Getting into college is tough, but some schools are in a league of their own when it comes to admissions. According to Niche, these institutions have exceptionally low acceptance rates and high stands. It makes them the most challenging colleges to gain admission to the U.S.
Minerva University
Founded in 2012, Minerva University in San Francisco boasts a mere 1% acceptance rate. This institution offers various interdisciplinary majors ranging from computation sciences, arts, and humanities, to special courses. Famous for its innovative approach, Minerva combines online learning with global immersion experiences, preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
California Institute of Technology
Caltech, established in 1891 in Pasadena, accepts only 4% of applicants. Offering over 20 majors, it is popular for science and engineering. Caltech is well-known for its scientific discoveries, Nobel laureates, and oversight of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This makes it a dream for aspiring scientists and engineers.
Stanford University
Founded in 1885 near Palo Alto, Stanford admits just 4% of applicants. With over 65 majors, it is famous for entrepreneurship and tech innovation. Stanford’s proximity to Silicon Valley, coupled with its strong computer science and engineering programs, makes it a great place for future tech leaders.
Harvard University
Harvard University was established in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Its 4% acceptance rate reflects its prestige. The university offers 50 fields of study, it is well-known for law, business, and medicine. Harvard has a rich history, consisting of influential alumni and consistent top rankings in global university lists.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT was established in Cambridge in 1861. This institute has an acceptance rate of 4%. With 56 majors, it is famous for engineering and computer science. MIT’s reputation stems from its cutting-edge research, innovative culture, and contributions to technological advancements. That’s why it attracts the brightest minds in the STEM fields.
Columbia University
Columbia University was established in 1754 in New York City, Columbia admits only 4% of applicants. Offering over 100 majors, it is renowned for journalism and arts. Columbia’s fame comes from its core curriculum, diverse urban setting, and prestigious graduate schools, particularly in law and business.
Princeton University
Founded in 1746 in New Jersey, Princeton’s 4% acceptance rate underscores its selectivity. With 37 concentrations, it is famous for its multidisciplinary subjects such as public policy and economics. Princeton’s reputation stems from its rigorous academics, generous financial aid, and influential alumni in politics and finance.
Yale University
Established in 1701, Yale University was founded in New Haven, Connecticut. Yale admits 5% of applicants and offers 80 majors. Majors like political science and drama are prominent in the university. The university follows a residential college system and provides a world-class faculty. It maintains a significant focus on research possibilities and undergrad education.
Brown University
Brown University of Rhode Island was founded in Providence in 1764. The university’s acceptance rate is 6% which reflects its popularity. With over 80 concentrations, it is famous for its open curriculum. Students at Brown are free to create their study plans. This fosters creativity and interdisciplinary learning.
University of Pennsylvania
Established in 1740 in Philadelphia, Penn admits 6% of applicants. The university offers over 90 majors and is well-known for business and nursing. Penn’s fame comes from its Wharton School of Business, interdisciplinary approach, and strong focus on practical application of knowledge.
Duke University
Duke University was founded in 1838 in Durham, North Carolina. It has an acceptance rate of 6% which highlights its competitiveness. With 53 majors, it is famous for medicine and public policy. Modern research facilities and an excellent curriculum are available for Duke students.
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College was established in 1769 in Hanover, New Hampshire. The college only admits 6% of applicants. It offers 40 departments and is prominent for its strong liberal arts focus. Dartmouth provides a unique D-Plan academic calendar, a tight-knit community, and an emphasis on undergraduate teaching.
University of Chicago
Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 6%, reflecting its academic intensity. With more than 50 majors, it is famous for economics and physics. This university’s reputation stems from its core curriculum, emphasis on critical thinking, and contributions to groundbreaking research, including the Manhattan Project.
Pomona College
Pomona College was established in 1887 in Claremont, California. This college admits 7% of its applicants. Pomona College provides more than 40 majors for students to choose from. The college provides small-size classes, maintains student-faculty relationships, and collaborates with other Claremont Colleges.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University was founded in 1851 in Evanston, Illinois has a 7% acceptance rate. With over 90 majors, it is most well-known for journalism and performing arts. Northwestern’s reputation stems from its strong research focus, quarter system, and vibrant campus life near Chicago.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in 1873. It only accepts 7% of applicants and offers 70 majors. Vanderbilt’s fame comes from its beautiful campus, strong academic and athletic programs, and commitment to research and innovation.
John Hopkins University
John Hopkins University was founded in 1876 in Baltimore Maryland and has an 8% acceptance rate. The university has 52 majors and is recognized for medicine and public health. John Hopkin offers its students with world-class medical schooling, with emphasis on research, and contributions to scientific and medical advancements.
Swarthmore College
Established in 1864 in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College admits 8% of applicants. The college provides over 40 programs and is noted for its rigorous liberal arts education. Swarthmore’s fame comes from its academic intensity, Honors Program, and commitment to social responsibility and ethical intelligence.
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy was founded in 1845 in Annapolis, Maryland with an 8% acceptance rate. The academy offers 25 majors and is reputed for engineering and naval science. It provides its students with rigorous military training, and leadership development, and teaches them the commitment to service.
Cornell University
In 1865, Cornell University was founded in Ithaca, New York. The university has a 9% acceptance rate. With over 80 majors, it is eminent for agriculture and hotel administration. Cornell offers diverse colleges, a beautiful campus, and a unique blend of Ivy League prestige with public mission and land-grant status.