Here is a list of the top 100 universities in the United States, according to the 2021 rankings by the U.S. News & World Report:
- Princeton University
- Harvard University
- Columbia University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Yale University
- Stanford University
- University of Chicago
- Duke University
- University of Pennsylvania
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Johns Hopkins University
- Dartmouth College
- Brown University
- Northwestern University
- Cornell University
- Vanderbilt University
- Rice University
- Emory University
- University of Notre Dame
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of California-Berkeley
- University of Virginia
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Southern California
- Wake Forest University
- Boston College
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Tulane University
- University of Florida
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- University of Maryland-College Park
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Rochester
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Iowa
- University of California-San Diego (UCSD)
- University of Arizona
- University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB)
- University of California-Irvine (UCI)
- University of Delaware
- University of Washington
- University of Oregon
- University of Hawaii at Manoa
- University of Vermont
- University of South Carolina
- University of Colorado Denver
- University of Utah
- University of Kansas
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of Arkansas
- University of Georgia
- University of Missouri
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- University of North Dakota
- University of Oklahoma
- University of South Dakota
- University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- University of Texas at Dallas
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- University of Utah
- University of Vermont
- University of Virginia
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- University of Wisconsin-Stout
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Valdosta State University
- Valparaiso University
- Vanderbilt University
- Villanova University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
- Wagner College
- Wake Forest University
- Warren Wilson College
- Washington and Lee University
- Washington State University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Wayne State University
- Wellesley College
- Wells College
- Wesleyan University
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- West Virginia University
- Western Carolina University
- Western Connecticut State University
- Western Kentucky University
- Western Michigan University
- Western New England University
- Western Washington University
- Westminster College (PA)
This list is based on a

Princeton University Harvard University Columbia University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Yale University Stanford University University of Chicago Duke University University of Pennsylvania California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Johns Hopkins University Dartmouth College Brown University Northwestern University Cornell University Vanderbilt University Rice University Emory University University of Notre Dame Washington University in St. Louis Carnegie Mellon University University of California-Berkeley University of Virginia University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Georgia Institute of Technology University of Southern California Wake Forest University Boston College University of Wisconsin-Madison Tulane University University of Florida University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) University of Texas at Austin University of Minnesota-Twin Cities University of Maryland-College Park University of Pittsburgh University of Colorado Boulder University of Rochester University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Iowa University of California-San Diego (UCSD) University of Arizona University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) University of California-Irvine (UCI) University of Delaware University of Washington University of Oregon University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Vermont University of South Carolina University of Colorado Denver University of Utah University of Kansas University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Arkansas University of Georgia University of Missouri University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Dakota University of Oklahoma University of South Dakota University of Tennessee-Knoxville University of Texas at Dallas University of Texas at San Antonio University of Utah University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire University of Wisconsin-La Crosse University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point University of Wisconsin-Stout University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Valdosta State University Valparaiso University Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) Wagner College Wake Forest University Warren Wilson College Washington and Lee University Washington State University Washington University in St. Louis Wayne State University Wellesley College Wells College Wesleyan University West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Virginia University Western Carolina University Western Connecticut State University Western Kentucky University Western Michigan University Western New England University Western Washington University Westminster College (PA) Difference
It’s not clear what you are asking for a difference in. Could you please provide more context or clarify your question?

Princeton University Harvard University Columbia University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Yale University Stanford University University of Chicago Duke University University of Pennsylvania California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Johns Hopkins University Dartmouth College Brown University Northwestern University Cornell University Vanderbilt University Rice University Emory University University of Notre Dame Washington University in St. Louis Carnegie Mellon University University of California-Berkeley University of Virginia University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Georgia Institute of Technology University of Southern California Wake Forest University Boston College University of Wisconsin-Madison Tulane University University of Florida University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) University of Texas at Austin University of Minnesota-Twin Cities University of Maryland-College Park University of Pittsburgh University of Colorado Boulder University of Rochester University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Iowa University of California-San Diego (UCSD) University of Arizona University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) University of California-Irvine (UCI) University of Delaware University of Washington University of Oregon University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Vermont University of South Carolina University of Colorado Denver University of Utah University of Kansas University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Arkansas University of Georgia University of Missouri University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Dakota University of Oklahoma University of South Dakota University of Tennessee-Knoxville University of Texas at Dallas University of Texas at San Antonio University of Utah University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire University of Wisconsin-La Crosse University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point University of Wisconsin-Stout University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Valdosta State University Valparaiso University Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) Wagner College Wake Forest University Warren Wilson College Washington and Lee University Washington State University Washington University in St. Louis Wayne State University Wellesley College Wells College Wesleyan University West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Virginia University Western Carolina University Western Connecticut State University Western Kentucky University Western Michigan University Western New England University Western Washington University Westminster College (PA) Differences
These universities are all top-ranked institutions of higher education in the United States. As such, they have many similarities in terms of the quality of their faculty, resources, and academic programs. However, there are also some differences between these schools that you may want to consider when making your college decisions. Here are a few key differences:
- Location: These universities are located in different parts of the country, and each has its own unique campus and surrounding community.
- Size: The size of the student body and faculty at these universities can vary greatly. Some schools, like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, have very large student bodies, while others, like Wellesley College, are much smaller.
- Academic programs: Each of these universities offers a wide range of academic programs, but they may have different areas of emphasis or expertise. For example, some schools may be known for their engineering programs, while others may have a strong focus on the arts or humanities.
- Cost: The cost of attending these universities can vary significantly, depending on factors such as tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses. It’s important to carefully consider the financial implications of attending each school.
- Campus culture: Finally, the campus culture at each of these universities is likely to be different, depending on the size and location of the school, as well as the values and priorities of the student body and faculty. It’s important to consider whether a particular campus culture will be a good fit for you.

