Energy Policy and Politics.

Entrepreneurship is another popular field among Brown’s 7,043 undergraduates. The school prides itself on its structured approach to teaching the entrepreneurial process, which begins with identifying an unmet societal need, creating a solution, and building a prototype. 

To say students receive hands-on experiences is an understatement!

6. Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH)

Dartmouth’s D-Plan affords autonomy in the curricular journey that undergraduates won’t experience anywhere else. 

All sophomores spend the summer on campus involved in exciting research and learning opportunities. 

They can pursue internships at any point in their undergraduate career, which gives them the advantage over most of their peers applying to internships in the summertime.

Terms are categorized by R, O, or L status. R terms take place on campus, O terms involve study abroad excursions, and L terms center the learning experience on internships, field research, or even a break! 

There are four 10-week terms each year, and undergraduates decide the 12 terms in which they will enroll.

The Department of Government is home to a large faction of Dartmouth’s undergraduates. Students construct surveys, carry out political science experiments, conduct interviews regarding voting behavior, and more. 

The War and Peace Fellows participate in an interdisciplinary exploration of international conflict and problem-solving, focusing on the intersection of morals, technology, and social norms.

5. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)

Enrolling just over 10,000 undergraduates, Penn receives numerous accolades for its world’s #1 ranked nursing program. 

The standard four-year BSN is a direct-entry option for graduating high school students, while undergraduates may also take advantage of the dual-degree program in nursing and healthcare management in conjunction with the esteemed Wharton School of Business.

Nowhere else in the nation do students have the opportunity to gain clinical experience and practice in hospital patient management, pharmaceutical operations, nonprofit work, and insurance. 

Other exciting interdisciplinary programs include a seven-year bio-dental program, where scholars earn a BA and DDM from Penn Dental.

Penn sends more students abroad than its Ivy League counterparts. Nursing majors, for example, can apply to study in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Israel. 

The school maintains a partnership with the University of Queensland School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work, where study-abroad participants gain early hands-on experience working in a hospital setting.

4. Yale University (New Haven, CT)

Getting more and more competitive as we progress through our list, we come to Yale University, ranked #3 in best value schools and recently lauded by the Pentagon for its exceptional ROTC program. 

Yale is one of the more out-of-state-friendly options, enrolling 93% of undergraduates outside Connecticut. The international population makes up 22% of Yale’s 6,494 undergraduates.

History is one of the institution’s most popular majors, and students can select from the global or specialist tracks. 

The former is centered on the student of major social trends throughout history, while the latter focuses on a particular region of the world (like the Middle East) or a thematic avenue, like ideas and intellectuals, religion in context, or social change and social movements.

Interestingly enough, Yale tends to dominate the political sphere. Alumni have been present on either a Democratic or Republican ticket in every United States presidential election between 1972 and 2004. 

Those interested in pursuing a career as a U.S. government official would be wise to apply to Yale, as the odds are certainly in their favor!

3. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)

One of the most competitive schools on this list, Harvard is constantly innovating new programs and ways of accessing a top-notch education. 

Its Harvard Online program offers more than 140 courses to a pool of nearly 18 million learners! Students worldwide can take 8-12 week courses to earn a certificate at an affordable price of under $200. Topics include the art of persuasive writing and public speaking and an introduction to game development course that challenges students to use what they know from childhood games (i.e., Legend of Zelda, Angry Birds, and Super Mario) to build new games.

On campus, mathematics and the sciences reign supreme. Mathematics faculty have won an array of accolades, including Guggenheim Fellowships, Macarthur Awards, and Nobel Prizes. 

The neuroscience program prompts students to address behavioral deficits in those living with Alzheimer’s disease, map neural connections in the central nervous system, and explain how electrical signals allow nerve cells to transmit environmental information.

Just recently, Harvard created the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability. Launched in the fall of 2022, the institute will engage students, faculty, and other stakeholders in developing solutions for climate and sustainability issues. 

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)

MIT is a paradise for STEM majors, and its programs are featured at the very top of rankings honoring the best programs in aeronautical, chemical, and electrical engineering, among computer science. 

85% of undergraduates participate in research, which often leads to groundbreaking discoveries like bionic prosthetics, 3D printing, and other technological innovations that have improved living conditions worldwide.

Within the engineering program, undergraduates start early on building new machines and can even create their own concentrations. 

MIT is home to the best program in materials science and engineering; essentially, the study of how things are made.

 Laboratory work is a hallmark of the curriculum, and graduates leave MIT prepared to build more sustainable structures, products, and systems.

A plethora of internships awaits MIT undergraduates, including those offered by the Momentum program. 

First- and second-year students are organized into teams competing to solve engineering queries. Additionally, students receive guidance in preparing resumes, giving presentations, participating in job interviews, and applying for summer work opportunities.

1. Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)

At Princeton, a genuine investment in community service is a core component of the undergraduate experience. 

Over 15,000 alumni participate in some sort of university-sponsored service project annually, and current students facilitate efforts like bike donation campaigns, food drives, and volunteer firefighting.

The 5:1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is one of the smallest in the country, ensuring close, supportive mentoring relationships between undergraduates and expert professors. 

The school is also known for its generous financial aid packages. Princeton covers 100% of tuition, room, and board expenses for families earning up to $65,000.

Best known for its programming in public policy, the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs prepares students to assume leadership roles in the public sector and international sphere. 

Undergraduate public policy majors take a course each in statistics, microeconomics, psychology or sociology, and politics or history, ensuring an interdisciplinary education. 

All undergraduates must complete a cross-cultural experience before the final semester of their senior year, which can be met by studying abroad, engaging in ROTC training, completing a service project to serve an underrepresented community, or interning at a global entity like the United Nations. 
Exciting study abroad opportunities exist in Cape Town, South Africa, and Cambridge University, among other peer institutions.

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Nova Scotia has a green terrain and temperate climate similar to New England. 

Beach-loving students will gravitate to more than 13,000 km of shoreline, and the Bay of Fundy is home to the largest tides in the world.

Unsurprisingly, many students apply to colleges in Nova Scotia out of an interest in pursuing a career in sustainability, environmental policy, and agriculture. 

