Private Colleges with the Best Return on Investment
When most people think private college, the dollar signs start filling their heads. However, just because a college or university is private does not mean it can’t be an excellent higher education value. A private college that opens doors to a notable graduate school or to a renowned company may, in fact, provide a greater return for one’s education dollar. We’re here to make that research easier.
What follows is the undergraduate private colleges with the best ROI. As with the public colleges, the emphasis for return on investment is for student/family yearly incomes of $48,000 or less. Colleges listed here are private, nonprofit, and grant bachelor’s degrees.
Accredited Online Colleges
Accredited Private Colleges with the Best Return on Investment
Stanford University
- Stanford, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Stanford University offers programs designed with busy students in mind. Located in California, the private institution provides on-campus and online programs. At the school, 5% of programs offer online enrollment options.
The college also has 89 master's degrees, with 11 master's programs available online. In both modalities, enrollees take rigorous classes and benefit from a supportive learning community. Faculty mentors and academic advisors work with degree-seekers to create an individualized course of study. Learners benefit from institutional resources such as career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Bachelor's degree-seekers have a 94% graduation rate.
Prospective students can reach out to the financial aid office to learn about their eligibility for funding. According to the most recent data, learners with financial aid make up 70% of the student body.
5%
$52,857
99%
$52,857
- Acceptance Rate
- 4%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,249
- Institution Type
- Private
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology prioritizes flexibility in its degree-granting programs. Located in Cambridge, the private institution offers both in-person and online degree programs.
Enrollees benefit from several learning formats that fit their schedule and needs. Degree-seekers can work with faculty members and their academic advisor to customize their degree path to suit their personal and professional goals. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers strong career planning resources, including career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. The undergraduate programs report a 95% graduation rate.
Prospective students can contact the financial aid office to learn more about funding opportunities. According to the most recent data, 74% of learners receive financial aid.
0%
$53,450
99%
$53,450
- Acceptance Rate
- 7%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,520
- Institution Type
- Private
Princeton University
- Princeton, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Princeton University stands out for its commitment to higher education. Learners enrolled at the private institution take classes on campus and online.
Enrollees benefit from multiple learning formats designed for diverse schedules. Degree-seekers work closely with faculty mentors to design an individualized course of study based on their transfer credits, interests, and career goals. Learners can access top-notch institutional resources during their time at Princeton University, including career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Undergraduate degree-seekers have a 98% graduation rate at the school.
The financial aid office connects prospective students with internal and external funding opportunities. Today, 63% of the student body receives financial aid.
N/A
$51,870
98%
$51,870
- Acceptance Rate
- 6%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,419
- Institution Type
- Private
Harvard University
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Harvard University offers a flexible route to a college degree. The private institution enrolls learners online and on its Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus.
Enrollees can choose the format that matches their learning style and schedule. Degree-seekers individualize their course of study by selecting electives and minors based on their interests and career goals. Learners hone their skills for the job market with resources like career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. The undergraduate programs report a 97% graduation rate.
Prospective students work with the financial aid office to create a package of aid to cover degree costs. Of the total student body, 73% of learners receive a financial aid award.
18%
$47,730
97%
$47,730
- Acceptance Rate
- 5%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,655
- Institution Type
- Private
Brigham Young University
- Provo, UT
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
The flexible programs at Brigham Young University offer a variety of options for degree-seekers. Learners enrolled at the private institution participate in online and on-campus classes offered at the main campus in Provo.
Enrollees can choose the format that matches their learning style and schedule. The programs provide customization options such as electives and concentrations so degree-seekers can meet their personal and professional goals. Brigham Young University offers strong career planning resources, including career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Undergraduate degree-seekers can expect a 78% graduation rate.
Prospective students can contact the financial aid office to learn more about funding opportunities. Of the student body, 71% of learners receive financial aid.
12%
$5,790
90%
$5,790
- Acceptance Rate
- 67%
- Students Enrolled
- 34,318
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The University of Pennsylvania ranks among the top online colleges. The private institution enrolls learners on its Philadelphia campus and in online programs. The school offers 2% of its programs to distance learners.
Undergraduates select from 93 majors, with one major offering online enrollment. At the graduate level, the college has 141 master's programs, which include three online options. Enrollees can choose the learning format that best fits their needs and schedule. Degree-seekers work closely with academic advisors to select classes that meet graduation requirements and match the student's professional goals. The University of Pennsylvania offers career services like job fairs and workshops to help learners reach their professional goals. The school reports a 96% graduation rate for its undergraduate programs.
The financial aid office connects prospective students with internal and external funding opportunities. Of the student body, 59% of enrollees receive financial aid.
6%
$51,156
98%
$51,156
- Acceptance Rate
- 8%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,675
- Institution Type
- Private
Rice University
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Rice University offers a flexible route to a college degree. The private institution provides both on-campus and online programs from its Houston campus. Currently, 1% of programs offer online learning formats.
