Affordable Four-Year Non-Profit Schools With High 40-Year ROIs

Attending a non-profit school can be a wise investment that can really pay off for you over time. That’s one of the key takeaways from a recent report released by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce–A First Try at ROI: Ranking 4,500 Colleges. Although private schools have historically been associated with hefty tuition costs, the publication includes many standout schools that feature both low tuition numbers and high long-term ROIs. In this ranking, we highlight 100 of these schools.

Methodology

Tuition

  • Net Price Below $15,000: 4 points
  • Net Price Below $20,000: 3 points
  • Net Price Below $25,000: 2 points
  • Net Price Below $30,000: 1 point

40 Year ROI

  • Above $2.25 million: 5 points
  • Above $2 million: 4 points
  • Above $1.5 million: 3 points
  • Above $1.25 million: 2 points
  • Above $1 million: 1 point

National Recognition by U.S. News & World Report

  • Top 10 Ranking: 4 points
  • Top 25 Ranking: 3 points
  • Top 50 Ranking: 2 points
  • Top 100 Ranking: 1 point

Ranking the Top 100 Affordable Non-Profit Schools With High Long-Term ROIs. 

To develop this ranking, our editors began with an initial pool of the 265 four-year non-profit schools with 40-year ROIs of $1 million or more. We then narrowed this large pool by applying a tuition filter, eliminating schools with a net price of over $25,000 per year. Finally, we applied the rating and ranking methodology above, using data collected from College Navigator, U.S. News & World Report, and each school’s website. In the case of a tie, we awarded the higher ranking to the more affordable school.

#100—Baker University

Baldwin City, Kansas

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,066,000
Points: 3

Established in 1858, Baker University is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school currently enrolls just under 2,000 undergraduate students who pursue majors such as business administration and management, kinesiology and exercise science, accounting, and psychology. Baker University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to confer a range of academic degrees. It’s been ranked among the country’s top national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $23,016

#99—St. Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,023,000
Points: 3

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Established in 1905, St. Catherine University is a private Catholic liberal arts university. Its undergraduate enrollment of just over 3,000 students is comprised entirely of women. Popular majors include public administration, psychology, marketing, recreation and fitness studies, business, and health professions. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the school to confer this range of degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the country’s top national universities.
Net Price: $20,157

#98—Wagner College

Staten Island, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
40-Year ROI: $1,139,000
Points: 4

Established in 1883, Wagner College is a small private liberal arts college located in New York City. The school’s student population of just over 2,000 is comprised of mostly undergraduates. Popular majors include psychology, management, visual and performing arts, and health professions. Wagner’s undergraduate teaching programs have also been recognized as some of the best in the nation. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited the college to confer these and other bachelor’s degrees. U.S. News & World Report has also ranked the school among the top 35 regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $29,961

#97—Assumption College

Worcester, Massachusetts

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
40-Year ROI: $1,118,000
Points: 4

Established in 1904, Assumption College is a small liberal arts college affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The school enrolls almost 2,500 students, most of which are undergraduates. Popular areas of study include biomedical sciences, management, health professions, journalism, and social sciences. The college’s undergraduate teaching programs have also been nationally recognized. Assumption College holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. It’s been ranked among the top 35 regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $29,854

#96—Mount Saint Mary’s University

Los Angeles, California

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,091,000
Points: 4

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Established in 1925, Mount Saint Mary’s University is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Catholic Church. The school enrolls nearly 3,000 students annually, most of them female undergraduate students. The school’s most popular majors include psychology, marketing, health professions, public administration, and biological sciences, for instance. The university holds institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission. It’s been ranked among the 15 best regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $29,563

#95—Rider University

Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,005,000
Points: 4

Founded in 1865, Rider University is a private and affordable non-profit school. Today, the school enrolls nearly 5,000 total students, the majority of which are undergraduates. The school’s most popular majors include education, visual and performing arts, communication, psychology, and business administration and management. Rider University holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to confer these degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 40 best regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $29,284

#94—De Pauw University

Greencastle, Indiana

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,112,000
Points: 4

Founded in 1837, DePauw University is a small private liberal arts college affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The school enrolls undergraduate students exclusively and offers popular majors like biological sciences, visual and performing arts, communication, and English language and literature. Its undergraduate teaching programs have also been nationally recognized. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited DePauw to confer these degrees. U.S. News & World Report has also ranked the school among the country’s top 50 national liberal arts colleges.
Net Price: $29,262

#93—Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, California

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
40-Year ROI: $1,137,000
Points: 4

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Established in 1851, Notre Dame de Namur University is a private school associated with the Catholic Church. The school enrolls approximately 1,500 students, most of which are undergraduates. Popular areas of study at the university include psychology, public administration, sociology, business administration, and biological sciences. Notre Dame de Namur is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission to confer these academic degrees. It’s also been ranked among the top 55 regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report.