In general, the colleges in Nova Scotia are small in population, providing a close-knit learning environment where students get more individualized attention from their professors.

While Nova Scotia is one of the smallest provinces in Canada, it has a reputation for being Canada’s “Education Province.”

It houses more academic institutions per capita than anywhere else in Canada! 

Ahead, we divulge exciting information about eight of Nova Scotia’s best universities. 

Naturally, most of our featured universities are featured in Halifax. 

We’ve also included excellent choices on the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS)

Established in 1818, Dalhousie is currently a pioneer in teaching, cutting-edge research, and commitment to social responsibility. 

The interdisciplinary approach empowers students to become well-versed in a variety of subjects.

When it comes to national rankings, Dalhousie University is a Canadian powerhouse. 

The QS World University Rankings listed Dalhousie as #12 Overall in Canada, while the Times Higher Education positioned them within Canada’s Top 15 Schools. 

Esteemed alumni include 93 Rhodes Scholars, author Lucy Maud Montgomery, Nobel Prize in Physics laureate Arthur B. McDonald, astronaut Kathryn Sullivan, and three former Canadian prime ministers.

Dalhousie is one of the premier research institutions in all of Canada, garnering nearly $200 million in annual research funding. 

The school focuses primarily on five research clusters, one of which is Food Security. 

Through various initiatives, Dalhousie seeks to preserve marine biodiversity, develop sustainable aquaculture systems, and improve food distribution worldwide through multiple initiatives.

Acadia University (Wolfville, NS)

Acadia is highly regarded for its athletic program. 

The school has won more conference and national championships than any other university in Atlantic Canada; additionally, they boast the highest representation of Academic All-Canadians among their undergraduate university peers. 

In 2018-2019, the university witnessed four of its varsity teams compete at the national championship level.

Acadia University is home to many revolutionary figures in Canadian history. 

Clara Belle Marshall, for example, was the first Canadian woman to achieve a university degree. 

Edwin Borden was the first African Canadian graduate to obtain a degree from Acadia. 

Charles Brenton Huggins studied at Acadia before receiving the 1966 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine for his discovery of new ways to treat prostate cancer.

The Co-Op Program at Acadia is among Canada’s finest. 

Students gain valuable work experience with Canadian employers in diverse fields, averaging $10,000 in earnings per work term. 

Many go on to secure full-time employment with the same employers after graduation. 97% of Acadia Co-Op graduates are currently employed or pursuing advanced-level degrees.

Cape Breton University (Sydney, NS)

Cape Breton is situated on one of Canada’s loveliest campuses. 

Its service-learning programs are frequently ranked among Canada’s best. 

In 2022, Maclean’s ranked Cape Breton #19 in Undergraduate Universities and #46 in its reputational survey. The prior year, Cape Breton was ranked #6 in Overall Student Satisfaction.

The school also has a sound reputation for its commitment to sustainability. 

Recently, Cape Breton constructed a massive wind farm off-campus with the objective of generating enough electricity to balance its carbon dioxide emissions. 

Reports predict that the farm will create more than $2 million in yearly revenue.

Cape Breton has also played a role in the Community Economic Development (CED) project within the larger Cape Breton Island. 

Students and faculty members have paved the way for significant telecommunications developments while simultaneously fighting for labor unions and workers’ rights. 

St. Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, NS)

St. Francis Xavier is frequently ranked among Canada’s best universities for undergraduates. 

Specifically, Maclean’s 2022 listed them as #1 in Student Satisfaction, #1 in Course Instructors, and #2 in Reputation. 

Graduates will join Canada’s largest alumni network of 45,000+ alumni who stand ready to support St. Francis Xavier students after they receive “the X-Ring.”

Speaking of worldwide connections, St. Francis Xavier is home to the Coady Institute, a hub for community-led social and economic justice and growth. 

Coady highlights programs such as “Future of Work and Workers,” which is geared toward students who wish to pursue human rights-focused careers at the local, provincial, and national levels.

On campus, students have access to small, intimate classrooms with fewer than 40 students (on average) and many work-study placements. 

Nearly a third of students are currently employed at the university! St. Francis Xavier is also regarded for its study abroad programs – students can choose to participate in one of 40 partnerships across the world.

NSCAD University (Halifax, NS)

The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) is one of Canada’s oldest independent colleges. 

The school was founded by teacher Anna Leonowens, best recognized for her role as a tutor for the King of Siam – her experiences were captured in the film production of The King and I by Rodgers & Hammerstein. 

Fewer than 1,000 students attend NSCAD today. 

Many talented artists have roamed its hallways, including singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan, editorial cartoonist Bruce MacKinnon, and Academy Award winning director Johns Kars.

Perhaps NCSAD’s most exciting asset is its CEL: Creative Entrepreneurship Lab. 

The CEL endeavors to support graduates as they transition to employment and combat the stereotype of the “starving artist.” 

It offers workshops like the TD Financial Literacy Program for Creative Entrepreneurs, devoted to helping young artists utilize social media platforms, secure funding for various projects, and even start their own businesses.

University of King’s College (Halifax, NS)

The University of King’s College is Canada’s oldest chartered university. 

More than 1,000 students attend this unique institution, which maintains a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 30 members. 

What’s so special about King’s? The school does not divide subjects into disciplines; instead, it prioritizes an interdisciplinary approach that mimics how adults problem-solve in the real world.

The university is known for its Foundation Year Program (FYP), a cross-disciplinary experience where students examine and discuss pivotal books and concepts from ancient civilizations to the modern world. 

Most mornings, students attend a class-wide lecture delivered by an expert faculty member, then discuss the work or idea in small afternoon groups (called tutorials). 

Tutorials aim to empower students to refine their critical thinking skills.

King’s is also known for creating Atlantic Canada’s only journalism degree program, which has helped budding writers, journalists, and publishers launch their careers with regional and national partners. 

Most recently, King’s announced the creation of the School of Journalism, Writing & Publishing. The new school will serve as the home for all writing-related programs and undoubtedly solidify King’s position as a vital part of the Canadian media industry.

