Small Private Colleges And Universities In The U.S.

ACO Staff Writers
By
Updated on August 23, 2024

    According to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), there are 1,600 private non-profit colleges in the country, serving some 3.4 million students. Small private colleges and universities in the United States offer a commitment to high quality education as well as close personal faculty-student interaction. As a result, they often attract some of the brightest students, which can make admission highly competitive. These colleges often come with some of the highest price tags on tuition, too. Students, however, shouldn’t be quick to dismiss their chances of attending these schools. Financial support from small private schools can slash printed tuition costs by as much as half, according to the NAICU. Full-time students at private four-year schools receive on average $17,630 in grant assistance toward their college costs. As much as 20 percent of the students at one small private college in the Pacific Northwest received academic or need-based grants to cover their tuition in 2013.

    Loading...
    Loading...Learn More
    Visit Site
    Loading...
    Loading...Learn More
    Visit Site
    Loading...
    Loading...Learn More
    Visit Site
    Add up to three schools to compare

    Best Affordable Small Private Colleges

    We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
    from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
    #1

    Virginia Union University

    • Richmond, VA
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    After the American Civil War, the ABHMS formed two separate schools: Wayland Seminary and the Richmond Theological Institute. These two schools have merged to become Virginia Union University in Richmond. This historically Black university currently offers undergraduate degree programs, competitive college basketball teams, and spiritual education opportunities.

    95%

    Online Enrollment

    $10,530

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    63%

    Retention Rate

    $10,530

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    94%
    Students Enrolled
    1,730
    Institution Type
    Private
    #2

    Amberton University

    • Garland, TX
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Amberton University is located in Garland, Texas, and is relatively close to major metropolitan areas throughout the state of Texas. This private university offers incredibly high standards of learning to its students, and Amberton University continues to attract a student population from throughout the country for its varied educational offerings. 

    85%

    Online Enrollment

    $8,550

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    N/A

    Retention Rate

    $8,550

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    1,002
    Institution Type
    Private
    #3

    Amridge University

    • Montgomery, AL
    • 4 year
    • Online
    • Accredited

    Amridge University was originally founded under the name The Alabama Christian School of Religion. This school was established by the Churches of Christ, a non-denominational group of Christian believers. The school, located in Montgomery, continues to offer theological degrees as well as ministry training for students. 

    N/A

    Online Enrollment

    $9,000

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    50%

    Retention Rate

    $9,000

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    723
    Institution Type
    Private
    #4

    Arkansas Baptist College

    • Little Rock, AR
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Arkansas Baptist College is a relatively small private institution located in the capital city of Arkansas, Little Rock. This college is historically black. Today a variety of students at this school study a comprehensive collection of subjects in pursuit of varied degrees. 

    N/A

    Online Enrollment

    $8,760

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    31%

    Retention Rate

    $8,760

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    77%
    Students Enrolled
    414
    Institution Type
    Private
    #5

    Huston-Tillotson University

    • Austin, TX
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Austin, Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, so it is no surprise that Huston-Tillotson University is expanding rapidly. Located in Austin, this historically Black college expanded to a four-year university that offers an enormous variety of educational degrees and pursuits to its students. While affiliated with the UMC and the UCC, this school is advertised as multi-faith and multi-cultural. 

    33%

    Online Enrollment

    $12,569

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    54%

    Retention Rate

    $12,569

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    50%
    Students Enrolled
    1,001
    Institution Type
    Private
    #6

    Bacone College

    • Muskogee, OK
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Bacone College was originally founded as an educational institution for various Native American tribes and nations within the Midwest region of the United States. Today, Bacone College continues to serve Native American students as well as a wide variety of other cultures and religions. This college offers four-year degree programs in the liberal arts. 

    79%

    Online Enrollment

    $12,000

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    39%

    Retention Rate

    $12,000

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    55%
    Students Enrolled
    266
    Institution Type
    Private
    #7

    Bethune-Cookman University

    • Daytona Beach, FL
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Bethune-Cookman University is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Its location makes it an attractive historically black college for students looking for a warmer climate and varied social opportunities. Bethune-Cookman University operates seven different colleges, including business education, nursing, graduate studies, science and engineering, social sciences, and the arts and humanities. 

    100%

    Online Enrollment

    $13,844

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    51%

    Retention Rate

    $13,844

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    85%
    Students Enrolled
    2,727
    Institution Type
    Private
    #8

    Everglades University

    • Boca Raton, FL
    • 2 year
    • Online
    • Accredited

    Boca Raton, Florida, a popular residential town in the state, is the home of Everglades University. This school is less than twenty years old, but it was quickly accredited and has developed a reputation for providing undergraduate and graduate degrees of the highest quality to its student population. 