Net Price: $26,913

#92—Marymount University

Arlington, Virginia

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
40-Year ROI: $1,098,000
Points: 4

Established in 1950, Marymount University is a private Catholic university located in Arlington, Virginia. The school’s enrollment of approximately 3,500 students is comprised of mostly undergraduates. Popular majors at the university include nursing, business administration, information technology, psychology, and health professions. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Marymount University to award degrees at every level of postsecondary education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 40 regional universities in the South.
Net Price: $26,448

#91—Albertus Magnus College

New Haven, Connecticut

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
40-Year ROI: $1,046,000
Points: 4

Established in 1925, Albertus Magnus College is a private liberal arts college associated with the Roman Catholic Church. The school enrolls just over 1,000 undergraduate students annually and is able to offer impressively small classes. The school’s most popular areas of study include psychology, law enforcement, homeland security, marketing, and social sciences. Albertus Magnus is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this wide range of degrees. It’s been ranked among the top 70 regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $24,652

#90—Augustana College

Rock Island, Illinois

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
40-Year ROI: $1,054,000
Points: 4

Established in 1960, Augustana College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Today, the school enrolls over 2,500 undergraduate students and offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 50 areas of study. Popular majors include communication sciences, business administration and management, psychology, accounting, and biomedical sciences. Augustana College holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission to confer these and other bachelor’s degrees. It’s been ranked among the country’s 100 best national liberal arts colleges.
Net Price: $24,110

#89—Gustavus Adolphus College

Saint Peter, Minnesota

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
40-Year ROI: $1,073,000
Points: 4

Established in 1862, Gustavus Adolphus College is a highly selective private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Today, the school enrolls just over 2,000 undergraduate students per year. Its most popular majors include social sciences, psychology, management, education, and biomedical sciences. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the school to confer these academic degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the 100 best national liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
Net Price: $23,906

#88—Holy Names University

Oakland, California

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
40-Year ROI: $1,041,000
Points: 4

Established in 1868, Holy Names University is a small non-profit school affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The school enrolls just over 600 undergraduate students per year and offers bachelor’s degrees in 15 different areas of study. Standout majors include communication studies, healthcare services, kinesiology, and interdisciplinary studies. HNU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission to award these credentials. It’s ranked among the top 65 regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $23,416

#87—Wabash College

Crawfordsville, Indiana

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,157,000
Points: 4

A private liberal arts college for men, Wabash College was founded in 1832. Today, the school enrolls almost 900 students and offers 39 different undergraduate majors. Popular areas of study include biological sciences, history, economics, mathematics, and political science and government. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award academic credentials at the bachelor’s level. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 55 national liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Net Price: $22,101

#86—Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore, Maryland

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,090,000
Points: 4

Founded in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University is a private Catholic University located in Baltimore, Maryland. The school enrolls less than 1,000 undergraduate students per year, which makes for an intimate learning environment. Popular majors include liberal arts and sciences, medical radiologic technology, nursing, and business administration. NDMU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award these academic credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 60 best regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $21,686

#85—York College of Pennsylvania

York, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
40-Year ROI: $1,038,000
Points: 4

York College of Pennsylvania is an affordable non-profit school located in south central Pennsylvania. The university was founded in 1787 and serves just over 4,000 undergraduate students per academic year. Enrolled students have more than 50 different bachelor’s degree programs to choose from, including popular options in business, law enforcement, homeland security, recreation and fitness studies, and education. York College of PA is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award these credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 80 regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $21,474

#84—University of St. Francis

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,117,000
Points: 4

business administration degree

Founded in 1920, the University of St. Francis is a private university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. The school offers a wide range of academic programs from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral credentials. Popular areas of study include biological sciences, homeland security, public administration, and health professions, for example. The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer these degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the country’s leading national universities.
Net Price: $19,418

#83—College of Mount Saint Vincent

Bronx, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
40-Year ROI: $1,145,000
Points: 4

Founded in 1847, the College of Mount Saint Vincent is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Bronx, New York. Enrolled students can choose from nearly 80 different areas of study, and popular options include social sciences, journalism, health professions, psychology, and business, for instance. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited the school to offer degrees on both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the nation’s best regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $18,810

#82—Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,029,000
Points: 4

Established in 1937, Cardinal Stritch University is a private university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The comprehensive school offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. Standout offerings include those in criminal justice, international business, communication arts, clinical psychology, and sport management, for instance. Cardinal Stritch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this range of degrees. It’s been ranked among the country’s best national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $17,471

#81—University of Mary

Bismarck, North Dakota

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
40-Year ROI: $1,017,000
Points: 4

University of Mary

Established in 1959 as Mary College, the University of Mary is a private Benedictine university located in Bismarck, North Dakota. Today, the school has a wide range of academic programs for both undergraduate and graduate students, including online and evening options. Popular areas of study include fitness studies, liberal arts and sciences, health professions, and management. UMary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award bachelor’s, master’s and professional degrees. The school has been ranked among the leading national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $17,216

#80—Holy Family University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
40-Year ROI: $1,117,000
Points: 4

Established in 1954, Holy Family University is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business administration, nursing, and education. Standout programs include those in religious studies, mathematics, neuroscience, and computer information systems. Holy Family University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award degrees at every level of postsecondary education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the nation’s top regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $15,074

#79—University of Redlands

Redlands, California

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
40-Year ROI: $1,103,000
Points: 5

The University of Redlands is a private non-profit university established in 1907. The school has an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, the majority of which are undergraduates. Bachelor’s degree offerings from the university include Environmental Studies, Economics, Accounting, and Global Business, for example. The WASC Senior College and University Commission has accredited the University of Redlands to award these academic credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 20 regional universities in the West.
Net Price: $29,226

#78—Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,294,000
Points: 5

Established in 1839, Boston University is a large private research university with an enrollment of nearly 35,000 students. The school offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, including popular options in communication, biomedical sciences, engineering, management, and social sciences. The school is particularly well-known for its engineering and business programs. BU holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this range of academic degrees. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as one of the country’s 40 best national universities.
Net Price: $29,154

#77—College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, Massachusetts

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,421,000
Points: 5

Established in 1843, College of the Holy Cross is the oldest Catholic college in New England. A private Jesuit liberal arts college, the school is home to nearly 3,000 undergraduate students. Popular majors include economics, political science, English language and literature, psychology, and history. Holy Cross is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award academic credentials at the bachelor’s level. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 30 national liberal arts colleges in the country.
Net Price: $29,050