St. Mary’s University (Halifax, NS)

Founded in 1802, St. Mary’s University is lauded today for its diverse, international student population (its 7,000+ students hail from more than 115 countries!). 

Class sizes average 40 members and are taught by a talented faculty cohort – 98% of full-time professors have earned their Ph.D., which is a higher representation than any other university in Nova Scotia.

Saint Mary’s operates several strong academic programs, including the illustrious Bachelor of Commerce degree. 

The Sobey School of Business is featured at the top of various Canadian educational rankings publications. 

Innovative programs offered through the School of Environment challenge students to solve issues related to climate change and sustainability.

Many successful Canadians started at St. Mary’s, including John William Ashe, who served as President of the United Nations General Assembly. 

Additionally, Special Olympics powerlifter Jackie Barrett attended St. Mary’s prior to winning 15 powerlifting medals across four Special Olympics events.

Mount Saint Vincent Universiy (Halifax, NS)

Mount Saint Vincent University is an institution of firsts: the first university in the Maritimes to offer co-op experiences, the first Canadian university to offer a Bachelor of Public Relations program in English, and the first Canadian university to establish a Women’s Studies department. 

Founded in 1873, MSVU was also one of the first Canadian colleges to enroll women.

Today, more than 4,000 students from nearly 70 countries attend Mount Saint Vincent on its beautiful green campus. 

In addition to in-person learning, the school offers almost 200 distance education courses. Current students remark that the average class size of 23 (among the most intimate in Canada) is one of their most substantial reasons for attending Mount Saint Vincent.

Students hoping to gain research experience should consider applying to MSVU – students earned more than $2 million working in research positions within the past three years. 

In 2019, the school launched the brand new Sheila A. Brown Centre for Applied Research in Human Health. 

Students working within this facility will coordinate research studies focused on treating dementia, preventing obesity, and improving youth health.

The post The Best Colleges & Universities in Nova Scotia, Canada appeared first on collegegazette.com.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that New England houses some of the country’s oldest and most respected schools. 

Sure, that includes Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Yale. But it also includes excellent state schools and religious institutions.

Located in the center of America’s intellectual and cultural movements, New England’s colleges played an instrumental part in developing the country’s character. 

These schools not only shared with the world the best of American science and writing but also brought these innovators back as instructors, training the next generation.

Today, New England colleges continue their proud traditions. Their innovations continue to shake the world, and their cultural offerings continue to enflame minds. 

The work began by America’s founders is carried on in the halls of MIT, the ecological centers of the University of Vermont, and the campus grounds of Brown University.

With so many vaunted options to choose from, future college students are sure to be overwhelmed. 

Instead of ranking the top 10 colleges in New England, we are going to instead provide you with a hand-picked list of 10 of the best NE schools with different offerings, locations, histories, and more.

University of Vermont (Burlington, VM)

Established in 1791, the University of Vermont is one of the oldest institutions in the country. 

Thanks to this distinction, U Vermont has a reputation as a “public Ivy,” a public institution that provides an education similar to those from an Ivy League school.

Over its 231-year history, the school has developed many notable features, such as the Lawrence Debate Union. 

Dating back to 1899, the Lawrence Debate Union has represented the school all over the world, winning top-level competitions.

The school also enriches the cultural life of its community with the many concerts it brings to the area. 

The school’s program board prides itself on hosting acts from all over the world, including Bob Dylan and the Roots. 

The annual Spring Fest hosted on campus is a celebration for both students and Burlington residents.

University of Maine (Orono, ME)

If you want a small liberal arts experience at a state school price, then the University of Maine may be the place for you. 

UMaine offers everything you’d want from a flagship school, including 90 undergraduate majors and 70 postgraduate programs.

Between UMaine’s seventeen Division I sports teams and its more than 200 student organizations, there’s always something on campus to do.

But UMaine earns its reputation through its outstanding research. As a Tier-1 institution, the school devotes much of its resources to research, funding several institutions and centers.

Established in 1996, the school’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center works with the National Science Foundation to advance the understanding of material sciences and manufacturing. 

In the Multisensory Interactive Media Lab, academics develop the “internet of everything,” finding new ways to embed digital capability into everyday items.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)

Founded in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has earned a reputation as a leader in every STEM field.

Not only has the school’s graduates gone on to win nearly every major award, but its faculty includes leaders of every science and technology subject. 

Its teachers include Nobel Prize-winning economist Peter Diamond, who helped develop American social security policy. 

Computer scientist and MacArthur Fellow Regina Barzilay works as a faculty lead in the Jameel Clinic, lending her expertise in artificial intelligence.

With experts such as these in the faculty, MIT has been established itself as a home for excellent research. 

Most of MIT’s research funding from the U.S. government includes $27.4 million from NASA, $256 million from the Department of Health and Human Services, and $97.5 million from the Department of Defense.

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)

Harvard University hardly needs an introduction. 

The oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, Harvard has been associated with hundreds of award winners, including Nobel laureates and Rhodes scholars.

That type of success comes only with top-level funding, which Harvard fortunately has. Harvard is one of the richest schools in the world, working with an endowment of approximately $41.9 billion.

In addition to excellent research centers and institutes, the University also uses that funding to house its many museums and libraries.  

At the center of the Harvard library system is The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, the home of an original Gutenberg Bible and approximately 3.5 million other books.

Likewise, the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Sackler Museum hold some of Western Civilization’s most important works. 

Art lovers can find masterpieces by the German Expressionists and Dutch Masters such as Steen and Rembrandt.

Boston University (Boston, MA)

While Boston University has an academic record that rivals that of any other New England school, the institution distinguishes itself with a commitment to ethics. 

Since the 1960s, Boston University has reserved the Martin Luther King Chair of Social Ethics for scholars dedicated to creating a more just and equitable world.

Thanks to its commitment to equality, BU has a number of programs designed to empower students. 

BU displays artwork from its students throughout its campuses, allowing them to take ownership of their school. One such installment is “Panthera Tigris,” created by Kayleigha Zawacki to highlight conservation issues.

BU also works to expand the horizons of its students with new scientific programs. The school secured $1 million to develop a new Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences position. From this position, academics will study the effects of technology used in everyday life.

