Holding the No. 6 spot on US News and World Report’s list of national universities, Stanford University ranks ahead of several of the Ivies. It is unofficially referred to as the Ivy of the West.
MIT ties with Columbia for the No. 3 spot on the list of national universities, ranking just behind Princeton and Harvard. MIT students enjoy access to the Independent Activities Program, a monthlong January term.
With 53 majors and 52 minors, Duke University students have plenty of options when it comes to crafting an education. Duke offers 18 students the opportunity to participate in the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program.
University of Chicago is perhaps best known among students for having the quirkiest supplemental essay prompts. It also offers over 50 different majors, including a nationally recognized program in economics.
Students who are passionate about a career in science would be remiss in not considering Caltech University. While Caltech is known for its academics, it also offers plenty of extracurricular programs and student clubs.
Another university in Illinois, Northwestern University holds the No. 9 spot on the list of best national universities It's well-known alumni include Pulitzer Prize winner Lisa Gartner and author George R. R. Martin.
Located in the heart of Houston, Rice University boasts a unique student experience for its undergraduates. The school’s most notable attribute is its residential college system as well.
Although lesser known as a liberal arts college, Williams College is one of the best non-Ivy colleges in the nation, with majors ranging from economics to political science, government, and history.