College Rankings 2013 - U.S. News University Directory
Browse the 2013 College Rankings list below or search for a top-ranked on-campus or online college program that specializes in your area of interest.
Top-ranked national universities, such as Princeton and MIT, offer a wide variety of majors and award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Many of these 2013 top-ranked colleges and universities also produce groundbreaking research in one or more fields. Browse the college rankings list below for top school rankings or select a specific college ranking category from the list on the left.
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#24
Charlottesville, VA
The University of Virginia, located in suburban Charlottesville, VA, offers graduate programs including the highly ranked Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, the Curry School of Education, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Law, and the School of Medicine. This public institution, founded in 1819, has 1,682 acres for student activities, Greek life being among the most popular. The Cavaliers, well known for their dominant men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, are members of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. Former U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, national news anchor Katie Couric, and former NFL player Tiki Barber are among UVA’s notable alumni.
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#27
Winston-Salem, NC
Wake Forest University, located in suburban Winston-Salem, NC, is comprised of two undergraduate schools and five graduate or professional schools which includes the highly ranked School of Law, the Babcock Graduate School of Management, and the School of Medicine. This private institution, founded in 1834, offers many outdoor activities including intramural sports and outdoor trips such as kayaking and bouldering. The Demon Deacons are members of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. Greek life also plays a big role at Wake Forest. Notable alumni include the shortest NBA player of all-time, Muggsy Bogues; legendary golfer Arnold Palmer; and journalist and talk show host Al Hunt.
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#28
Medford, MA
Tufts University, located in suburban Medford, MA, is comprised of the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering, both offering undergraduate and graduate programs. This private institution, founded in 1852, has several student groups including the Scuba Club, the Beelzebubs, an all-male a capella group, and the Poker Society. Tufts University also has an active Greek life. The official Tufts University mascot is Jumbo the elephant. Notable alumni include eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, Golden Globe-winning actor Peter Gallagher, and Guster guitarist and vocalist Adam Gardner. Both Gallagher and Gardner sang in the Beelzebubs.
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#29
Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan, located in urban Ann Arbor, MI, has many highly ranked graduate programs including the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, the School of Education, the College of Engineering, Law School, Medical School, the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, the School of Public Health, and the School of Nursing. This public institution, founded in 1817, offers several student organizations on its 3,071 acre campus. There is a thriving Greek life at Michigan and the Michigan Wolverines are known for thier fierce rivalry with Ohio State. Former U.S. President Gerald Ford, actress Lucy Liu of the Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill film series, and NFL quarterback Tom Brady are notable Michigan alumni.
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#30
Chapel Hill, NC
The University of North Carolina, located in suburban Chapel Hill, NC, is made up of several schools and colleges, the largest being the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences. This public institution, founded in 1789, offers numerous student organizations including UNC’s student newspaper and the student-ran radio station. UNC also has a thriving Greek life. The North Carolina Tar Heels, known for their men’s basketball team, are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference and have a rivalry with Duke University. Actor and former professional basketball player Rick Fox, the 11th president of the United States James K. Polk, and U.S. Senator John Edwards are notable UNC alumni.
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#31
Chestnut Hill, MA
Boston College, located in suburban Chestnut Hill, MA, is comprised of nine schools which include highly ranked graduate programs. This private institution, founded in 1863, is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a university with high research activity. B.C. competes in several NCAA Division I varsity sports in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the B.C. Eagles have one of the highest graduation rates in the country. There may not be a Greek life at B.C. but the school offers numerous student clubs and organizations. Notable alumni include Sen. John Kerry and former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Tip O’Neill.
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#32
New York, NY
New York University, located in urban New York, NY, is comprised of many schools and colleges, the largest being the College of Arts and Sciences. This private institution, founded in 1831, may have a small Greek life but it also offers tons of things to do in the city with no borders separating a distinct campus from the streets of New York City. There are also hundreds of student organizations including NYU-TV, which provides entertainment and information to the university community. Directors Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee are former Tisch (School of Arts) students.
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#33
Waltham, MA
Brandeis University, located in suburban Waltham, MA, is made up of the College of Arts and Sciences and four graduate schools which have highly ranked programs in English and history. This private institution, founded in 1948, may not have a Greek life but it does offer several student activities including the student-run TV and radio stations. Brandeis also has religious and performance groups, service organizations, and cultural awareness groups. The Brandeis Judges compete with several NCAA Division III teams and are known for their men’s soccer team. Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman is a Brandeis graduate.