Brown University (Providence, RI)

One of the “colonial colleges” and a member of the Ivy League, Brown University is one of the country’s most respected institutions. 

Since its founding in 1794, Brown University broke traditions by becoming one of the first schools to accept students of any religious affiliation.

Brown remains one of the most innovative schools in the country, even today. With a top-level engineering program and one of the country’s oldest medical schools, Brown paves the way in the STEM fields. 

For more than fifty years, the school has used an “open curriculum,” which allows students to be “the architects of their own syllabus” instead of adherents to a predetermined program.

This unique approach has allowed Brown to train some of the greatest minds in the country. Alumni include educational reformer Horace Mann and author Lois Lowry, who wrote the YA staple The Giver.

Boston College (Newton, MA)

Designed by Jesuits to empower students to serve others and strengthen their faith, Boston College is a Catholic liberal arts school. 

The school keeps the designation “college” to underscore its small community of like-minded learners but make no mistake: Boston College is a top-level research school.

BC features everything you’d want from a less prestigious liberal arts school to maintain its small school character. 

Student-run radio stations and newspapers can be found throughout campus, ranging from the satirical magazine The New England Classic to the progressive paper The Gavel to the traditional Catholic periodical The Torch.

A relatively small college, BC has many houses of worship for students to attend. The most important of these is the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, where most students attend and volunteer.

University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH)

Like all of the schools on this list, the University of New Hampshire makes the most of its academic resources.

One such resource is the UNH InterOperability Laboratory, with which STEM majors work with communication and networking technology. 

The Lab provides both training to its volunteers and valuable data to the companies who work with it.

In the Carsey School of Public Policy, sociology and political science students research the social forces affecting vulnerable Americans. 

The findings of Carsey academics influence policymakers and social workers, helping them find solutions to help the neediest.

U New Hampshire also takes advantage of its topographical location, providing field training for ecology students. 

Working with a $110 million endowment, the University operates facilities such as the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research. Through the Hamel Center, students gain the financial support they need to pursue their research agendas.

Yale University (New Haven, CT)

Like its fellow Ivies Brown and Harvard, Yale belongs among the best schools in the world. Since 1701, Yale has trained award winners and world leaders, the most influential figures in the world.

Yale owes part of its success to its outstanding medical school, universally placed among the top ten on the planet. 

In addition to its celebrated faculty, the medical school is also renowned for its “Yale System.” With this approach, the school does not assign grades to students in the first two years, giving them the confidence to pursue their academic interests freely.

On the other end of the academic spectrum, Yale also boasts highly influential English and Comparative Literature departments. 

Over the years, these departments have been leaders in several literary theory movements, including American deconstruction and New Criticism. 

So important is the university to these programs that the former is known as “The Yale School.”

Williams College (Williamstown, MA)

Williams College may not have the name recognition of Yale, Harvard, and other New England schools, but it proudly stands beside them in quality. 

Established as a men’s-only school in 1793, Williams is Massachusetts’s second-oldest university.

Because of its age, Williams boasts several historically important buildings. Williams’s campus houses the nation’s oldest extant astronomical observatory, Hopkins Observatory. 

Opened in 1923, Chapin Library holds over 100,000 artifacts, including original copies of founding documents such as the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution.

Even more important than its buildings are the people involved with Williams. Pulitzer Prize winners Elizabeth Kolbert and Luise Glück and MacArthur Fellow Andrea Barrett have taught at the school. Williams alumni include Broadway great Stephen Sondheim and Nobel laureate Robert Engle.

The post Discover 10 of the Best Colleges in New England appeared first on collegegazette.com.

But you should also think of the best schools in the nation.

The American South may not have the same famed Ivy League schools like the New England region, but it has its own long-standing history, with intuitions that stand up against those found anywhere in the world.

In states such as Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas, you’ll find elite private universities with a culture of excellence and state schools devoted to cutting-edge research. 

You’ll find religious schools devoted to the service of humanity and business schools that teach the latest in economic trends. 

These schools have trained everything from Presidents to business leaders, artistic innovators, and concert musicians.

In short, you’re sure to find the perfect college in the South, no matter what your interests may be. But with so many options in the vast region, potential students are sure to get overwhelmed.

This list lays out the qualities of 10 of the best colleges in the South, making your decision a lot easier. 

Soon, you’re sure to be sipping a mint julep, enjoying some barbeque, and pursuing your education with all the joys of Southern hospitality.

University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)

Virginia’s top state school, the University of Virginia, was founded in 1819 by none other than Thomas Jefferson. 

Its first leaders included not only Jefferson but fellow American founders James Madison and James Monroe.

From that impressive history, UVa has gone on to become an impressive research institution. Today, the school enjoys a $14.5 billion endowment, which it uses to fund numerous centers and institutes.

From these research centers come breakthroughs such as advancements in hypersonic flight. Working alongside NASA and the National Science Foundation, UVa has developed new forms of propulsion. Academics at the school are also responsible for working on sustainable energy, particularly offshore wind turbines.

Other essential discoveries happened within the UVa School of Medicine, where researchers found new elements of the lymphatic system and the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)

Established in 1885 as a trade school designed to rebuild the Southern economy after the Civil War, the Georgia Institute of Technology has evolved to become one of the premier institutions in the region.

Georgia Tech’s campus includes several research institutes and centers. The oldest among them is the Georgia Tech Research Institute, dedicated to aiding innovations in electro-optics, engineering, and radars. 

Thanks to its contacts with global businesses and the U.S. government, the GTRI generates hundreds of millions of dollars in yearly revenue.

Georgia Tech’s influence extends into the public sphere, as the school provides space for startup companies in the area. 

Working through the Advanced Technology Development Center and the VantureLab, organizations receive resources and research support to incorporate their ideas. Thanks to these centers, Georgia Tech currently ranks among the top five universities in the world for startup support.

Duke University (Durham, NC)

Although it began as a Quaker and Methodist school started in 1836, North Carolina’s Duke University has become one of the most respected private schools in the world. 

Thanks to its commitment to academic excellence and its continuing religious training, Duke is constantly among the top schools in the region.

Duke continues to build its reputation through its top-level resources. In addition to being a first-rate teaching hospital, Duke Medical Center is home to cutting-edge research. 

