The Top 25 Smartest Colleges and Universities in The United States
These 25 universities are the best of the best when it comes to higher education. On this year's list, you'll find a strong mix of colleges. From the hallowed institutions that rank perennially on these lists to the more modern universities proving they can excel, the students from these universities have shown that they are a cut above the rest.
5. Columbia University
Founded in 1754, Columbia is older than America itself. The New York City school rounds out the top five best schools in the country. The extremely selective school takes just 6% of its applicants, but those who get in are treated to some of the highest quality education the world has to offer. Columbia's schools of law, business, medicine, and journalism are consistently lauded as the world's best. 
4. Yale University
Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut is yet another Ivy League appearance on this list. Spoiler alert, it won't be the last. An institution since 1701, five presidents have been among the notable alumni that have called Yale home. That list for the world-renowned law school also includes an impressive 19 Supreme Court Justices. 
3. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago has consistently been proving itself as one of the best universities in the country, contending with the likes of Ivy Leagues and shaking up the rankings. 89 Nobel laureates, 49 Rhodes Scholars and 9 Fields Medalists have called the University of Chicago home. With an 8% acceptance rate, getting accepted into the school alone is an achievement, but graduating through the rigorous programs is truly a feat to be proud of. 
2. Harvard University
Perhaps the most prestigious and renowned university in the United States, Harvard comes in second on this year's list. Harvard's list of notable alumni and achievements is seemingly endless, but they include a staggering 335 Rhodes Scholars, 8 U.S. presidents, 150 Nobel Laureates, and 62 living billionaires. Hard to compete with that. 
1. Princeton University
Home to U.S. presidents, accomplished businessmen, and more recently, Michelle Obama, Princeton has been providing the best education money can buy since 1746. The Ivy League school is located in the quiet town of Princeton, New Jersey. Around 5,000 undergraduates attend the top school in the country, where they can expect to walk away with a degree and an average starting salary of over $66,000. Rankings based on US News 2018 rankings of national universities. |
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