Resources › For Students & Parents Top Middle Atlantic Colleges and Universities A list of 36 of Middle Atlantic's best colleges and universities Share Flipboard Email Print Creating Your College Wish List Introduction Understanding the Different Kinds of Colleges The Pros and Cons of Big and Small Colleges What Is a Liberal Arts College? 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What Is a Match School? What Is a Reach School? How Many Colleges Should I Apply To? The Middle Atlantic Region. by Allen Grove Updated January 18, 2018 National Top Picks: Universities | Public Universities | Liberal Arts Colleges | Engineering | Business | Women's | Most Selective | More Top PicksThe Middle Atlantic region of the United States has some of the best colleges and universities in the world. This list of the top 36 Middle Atlantic colleges includes four Ivy League universities and some of the nation's top liberal arts colleges. The top picks range from schools with over 40,000 students to tiny Cooper Union with fewer than 1,000. Schools on the list include private and public institutions, urban and rural schools, and religious and secular institutions. The 36 colleges and universities below were chosen based on a range of factors, but most important was student persistence and success: retention rates and 4- and 6-year graduation rates. Also considered were student engagement, selectivity, and financial aid. I have listed the schools alphabetically to avoid the often arbitrary distinctions that separate #1 from #2, and because of the futility of comparing a large research university to a small liberal arts college. Note that I did not include highly specialized schools such as Julliard that have audition or portfolio admissions.Will You Get In? See if you have the grades and test scores you need to get into any of the top Middle Atlantic colleges with this free tool from Cappex: Calculate Your Chances for Top Middle Atlantic CollegesThe 35 colleges and universities in the list below were selected from the Middle Atlantic region: Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.More Regions: New England | Southeast | Midwest | South Central | Mountain | West Coast Annapolis (United States Naval Academy) Annapolis - USNA. Rory Finneren / Flickr Location: Annapolis, MarylandEnrollment: 4,528 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: miltary academyDistinctions: one of the most selective colleges in the country; no costs (but 5-year service requirement); strong engineering programs; competes in the NCAA Division I Patriot LeagueFor more information and admissions data, visit the Annapolis profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Annapolis More » Barnard College Barnard College from Broadway. Photo Credit: Allen Grove Location: Manhattan, New YorkEnrollment: 2,510 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private women's liberal arts collegeExplore the Campus: Barnard College photo tourDistinctions: the most selective of all women's colleges; affiliation with adjacent Columbia University; one of the original "seven sister" colleges; lots of cultural and educational opportunities in ManhattanFor more information and admissions data, visit the Barnard College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Barnard More » Binghamton University (SUNY Binghamton) Binghamton University. unforth / Flickr Location: Vestal, New YorkEnrollment: 17,292 (13,632 undergraduates)Type of Institution: public research universityDistinctions: highly ranked public university; 887-acre campus features a 190-acre nature preserve; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; NCAA Division I athletics in the America East ConferenceFor more information and admissions data, visit the Binghamton University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Binghamton More » Bucknell University Bucknell University. aurimasliutikas / Flickr Location: Lewisburg, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 3,626 (3,571 undergraduates)Type of Institution: small comprehensive universityDistinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; feel of a small liberal arts college with academic offerings of a comprehensive university; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; participation in the NCAA Division I Patriot LeagueFor more information and admissions data, visit the Bucknell University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Bucknell More » Carnegie Mellon University Carnegie Mellon University (top) and the Carnegie Museum and Library (bottom). Jimmy Lin / Flickr Location: Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 13,258 (6,283 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private research universityDistinctions: 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; top-ranked science and engineering programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; membership in the American Association of Universities for strengths in researchFor more information and admissions data, visit the Carnegie Mellon University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Carnegie Mellon More » Colgate University James B. Colgate Hall. bronayur / Flickr Location: Hamilton, New YorkEnrollment: 2,890 (2,882 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private liberal arts collegeDistinctions: high ranking liberal arts college; picturesque location; high graduation rate; high percentage of students go on to graduate school; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa; NCAA Division I athletics in the Patriot LeagueFor more information and admissions data, visit the Colgate University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Colgate More » The College of New Jersey The College of New Jersey. Iggynelix / Wikimedia Commons Location: Ewing, New JerseyEnrollment: 7,396 (6,787 undergraduates)Type of Institution: public liberal arts collegeDistinctions: one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the country; easy train access to Philadelphia