Would you like to add some private universities with comprehensive academic offerings in the Northeast to your college list? What a coincidence—we have just what you’re looking for right here! All of these colleges and universities are looking to recruit students from the CollegeXpress community in all grades. Just click the green “Connect me” button to be added to their mailing lists. Then they’ll get in touch with you so you can learn more about their programs, financial aid opportunities, campus life, and more. Don’t worry if you’re not an upperclassman either—it’s never too early to start your college search!
Delaware Valley University
Delaware Valley University is an independent comprehensive university on a 571-acre campus located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania—30 miles northwest of Philadelphia. More than 1,700 undergraduates are enrolled in 27 bachelor’s degree programs, with 100% of students graduating with real-world, hands-on experience. In addition to classes and labs that take place on 1,000 acres of living laboratories, the University’s Experience 360 (E360) program helps students build their careers from day one and throughout their undergraduate career, with internship sites at Campbell's, the Philadelphia Zoo, Kellogg’s, Pepsi, and more.
Drew University
Drew University is a distinguished private institution in Madison, New Jersey, just 30 miles from New York City. Known for its immersive "NYC Semesters" on Wall Street and at the United Nations, Drew provides students with unparalleled experiential learning opportunities. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and over 60 programs of study, the University offers a highly personalized education that leads to over 90% of graduates being employed or in graduate school within six months.
Georgian Court University
Georgian Court University is a private Catholic university on a historic 156-acre campus in Lakewood, New Jersey—60 miles from both New York City and Philadelphia. Its 2,100 students choose from more than 30 undergraduate degrees, benefiting from a nurturing environment, small class sizes, and faculty-student mentoring. GCU emphasizes Mercy core values and global citizenship through study abroad, 60+ clubs and organizations, and a 20-minute proximity to the Jersey Shore.
Hofstra University
Hofstra University is a private comprehensive university on a 240-acre campus located in Hempstead, New York—25 miles east of New York City. Home to more than 10,000 total students, the University offers over 160 undergraduate and 100+ dual-degree programs, giving the opportunity to earn both a graduate and undergraduate degree in less time than if each degree were pursued separately. Hofstra also has 21 varsity sports teams that compete at the NCAA Division I level; 27 local and national fraternities and sororities; and more than 200 academic, media, multicultural, performance, pre-professional, religious, social/political, and sports clubs and organizations.
Mercy University
Mercy University is a private nonsectarian institution with a scenic main campus in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and branch locations across New York City. Enrolling approximately 9,000 students, the University offers over 90 degree programs and maintains one of the lowest private tuition rates in the state. Mercy prioritizes student success through a unique mentorship program that pairs every student with a personal mentor to navigate financial aid, academics, and career planning from day one.
Messiah University
Messiah University is a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences located in Grantham, Pennsylvania—10 miles southwest of Harrisburg. Nearly 2,600 undergraduates are enrolled in 80+ academic programs, including a variety of majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-health advising options. Students also enjoy concerts, sporting events, 70+ clubs and organizations, outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, free movies, dances, and more on campus.
Monmouth University
Monmouth University is a private comprehensive university in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Monmouth’s approximately 4,000 undergraduate students come from 30 states and 30 countries to learn in 33 undergraduate programs. Students benefit from a small 12:1 student-faculty ratio, close access to coastline beaches, more than 120 active clubs and organizations to participate in, and much more.
Pace University
Pace University is a private comprehensive university with a three-acre main campus in the heart of New York City and the 200-acre Westchester campus located in Pleasantville-Briarcliff, New York—about 30 miles apart. With more than 100 majors and accelerated bachelor’s/graduate degree programs, Pace offers everything from Biochemistry and Business to Computer Science, Psychology, and Teaching. There are more than 100 clubs and groups for students to get involved in on both campuses, including academic, business and professional, cultural and social, Greek life, media and entertainment, performing arts, political and advocacy, and student governance organizations.
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Rider University
Rider University is a private comprehensive institution located on 280 acres in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Interdisciplinary majors are plentiful and dual majors are encouraged at Rider, where more than 3,200 undergraduates are enrolled in 100+ majors and minors. Relevant, hands-on, real-world experiences on campus, on the job, in the community, and around the world are also encouraged, with each student’s Engaged Learning Transcript acting as an official record of the many ways they put their knowledge into meaningful action.
Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University is a church-affiliated college of the liberal arts and sciences with a 600-acre campus in Loretto, Pennsylvania—90 miles east of Pittsburgh. Approximately 1,700 undergraduates are enrolled in three professional schools: STEAM, Business, and Health Sciences & Education. With more than 75 clubs and organizations on campus, the student experience at Saint Francis places particular emphasis on developing individuals who will lead or serve with character in their chosen professions and communities.
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Stevenson University
Stevenson University is a private comprehensive institution with a 163-acre semi-rural campus in Stevenson, Maryland—10 miles from Baltimore. Approximately 3,000 full-time undergraduates are enrolled in 90 majors, minors, tracks, and pre-professional programs, with a Bachelor’s to Master’s Option that lets students earn two degrees in just five years by taking graduate-level courses during junior and senior years. Stevenson also offers 27 NCAA Division III sports, plus cheer, dance, and club and intramural teams; more than 70 clubs and organizations; and a Career Services office with career advising and fairs, networking events, graduate school workshops, service learning, and internship opportunities.
The University of Scranton
The University of Scranton is a private Catholic and Jesuit institution in Pennsylvania that has consistently ranked as a top-10 regional university in the North for over 30 years. With 69 majors and 47 minors, it is particularly known for strong programs in Business Administration, Nursing, and Education. Students enjoy a 58-acre campus in a small-to-medium city setting, featuring unique honors programs like the Magis Honors Program in STEM and Special Jesuit Liberal Arts. Beyond academics, the "Electric City" campus offers a tight-knit community with over 100 clubs and a high return on investment, ranking in the top 7% nationally for ROI. It’s a place where "uncommon care" meets academic excellence.
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