Boston University is consistently ranked as one of the top private universities in the United States. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with particular strengths in fields such as health sciences, business, and the social sciences.

New York University (NYU) is a private research university located in the heart of New York City. It is known for its academic excellence, its global reach, and its strong programs in a wide range of fields. New York University has campuses and study abroad programs in locations around the world, including Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. New York University is known for its strong programs in the arts, particularly in areas such as film, theater, and music. The university's Tisch School of the Arts is one of the most highly-regarded arts schools in the United States, and the university is home to a number of arts and culture centers and initiatives. New York University is known for its highly-regarded law school, the NYU School of Law, as well as its strong programs in public policy and international affairs. The university's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service is one of the most highly-regarded public policy schools in the United States.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university also located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is known for its academic excellence, innovative research programs, and strong focus on computer science and engineering. The university has a number of research centers and institutes focused on innovation, such as the Robotics Institute and the Human-Computer Interaction Institute, a well as a number of research centers and institutes focused on computer science and engineering, such as the CyLab Security and Privacy Institute and the Software Engineering Institute.

University of Michigan (UM) is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is known for its academic excellence, strong athletic programs, and commitment to public service.

The University of Pennsylvania is consistently ranked as one of the top private universities in the United States. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with particular strengths in fields such as business, law, and the social sciences. The university's Wharton School of Business is one of the most highly-regarded business schools in the world, and the university's law school has produced a number of prominent legal scholars and practitioners.

The University of Virginia is a top public universities that offers a wide range of academic programs, with particular strengths in fields such as business, law, and the social sciences. The University of Virginia is also known for its beautiful and historic campus, which was allegedly designed by Thomas Jefferson. The university has a number of historic buildings and landmarks, including the Rotunda and the Lawn, which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Rochester Institute of Technology is known for its strong technology and engineering programs, particularly in the areas of computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The university has a number of research centers and institutes focused on technology and engineering, such as the Center for Imaging Science and the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. RIT is also known for its strong art and design programs, particularly in the areas of graphic design, industrial design, and photography. The university's College of Art and Design is one of the most highly-regarded art schools in the United States.

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with particular strengths in fields such as business, education, and the health sciences, particularly in the areas of medicine, dentistry, and nursing. The university has a number of research centers and institutes focused on health sciences, such as the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and the College of Public Health.

The University of Delaware is known for its strong programs in the sciences and engineering, particularly in areas such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science. The university has a number of research centers and institutes focused on science and engineering, such as the Delaware Biotechnology Institute and the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

Delaware is also known for its strong business program, particularly in the areas of finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship. The university's Lerner College of Business and Economics is a highly-regarded business school.

Penn State University Park is one of the largest universities in the United States, with a student population of over 46,000. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Penn State is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football and wrestling. Penn State is also a major research university, with a focus on scholarship and innovation. The university is recognized for its strengths in research areas such as materials science, energy, and the life sciences.

Ohio State University is a major research university, with a focus on scholarship and innovation. OSU is known for its strong programs in the sciences and engineering, particularly in areas such as biology, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. The university has a number of research centers and institutes focused on science and engineering, such as the Center for Life Sciences Education and the Center for Automotive Research.

The University of Maryland is known for its strong programs in the sciences and engineering, particularly in areas such as computer science, physics, and aerospace engineering. The university has a number of research centers and institutes focused on science and engineering, such as the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute. The University of Maryland is also known for its strong public policy program, particularly in the areas of international security and economic policy. The university's School of Public Policy is one of the most highly-regarded public policy schools in the United States.

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a private research university in Cleveland, Ohio. It is known for its academic excellence, strong programs in the sciences and engineering, and its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. The university has a number of research centers and institutes focused on science and engineering, such as the Institute for Computational Biology and the Institute for Smart, Secure and Connected Systems. Case Western Reserve University is known for its highly-regarded medical school, the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. The medical school is recognized for its strengths in research areas such as cancer, genetics, and neuroscience.

Northeastern University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its academic excellence, its experiential learning opportunities, and its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. Northeastern is known for its signature co-op program allows students to alternate periods of classroom study with periods of paid work experience in their chosen fields. The university also has partnerships with a number of industry leaders and is home to a range of centers and institutes focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, such as the Center for Entrepreneurship Education and the Northeastern University Center for Research Innovation. NEU also has a strong focus on international education and global engagement, with a range of study abroad programs and partnerships with universities around the world. The university's international co-op program allows students to gain work experience in countries around the world.

Syracuse University is a top private university offering a wide range of academic programs, with particular strengths in fields such as communications, the arts, and business. Syracuse is known for its strong programs in communications and the arts, particularly in areas such as journalism, public relations, and film. The university's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications is one of the most highly-regarded communications schools in the United States, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts is home to a range of highly-regarded programs in areas such as theater, music, and art.