and New York City; over 50 degree programs; high retention and graduation rates; excellent valueFor more information and admissions data, visit the College of New Jersey profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for TCNJ More » Columbia University Location: Manhattan, New YorkEnrollment: 29,372 (8,124 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private research universityExplore the Campus: Columbia University Photo TourDistinctions: member of the Ivy League; extremely selective admissions, member of the Association of American Universities; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa; lots of cultural and educational opportunities in ManhattanFor more information and admissions data, visit the Columbia University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Columbia More » Cooper Union Cooper Union. moacirpdsp / Flickr Location: Manhattan, New YorkEnrollment: 964 (876 undergraduates)Type of Institution: small engineering and art schoolDistinctions: specialized curriculum in engineering and art; historic building where Abraham Lincoln gave a famous speech on limiting slavery; Manhattan location provides students with many cultural and educational opportunities; highly ranked engineering program; free tuition for all studentsFor more information and admissions data, visit the Cooper Union profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Cooper Union More » Cornell University Cornell University Sage Hall. Photo Credit: Allen Grove Location: Ithaca, New YorkEnrollment: 22,319 (14,566 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private research universityDistinctions: member of the Ivy League; member of the Association of American Universities; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa; beautiful Finger Lakes location; highly ranked programs in engineering and hotel managementExplore Campus: Cornell University photo tourFor more information and admissions data, visit the Cornell University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Cornell More » Dickinson College Dickinson College. ravedelay / Flickr Location: Carlisle, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 2,420 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private liberal arts collegeDistinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 17; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; chartered in 1783 and named after a signer of the Constitution; member of the NCAA Division III Centennial ConferenceFor more information and admissions data, visit the Dickinson College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Dickinson More » Franklin & Marshall College Franklin & Marshall University. haydnseek / Flickr Location: Lancaster, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 2,255 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private liberal arts collegeDistinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 19 students; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; hands-on approach to learning; rich history dating to 1787; member of the NCAA Division III Centennial ConferenceFor more information and admissions data, visit the Franklin & Marshall College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for F&M More » George Washington University George Washington University. Alan Cordova / Flickr Location: Washington, D.C.Enrollment: 27,159 (11,504 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private research universityDistinctions: strong international programs; 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; located near the White House with graduation held on the National Mall; member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 ConferenceFor more information and admissions data, visit the George Washington University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for George Washington More » Georgetown University Georgetown University. tvol / Flickr Location: Washington, D.C.Enrollment: 18,525 (7,453 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private Catholic universityDistinctions: 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio; one of the country's best universities; large international student population; strong study abroad programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; member of the NCAA Division I Big East ConferenceFor more information and admissions data, visit the Georgetown University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Georgetown More » Gettysburg College Gettysburg College. fauxto digit / Flickr Location: Gettysburg, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 2,394 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private liberal arts collegeExplore the Campus: Gettysburg College Photo TourDistinctions: 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio and average class size of 18; historic location; ; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; new athletic center; music conservatory and professional performing arts centerFor more information and admissions data, visit the Gettysburg College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Gettysburg More » Grove City College Grove City College. nyello8 / Flickr Location: Grove City, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 2,336 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private Christian liberal arts collegeDistinctions: one of the country's top conservative colleges; excellent value; 16 to 1 student / faculty ratio; impressive retention and graduation rates; chapel requirement for all studentsFor more information and admissions data, visit the Grove City College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for GCC More » Hamilton College Hamilton College. EAWB / Flickr Location: Clinton, New YorkEnrollment: 1,883 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private liberal arts collegeDistinctions: highly ranked liberal arts college; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa; emphasis on individualized instruction and