    48%

    Online Enrollment

    $20,768

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    75%

    Retention Rate

    $20,768

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    86%
    Students Enrolled
    2,247
    Institution Type
    Private
    #9

    Boricua College

    • New York, NY
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Boricua College is located in New York City, but it is distinct from other New York colleges and post-secondary institutions in that it was originally founded to offer educational opportunities to Hispanic immigrants. Today, the college has four different satellite campuses. Over a thousand students attend the school today with a teaching population of just over 200 instructors. 

    N/A

    Online Enrollment

    $11,000

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    82%

    Retention Rate

    $11,000

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    423
    Institution Type
    Private
    #10

    Calumet College of Saint Joseph

    • Whiting, IN
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Calumet College Of St. Joseph is a private Catholic college located in North Indiana. The school has satellite campuses in Illinois and Indiana. While the college has extensive degree options for associate, bachelor, and master-level learning, the school is also noteworthy for its comprehensive lineup of e-learning courses through online forums and off-campus software. 

    31%

    Online Enrollment

    $19,900

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    61%

    Retention Rate

    $19,900

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    33%
    Students Enrolled
    658
    Institution Type
    Private
    #11

    Claflin University

    • Orangeburg, SC
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Claflin University has the distinction of being the very first historically Black college established in South Carolina that is still in operation today. This private university was established and is still affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate-level degrees, and the university also has a popular athletic program. 

    14%

    Online Enrollment

    $16,476

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    71%

    Retention Rate

    $16,476

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    62%
    Students Enrolled
    1,866
    Institution Type
    Private
    #12

    Dillard University

    • New Orleans, LA
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Dillard University is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, right next to the historic Gentilly Boulevard. While this historically Black college was almost completely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, intensive rebuilding efforts have reopened the university. The university received an endowment from Ray Charles, and continues to offer degrees in business, the social sciences, humanities, and in nursing.

    47%

    Online Enrollment

    $17,410

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    71%

    Retention Rate

    $17,410

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    80%
    Students Enrolled
    1,202
    Institution Type
    Private
    #13

    Flagler College-St Augustine

    • Saint Augustine, FL
    • 2 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Flagler College-St. Augustine is a private institution of post-secondary learning located in St. Augustine, Florida. While the school has just celebrated its fortieth year, it has grown extensively since its inception. In fact, the school was rated one of America’s top colleges by US News & World Report because of its affordable tuition and extensive degree options. 

    18%

    Online Enrollment

    $20,540

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    69%

    Retention Rate

    $20,540

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    81%
    Students Enrolled
    2,623
    Institution Type
    Private
    #14

    Florida Memorial University

    • Miami Gardens, FL
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Florida Memorial University, located in the beautiful and popular Miami Gardens region of Florida, is a member of the United Negro College Fund and a registered historically Black post-secondary institution. While Florida Memorial offers many degree options, it is especially noteworthy for graduating the second largest population of African-American teachers in the state. 

    42%

    Online Enrollment

    $12,576

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    51%

    Retention Rate

    $12,576

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    57%
    Students Enrolled
    1,028
    Institution Type
    Private
    #15

    Rust College

    • Holly Springs, MS
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Holly Springs, Mississippi is the location of Rust College, which is a liberal arts educational institution whose original population of students was African American. While this college is historically Black, the student body is actually quite varied. This is one of the oldest historically Black colleges in the nation, and it is supported by the United Methodist Church.

    57%

    Online Enrollment

    $9,900

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    55%

    Retention Rate

    $9,900

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    38%
    Students Enrolled
    768
    Institution Type
    Private
    #16

    Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses

    • Stockton, CA
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Humphreys College has two distinct campuses in Stockton and Modesto, California. This school is a liberal arts college that is both independent of any religious affiliations and not-for-profit. Humphreys College was the first post-secondary educational institution in the San Joaquin Valley, and it now offers two, four, and six-year degree paths for students, with the highest degree offered being a master’s degree. 

    100%

    Online Enrollment

    $14,580

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    100%

    Retention Rate

    $14,580

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    352
    Institution Type
    Private
    #17

    Wiley College

    • Marshall, TX
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    In Marshall, Texas, Wiley College was founded as a Black college of the liberal arts by the Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Isaac Wiley is credited for the school's origins. Today, the school operates both on-campus and off-campus degree programs, and the student population has exceeded a thousand.

    14%

    Online Enrollment

    $12,500

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    34%

    Retention Rate

    $12,500

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    665
    Institution Type
    Private
    #18

    Morris College

    • Sumter, SC
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    In Sumter, South Carolina, Morris College offers four-year educational programs in twenty different educational subjects. This college is regionally accredited, and students can pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts, Science, Education, and Arts degrees. Morris College is a private, religious educational institution that maintains its affiliation with the Baptist Church. 