Duke features a marine lab for those interested in environmental sciences, taking advantage of the school’s proximity to the Atlantic coastline.

In keeping with its religious roots, Duke University Chapel remains one of the main attractions on campus. 

The work of African American architects Horace Trumbauer and Julian Abele, the Chapel serves as a spiritual home for people of all faiths.

Washington and Lee University (Lexington, VA)

One of America’s oldest universities, Lexington’s Washington & Lee University was established in 1749 as Augusta Academy. 

The school takes its name from two of its most important benefactors: its early supporter George Washington and one-time school president, Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Following its motto Non Incautus Futuri (“Not Unmindful of the Future”), WLU focuses more on tomorrow than on yesterday. 

A major innovator in fields such as politics, economics, and law, the university strives to find new ways of understanding national and global structures.

Central to those goals are institutions such as the Theodore DeLaney Center. The recently constructed DeLaney center assists academics in studying racial concerns of the past and the present.

Another newly-constructed institute supports future teachers. The Harte Center for Teaching and Learning offers state-of-the-art technology to meet the challenges of education in the digital age.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)

While Duke may be the best private institution in the Tarheel State, the flagship University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the country’s few “public Ivies.” 

As the title suggests, public Ivies are state schools that offer education on par with that of Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Yale.

In accordance with such a vaunted reputation, UNC-Chapel Hill has been associated with some respected names. 

Former U.S. President James K. Polk and former Vice President William R. King graduated from the school. Faculty and alumni include nine Nobel laureates and 23 Pulitzer Prize winners.

Today, UNC-Chapel Hill adds to its achievements with plans such as the Innovate Carolina program. Innovate Carolina brings together academics across the school’s departments and partners them with global investors and researchers. 

Together, these figures address some of the greatest challenges of our time.

Rice University (Houston, TX)

Located on a 300-acre campus in Houston, Rice University is perhaps the finest STEM school in the south. In 2019, Rice devoted $156 million to research spending, making it one of the most innovative schools in the South.

To maintain that reputation, Rice houses several research institutes and centers.

Launched in 1999, the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship educates future entrepreneurs in technology commercialization. 

Focusing on nanotechnology and clean energy fields, the Alliance helps participants assess new advancements and garner financial support from investors.

Outside of the science fields, Rice also features the Baker Institute for Public Policy, an influential think tank. 

Bringing together scholars from a range of disciplines, the Baker Institute seeks to find new approaches to global and national policy problems.

University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)

Serving more than 50,000 undergraduate students, the University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest schools on this list. UT Austin devotes approximately $680 million to research each year, money it uses to fund its various programs.

Thanks to its devotion to innovation, UT Austin has been associated with many winners of top-level awards, including 13 Nobel Prize laureates and four winners of the Pulitzer Prize. Its alumni include filmmaker Wes Anderson and noted astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

To train so many luminaries, UT Austin maintains a faculty consisting of leaders in their respective fields. 

Current teachers include chemist John Bannister Goodenough, who received the Nobel Prize in 2019 for his breakthroughs in energy technologies. Also teaching at the school is literary critic Jerome Loving, recipient of a 2002 Guggenheim Fellowship.

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)

Nashville’s Vanderbilt University is one of the finest research institutions in the South. With an endowment of $10.9 billion, Vanderbilt supports innovations across every discipline.

Named after the famed author, the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities provides a space for advanced study in the humanities. The RPW Center prides itself on inviting those of various viewpoints, allowing for a wider scholarly conversation. 

Since its founding in 1988, the RPW Center has hosted a lecture series and provided funding for researchers.

The First Amendment Center addresses continuing free speech issues as part of the Freedom Forum. 

With programs devoted to education and research, the First Amendment Center invites scholars, policymakers, and legal experts worldwide. Conversations center on concerns raised by Supreme Court decisions, religious events, and other sensitive issues.

Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)

One of the most unique private schools in the South, Winston-Salem’s Wake Forest University offers a distinctive educational experience. 

A liberal arts school with a strong religious tradition, Wake Forest features a roster of excellent faculty members and award-winning researchers.

One of Wake’s most distinctive elements is the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. In the Museum, students can study influential works throughout American history. Artists on display include Georgia O’Keeffe, Jacob Lawrence, and Frederic Church.

As part of the school’s partnership with the Reynolda Estate, the Reynolda Gardens provide 129 acres of beautiful, peaceful landscape for study and cultural events. 

Experts in horticulture, environmental sciences, and similar disciplines have access to a range of unique plant life. Even better, the Gardens provide an area for community members to continue their studies.

University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)

Housed on a state-of-the-art 239-acre campus in Coral Gables, Florida’s University of Miami offers the best in cultural programs and academic support. 

With facilities such as the beautiful Gifford Arboretum and the Ring Theater, U Miami is a great place to study and grow.

Working with an endowment of $1.05 billion, U Miami has resources to keep students engaged and happy. It’s no wonder that 91% of the school’s students complete their programs, with 72% finishing their degree in four years or fewer.

That money also goes to facilities such as the newly renovated Miller School of Medicine and the Ritcher Library. 

In addition to a collection of scholarly materials and historically-significant books, Richter regularly holds art exhibitions from both artists working on campus and influential figures around the world.

The post Here Are the 10 Best Colleges in the South appeared first on collegegazette.com.

More students are applying to West Coast schools today than in any other region of the nation. 

Situated in picturesque, urban environments, the best West Coast colleges flaunt a warm climate and culturally diverse student body.

This list of the 10 best West Coast colleges in the United States could also serve as the 10 best colleges in California. 

It only makes sense that all of the schools on this list would hail from the state that comprises the vast majority of coastline in the western part of the country.

Why attend a West Coast school? 

There’s something for everyone – institutions in the list that follow have student populations ranging from under 1,000 to over 30,000. 

West Coast schools are also welcoming to international students; many of the colleges on this list rank as some of the best U.S. colleges for international students.

Though West Coast schools are generally younger than their more-established East Coast counterparts, one benefit of their youth is the recent design and innovation that define campus architecture and surrounding city infrastructure.