At the graduate level, the college delivers 53 master's programs, including an online master's program. Both modalities offer rigorous academics and supportive learning environments. Degree-seekers can work with faculty members and their academic advisor to customize their degree path to suit their personal and professional goals. Learners make progress toward their professional future thanks to career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. As a leader in education, the college reports a 93% graduation rate.
The financial aid office helps prospective students identify funding opportunities to cover degree costs. The school reports that 69% of the student body receives financial aid.
5%
$48,330
98%
$48,330
- Acceptance Rate
- 9%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,282
- Institution Type
- Private
Brigham Young University-Idaho
- Rexburg, ID
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Brigham Young University-Idaho stands out for its commitment to higher education. Learners attending the private institution enroll in fully online programs and in-person programs offered in Rexburg. Currently, 18% of programs provide online learning formats.
Undergraduates choose from 80 bachelor's programs, with the option to earn an online degree in 12 fields. Both modalities offer rigorous but supportive learning environments. The programs provide customization options such as electives and concentrations so degree-seekers can meet their personal and professional goals. Career resources include workshops, resume feedback, mock have, and job fairs. Bachelor's degree-seekers hold a 60% graduation rate.
Prospective students may be eligible for internal and external funding opportunities to pay for their degree. Today, 61% of learners at the institution receive financial aid.
70%
$4,208
70%
$4,208
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 39,145
- Institution Type
- Private
Yale University
- New Haven, CT
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Yale University appeals to students with a variety of needs. From its main campus in New Haven, Connecticut, the private institution provides in-person and online programs.
Both modalities offer rigorous but supportive learning environments. Degree-seekers can work with faculty members and their academic advisor to customize their degree path to suit their personal and professional goals. Learners can access top-notch institutional resources during their time at Yale University, including career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. At the school, the graduation rate is 97%.
Prospective students work with financial aid advisors to identify scholarship and grant opportunities. Currently, 64% of enrollees use financial aid to pay for school.
0%
$55,500
99%
$55,500
- Acceptance Rate
- 6%
- Students Enrolled
- 13,609
- Institution Type
- Private
Brown University
- Providence, RI
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Brown University stands out for its exceptional programs. From its Providence, Rhode Island, campus, the private institution provides on-campus and online enrollment options.
Enrollees in both modalities benefit from rigorous study and supportive learning communities. Faculty mentors and academic advisors help degree-seekers customize the course of study based on their interests and goals. Brown University helps learners reach their career goals with institutional resources such as career workshops and job fairs. The school reports a graduation rate of 96% for its undergraduate programs.
Prospective students can contact the financial aid office to learn more about funding opportunities. According to the most recent data, 56% receive financial aid.
N/A
$57,112
98%
$57,112
- Acceptance Rate
- 7%
- Students Enrolled
- 10,333
- Institution Type
- Private
Dartmouth College
- Hanover, NH
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Dartmouth College offers flexible options for a variety of degree-seekers. From its main campus in Hanover, New Hampshire, the private institution provides in-person and online programs.
Both modalities provide rigorous academics and supportive learning communities. Degree-seekers work closely with faculty mentors to customize their program based on unique interests and career goals. Dartmouth College offers career services like job fairs and workshops to help learners reach their professional goals. Undergraduate degree-seekers have a 95% graduation rate at the school.
Prospective students benefit from the financial aid office, which provides guidance on funding opportunities. Currently, 62% of enrollees use financial aid to pay for school.
2%
$55,605
98%
$55,605
- Acceptance Rate
- 8%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,606
- Institution Type
- Private
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Vanderbilt University ranks among the top online colleges. The private institution provides both on-campus and online programs from its Nashville campus. Of the school's total programs, 1% provide an online learning option.
At the graduate level, the school offers 104 master's programs. Enrollees can choose the learning format that best fits their needs and schedule. Degree-seekers work closely with academic advisors to choose classes that meet graduation requirements and match the student's professional goals. Vanderbilt University helps learners reach their career goals with institutional resources such as career workshops and job fairs. The school reports a 93% graduation rate for its undergraduate programs.
Prospective students work with the financial aid office to identify funding opportunities to cover degree costs. Currently, 68% of enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
8%
$50,800
97%
$50,800
- Acceptance Rate
- 9%
- Students Enrolled
- 13,131
- Institution Type
- Private
Washington and Lee University
- Lexington, VA
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Washington and Lee University offers programs designed with busy students in mind. The private institution enrolls learners online and on its Lexington, Virginia, campus.
In both modalities, enrollees participate in rigorous but supportive learning environments. Degree-seekers work closely with faculty mentors to design an individualized course of study based on their transfer credits, interests, and career goals. Washington and Lee University helps learners reach their career goals with institutional resources such as career workshops and job fairs. Undergraduate degree-seekers hold a 94% graduation rate at the school.
Prospective students may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. According to the most recent data, 66% of learners receive financial aid.
N/A
$53,730
98%
$53,730
- Acceptance Rate
- 19%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,264
- Institution Type
- Private
Cornell University
- Ithaca, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The flexible programs at Cornell University offer a variety of options for degree-seekers. The private institution enrolls learners on its Ithaca campus and online.
