Top 10 ‘Dream Schools’ In The U.S.—Students’ Picks For 2025

Students rank their “Dream Schools” based on academics, campus life, reputation, and career prospects.

#1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Location: Massachusetts

A leader in technology, innovation, and research

#2 Harvard College

Location: Massachusetts

Ivy League university known for law, business, and medicine

#3 Stanford University

Location: California

A hub for entrepreneurship & tech near Silicon Valley

#4 Princeton University

Location: New Jersey

Known for liberal arts, research, & financial aid programs

#5 Yale University

Location: Connecticut

Famous for law, arts, and humanities programs

#6 Columbia University

Location: New York

Ivy League university with a strong global reputation

#7 New York University (NYU)

Location: New York

Top choice for arts, business & media studies

#8 University of Michigan

Location: Michigan

Known for strong engineering, business & athletics
Top research university with a vibrant campus life

#9 University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

Location: Pennsylvania

Prestigious Ivy League university
Home to Wharton, one of the best business schools

#10 University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA)

Location: California

Top public university with excellent academics & sports
Hollywood’s neighbor—great for film & media studies

Rahul Dev