This list of the 10 best West Coast colleges in the U.S. was determined by where each school ranks on the niche.com list of best colleges. 

Read ahead to discover which California colleges stand out above all the rest.

10. University of California – Irvine (Irvine, CA)

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is one of the youngest institutions to grace the best West Coast colleges list. 

Located only five miles from the Pacific Ocean, the school is also one of the least selective, with an acceptance rate of 30%

UC Irvine is also one of the largest schools on the list, enrolling an undergraduate population of nearly 40,000 students. Popular majors include public health, business, biology, and economics.

What UC Irvine is perhaps best known for, however, is its research specializing in cancer and neuroscience. 

In fact, one of the school’s eight Nobel Prize laureates –  Professor Frank Sherwood Rowland – discovered the harmful effects of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the ozone layer. Ozone layer loss has been linked to an increase in skin cancer.

The Irvine campus has served as a launchpad for experts in a variety of fields. 

It was home to the nation’s first Earth System Science Department, and world-renowned philosophers and Pulitzer Prize winners Jacques Derrida and Jean-Francois Lyotard once graced the campus grounds.

Like many of the University of California system schools, Irvine consistently receives excellent rankings. Washington Monthly recently named them the #22 best school in the nation, and in 2021, the school was ranked #2 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report.

9. University of California – Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)

UCSB’s an excellent choice for students interested in studying communication or the visual and performing arts. 

Musician Jack Johnson and film actors like Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow all studied at UCSB before making their “big break.”

In addition to those popular names, 34 members of UCSB’s faculty serve as members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and two have won Academy and Emmy Awards. 

Add six Nobel Prize laureates to the roster, and students can expect the faculty at UCSB to bring the best learning experiences colleges along the West Coast have to offer.

Referred to as a “public Ivy,” UCSB has the reputation of an Ivy League school with a more promising acceptance rate of 37%. If the more than 23,000 undergraduates aren’t interested in film and music, they might consider natural resources and conservation – another popular major. Robert Ballard – the person who discovered the sunken R.M.S. 

Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean – is one such alumnus who has gone on to achieve remarkable feats.

Speaking of conservation, UCSB is also known for its extensive biking system – over 50% of students travel around the campus by bicycle, contributing to a significant reduction in students’ overall carbon footprint.

8. University of California – Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)

Situated next to the San Francisco Bay, UC Berkeley is frequently ranked as one of the best universities in the world. Athletic rivals with Stanford – the #1 school on this list – both schools are known as hubs of student activism, though modern students are generally more focused on STEM innovation.

On a single campus, where else might one find people like Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren, Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley, and atomic bomb developer Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer? 

When it comes to outstanding alumni, UC Berkeley boasts a wide range of successful athletes, politicians, scientists, and inventors. 

Alumni have established companies like Apple, Tesla, Gap, Inc., and Morgan Stanley. After Stanford, the school is a great place to develop a new idea, ranking second in producing entrepreneurs backed by venture capital.

Berekley is also home to many lifechanging discoveries, including the damaging effects of carcinogens on DNA, the hydrogen bomb, and neuroplasticity. 

The diversity of alumni achievements and popular majors spanning a range of disciplines indicates that students of all interests can find an excellent program at UC Berkeley.

7. Harvey Mudd College (Claremont, CA)

One of the youngest colleges on the list of best West Coast colleges, Harvey Mudd College is also one of the smallest – its undergraduate population is less than 900.

Curious applicants will be encouraged by how much earnings graduates earn throughout their careers. The median starting salary for a Harvey Mudd grad is around $83,000, while graduates go on to earn the highest mid-career salaries of any college or university in the nation.

Founded by Harvey Mudd, a successful mining engineer, the school is considered to be one of the nation’s top math, science, and engineering undergrad colleges. 

They were recently ranked 2nd among undergraduate engineering schools by the 2021 U.S. News & World Report.

One of the greatest benefits of attending Harvey Mudd is its average class size. 

With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and the fact that 63% of classes are made up of fewer than 20 students, Harvey Mudd undergrads can expect an easier pathway to building relationships with professors and more support in major-focused classes.

6. Claremont McKenna College (Claremont, CA)

Small in size, with an undergraduate population of under 1,500, Claremont McKenna has a lot to say. The institution was actually ranked #1 out of all U.S. colleges for free speech by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education in 2021.

Originally conceived as an all-male school in 1946, Claremont McKenna became co-educational 30 years later. 

Their successful alumni range from author Jamaica Kincaid to Governor of Montana Steve Bullock.

Claremont McKenna is ranked as the 6th best liberal arts college in the U.S. by 2021 U.S. News & World Report, and some of their popular majors include econometrics, political science, and experimental psychology.

Students interested in pursuing medical school also have promising odds if they choose to attend Claremont McKenna: 80% of graduates applying to medical school are accepted by their first or second choices.

Claremont McKenna knows how to hustle to actualize outcomes for its student and faculty stakeholders. 

The school achieved the largest fundraising campaign of any American liberal arts college, raising $635 million for student scholarships, faculty needs, facilities, and other operating costs.

5. University of California – Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)

Established initially as a teacher’s college, UCLA is now known for everything from its School of Theater, Film, and Television to its School of Dentistry. 

With so many programs to offer, it’s no surprise that more students apply to UCLA than to any other college or university in the nation.

When it comes to rankings, UCLA is ranked #8 in the nation by Forbes and #1 US Public University for academics by Times Higher Education. This top American higher learning institution is home to 27 Nobel Prize laureates, but their acclaim doesn’t stop there.

In addition to academics, UCLA is also a center for athletic excellence. It is 1 of only 6 universities to have won national championships in all three major men’s sports: baseball, basketball, and football. 

Additionally, UCLA has been represented in every Olympic Games competition since the university’s founding (except for 1924), and has boasted a gold medalist in every Olympic competition the U.S. participated in since 1932. 

They have over 270 Olympic medals, most of which are gold.

With a 14% acceptance rate, those who attend UCLA can join the ranks of Academy Award-nominated actors like James Franco, politicians like U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and  Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play baseball in the MLB.

4. California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA)

Another school with a high median starting salary for graduates ($82,900), Caltech is the launching pad for innovators who founded lucrative companies like Intel, Hotmail, and Compaq.