#76—Mount St. Mary’s University

Emmitsburg, Maryland

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
40-Year ROI: $1,056,000
Points: 5

Both an affordable four-year non-profit school and a Catholic liberal arts university, Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland was founded in 1808. Today, the school enrolls nearly 2,500 students, the majority of which are undergraduates. Popular areas of study for these students include marketing, homeland security, communication, biomedical sciences, and law enforcement. The university’s undergraduate teaching programs have also been highly ranked. The Mount has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award these academic credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 45 best regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $28,548

#75—Siena College

Loudonville, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
40-Year ROI: $1,160,000
Points: 5

Founded in 1937, Siena College is a small Franciscan liberal arts college. The school enrolls just over 3,000 students per year, the majority of which are undergraduates. Popular areas of study include psychology, finance, economics, management, and accounting. Siena College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award this range of credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 20 regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $28,355

#74—Hamilton College

Clinton, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,241,000
Points: 5

Founded in 1793, Hamilton College is a small liberal arts college for undergraduates. The school enrolls just over 2,000 students and offers bachelor’s degree programs in popular areas of study such as economics, mathematics, political science, biological sciences, and international studies. It’s undergraduate teaching programs have been nationally recognized. Hamilton is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award these academic credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the country’s top 15 national liberal arts colleges.
Net Price: $27,809

#73—Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,282,000
Points: 5

Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a private research university enrolling approximately 8,500 students per year. The majority of these students are undergraduates who pursue popular majors such as marketing, journalism, biological sciences, and journalism, for instance. The school is particularly well-known for its graduate programs in law and business. Wake Forest University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award these degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the country’s 30 best national universities.
Net Price: $27,354

#72—King’s College

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
40-Year ROI: $1,025,000
Points: 5

Founded in 1946, King’s College is a liberal arts college affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The school currently enrolls roughly 2,500 students, the vast majority of which are undergraduates. Popular areas of study at the college include business administration and management, criminal justice, psychology, and health professions. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited King’s College to award this range of degrees. U.S. News & World Report has also ranked it among the top 50 regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $26,912

#71—Lafayette College

Easton, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,409,000
Points: 5

Considered a “Hidden Ivy,” Lafayette College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1826. The school enrolls just over 2,500 undergraduate students and offers over 50 different academic majors. Popular areas of study include psychology, visual and performing arts, engineering, social sciences, and biomedical sciences. Its undergraduate engineering programs have also been nationally recognized. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Lafayette College to award academic credentials at the bachelor’s level. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as one of the 40 best national liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Net Price: $26,855

#70—Barnard College

New York, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,200,000
Points: 5

Founded in 1889, Barnard College is a selective women’s liberal arts college located in Manhattan. The school enrolls over 2,500 students and offers bachelor’s degrees in over 50 different areas of study. Popular majors include social sciences, psychology, English language and literature, biological sciences, and visual and performing arts. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award academic credentials at the undergraduate level. U.S. News & World Report has recognized it as one of the top 25 national liberal arts colleges in the country.
Net Price: $26,681

#69—Saint Francis University

Loretto, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
40-Year ROI: $1,063,000
Points: 5

Founded in 1847, Saint Francis University is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The affordable non-profit school enrolls over 2,000 students per year, most of them undergraduates. Popular areas of study at the university include nursing, physical therapy, psychology, and occupational therapy. Saint Francis is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to confer these degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 25 best regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $26,597

#68—Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,227,000
Points: 5

Founded in 1837, Davidson College is a small liberal arts college associated with the Presbyterian Church. The college enrolls exclusively undergraduate students and has a population of just under 2,000. The school’s most popular majors include economics, government, English language and literature, psychology, and biological sciences. It’s undergraduate teaching programs have also been nationally ranked. Davidson has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award a wide range of bachelor’s degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 20 best national liberal arts colleges in the country.
Net Price: $26,565

#66—Haverford College

Haverford, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,217,000
Points: 5

Established in 1833, Haverford College is a private undergraduate liberal arts college. The school enrolls approximately 1,300 students. Popular majors include physical sciences, social sciences, psychology, mathematics, and biological sciences. It’s undergraduate teaching programs have also been nationally recognized. Haverford is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to confer these degrees. It’s been ranked among the top 15 national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $25,362

#65—Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,105,000
Points: 5

Established in 1861, Vassar College is a small private liberal arts college. Its student body of nearly 2,500 students is comprised entirely of undergraduates. The school offers over 50 different academic majors, including standout programs in International Studies, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Philosophy, and Women’s Studies, for example. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Vassar to award these degrees at the bachelor’s level. Its also been ranked among the top 15 national liberal arts colleges in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $25,211

#64—Bates College

Lewiston, Maine

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,202,000
Points: 5

Established in 1855, Bates College is a small private liberal arts college located in Lewiston, Maine. The school enrolls approximately 1,800 students and offers over 35 academic majors. Popular areas of study include social sciences, visual and performing arts, biological sciences, and English language and literature. Bates’ undergraduate teaching programs have also been nationally recognized. The school has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award these academic credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 25 national liberal arts colleges in the country.
Net Price: $25,113

#63—La Salle University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
40-Year ROI: $1,181,000
Points: 5

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Established in 1863, La Salle University is a private university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Today, the school enrolls nearly 4,000 undergraduate students, offering popular majors such as communication and media studies, finance, nursing, psychology, and management. The university is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 40 regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $24,473

#62—Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,196,000
Points: 5

A private liberal arts college, Franklin and Marshall College was founded in 1787. Today, the school offers over 60 academic degree programs for undergraduates, including popular options such as political science and government, biological sciences, business administration, economics, and psychology. Its undergraduate teaching programs have also been nationally recognized. F&M is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award these bachelor’s degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 40 national liberal arts colleges in the country.
Net Price: $23,007

