Top Schools in the Northeast - See the Rankings

The Northeast United States is home to some of the most prestigious and globally recognized universities, offering students a wide array of programs and opportunities for academic and personal growth. These institutions consistently rank highly on national and international scales, and their influence extends beyond academia, with significant contributions to research, culture, and the global economy. Below is a list of some of the top schools in the Northeast, along with their rankings and notable achievements:

Yale University
Global Ranking (QS 2011): 4th
Global Ranking (Times Higher Education 2010): 10th
National Ranking (U.S. News 2012): 3rd

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, consistently ranked at the top of global and national rankings. In the 2011 QS World University Rankings, Yale ranked 4th globally, reflecting its global influence in fields such as Law, Political Science, and History. Additionally, in the 2010 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Yale was ranked 10th. In the 2012 U.S. News Best National Universities rankings, Yale secured the 3rd spot, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in higher education. Yale’s commitment to research, particularly in the humanities and sciences, alongside its renowned faculty and extensive alumni network, makes it a highly sought-after university for students from around the world.

Tufts University
Global Ranking (Academic Ranking of World Universities 2011): Among the top 150
Global Ranking (Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy): 30th
Global Ranking (Life and Agricultural Sciences): Top 75

Tufts University, located in Medford/Somerville, Massachusetts, is well-regarded for its interdisciplinary programs and strong emphasis on global engagement. In the 2011 Academic Ranking of World Universities, Tufts ranked among the top 150 institutions globally, indicating its significant academic standing. The university excels in various fields, particularly Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy, where it is ranked 30th in the world. Additionally, Tufts ranks within the global top 75 for Life and Agricultural Sciences, which are some of its strongest areas of research. Known for its close-knit community and focus on public service, Tufts University has earned a strong reputation for preparing students to be leaders in various sectors.

Boston University
Global Ranking (Times Higher Education 2010): 54th
National Ranking (U.S. News 2010): 20th
Global Ranking (Newsweek 2010): 65th (Ranked 35th in the US)

Boston University (BU), located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, is a prominent private research university. According to Times Higher Education 2010, BU was ranked 54th out of 200 universities worldwide, showing its strong presence on the global stage. In the U.S. News 2010 rankings, BU was positioned 20th nationally, reflecting its broad academic offering, including highly ranked programs in Business, Engineering, and the Health Sciences. Newsweek also recognized Boston University in its list of the Top 100 Global Universities, where it ranked 35th in the United States and 65th worldwide. BU is well known for its diverse student body and extensive research in Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Communications.

Georgetown University
Global Ranking (QS World University Rankings 2011): 166th
Global Ranking (Social Sciences): 86th
Global Ranking (Arts & Humanities): 91st

Georgetown University, located in Washington, D.C., is a globally recognized institution, particularly known for its strong programs in International Relations, Law, and Public Policy. According to the 2011 QS World University Rankings, Georgetown was ranked 166th globally, though it excels in specific academic areas. For instance, in Social Sciences, Georgetown is ranked 86th, and in Arts & Humanities, it holds the 91st position. Georgetown's proximity to Washington, D.C., allows students unique access to government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations, making it a top choice for students interested in politics, diplomacy, and law.

Howard University
National Ranking (U.S. News 2010): Top 100
Undergraduate Teaching Ranking (U.S. News 2010): 11th

Howard University, a historically Black university located in Washington, D.C., is renowned for its commitment to providing high-quality education to underrepresented students. In the 2010 U.S. News & World Report, Howard ranked in the top 100 national universities in the United States, a reflection of its strong academic reputation, particularly among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Additionally, Howard was ranked 11th for schools where faculty show an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching, underscoring its dedication to student-focused education. Howard offers a range of programs across disciplines, with strong offerings in Political Science, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences, and continues to be a leading institution for African American students.

Columbia University
National Research Ranking (Center for Measuring University Performance): 1st (tied with Stanford, MIT, and Penn)

Columbia University, located in New York City, is one of the Ivy League’s most prestigious institutions. Known for its strong research programs, Columbia is recognized as a leader in a variety of disciplines, including Law, Business, Medicine, and Arts & Sciences. According to the Center for Measuring University Performance, Columbia ranked 1st in research universities, tied with institutions like Stanford, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania. Columbia’s reputation for cutting-edge research, top-tier faculty, and its location in one of the world’s most influential cities make it a top choice for students who seek an academically rigorous and globally connected environment.

These universities in the Northeast United States offer a diverse range of academic programs and are consistently recognized for their excellence in education and research. Whether it is Yale University, with its long history of academic prestige, Tufts University, known for its focus on interdisciplinary studies and global engagement, or Boston University, which excels in medical sciences and communications, each of these institutions provides students with access to world-class resources, faculty, and opportunities. From Georgetown University’s expertise in international relations to Howard University’s commitment to undergraduate teaching, these schools have earned their spots as some of the top academic institutions not just in the Northeast, but in the world. Their rankings, achievements, and academic environments attract students from all over the globe, contributing to their status as leaders in higher education.