That being said, applicants will need to have a competitive application to get into Caltech – the school has an acceptance rate of only 7%.

The 900 undergraduate students enrolled at Caltech generally commit to studying the sciences and engineering. 

The school has been ranked #2 in the globe, and best in Engineering & Technology as well as Physical Sciences, by the Times Higher Education Rankings.

Students at Caltech will thrive with a 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and two-thirds of their classes will have fewer than 20 students. 

Many Caltech grades move on to pursue postgraduate degrees; in fact, the school is ranked #1 in the U.S. for the percentage of graduates who move on to earn a Ph.D.

76 Nobel Prize laureates are associated with the school, including chemist Linus Pauling – the only person in history to win two unshared prizes. 

Other acclaimed alumni are astronaut and U.S. Senator Harrison Schmitt (the only geologist to have walked on the moon), and the “Father of Silicon Valley,” William Shockley.

3. Pomona College (Claremont, CA)

Established in 1887, Pomona is the founding member of the seven Claremont colleges – it is also the largest undergraduate school of the consortium and the wealthiest regarding its endowment. 

Pomona students can take classes at the other six Claremont Colleges (two of which are included on this list: Harvey Mudd and Claremont McKenna).

Pomona is one of the least spoken-about competitive institutions – not just on the West Coast, but in the entire nation. 

Among the most recent entering class, 30% of those with an official high school class rank were their school valedictorians. 

If applicants are among the 9% of those fortunate enough to gain admittance to Pomona, it is highly likely that they will complete all four years of their intended major. After all, Pomona has one of the highest retention rates of any U.S. college or university at 97%.

Alumni go on to experience significant success in a variety of fields, most notably in the creative and performing arts. 

Pomona is associated with Oscar, Grammy, and Tony Award winners, U.S. Senators, Pulitzer Prize recipients, a Nobel Prize laureate, and several Olympic athletes. 

Actor Richard Chamberlain, activist Marianne Williamson, and novelist David Foster Wallace are a few high-profile names.

It should come as no surprise that Pomona’s rankings match the acclaim of its graduates. The school has been ranked #4 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and among the 10 best liberal arts colleges annually by U.S. News since the ranking system started in 1984.

2. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)

Founded in 1880, USC is a hub of achievement and innovation. DNA computing, antivirus software, and image compression were all invented on USC’s campus. 

The institution is the largest private employer in the Los Angeles area, with an economic impact of approximately $8 billion for California.

USC is perhaps best known for its School of Cinematic Arts, which is the oldest and largest film school in the country. 

The school has produced more Oscar Award winners than any other institution in the world by a wide margin. Readers will certainly recognize directors like George Lucas, screenwriters like Shonda Rhimes, and actors like Will Ferrell.

USC is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the nation, and its athletes achieve just as much, if not more acclaim. USC Trojans have won 326 Olympic medals, most of which are gold, and more than any other university in the US. 

The school also has the second-highest number of football players drafted to the NFL in the U.S.

Students interested in video game innovation may also find a stimulating home at UCLA – the Princeton Review ranked their video game design programs best out of 150 schools in North America.

1. Stanford University (Stanford, CA)

Stanford – the best in the west. 

With a competitive acceptance rate of 5%, Stanford maintains a reputation as being one of the best schools in the entire world. 

The Academic Ranking of World Universities ranked Stanford second in the world (after Harvard) for most years from 2003 to 2020.

Stanford regularly sits within the top five national and global schools on worldwide rankings lists, and the New York Times recently shared that it has become America’s new ‘it’ school (a space Harvard once occupied).

Feeling like innovating? Companies like Snapchat, Instagram, and LinkedIn all started at Stanford. 

In conjunction with UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, Stanford is part of the Biohub, which Mark Zuckerberg founded with a $600m endowment.
Companies founded by Stanford alumni have produced over $2.7 trillion in annual revenue and created millions of jobs, which is equivalent to the 7th largest economy in the world! They are also one of the top producers of members of the U.S. Congress.

The post The 10 Best West Coast Colleges in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Harvard, Yale, and other Ivy League schools have long established themselves as important institutions of research and learning. 

More importantly, these schools were the center of the country’s intellectual and cultural elite. As America established itself on the world stage, the research and teaching done at these east coast institutions provided the philosophy and education that shaped the globe. 

Since those heady days of the 18^th and 19^th centuries, America has grown, and so has its institutions. 

Today, one can find influential and worthy schools in every state on both coasts. The east no longer has a monopoly on the American mind. 

But that doesn’t mean the east coast no longer has anything to offer. On the contrary, schools in the region have continued to grow and develop, evolving to meet new challenges and to push forward American intelligence as it continues to influence world events. 

If you would like to be part of these great schools, this list is for you. 

Although the list is unranked, each entry identifies the important work being done today by an east coast institution and its connections to a proud history. 

This list serves as a reference, highlighting 10 of the best colleges on the East Coast, representing a diverse array of schools, programs, and more.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)

We begin our list with MIT, perhaps the most famous technology school in the world. 

MIT has earned its reputation with an unparalleled history of award-winning alumni and faculty. Since its founding in 1861, MIT has trained or employed 97 Nobel laureates, 26 Turing Award winners, 58 National Medal of Science recipients, 29 National Medals of Technology and Innovation recipients, 50 MacArthur Fellows, 8 Fields Medalists, and more. 

With such an amazing track record, MIT can just sit back and relax and still retain its position as a top-notch school. 

But the school has no intention of stopping. Thanks to its many institutions and research centers, MIT continues to push forward. 

At the Center for Transportation & Logistics, experts work to find new ways to address supply chain problems. The Operations Research Center applies analytical methods, such as statistics and machine learning, to improve society. 

Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)

Founded in 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Mellon University has always existed to solve large-scale social problems. Looking at the school’s alumni, it’s clear to see that it has succeeded. 

In addition to training and working with numerous Nobel Laureates and Turing Award winners, Carnegie Mellon contributed to breakthroughs such as discovering electron diffraction, creating several of the first artificial intelligence programs, and the first wi-fi network, and more. 

