1. California Institute of Technology, Pasadena.

Undergraduate Enrollment: 913
Admission Rate: 17%
SAT: 97% scored 600 or higher both V/M/ACT: 100% scored 24 or higher
Student/Faculty Ratio: 3
Graduation Rate 4-yr./5-yr.: 82%/88%
Total Cost: $45,777
Average Debt at Graduation: $6,268

A remarkable three-to-one student-faculty ratio and a low average debt at graduation propel Caltech to the top of our private-universities list for the third year running. Located in sunny Pasadena, the school is a prime destination for science and engineering students.

2008-2009 Top Ten Liberal Arts Colleges

2008-2009 Best Values in Public Colleges and Universities