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#33
Williamsburg, VA
The College of William and Mary, located in suburban Williamsburg, VA, has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 10 graduate and professional degree programs. This public institution was founded in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II of England. There is a thriving Greek life at William and Mary with the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity (the nation’s first academic Greek society). The school’s NCAA Division I sports team, known as the “Tribe”, participate in the Colonial Athletic Association. Notable alumni include three U.S. presidents—Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler, as well as Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, actress Glenn Close, and comedians Jon Stewart and Patton Oswalt.
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#33
Rochester, NY
The University of Rochester, located in suburban Rochester, NY, offers several highly ranked graduate programs. This private institution, founded in 1850, is one of the smallest and most collegiate schools among the nation’s top research universities. The Yellow Jackets are part of the University Athletic Association and participate in the NCAA Division III. The school offers more than 200 student organizations and an active Greek life. Notable alumni include U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and visual effects artist Michael Kanfer, who won an Academy Award for his work on the film Titanic.
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#36
Atlanta, GA
The Georgia Institute of Technology, located in urban Atlanta, GA, is comprised of six colleges, two of which are highly ranked graduate schools (The College of Engineering and The College of Management). This public institution, founded in 1885, offers a wide range of student activities. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are an NCAA Division I team that compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have a well-known rivalry with the University of Georgia. Famous alumni include comedian Jeff Foxworthy, founder of The Masters golf tournament Bobby Jones, and baseball player Nomar Garciaparra.
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#37
Cleveland, OH
Case Western Reserve University, located in urban Cleveland, OH, offers a wide range of top-rated specialty graduate programs, like the health law curriculum at the School of Law. This private institution, founded in 1826, is known for its world class research. It also offers several activities with more than 150 student organizations and an active Greek life with a commitment to on-campus and community service. The Case Western Spartans compete in the Division III University Athletic Association. Notable alumni include U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich and Craig Newmark, creator and namesake of Web site Craigslist.
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#38
Bethlehem, PA
Lehigh University, located in urban Bethlehem, PA, is comprised of four colleges offering numerous undergraduate and graduate majors. This private institution, founded in 1865, has a vibrant campus life which includes over 150 clubs and organizations, several intercollegiate sports, and intramural sports and club programs. The Lehigh Mountain Hawks are members of the Patriot League and compete in 25 Division 1 sports. Jesse W. Reno, the inventor of the escalator; and Howard McClintic and Charles Marshall, whose construction company helped build the Golden Gate Bridge, the George Washington Bridge, the Panama Canal, and New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel are all notable alumni.
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#38
Davis, CA
The University of California at Davis, located in urban Davis, CA, offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate academic programs. The school’s highly ranked graduate programs include the Graduate School of Management, School of Law, School of Medicine, College of Engineering, and the School of Veterinary Medicine. This public institution, founded in 1905, has a lot to offer on its 5,200 acre campus including an airport and fire department. There’s always something to do with nearly 500 student organizations and a large Greek life. The UC Davis Aggies are part of the NCAA Division I and have the largest student spirit organization in the world.
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#38
La Jolla, CA
The University of California at San Diego, located in urban La Jolla, CA, is comprised of six undergraduate colleges and six graduate and professional schools. This public institution, founded in 1960, has become one of the most popular campuses in the nation. The UCSD Tritons compete in several NCAA Division II sports, mainly in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The school also offers more than 400 student clubs and organizations. Notable UCSD alumni include Guy Tribble and Bill Atkinson, who created the first Apple Macintosh computer, and Mike Judge, a writer/director/producer who created the film Office Space and the TV series King of the Hill.
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#41
Troy, NY
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, located in urban Troy, NY, is founded on the principles of bringing science to everyday life and has a highly ranked engineering program. This private institution, founded in 1842, overlooks the Hudson River and is close to Grafton Lakes State Park, making it the perfect location for nature lovers. The school has an active Greek L.I.F.E. which stresses Leadership, Innovation, Fortitude, and Evolution. The school’s varsity athletes are known as the Engineers and compete in the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Notable RPI alumni include George W. G. Ferris, creator of the Ferris Wheel, Howard P. Isermann, inventor of sunscreen, and Myles Brand, president of the NCAA.
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#41
Santa Barbara, CA
The University of California at Santa Barbara, located in suburban Santa Barbara, CA, is comprised of five schools and colleges, the College of Letters and Science being the largest. This public institution, founded in 1909, offers several student activities plus a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. Some of the interesting club activities available include alpine racing, surfing, rugby, and wakeboarding. The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos compete in the NCAA Division I Big West Conference and are known for their women’s basketball and men’s soccer teams. Musician Jack Johnson and actor Michael Douglas both graduated from UCSB.
