Here are the Top 10 Universities, According to U.S. News

Love ’em or hate ’em the annual U.S. Rankings of the country’s universities have been revealed. Though many accuse the rankings of being an outdated system where the same schools always rise to the top, they can be an interesting way to compare some of the many institutions of higher education in the country.

Though you really can’t narrow the college experience down to a few measurable data points, the people behind the U.S. News rankings try their best to determine what combination of factors creates the nation’s top schools. Factors considered include student retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and graduation rates.
Based on those factors and more, here are the top 10 American universities for 2015.
10. California Institute of Technology
Tuition and fees (2014-2015): $43,362
Enrollment: 977
The student-to-faculty ratio at the California Institute of Technology is 3:1. Its students are actively involved in research projects with NASA, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

8. University of Pennsylvania
Tuition and fees (2014-2105): $47,668
Enrollment: 9,712
This school was founded by Benjamin Franklin and offers programs in four schools – Art and Sciences, Nursing, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Wharton.
8. Duke University
Tuition and fees (2014-2015): $47,488
Enrollment: 6,646
Known for their men’s basketball program, Duke has a fierce sports rivalry with the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Tuition and fees (2014-2015): $45,016
Enrollment: 4,528
In addition to math, science and engineering, MIT also offers programs in architecture, humanities, management and social sciences.
4. University of Chicago
Tuition and fees (2014-2015): $48,253
Enrollment: 5,659
The University of Chicago has hosted the largest scavenger hunt in the world for the last 27 years. It is a four-day long event.
4. Stanford University
Tuition and fees (2014-2015): $44,757
Enrollment: 7,061
Students are encouraged to focus equally on learning, teaching and research at Stanford, and have many opportunities to get involved in research projects.
4. Columbia University
Tuition and fees (2014-2015): $51,008
Enrollment: 6,084
Students at Columbia are guaranteed housing for all four years on campus.
3. Yale University
Tuition and fees (2014-2015): $45,800
Enrollment: 5,430
Students at Yale are divided into 12 residential colleges to help facilitate a supportive environment.
2. Harvard University
Tuition and fees (2014-2015): $43,938
Enrollment: 6,722
Harvard is the oldest higher education institution in the country.
1. Princeton University
Tuition and fees (2014-2015): $41,820
Enrollment: 5,323
Princeton University was the first university to offer a “no loan” policy. Students who need help paying tuition receive grants instead of loans.
Of course, to truly get a feel of what school is right for you, you have to look at more than rankings. To start, learn more about the opportunities available on and off campus, figure out the cost and financial aid availability, and definitely schedule a campus visit.
Also Read:
Considering the College Rankings: Forbes v. U.S. News
The Best Community Colleges in the U.S.
How to be a Better Freshman
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