difference Princeton University Harvard University Columbia University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Yale University Stanford University University of Chicago Duke University University of Pennsylvania California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Johns Hopkins University Dartmouth College Brown University Northwestern University Cornell University Vanderbilt University Rice University Emory University University of Notre Dame Washington University in St. Louis Carnegie Mellon University University of California-Berkeley University of Virginia University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Georgia Institute of Technology University of Southern California Wake Forest University Boston College University of Wisconsin-Madison
Here are some key differences between the universities you listed:
- Location: These universities are located in different parts of the country, and each has its own unique campus and surrounding community.
- Size: The size of the student body and faculty at these universities can vary greatly. Some schools, like the University of Wisconsin-Madison, have very large student bodies, while others, like Brown University, are much smaller.
- Academic programs: Each of these universities offers a wide range of academic programs, but they may have different areas of emphasis or expertise. For example, some schools may be known for their engineering programs, while others may have a strong focus on the arts or humanities.
- Cost: The cost of attending these universities can vary significantly, depending on factors such as tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses. It’s important to carefully consider the financial implications of attending each school.
- Campus culture: Finally, the campus culture at each of these universities is likely to be different, depending on the size and location of the school, as well as the values and priorities of the student body and faculty. It’s important to consider whether a particular campus culture will be a good fit for you.

Princeton University Harvard University Columbia University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Yale University Stanford University University of Chicago Duke University University of Pennsylvania California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Johns Hopkins University Dartmouth College Brown University Northwestern University Cornell University Vanderbilt University Rice University Emory University University of Notre Dame Washington University in St. Louis Share Differences
Here are some key differences between the universities you listed:
- Location: These universities are located in different parts of the country, and each has its own unique campus and surrounding community.
- Size: The size of the student body and faculty at these universities can vary greatly. Some schools, like the University of Chicago, have relatively small student bodies, while others, like Columbia University, are much larger.
- Academic programs: Each of these universities offers a wide range of academic programs, but they may have different areas of emphasis or expertise. For example, some schools may be known for their business programs, while others may have a strong focus on the sciences or humanities.
- Cost: The cost of attending these universities can vary significantly, depending on factors such as tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses. It’s important to carefully consider the financial implications of attending each school.
- Campus culture: Finally, the campus culture at each of these universities is likely to be different, depending on the size and location of the school, as well as the values and priorities of the student body and faculty. It’s important to consider whether a particular campus culture will be a good fit for you.

Overview Princeton University Harvard University Columbia University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Yale University Stanford University University of Chicago Duke University University of Pennsylvania California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Johns Hopkins University Dartmouth College Brown University Northwestern University Cornell University Vanderbilt University Rice University Emory University University of Notre Dame Washington University in St. Louis
Here is an overview of the universities you listed:
- Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey. It is one of the oldest universities in the United States and is known for its strong undergraduate program, as well as its graduate programs in the sciences and humanities.
- Harvard University is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields.
- Columbia University is a private research university located in New York City. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, journalism, and law.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Yale University is a private research university located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, law, and public policy.
- Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, engineering, and law.
- The University of Chicago is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and law.
- Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and law.
- The University of Pennsylvania is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and law.
- The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a private research university located in Pasadena, California. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Johns Hopkins University is a private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and public health.
- Dartmouth College is a private liberal arts college located in Hanover, New Hampshire. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and public policy.
- Brown University is a private research university located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and public policy.
- Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and journalism.
- Cornell University is a private research university located in Ithaca, New York. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and law.
- Vanderbilt University is a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished

Top Ten Universities with Comparision
It is difficult to determine a definitive list of the top ten universities, as rankings can vary depending on the criteria used to measure academic quality and reputation. However, several universities are consistently ranked among the top in the United States by various ranking systems. Here is a comparison of some of the universities that are often considered to be among the top ten in the United States:
- Harvard University: Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a private research university that is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields. It has a large, diverse student body and a highly competitive admissions process.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT is a private research university that is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It has a small, highly selective student body and a strong emphasis on research.
- Stanford University: Located in Stanford, California, Stanford is a private research university that is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and law. It has a large, diverse student body and a highly competitive admissions process.
- Princeton University: Located in Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton is a private research university that is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in the sciences and humanities. It has a small, highly selective student body and a strong emphasis on undergraduate education.
- Yale University: Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale is a private research university that is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and law. It has a small, highly selective student body and a strong emphasis on undergraduate education.
- Columbia University: Located in New York City, Columbia is a private research university that is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, journalism, and law. It has a large, diverse student body and a highly competitive admissions process.
- University of Chicago: Located in Chicago, Illinois, the University of Chicago is a private research university that is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and law. It has a small, highly selective student body and a strong emphasis on research.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Located in Pasadena, California, Caltech is a private research university that is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It has a small, highly selective student body and a strong emphasis on research.
- Duke University: Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is a private research university that is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and law. It has a large, diverse student body and a highly competitive admissions process.
- University of Pennsylvania: Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the University of Pennsylvania is a private research university that is known for its strong undergraduate program and distinguished graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts and sciences, business, and law. It has a large, diverse student body and a highly competitive admissions process.