Private Schools

Stanford University

 (Palo Alto, CA) 

  A top-tier research university known for its innovation in technology, business, and engineering, with strong ties to Silicon Valley. It has a highly competitive admissions process and offers a collaborative yet rigorous academic environment. The campus is also known for its beautiful architecture and strong entrepreneurial culture.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (Pasadena, CA)

  A small but highly prestigious university specializing in science, engineering, and mathematics, producing world-renowned researchers and Nobel laureates. The campus fosters an intimate learning environment with a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for close mentorship. It is particularly known for its contributions to space exploration, physics, and artificial intelligence.

University of Southern California (USC) 

(Los Angeles, CA)

  A private research university known for its business, film, and communication programs, as well as a strong athletic culture. USC has deep ties to Hollywood and is home to one of the world’s best film schools, the USC School of Cinematic Arts. The campus has an active student life, with a strong alumni network and school spirit.

Pepperdine University (Malibu, CA) 

 A Christian university with a strong emphasis on business, law, and liberal arts. The campus offers breathtaking ocean views and promotes service-based education. It has a smaller, close-knit community with a strong focus on ethical leadership.

Loyola Marymount University (LMU)

 (Los Angeles, CA) 

 A Jesuit university known for its film, business, and communication programs, as well as a strong commitment to social justice. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and has strong industry connections in Los Angeles. It provides a balance between academic rigor and a vibrant campus culture.

Santa Clara University 

(Santa Clara, CA) 

A private Jesuit university located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering strong programs in business, engineering, and law. It has a reputation for preparing students for careers in tech and entrepreneurship. The campus provides a mix of traditional Jesuit education and modern professional training.

University of San Diego (USD)

 (San Diego, CA) 

A Catholic university known for its law, business, and international relations programs. The campus is famous for its beautiful Spanish Renaissance-style architecture. USD emphasizes global learning opportunities and community service.

Claremont Colleges (Claremont, CA) 

A consortium of five prestigious liberal arts colleges that share resources while maintaining unique identities. Pomona College is known for rigorous academics and a strong liberal arts foundation, while Claremont McKenna focuses on business and government. Harvey Mudd is top-ranked in STEM, Scripps College specializes in women’s education, and Pitzer College is known for social justice and environmental sustainability.

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) 

The oldest university in the U.S., Harvard is renowned for its law, business, and government programs. It boasts a massive global alumni network and has educated many U.S. presidents and world leaders. Its libraries and research facilities are among the best in the world.

Yale University

 (New Haven, CT) 

Famous for its law school, humanities, and political science programs, Yale offers an intellectually rich environment. It is home to secret societies like Skull and Bones, which have produced influential political figures. The campus is known for its collegiate gothic architecture and strong liberal arts focus.

Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) 

 A prestigious Ivy League university emphasizing public policy, physics, and engineering. It is known for its beautiful campus, generous financial aid, and small class sizes that promote close faculty-student relationships. Princeton also has a strong focus on undergraduate education.

Columbia University

 (New York, NY) 

 Located in the heart of Manhattan, Columbia is known for its journalism, business, and international relations programs. The university’s location provides unparalleled opportunities for internships and networking. It has a rigorous Core Curriculum that all students must complete.

University of Pennsylvania 

(Philadelphia, PA) 

 Home to the Wharton School of Business, one of the world’s top business schools. Penn combines a strong focus on research with pre-professional programs in medicine, law, and finance. It also boasts a vibrant student life and a history of innovation.

Dartmouth College 

(Hanover, NH) 

The smallest Ivy League school, Dartmouth is known for its strong undergraduate education, economics, and government programs. The college operates on a unique quarter system, allowing students to take immersive courses. Its rural location fosters a close-knit student community with a strong outdoor culture.

Brown University

 (Providence, RI) 

 Known for its open curriculum, Brown allows students to design their own academic paths without general education requirements. It has a strong emphasis on creativity, social justice, and independent research. The campus has a vibrant arts and activist community.

Cornell University 

(Ithaca, NY) 

A mix of private and public colleges, Cornell is known for its engineering, agriculture, and hospitality programs. It has one of the largest Ivy League campuses, offering diverse academic opportunities. The university has a beautiful rural setting with waterfalls and scenic landscapes.