#61—New York Institute of Technology

Old Westbury, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
40-Year ROI: $1,129,000
Points: 5

One of the newer private non-profit schools in our ranking, New York Institute of Technology was established in 1955. The school focuses on applied research and technology and is well-known for its undergraduate engineering programs. Other popular majors include architecture, management, biomedical sciences, and computer and information sciences. NYIT is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award these academic credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 50 regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $22,187

#60—Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, Florida

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
40-Year ROI: $1,017,000
Points: 5

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A member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, Jacksonville University was founded in 1934. Today, it enrolls nearly 3,000 undergraduate students and offers more than 100 different academic majors. The school’s most popular areas of study include business, health professions, social sciences, leisure and fitness studies, marketing, and visual and performing arts. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited the school to award degrees at every level of postsecondary education. It’s also been ranked among the 30 best regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $21,820

#59—Concordia University-St. Paul

St. Paul, Minnesota

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
40-Year ROI: $1,027,000
Points: 5

Founded in 1893, Concordia University-St. Paul is a private liberal arts university associated with the Lutheran Church. The school is comprehensive, offering a full range of academic programs on the undergraduate and graduate levels. Popular areas of study include kinesiology, psychology, biological sciences, business administration, and nursing. Concordia University-Saint Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award these academic credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 80 best regional universities in the Midwest.
Net Price: $18,591

#58—Thomas More University

Crestview Hills, Kentucky

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
40-Year ROI: $1,038,000
Points: 5

Founded in 1921, Thomas More University is a private Catholic liberal arts university. Today, the school offers over 40 undergraduate programs as well as several graduate offerings. Popular areas of study include nursing, biological sciences, communication, education, and business administration, for example. The school is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It’s been identified as one of the top 65 regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $18,517

#57—Saint Xavier University

Chicago, Illinois

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
40-Year ROI: $1,023,000
Points: 5

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Founded in 1846, Saint Xavier University is a private Roman Catholic school located in Chicago, Illinois. Currently, the school offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs and 25 graduate degree specialties in the arts and sciences, management, and nursing and health sciences. Popular majors include psychology, marketing, biomedical sciences, and health professions. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Saint Xavier University to award academic credentials at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the 65 best regional universities in the Midwest.
Net Price: $15,131

#56—California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, California

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
40-Year ROI: $1,092,000
Points: 6

Founded in 1959, California Lutheran University is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The school enrolls over 4,000 students per year, most of which are undergraduates. Its most popular majors include kinesiology, psychology, business administration, speech communication, and biological sciences. CLU’s undergraduate teaching programs are also highly ranked. The WASC Senior College and University Commission has accredited the university to award degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 10 regional universities in the West.
Net Price: $29,387

#55—Trinity University

San Antonio, Texas

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,140,000
Points: 6

Founded in 1869, Trinity University is a small private university located in San Antonio, Texas. The school enrolls over 2,500 students, the vast majority of which are undergraduates. The school’s most popular majors include biomedical sciences, linguistics, marketing, social sciences, and communication. Its undergraduate engineering programs have also been nationally recognized. Trinity University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award these degrees. U.S. News & World Report has named the school the #1 regional university in the West.
Net Price: $29,335

#54—Molloy College

Rockville Centre, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,253,000
Points: 6

Molloy College

Established in 1955, Molloy College is one of the younger private Catholic colleges in our ranking. The school enrolls approximately 5,000 students per year, most of them undergraduates. Popular majors include homeland security, business, psychology, education, and law enforcement. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited the school to offer degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. It’s also been ranked among the 25 best regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $29,189

#53—John Carroll University

University Heights, Ohio

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
40-Year ROI: $1,090,000
Points: 6

Established in 1886, John Carroll University is a private Jesuit university as well as an affordable four-year non-profit school. Enrolled students can choose from more than 70 different undergraduate programs, including popular majors in journalism, psychology, biomedical sciences, marketing, and social sciences. The school also offers top-ranked undergraduate teaching programs. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited John Carroll University to award these academic credentials. It’s been named the #2 best regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $28,765

#52—Washington University in St. Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
40-Year ROI: $1,448,000
Points: 6

Washington University in St. Louis

Named after our nation’s first president, Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university founded in 1853. The school’s enrollment of nearly 16,000 students is comprised of roughly an equal number of undergraduate and graduate students. Popular areas of study include business, engineering, social sciences, psychology, and biomedical sciences. It’s particularly well-known for its undergraduate teaching and engineering programs as well as its graduate offerings in law and medicine. WUSTL is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award these academic credentials. It’s been ranked among the top 20 national universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $27,931

#51—Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
40-Year ROI: $1,377,000
Points: 6

Brown University

Established in 1764, Brown University is a private Ivy League research university located in Providence, Rhode Island. The school enrolls over 10,000 students per year, the majority of which are undergraduates. Popular majors for these students include quantitative economics, biological sciences, entrepreneurial studies, engineering, and computer science. Brown’s undergraduate teaching and engineering programs are particularly well-known as are its graduate offerings in medicine and engineering. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award these academic credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the country’s top 15 national universities.
Net Price: $27,238

#50—Tufts University

Medford, Massachusetts

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,543,000
Points: 6

Founded in 1852, Tufts University is a large private research university located near downtown Boston. The school currently enrolls over 11,500 students, just under half of which are undergraduates. It’s undergraduate engineering programs have been lauded as some of the best in the nation. Other popular majors include computer and information sciences, biomedical sciences, and social sciences. The New England Commission of Higher Education has accredited Tufts to confer academic credentials at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It’s been ranked among the country’s top 30 national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $26,825