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#41
Madison, WI
The University of Wisconsin at Madison, located in urban Madison, WI, has several highly ranked graduate schools including the School of Education, Robert M. LaFollette School of Public Affairs, College of Engineering, School of Business, School of Medicine and Public Health, and Law School. This public institution, founded in 1848, offers numerous student organizations and an active Greek life on its 936 acre campus. The Wisconsin Badgers compete in the NCAA Division I sports and are part of the Big Ten Conference. Notable Wisconsin alumni include former Vice President Dick Cheney, renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, author Joyce Carol Oates, aviator Charles Lindbergh, naturalist John Muir, and architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
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#44
Irvine, CA
The University of California at Irvine, located in suburban Irvine, CA, offers highly regarded graduate programs with specialty offerings at the Paul Merage School of Business and the Henry Samueli School of Engineering. This public institution, founded in 1965, offers several activities on its 1,474 acre campus including numerous student organizations and a thriving Greek life. The UC-Irvine Anteaters compete at the Division I level in the Big West Conference. Notable alumni include former Saturday Night Live actor Jon Lovitz, Greg Louganis, four-time Olympic gold medality in diving, and author Alice Seibold, who wrote “The Lovely Bones.”
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#44
Coral Gables, FL
The University of Miami, located in suburban Coral Gables, FL, is known as a research institution and research opportunities begin at an undergraduate level. This private institution, founded in 1925, is not only surrounded by popular spots (South Beach, the Florida Keys, and Everglades National Park) but they also offer several activities on campus. Several students are involved in Greek life; there are numerous clubs and organizations; there are fun campus events; and University of Miami Division I sports teams, known as the Hurricanes, compete in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Notable alumni include actor Sylvester Stallone and entertainer Gloria Estefan.
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#46
University Park, PA
Pennsylvania State University at University Park, located in urban University Park, PA, offers highly ranked graduate programs through the College of Education and the College of Engineering. This public institution, founded in 1855, offers several student activities on its 8,556 acre campus including numerous clubs and organizations, an active Greek life, and THON (the largest student-run philanthropy in the world). The Nittany Lions compete in the Division I Big 10 Conference and the football team plays on one of the largest arenas in North America. Notable alumni include John Cappelletti, a Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL player; and Valerie Plame Wilson, former CIA agent and author.
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#46
Champaign, IL
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, located in urban Champaign, IL, is comprised of 17 schools and colleges, its Graduate School of Library and Information Science, College of Engineering, and Department of Psychology are among the best in the country. This public institution, founded in 1867, offers several campus activities on its 1,468 acres. The Fighting Illini participate in several NCAA Division I varsity sports and are part of the Big Ten Conference, the university boasts the largest Greek system in the world, and there are more than 1,000 student organizations ranging from the climbing club to the Chinese mahjong club.
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#46
Austin, TX
The University of Texas at Austin, located in urban Austin, TX, is comprised of 12 schools and colleges, the College of Liberal Arts being the largest. This public institution, founded in 1883, is one of the largest schools in the nation. It has one of the biggest Greek systems in the country, two of the largest student publications, and numerous clubs and organizations. There are also several things to do off campus in this vibrant city known for its music, food, outdoor activities and nightlife. Notable alumni include former pitcher Roger Clemens, actor Matthew McConaughey of films The Wedding Planner and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and former first lady Laura Bush.
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#46
Seattle, WA
The University of Washington, located in urban Seattle, WA, is a cutting-edge research university that hosts an Undergraduate Research Symposium every year for students to present their work to the community. This public institution, founded in 1861, has a long history of being the first institution in the West. There’s plenty to do at the University of Washington with numerous organizations and a thriving Greek life. Students can even start new clubs with at least a few members. The school competes in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference and football is a huge tradition. Notable alumni include Thomas Foley, former U.S. Speaker of the House; Chris DeWolfe, co-creator of MySpace; and Irv Robbins, co-founder and namesake of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain.
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#46
New York, NY
Yeshiva University, located in urban New York, NY, is a Jewish institution comprised of three undergraduate colleges (Yeshiva College, the Stern College for Women, and the Sy Syms School of Business). This private institution, founded in 1886, is unique in that it has a Center for the Jewish Future, which sponsors projects like the YU Torah Online. Students even produce publications at each campus, including a daily newspaper written in Hebrew. The school offers plenty of student organizations on campus and The Yeshiva Maccabees sports teams compete at the NCAA Division III level.
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