According to US News and World Report’s rankings of America’s Best Colleges, the top five list of undergraduate programs breaks down as follows (online program availability varies):
1. Harvard University
1. Princeton University
3. Yale University
4. University of Pennsylvania
5. Duke University –> Duke Online MBA
5. Stanford University –> Stanford online graduate courses and degrees
The top four undergraduate schools hail from the Ivy League. Harvard and Princeton are tied for first. Duke and Stanford both occupy slot number five.
Harvard University is a world renowned center for higher education. Its admission requirements are strict, and competition for enrollment is highly competitive. If you do get in though, you are virtually guaranteed a premium and diverse college experience. Harvard has a wide selection of liberal arts majors, and over 3500 different courses to explore.
Princeton University refuses to be ranked second. Located in New Jersey, Princeton has a rich tradition of challenging coursework and rewarding research opportunities. The faculty members are among the most respected members of their individual fields. If you want to focus on your own independent research, Princeton offers plenty of individual study options with faculty advising and encouragement.
Yale University is a highly respected place to get your undergraduate degree. Yale has plenty of funding opportunities and a supportive residential college housing system. You can take virtually any major, and you will have tenured professors teaching you your undergraduate coursework.
The University of Pennsylvania is a great institution for interdisciplinary studies. The university has many joint-degree programs, interdisciplinary majors and institutions. The Institute for Medicine and Engineering is major intersection of innovative thinking and original research. The Management and Technology program combines economic study with degree programs in engineering or applied science. If you are looking to combine disciplines, Pennsylvania has plenty to offer.
Duke University has excellent programs in law, business and medicine, and it’s undergoing massive construction and expansion efforts. Duke is a fine institution. Admission is very competitive. Duke has some of the lowest acceptance rates around, but if you get in you’ll have a very worthwhile experience.
Stanford University is beautiful school tucked away in Palo Alto, California. It has excellent degree programs all across the board. The creative writing, history, government, psychology and communications programs are first rate, as are the medical and sciences courses. Stanford is the throbbing heart of the Silicon Valley revolution, so there are plenty of opportunities to learn about new technologies and their every day applications.
If you are looking to get into the best programs in the country, make sure you have what it takes to excel in these highly competitive environments. If you take your high school experience seriously, there’s no reason why you can’t get into any school in the country. When you make your final decision, make sure it’s based on personal preference and not popular rankings.
About the Author: Take a look at more industry related articles by Chris Stout at careersandeducation.com. Chris Stout is a frequent contributor with articles pertaining to using Distance Learning and Career Advice.
Top Online College Degree Programs
Kaplan University -
Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Considered a top online college, Kaplan University offers students affordable and convenient online classes. Kaplan University is an accredited university that provides students the education to become successful professionals upon graduation.
Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University offers degrees in high growth technology based careers with convenient scheduling offered for its various degree plans. Everest University offers campus and online classes for students looking for a school that offers excellence in education.
Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. At Saint Leo University, students have the opportunity to achieve their lifelong and educational goals. The university provides students with academic and industry professionals who are highly educated in their field of expertise and are willing to share that knowledge with the students at Saint Leo.
American InterContinental University -
Associate's , Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. With campuses located around the world, American InterContinental University has been educating students for over 35 years. AIU offers flexible and interactive programs that assist the students in graduating at their own pace.
University of Phoenix-
Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Degrees. Students looking for careers in health & human services, business, and technology will want to attend University of Phoenix for its degree plans in high growth careers. Phoenix is an accredited university that allows students to earn a degree entirely from home.
Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctorate Degrees. Liberty University offers undergraduate and graduate level education at affordable prices. Assisting students with diverse learning styles, Liberty offers unmatched quality degree programs.
Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University provides working adults an excellent place to pursue a secondary or uncompleted degree. Affordable and flexible programs are available to all students looking to obtain a degree from a well known accredited university.
Walden University - Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctorate Degrees. Walden University is dedicated in ensuring students receive the education they need to advance in their careers. Their programs are convenient and effective, providing working students with the flexibility they need.
Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. By designing their programs to meet the changing needs of today's world, Colorado Technical University prepares students for a career in the most competitive industries. Additionally, they offer accelerated and flexible programs to allow students to enter the professional world sooner than traditional programs.
Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Virginia College prepares students for their professional lives by providing them with the appropriate skills and knowledge for their area of concentration. The college's career-oriented programs will prepare students for the real-world in no time.
DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. DeVry University has a tradition of providing academic excellence, affordable pricing, and a well respected faculty. DeVry University gives each student personalized attention so that they have the best opportunity to succeed.
Post University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Post University is a premiere destination for students in obtaining their college degree online. Post University offers a dynamic curriculum to every student and are taught by the very best professors in their field of study.
Florida Tech University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Ranked among America's best universities, Florida Tech University offers a dynamic e-learning experience that will give students the opportunity to pursue a quality degree on their own time. Students from Florida Tech will continue to carry the pursuit of excellence even after they graduate.