#49—Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,372,000
Points: 6

Top 10 Colleges for an Online Degree in Atlanta, GA

A large private research university, Emory University was founded in 1836. Today, it enrolls approximately 14,500 students, about half of which are undergraduates. The school offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, including those in popular areas of study like economics, biological sciences, nursing, psychology, and business administration. The school is home to nationally-ranked undergraduate programs in teaching as well as graduate programs in business, law, and medicine. Emory is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to confer these degrees. It’s been ranked among the top 25 national universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $26,804

#48—Lehigh University

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,688,000
Points: 6

Established in 1865, Lehigh University is a private research university located north of Philadelphia. Today, the school has an enrollment of just under 7,000 students, most of them undergraduates. The school’s most popular majors include marketing, accounting, finance, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering. Lehigh is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award degrees at every level of higher education. It’s been ranked among the top 50 national universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $26,782

#47—Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
40-Year ROI: $1,092,000
Points: 6

Founded in 1897, Bradley University is a mid-size private university offering a variety of academic programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. The school’s most popular areas of study include journalism, marketing, engineering, and education. Its undergraduate teaching and engineering programs have also been nationally ranked. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Bradley University to award this range of degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 5 regional universities in the Midwest.
Net Price: $26,084

#46—Trinity College

Hartford, Connecticut

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,335,000
Points: 6

Trinity College

Founded in 1823 as an alternative to Yale University, Trinity College is a private liberal arts college located in Hartford, Connecticut. Today, the school offers over 900 individual courses and more than 40 different majors. Its most popular areas of study include psychology, gender studies, biological sciences, English language and literature, and social sciences, for example. The college is also known for its exemplary undergraduate teaching and engineering programs. Trinity College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award these academic credentials. It’s been ranked among the country’s top 50 national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $24,962

#45—Westminster College

Salt Lake City, Utah

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,028,000
Points: 6

westminster-college

The sole liberal arts college in the state of Utah, Westminster College was established in 1875. Today, it enrolls nearly 2,000 undergraduate students per academic year and offers almost 60 different majors. Popular choices include psychology, visual and performing arts, marketing, biological sciences, business, and social sciences. Westminster College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to award this range of bachelor’s degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 15 regional universities in the West.
Net Price: $24,371

#44—McDaniel College

Westminster, Maryland

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
40-Year ROI: $1,021,000
Points: 6

A private liberal arts college, McDaniel College was founded in 1867 and is located in Westminster, Maryland. The school enrolls roughly the same number of undergraduate and graduate students. Popular areas of study include psychology, visual and performing arts, leisure and fitness studies, social sciences, and business. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 25 regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $24,065

#43—Le Moyne College

Syracuse, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
40-Year ROI: $1,011,000
Points: 6

A private Jesuit school, Le Moyne College was founded in 1946 by the Society of Jesus. Today, the school enrolls over 3,000 students and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Its most popular areas of study include marketing and marketing management, psychology, nursing, finance, and biological sciences. Le Moyne College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award these academic credentials. It’s been ranked among the top 15 regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $23,681

#42—Rockhurst University

Kansas City, Missouri

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
40-Year ROI: $1,047,000
Points: 6

Established in 1910, Rockhurst University is a non-profit Jesuit university located in Kansas City, Missouri. Today, the school is home to nearly 2,500 undergraduate students and offers more than 50 different academic majors. Popular options include leisure and fitness studies, biological sciences, psychology, marketing, and health professions. Rockhurst University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award these undergraduate degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 15 regional universities in the Midwest.
Net Price: $22,876

#41—Hamline University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
40-Year ROI: $1,014,000
Points: 6

hamline-university

Established in 1854, Hamline University is a private liberal arts college associated with the United Methodist Church. It’s known for its emphasis on experiential learning and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Popular areas of study include English language and literature, psychology, business, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. Hamline University holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as some professional degrees. It’s been ranked among the 20 best regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $22,079

#40—Wesleyan University

Middletown, Connecticut

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,088,000
Points: 6

Founded in 1831, Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college located in Middletown, Connecticut. The school focuses on undergraduate education, offering majors in popular areas of study such as psychology, ethnic and cultural studies, social sciences, biological sciences, and visual and performing arts. Wesleyan is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award these bachelor’s degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the 20 best national liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Net Price: $21,236

#39—Colby College

Waterville, Maine

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
40-Year ROI: $1,219,000
Points: 6

colby-college

Established in 1813, Colby College is a private liberal arts college located in Waterville, Maine. The college offers over 50 different undergraduate majors, including popular options such as natural resources and conservation, psychology, biological sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. The school’s undergraduate teaching programs have been nationally recognized as well. Colby College holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education to award bachelor’s degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 15 best national liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
Net Price: $20,689

#38—Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion

Marion, Indiana

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
40-Year ROI: $1,031,000
Points: 6

where to go to college

The largest private university in the state of Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion was founded in 1920. The school currently enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate students per year and offers over 80 different academic majors. Popular areas of study include theology and religion, biological sciences, health professions, education, and business. IWU is accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 25 best regional universities in the Midwest.
Net Price: $20,342

#37—University of St. Thomas

Houston, Texas

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
40-Year ROI: $1,039,000
Points: 6

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Minneapolis, Minnesota
 

Founded in 1947, the University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic university located in Houston, Texas. The school enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students per year and offers bachelor’s degrees in over 35 different subjects. Popular majors include liberal arts and sciences, health professions, social sciences, and marketing, for instance. Over 20 different graduate degree programs are also available. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to confer degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 20 regional universities in the West.
Net Price: $20,294