independent research; picturesque location in upstate, New YorkFor more information and admissions data, visit the Hamilton College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Hamilton More » Haverford College Haverford College Path. edwinmalet / flickr Location: Haverford, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 1,268 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private liberal arts collegeDistinctions: 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; one of the country's top liberal arts colleges; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; opportunities to take classes at Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore, and the University of PennsylvaniaFor more information and admissions data, visit the Haverford College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Haverford More » Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University. Laughidea / Wikimedia Commons Location: Baltimore, MarylandEnrollment: 23,917 (6,042 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private research universityDistinctions: 10:1 student / faculty ratio; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; membership in the AAU for strong research programs; multi-billion dollar endowment; one of the country's top universitiesFor more information and admissions data, visit the Johns Hopkins University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Johns Hopkins More » Lafayette College Easton, Pennsylvania. Retromoderns / Flickr Location: Easton, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 2,550 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private liberal arts collegeDistinctions: 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio; excellent value; several engineering programs as well as traditional liberal arts and sciences; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; member of the NCAA Division I Patriot LeagueFor more information and admissions data, visit the Lafayette College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Lafayette More » Lehigh University Lehigh University. conormac / Flickr Location: Bethlehem, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 7,059 (5,080 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private research universityDistinctions: 9 to 1 student / faculty ratio; strong engineering and applied science programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; althetic teams participate in the NCAA Division I Patriot LeagueFor more information and admissions data, visit the Lehigh University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Lehigh More » Muhlenberg College Muhlenberg College. JlsElsewhere / Wikimedia Commons Location: Allentown, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 2,408 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private liberal arts college with Lutheran affiliationDistinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; strengths in several pre-professional areas as well as a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; high retention and graduation ratesFor more information and admissions data, visit the Muhlenberg College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Muhlenberg More » New York University New York University Bobst Library. davidsilver / Flickr Location: Manhattan, New YorkEnrollment: 50,550 (26,135 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private research universityDistinctions: member of the Association of American Universities; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa; located in Manhattan's Greenwich Village; 16 schools and centers with law, business, art, public service and education all placing high in national rankingsAdmissions: NYU GPA and Test Score GraphExplore the Campus: NYU Photo TourFor more information and admissions data, visit the New York University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for NYU More » Penn State University Penn State University Football. nick knouse / Flickr Location: University Park, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 47,789 (41,359 undergraduates)Type of Institution: public research universityDistinctions: large school with wide-ranging academic offerings; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences, membership in the Association of American Universities for research strengths; athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten ConferenceFor more information and admissions data, visit the Penn State University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Penn State More » Princeton University Princeton University. _Gene_ / Flickr Location: Princeton, New JerseyEnrollment: 8,181 (5,400 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private research universityExplore the Campus: Princeton University Photo TourDistinctions: member of the Ivy League; one of the top universities in the country; 5 to 1 student / faculty ratio; attractive 500-acre campus; membership in the Association of American Universities for research strengths; chapter of of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; excellent retention and graduation ratesFor more information and admissions data, visit the Princeton University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Princeton More » Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) RPI - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. DannoHung / Flickr Location: Troy, New YorkEnrollment: 7,363 (6,265 undergraduates)Type of Institution: technology-focused private universityDistinctions: engineering school with a strong undergraduate focus; near the state capital in Albany; good financial aid; competitive Division I hockey teamFor more information and admissions data, visit the RPI profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for RPI More » St. Lawrence University Saint Lawrence University - Richardson Hall. Photo Credit: Tara Freeman, SLU Photographer Location: Canton, New YorkEnrollment: 2,464 (2,377 