At the graduate level, the college has 119 master's programs, which include one online option. Enrollees can choose the format that matches their learning style and schedule. Degree-seekers work closely with faculty mentors to design an individualized course of study based on their transfer credits, interests, and career goals. Cornell University offers strong career planning resources, including career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. The undergraduate graduation rate is currently 95%.
Prospective students connect with the financial aid office to learn more about internal and external funding opportunities. Out of the total student body, 62% of learners receive a financial aid award.
4%
$56,550
97%
$56,550
- Acceptance Rate
- 11%
- Students Enrolled
- 24,027
- Institution Type
- Private
Duke University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Duke University prioritizes flexibility in its degree-granting programs. From its main campus in Durham, North Carolina, the private institution provides in-person and online programs. At the school, 1% of programs offer an online enrollment option.
At the graduate level, the college has 92 master's degrees, including two online programs. Both modalities prioritize academic rigor while providing a supportive learning community. Degree-seekers customize their program based on their personal or professional goals by coordinating with faculty mentors and academic advisors. Learners hone their skills for the job market through resources like career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. As a leader in education, the college reports a 95% graduation rate.
Prospective students work with the financial aid office to identify funding opportunities to cover degree costs. Today, 63% of learners at the institution receive financial aid.
6%
$55,880
98%
$55,880
- Acceptance Rate
- 8%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,686
- Institution Type
- Private
Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Columbia University in the City of New York offers a flexible route to a college degree. From its main campus, the private institution provides in-person and online programs. Currently, 3% of programs enroll online learners.
The college also has 140 master's degrees, including 12 online options. Both modalities prioritize academic rigor while providing a supportive learning community. The programs offer a great deal of flexibility for degree-seekers to customize their course of study based on career goals. Career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs help learners reach their professional goals. The school's undergraduate programs report a graduation rate of 95%.
Prospective students may be eligible for internal and external funding opportunities to pay for their degree. According to the most recent data, learners with financial aid make up 59% of the student body.
6%
$57,763
99%
$57,763
- Acceptance Rate
- 5%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,456
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
The University of Chicago provides diverse enrollment options for degree-seekers. The private institution enrolls learners on campus and in online programs.
Enrollees can choose the format that matches their learning style and schedule. Customization options such as electives, minors, and concentrations let degree-seekers create an individualized course of study. Learners benefit from institutional resources such as career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. The undergraduate programs report a 95% graduation rate.
Prospective students connect with the financial aid office to learn more about internal and external funding opportunities. According to the most recent data, 57% of learners use financial aid.
N/A
$57,642
99%
$57,642
- Acceptance Rate
- 6%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,452
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Notre Dame
- Notre Dame, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The University of Notre Dame prioritizes flexibility in its degree-granting programs. The private institution welcomes degree-seekers to its campus while also offering online programs. Of the school's total programs, 1% offer online enrollment.
The college also has 61 master's degrees, including an online option. The school's learning options benefit enrollees seeking a supportive learning community. Degree-seekers work with faculty members and academic advisors to customize the degree based on their personal and professional goals. Learners hone their skills for the job market thanks to resources like career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. As a leader in education, the college reports a 96% graduation rate.
The financial aid office helps prospective students identify funding opportunities to cover degree costs. Currently, 68% of enrollees use financial aid to pay for school.
3%
$55,046
98%
$55,046
- Acceptance Rate
- 16%
- Students Enrolled
- 12,683
- Institution Type
- Private
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Johns Hopkins University provides flexible study to learners from all walks of life. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the private institution grants degrees in person and online. Of the school's total programs, 21% offer online enrollment.
At the graduate level, the college delivers 124 master's programs, including 30 online master's programs. Enrollees in both modalities benefit from rigorous study and supportive learning communities. Degree-seekers work with faculty members and academic advisors to customize the degree based on their personal and professional goals. Learners hone their skills for the job market with institutional resources, including resume reviews, career counseling, and job fairs. A leader in student success, the school reports a graduation rate of 93%.
Prospective students benefit from the financial aid office, which provides guidance on funding opportunities. Out of the student body, 67% of learners receive financial aid.
46%
$55,350
97%
$55,350
- Acceptance Rate
- 11%
- Students Enrolled
- 27,079
- Institution Type
- Private
Washington University in St. Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The flexible programs at Washington University in St. Louis offer a variety of options for degree-seekers. Learners enrolled at the private institution take classes on campus and online.
The college also has 86 master's degrees, of which three are offered online. Both modalities provide rigorous academics and supportive learning environments. Faculty mentors and academic advisors help degree-seekers customize the course of study based on their interests and goals. Washington University in St. Louis helps learners reach their career goals with institutional resources such as career workshops and job fairs. Undergraduate degree-seekers have a 95% graduation rate at the school.
The financial aid office connects students with funding opportunities to help offset degree costs. Currently, 51% of enrollees receive financial aid.
6%
$54,250
97%
$54,250
- Acceptance Rate
- 14%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,191
- Institution Type
- Private