#36—Ursuline College

Pepper Pike, Ohio

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,011,000
Points: 6

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Cleveland, Ohio

Founded in 1871, Ursuline College is a private liberal arts college associated with the Roman Catholic Church. With a student body of just over a thousand students, the college features intimate classroom environments. Popular majors include visual and performing arts, health professions, business, psychology, and biomedical sciences, for instance. Ursuline College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award both undergraduate and graduate degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 50 regional universities in the Midwest.
Net Price: $17,054

#35—Fairleigh Dickinson University- Metropolitan

Teaneck, New Jersey

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
40-Year ROI: $1,014,000
Points: 6

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan is a private university serving approximately 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students near New York City. The school offers more than 100 different degree options in academic disciplines such as business, social sciences, health studies, and physical sciences. The school’s most popular majors include psychology, biomedical sciences, management, general studies, and visual and performing arts. Farleigh Dickinson University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It’s been ranked among the 60 best regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $13,974

#34—Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,607,000
Points: 7

Founded in 1865, Cornell University is a comprehensive Ivy League research university. The school offers 80 different undergraduate majors and over 100 graduate specialties. The school’s most popular areas of study include agriculture, marketing, biological sciences, engineering, and computer and information sciences. Cornell’s business and undergraduate engineering programs have been nationally recognized. The school holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to confer degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the country’s top 20 national universities.
Net Price: $28,890

#33—Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

New York, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
40-Year ROI: $1,378,000
Points: 7

Founded in 1859, Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is a private non-profit school located in the East Village area of New York. The school enrolls less than 1,000 undergraduate students per year and offers academic majors in architecture, engineering, and fine arts. It’s undergraduate engineering programs have been nationally recognized. Cooper Union is accredited by both the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as well as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as the #1 regional college in the North.
Net Price: $28,579

#32—Georgetown University

Washington, D.C.

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
40-Year ROI: $1,950,000
Points: 7

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near Arlington, Virginia

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is a private research university located in the nation’s capital. Today, the school enrolls approximately nearly 20,000 students per year and offers a wide variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Popular majors include linguistics, management, biological sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. The school is particularly well-known for its undergraduate teaching programs. Georgetown University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to confer these degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 25 national universities in the country.
Net Price: $28,509

#31—Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
40-Year ROI: $1,455,000
Points: 7

Established in 1851, Northwestern University is a large private research university known for being highly selective. The school enrolls over 20,000 students annually and offers an array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Popular areas of study include quantitative economics, psychology, journalism, political science, and biological sciences. The school’s undergraduate engineering programs have also been nationally recognized. NU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this range of academic credentials. It’s also been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top ten national universities in the country.
Net Price: $27,540

#30—California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 3:1
40-Year ROI: $1,810,000
Points: 7

california institute of technology cs degree

California Institute of Technology is a world-renowned hub for the study of science and engineering. Founded in 1891, the school offers first-rate undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. It’s particularly well-known for its undergraduate teaching and engineering programs. Other popular majors include mathematics and statistics, physical sciences, biomedical sciences, and computer and information sciences. Caltech is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 15 national universities in the United States.
Net Price: $26,361

#29—University of Richmond

University of Richmond, Virginia

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,317,000
Points: 7

university-of-richmond

Founded in 1830, the University of Richmond is a private liberal arts university located near downtown Richmond, Virginia. The school offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and features an impressively low student-to-faculty ratio. Some of the school’s most popular areas of study include biomedical sciences, marketing, social sciences, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies. U of R is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this range of academic credentials. It’s also been ranked among the top 25 national liberal arts colleges in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $24,634

#28—Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
40-Year ROI: $1,462,000
Points: 7

Established in 1873, Vanderbilt University is a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Today, the school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to confer academic degrees at every level of postsecondary education. Popular areas of study include computer science, mathematics, economics, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. VU has been ranked among the top 15 national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $23,596

#27—Rice University

Houston, Texas

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
40-Year ROI: $1,393,000
Points: 7

Rice University is a comprehensive private research university emphasizing undergraduate education. The school offers over 50 different academic majors, including popular options in kinesiology, computer and information sciences, economics, and chemical and mechanical engineering, for instance. Rice University holds institutional accreditation to award these degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It’s been ranked among the top 20 national universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $23,202

#26—Middlebury College

Middlebury, Vermont

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,188,000
Points: 7

Established in 1800, Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college located in Middlebury, Vermont. The school is dedicated to providing students with a solid liberal arts education with an emphasis on writing. Popular majors include psychology, government, computer science, psychology, and general studies. Middlebury College holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 10 national liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Net Price: $23,136

#25—Colgate University

Hamilton, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
40-Year ROI: $1,322,000
Points: 7

Established in 1819, Colgate University is a small private liberal arts college located in Hamilton, New York. The school offers nearly 60 different majors, including popular options such as English language and literature, psychology, political science, and economics, for instance. Its undergraduate teaching programs are particularly well-known for their excellence. The university is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It’s been ranked among the country’s 20 best national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $23,058

#24—Pacific Union College

Angwin, California

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
40-Year ROI: $1,064,000
Points: 7

Founded in 1882, Pacific Union College is a private liberal arts college located in the Napa Valley. The school focuses on providing its approximately 1,000 undergraduate students with a robust liberal arts education. Its most popular majors include health and wellness, emergency medical technology, biological sciences, nursing, and business. PUC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges to confer degrees at the bachelor’s level. It’s been ranked among the top 10 regional colleges in the West by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $23,005

#23—Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
40-Year ROI: $1,014,000
Points: 7