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private master's-level universityDistinctions: 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio; chapter of of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; attractive campus located near the St. Lawrence river; long progressive and coeducational history; Division I hockey teamExplore the Campus: St. Lawrence Photo TourFor more information and admissions data, visit the St. Lawrence University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for St. Lawrence More » SUNY Geneseo SUNY Geneseo. bdesham / Flickr Location: Geneseo, New YorkEnrollment: 5,602 (5,512 undergraduates)Type of Institution: public liberal arts collegeExplore the Campus: SUNY Geneseo Photo TourDistinctions: good value for both in-state and out-of-state students; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; located on the western edge of the Finger Lakes regionFor more information and admissions data, visit the SUNY Geneseo profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Geneseo More » Swarthmore College Swarthmore Parrish Hall. EAWB / flickr Location: Swarthmore, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 1,543 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private liberal arts collegeDistinctions: 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio; one of the country's top liberal arts colleges; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; opportunities to take classes at neighboring Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and the University of PennsylvaniaFor more information and admissions data, visit the Swarthmore College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Swarthmore More » University of Maryland University of Maryland. synaethesia / Flickr Location: College Park, MarylandEnrollment: 39,083 (28,472 undergraduates)Type of Institution: public reseShippensburg University of arch universityDistinctions: one of the country's top public universities; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; membership in the AAU for strong research programs; member of the NCAA Division I Big Ten ConferenceFor more information and admissions data, visit the University of Maryland profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Maryland More » University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania. rubberpaw / Flickr Location: Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 24,960 (11,716 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private research universityDistinctions: member of the Ivy League; membership in the Association of American Universities for strong research programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; rich history (founded by Benjamin Franklin)For more information and admissions data, visit the University of Pennsylvania profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Penn More » University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) University of Pittsburgh. shadysidelantern / Flickr Location: Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 28,664 (19,123 undergraduates)Type of Institution: public research universityDistinctions: wide-ranging strengths including philosophy, medicine, engineering and business; membership in the Association of American Universities for strong research programs; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big East ConferenceFor more information and admissions data, visit the University of Pittsburgh profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Pitt More » University of Rochester University of Rochester. daniel.green / Flickr Location: Rochester, New YorkEnrollment: 11,209 (6,386 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private research universityDistinctions: member of the Association of American Universities for strong research; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; top-ranked programs in music and opticsFor more information and admissions data, visit the University of Rochester profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for U of R More » Vassar College Vassar College. samuenzinger / Flickr Location: Poughkeepsie, New YorkEnrollment: 2,424 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: private liberal arts collegeDistinctions: 9 to 1 student / faculty ratio; average class size of 17; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strengths in the liberal arts and sciences; 1,000-acre campus includes over 100 buildings, picturesque gardens and a farm; located 75 miles from NYC in the Hudson ValleyFor more information and admissions data, visit the Vassar College profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Vassar More » Villanova University Villanova University. Lauren Murphy / Flickr Location: Villanova, PennsylvaniaEnrollment: 10,842 (6,999 undergraduates)Type of Institution: private Catholic universityDistinctions: oldest and largest Catholic university in Pennsylvania; one of the country's top Catholic universities; chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences; athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big East ConferenceFor more information and admissions data, visit the Villanova University profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for Villanova More » West Point (United States Military Academy) West Point. markjhandel / Flickr Location: West Point, New YorkEnrollment: 4,389 (all undergraduate)Type of Institution: military academyDistinctions: one of the most selective colleges in the country; oldest of the service academies in the U.S.; free education (but 5 years of service required); member of the NCAA Division I Patriot LeagueFor more information and admissions data, visit the West Point profileGPA, SAT and ACT graph for West Point More » Calculate Your Chances Calculate Your Chances of Being Admitted. See if you have the grades and test scores you need to get into one of these top Middle Atlantic colleges and universities with this free tool from Cappex: Calculate Your Chances of Getting In Continue Reading