15 US universities with most competitive acceptance rates

By Khanh Linh December 29, 2024 | 09:10 pm PT

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has the most competitive acceptance rate in the U.S., admitting only 3.1% of applicants—equivalent to just three out of every 100.

In the U.S., exceptional academic achievements and high standardized test scores (such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams) are often not enough to secure admission to top universities.

Applicants must also showcase their individuality and character through compelling essays and diverse extracurricular activities. At elite institutions, high test scores are the norm, and the admissions process is highly competitive.

Rank	University	Acceptance Rate	U.S. Ranking	Tuition (USD/year)
1	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	3.1%	6	65,900
2	Harvard University	3.5%	3	61,700
3	Stanford University	3.9%	4	65,900
4	Princeton University	4.5%	1	62,400
5	Yale University	4.5%	5	67,300
6	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	4.8%	2	62,400
7	University of Chicago	4.8%	11	69,300
8	Brown University	5.2%	13	71,300
9	Northeastern University	5.6%	54	66,100
10	University of Pennsylvania	5.9%	10	68,700
11	Dartmouth College	6.2%	15	68,000
12	Vanderbilt University	6.3%	18	67,500
13	Colby College	6.8%	25	69,600
14	Duke University	6.8%	6	69,100
15	Pomona College	6.8%	5	65,400

For example, at Caltech, where class rank plays a crucial role in admissions, 95% of first-year students graduated in the top 10% of their high school class. At Harvard University, the figure is similarly high at 94%, although class rank is not a primary consideration in its selection process.

Around 15 universities in the U.S. have an acceptance rate below 7%, making them some of the hardest to get into. This group includes six Ivy League schools, all of which rank among the top 15 universities nationwide, as well as two prestigious liberal arts colleges.

Annual tuition fees at these institutions range from $61,700 to $71,000.

Sinh viên tại Đại học Công nghệ California. Ảnh: Caltech

Students at California Institute of Technology. Photo courtesy of Caltech

These statistics are drawn from data compiled by U.S. News & World Report, which surveyed more than 1,100 ranked universities across the country. The average acceptance rate among all surveyed schools is 70.8%, with 11 schools reporting open admissions policies and a 100% acceptance rate.

U.S. News & World Report has published its annual college and university rankings since 1983. These rankings are a key resource for prospective students, particularly international applicants, alongside the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) rankings.