Established in 1932, Lewis University is a private Lasallian university located just southwest of Chicago. Today, the school serves approximately 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students with over 100 different academic majors and specialties. Popular areas of study include criminal justice and safety studies, psychology, business administration and management, computer science, and nursing. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Lewis University to award academic degrees at every postsecondary level. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 20 regional universities in the Midwest.
Net Price: $18,899

#22—Xavier University of Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
40-Year ROI: $1,031,000
Points: 7

Founded in 1925, Xavier University of Louisiana is the only historically black Catholic university in the country. As a liberal arts college, the school offers numerous undergraduate degree programs in areas of study like fine arts, social behavior sciences, mathematical and physical sciences, humanities, and business, for example. Popular majors include marketing, biomedical sciences, psychology, and physical sciences. Xavier University of LA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has recognized it as one of the top 20 regional universities in the South.
Net Price: $18,227

#21—Brigham Young University-Provo

Provo, Utah

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
40-Year ROI: $1,275,000
Points: 7

Known as one of the more selective private research universities in the United States, Brigham Young University-Provo was established in 1875. Today, the school offers undergraduate degree programs in approximately 180 areas of study as well as about 90 graduate degree options. Popular areas of study include engineering, education, marketing, and biomedical sciences. BYU-Provo holds institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 80 national universities in the country.
Net Price: $13,120

#20—Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
40-Year ROI: $1,508,000
Points: 8

johns-hopkins-university

Established in 1876, Johns Hopkins University is a private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland. The school was a founding member of the American Association of Universities and is known for its excellent medical programs. Other popular areas of study include public health, computer and information sciences, molecular biology, and biomedical engineering, for instance. Johns Hopkins holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It’s been ranked among the country’s top 10 national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $27,868

#19—Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, California

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,516,000
Points: 8

A private liberal arts college, Claremont McKenna College was founded in 1946 as a men’s college but has since expanded to be coeducational. The school has a small student enrollment of just over 1,300 students, the vast majority of which are undergraduates. Popular majors include econometrics, political science, experimental psychology, and international relations. CMC’s undergraduate teaching programs have also been nationally recognized. The WASC Senior College and University Commission has accredited the school to offer degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, and U.S. News & World Report has named it a top ten national university.
Net Price: $26,512

#18—University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
40-Year ROI: $1,832,000
Points: 8

pennsylvania-state-university

The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university founded in 1740. Today, the school enrolls over 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students, offering a wide range of bachelor’s master’s and even doctoral and professional programs. Popular areas of study include social sciences, biomedical sciences, engineering, marketing, and health professions, for instance. Its undergraduate business, teaching, and engineering programs have been nationally recognized. UPenn has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award these academic credentials. U.S. News & World Report has identified it as a top ten national university.
Net Price: $26,266

#17—Bowdoin College

Brunswick, Maine

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
40-Year ROI: $1,350,000
Points: 8

Bowdoin College

Established in 1794, Bowdoin College is a comprehensive private liberal arts college. The school offers over 30 different undergraduate majors, including popular options in government and economics, biology, history, and mathematics, for instance. The school holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education to award academic degrees at the bachelor’s level. U.S. News & World Report has named it among the top 10 national liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Net Price: $24,831

#16—Ohio Northern University

Ada, Ohio

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
40-Year ROI: $1,326,000
Points: 8

Founded in 1871, Ohio Northern University is a private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school is known for a full range of undergraduate degree programs, including top-ranked offerings in engineering. Other popular majors include forensic biology, criminal justice, nursing, accounting, and computer science, for example. ONU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this range of academic degrees. U.S. News & World Report has identified it as one of the 5 best regional colleges in the Midwest.
Net Price: $23,567

#15—Dartmouth College

Hanover, New Hampshire

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
40-Year ROI: $1,561,000
Points: 8

One of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States, Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research university founded in 1769. Dartmouth is committed to providing its undergraduate students with a solid liberal arts education and offers nearly 60 different majors. Popular areas of study include biomedical sciences, engineering, computer and information sciences, and social sciences, for example. The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. U.S. News & World Report has named it one of the 15 best national universities in the country.
Net Price: $23,394

#14—Wellesley College

Wellesley, Massachusetts

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,258,000
Points: 8

Founded in 1870, Wellesley is a private women’s liberal arts college. The school emphasizes an interdisciplinary liberal arts education and offers over 50 different academic majors. Some of its popular options include computer and information sciences, linguistics, biological sciences, psychology, and social sciences, for instance. The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this range of academic credentials at the bachelor’s level. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 5 national liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Net Price: $20,826

#13—Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,170,000
Points: 8

Established in 1864, Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts college located just southwest of Philadelphia. The school emphasizes individualized instruction and offers over 40 different undergraduate plans of study. Some of its most popular majors include social sciences, mathematics, engineering, biomedical sciences, and computer and information sciences. Swarthmore is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the five best national liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Net Price: $19,446

#12—Williams College

Williamstown, Massachusetts

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
40-Year ROI: $1,215,000
Points: 8

Ranked the best national liberal arts college in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Williams College was founded in 1793. Today, the school offers nearly 40 different undergraduate majors across 25 distinct academic departments. Popular areas of study include mathematics, political science, economics, history, and biological sciences, for instance. The school holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this range of academic credentials.
Net Price: $18,979

#11—Pomona College

Claremont, California

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
40-Year ROI: $1,231,000
Points: 8

One of the nation’s leading private liberal arts colleges, Pomona College was established in 1887 and is located just east of Los Angeles. Currently, the school offers almost 50 different academic majors, including popular options in mathematics and statistics, physical sciences, computer and information sciences, and multidisciplinary studies, for example. Pomona College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission to award bachelor’s credentials. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the 5 best national liberal arts colleges in the country.
Net Price: $16,988