Today, the school continues this proud tradition of innovation. 

Carnegie graduates have founded companies that continue to influence our everyday lives, such as Adobe Systems and Sun Microsystems. 

More recently, professor Chrysanthos Gounaris, and doctoral students Hua Wang and Nikolaos Lappas, have developed software that optimizes the development of pharmaceuticals. 

Carnegie Mellon researchers Aman Tyagi and Kathleen M. Carley published a report on the relationship between conspiracy theories and climate change. 

Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, PA)

Innovation is baked into Swarthmore College, one of the first schools in the nation to offer co-ed classes. 

This student approach has led to the creation of groups such as the Swarthmore College Computer Society (SCCS). Completely student-operated and voluntary, the SCCS runs servers used by Swarthmore Community college, as well as many other student groups and organizations. Thanks to the work of the SCCS, Swarthmore College not only can resist cyber-attacks but has also remained at the forefront of the digital frontier. 

The school’s summer research initiative encourages students to advance their own studies. 

Recent projects include a report on unemployment rates in South Africa, the neural dynamics of high-frequency coincidence detection in the bird sound localization circuit, the process of antibody bindings to HIV spikes, and more. 

Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)

Although it’s located over 100 miles away from North Carolina’s famous Research Triangle, Winston-Salem’s Wake Forest University is one of the unique institutions in the region. 

In addition to its own roster of impressive alumni and history of research advances, Wake Forest offers several unique properties and experiences. 

Part of the Reynolda Estate, the Reynolda House Museum of American Art features an impressive collection of American art dating back to the colonial period. 

Displays include works from artists such as Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart, Frederic Church, and Jacob Lawrence, Georgia.

In addition to being a beautiful and tranquil study space, the 129-acre Reynolda Gardens offers researchers the opportunity to study landscape history, horticulture, environmental sciences, and more. 

Additionally, the gardens host numerous public learning events, allowing independent scholars and life-long learners the chance to engage in academic activities. 

Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY)

One of the first colleges in the nation to grant degrees to women, Vassar College is a historic institution in many ways. The school’s 1000-acre campus features a National Historic Place and two National Historic Landmarks. 

The school builds on its excellent past with several research initiatives. 

Vassar’s Undergraduate Research Summer Institute provides fifty science students with exposure to the academic research process. Through the Institute, students work closely with Vassar faculty on their research projects. 

In addition to a stipend, students receive credit when faculty members publish the work, thereby enhancing their CVs. 

The Keck Northeast Astronomy Consortium allows Vassar astronomers to partner with experts from several other schools to study the stars. Thanks to support from the National Science Foundation, students can receive a 10-week paid internship studying at the Consortium. 

Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA)

The public land-grant university Virginia Tech counts among its alumni four Marshall Scholars, two Rhodes Scholars, 280 Fulbright Scholars, and 38 Goldwater Scholars. But the school’s defining feature is its Corps of Cadets. 

A military component of the school’s student body, the Corps of Cadets receive military training in addition to their undergraduate studies. Cadets participate in training activities and receive leadership education, making them ready for service right out of graduation. 

With this support, it’s no wonder that Virginia Tech has graduated seven winners of the Medal of Honor, the highest distinction in the U.S. military. 

Virginia Tech graduates include Lieutenant William G. Boykin, special forces commander and former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. 

After graduating in 1969, General Lance L. Smith became Commander of the U.S. Joint Forces Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation and Deputy Commander.

Washington & Lee University (Lexington, VA)

Established in 1749 as Augusta Academy, Washington & Lee University is one of the oldest colleges in the country. 

The school received support from no less than George Washington himself, who gave the institution an endowment toward the end of his second term, prompting the administration to rename the school in his honor. Following the cessation of the American Civil War, Confederate general Robert E. Lee became the school’s president, prompting the school to be renamed Washington & Lee University. 

While that history is important, WLU adheres to its motto, Non Incautus Futuri: “Not Unmindful of the Future.” The school continues to make meaningful advances in the fields of economics, politics, and law. 

Recently, WLU formed the Theodore DeLaney Center, an interdisciplinary academic center designed for studying historical and persistent racial issues. The newly-opened Harte Center for Teaching and Learning provides students and faculty resources to meet 21^st-century educational challenges. 

Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL)

As indicated by its tier-one rating, Florida State University prides itself on its high research and scholarly activity. Operating with a $699.9 million research endowment, FSU is well-poised for breakthroughs that will shape American life for years to come. 

One of the school’s more immediate and practical projects involves restoring Apalachicola Bay. Working with an $8 million grant from the non-profit organization Triumph Gulf Coast, the project seeks to revive the oyster industry in the area for ten years. 

On the culturally important end, the FSU art department is involved in a project to restore and replace a truss in the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which was destroyed in a fire in 2019. The completed project will be displayed in the National Building Museum. 

Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ)

When the Stevens Institute of Technology was founded in 1870, it was one of the first technological universities in the U.S. and the first college that taught only mechanical engineering. 

Thanks to that auspicious head start, Stevens has made a name for itself as a leader in technological fields. 

Not only does the school boast associations with two Nobel Laurates, but it also has received Centers of Excellence designations from the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Today, Stevens focuses its research around six foundational pillars, covering AI, biomedical engineering, complex systems, data science and information, financial technologies, and sustainability. 

Recent projects include a study on the financial cost of human-caused climate change, published in Nature Communications and applying computational and quantum chemistry to body functions. 

University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)

One of the so-called Public Ivies – public institutions whose qualities rival those of Ivy League schools – the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the only public institution to graduate students in the 18^th century. 

Over the years, UNC faculty and alumni have included U.S. President James K. Polk, Vice President William R. King, and numerous others who have held important government positions. 

They have also won some of the world’s most prestigious awards, including nine laureates of the Nobel Prize and 23 winners of the Pulitzer Prize. 

As the center of the Innovate Carolina program, UNC-Chapel Hill works with departments across the campus to meet some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Innovate Carolina features an innovation hub to help researchers and investors advance new ideas. 

Thanks to these resources, UNC-Chapel Hill has developed inventions such as new 3D intraoral x-ray technology to provide more detailed imaging with less radiation exposure.

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