#10—Milwaukee School of Engineering

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
40-Year ROI: $1,520,000
Points: 9

A small private school known for its undergraduate engineering programs, the Milwaukee School of Engineering was founded in 1903. In addition to bachelor’s degrees in various engineering fields, the school also offers majors in business, math, and nursing as well as eleven different graduate programs. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited MSOE to award academic credentials at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 10 regional universities in the Midwest.
Net Price: $24,337

#9—Washington & Lee University

Lexington, Virginia

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
40-Year ROI: $1,578,000
Points: 9

washington-and-lee-university

Established in 1749, Washington & Lee University is one of the oldest institutes of higher learning in the country. A private liberal arts university, the school offers approximately 40 different undergraduate majors. Popular areas of study include business administrations, accounting, political science, and mathematics, for instance. Washington and Lee is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees at the bachelor’s level. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 10 national liberal arts colleges in the nation.
Net Price: $21,918

#8—Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, New York

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
40-Year ROI: $1,769,000
Points: 9

A private Ivy League research university, Columbia University in the City of New York was founded in 1754, making it the oldest postsecondary school in the state of New York. It also carries the distinction as being one of the most selective universities in the country. The school is known for its excellent undergraduate engineering and teaching programs. Other popular majors include social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, psychology, and computer and information sciences. Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award a range of academic credentials. It’s been ranked among the 5 best national universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $21,220

#7—Amherst College

Amherst, Massachusetts

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
40-Year ROI: $1,343,000
Points: 9

A small private liberal arts institution, Amherst College was founded in 1821. Today, the school offers 40 distinct undergraduate majors, including popular options in research and experimental psychology, quantitative economics, English language and literature, and political science and government, for instance. The New England Commission of Higher Education has accredited Amherst College to award bachelor’s degrees in a range of academic disciplines. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the 5 best national liberal arts colleges in the country.
Net Price: $19,275

#6—Duke University

Durham, North Carolina

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
40-Year ROI: $1,754,000
Points: 10

Established in 1838, Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. Known for its exceptional academic programs in the social sciences as well as clinical medicine, the school also boasts standout programs in econometrics, public policy, psychology, and computer science. Duke University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school is ranked among the country’s top 10 national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $19,785

#5—Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
40-Year ROI: $1,777,000
Points: 10

Founded in 1701, Yale University is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. Today, this Ivy League research university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees from over 100 different academic departments and disciplines. Popular majors include history, mathematics, biological sciences, and engineering, for example. Yale University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this range of academic credentials. U.S. News & World Report has awarded the school its #3 spot for top national universities.
Net Price: $18,748

#4—Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
40-Year ROI: $1,967,000
Points: 10

harvard-university

An Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is the oldest postsecondary school in the country. Today, it offers a full range of academic degree programs on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Popular areas of study include history, physical sciences, biological sciences, and mathematics, for example. The New England Commission of Higher Education has accredited Harvard to award these academic degrees. The school has been awarded the #2 ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s list of top national universities.
Net Price: $17,590

#3—Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
40-Year ROI: $1,642,000
Points: 10

A selective private research university, Princeton features small class sizes and rigorous academics for top-tier students. Established in 1746, the school presently offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 36 distinct academic departments. Popular areas of study include computer and information sciences, public administration, biomedical sciences, engineering, and social sciences. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, the school is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It’s been named the #1 national university in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $16,192

#2—Stanford University

Stanford, California

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
40-Year ROI: $2,068,000
Points: 11

A highly selective private institution founded in 1885, Stanford University is located in California’s Bay Area. The school offers over 65 undergraduate majors as well as more than 90 graduate specialties. Its most popular areas of study include social sciences, interdisciplinary studies, computer and information sciences, and physical sciences, for instance. Stanford University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission to award academic credentials. It’s been ranked among the top 10 national universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $17,271

#1—Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 3:1
40-Year ROI: $2,273,000
Points: 12

Established in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school offers a wide range of different degree programs across five distinct schools and one college. These offerings include popular options in biomedical sciences, engineering, mathematics and statistics, and computer and information sciences, for instance. MIT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 5 national universities in the country.
Net Price: $18,971

Frequently-Asked Questions About Private Non-Profit Colleges and Universities

If you’re thinking of attending a private college or university, then you probably have some questions. Below, we’ll address some of the most common inquiries we receive about these types of postsecondary institutions. Keep in mind that the information provided here is general in nature and is not specific to any particular college or university.

Q: What is a “non-profit” college or university?

A: A “non-profit” school is disinterested in making money off of your education. Instead, they are invested in providing high-quality instruction and making contributions to scholarly research in a variety of academic disciplines.

Q: What is the difference between a public and private college/university?

A: The primary difference between public and private schools lies in the schools’ sponsorship. Public schools are sponsored by state governments for the most part. On the other hand, private schools are funded solely by tuition costs and donations.

Q: Are private schools more costly than public schools?

A: Generally, yes, though there are exceptions. Moreover, some private colleges and universities are more affordable than others. In addition, private school expenses can be offset by financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans.

Q: What are the advantages of attending a private college or university?

A: Each school is different. However, some of the potential benefits of attending a private school include smaller class sizes and more individualized learning experiences.

Q: Do private colleges and universities offer online programs?

A: Some of them do, yes. Many private non-profit schools offer part-time, evening, and/or online options for students in need of flexible scheduling.

Q: What kind of degree can I earn from a private college or university?

A: It depends on which school you attend. Some private colleges offer only bachelor’s degrees while other private universities offer master’s and even doctoral programs as well.

Q: Are all private schools affiliated with a religious organization?

A: No. Many are nonsectarian, meaning they have no religious affiliation.

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