    69%

    Online Enrollment

    $13,890

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    48%

    Retention Rate

    $13,890

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    410
    Institution Type
    Private
    #19

    Thomas University

    • Thomasville, GA
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    In Thomasville, Georgia, Thomas University is a private university with all three degree options for its students: associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and even graduate-level degrees. The arts and sciences are both featured at Thomasville, but the school is also known for high-quality criminal justice and business administration or management degree paths.

    100%

    Online Enrollment

    $10,800

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    64%

    Retention Rate

    $10,800

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    29%
    Students Enrolled
    1,388
    Institution Type
    Private
    #20

    John F. Kennedy University

    • Pleasant Hill, CA
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    John F. Kennedy University's main campus is located in Pleasant Hill, California, but the school also has two additional campuses in surrounding Californian cities. This university is affiliated with the National University System, though it still maintains its independent status. Students can pursue degrees in law, the humanities, arts and sciences, and other subjects for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. 

    68%

    Online Enrollment

    $8,500

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    N/A

    Retention Rate

    $8,500

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    100%
    Students Enrolled
    1,125
    Institution Type
    Private
    #21

    Johnson C Smith University

    • Charlotte, NC
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Johnson C Smith University was founded as an African-American institution of learning. The university still maintains its status as a historically Black college. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Johnson C Smith University currently offers a variety of bachelor's degree options. It is perhaps most well-known, though, for its highly rated and well-respected social work and counselling programs. 

    6%

    Online Enrollment

    $16,174

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    57%

    Retention Rate

    $16,174

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    45%
    Students Enrolled
    1,166
    Institution Type
    Private
    #22

    Le Moyne-Owen College

    • Memphis, TN
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    LeMoyne-Owen College is a private college in Memphis, Tennessee. The undergraduate program is carried out through five academic divisions offering majors in 22 areas of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science, or the Bachelor of Business Administration degrees. It is one of the few historically Black colleges in the United States that has been in existence for more than 150 years. It was founded during the Civil War by the United Church of Christ to teach freedmen and runaway slaves to read and write. 

    99%

    Online Enrollment

    $10,776

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    53%

    Retention Rate

    $10,776

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    98%
    Students Enrolled
    613
    Institution Type
    Private
    #23

    Husson University

    • Bangor, ME
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Located in Bangor, Maine, Husson University is a private post-secondary educational institution that services approximately 3,600 students. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and Husson University operates three distinct campuses throughout the state of Maine, making it the largest, in area, in the entire state. 

    69%

    Online Enrollment

    $18,890

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    79%

    Retention Rate

    $18,890

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    91%
    Students Enrolled
    3,078
    Institution Type
    Private
    #24

    Life University

    • Marietta, GA
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Located in the charming town of Marietta, Georgia, Life University is a health sciences institution most known for its chiropractic program, the largest in the world. Life University is regionally accredited by SACS to award four-year undergraduate and graduate degrees in health care, sciences, business, and general studies fields. 

    35%

    Online Enrollment

    $12,420

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    61%

    Retention Rate

    $12,420

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    98%
    Students Enrolled
    2,754
    Institution Type
    Private
    #25

    Tougaloo College

    • Tougaloo, MS
    • 2 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Located in Tougaloo, Mississippi, the aptly named Tougaloo College was founded in 1869. This school is historically Black, and it was actually founded to provide educational opportunities to slaves that had been recently freed after the American Civil War. The buildings of this college have historical value, and the school still operates as a high-quality institution of post-secondary learning. 

    N/A

    Online Enrollment

    $10,258

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    60%

    Retention Rate

    $10,258

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    5%
    Students Enrolled
    677
    Institution Type
    Private
    #26

    Lourdes University

    • Sylvania, OH
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Lourdes University is located in Sylvania, Ohio, and maintains its affiliation with the Catholic Church. While the institution opened as a liberal arts bachelor's program known as Lourdes Junior College, it has expanded to offer both bachelor's and graduate degrees in a wide variety of educational pursuits. Because of its religious affiliation, theology is still a popular educational path at Lourdes U. 

    49%

    Online Enrollment

    $24,400

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    72%

    Retention Rate

    $24,400

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    89%
    Students Enrolled
    1,387
    Institution Type
    Private
    #27

    Martin Luther College

    • New Ulm, MN
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Martin Luther College is owned and operated exclusively by the WELS, or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. This college is located in New Ulm, Minnesota. Male students can continue their pastoral education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and both men and women can also pursue educational degrees and ministry degrees at Martin Luther College. 

    29%

    Online Enrollment

    $16,910

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    83%

    Retention Rate

    $16,910

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    91%
    Students Enrolled
    920
    Institution Type
    Private
    #28

    Martin University

    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Martin University is located in Indianapolis, which puts it quite close to music venues, restaurants, sporting venues, theatrical centers, and urban opportunities. Students who attend Martin University are predominantly African-American, and they are able to pursue degree paths in counseling, the sciences, education, liberal arts, and religious studies or theology.

    N/A

    Online Enrollment

    $12,840

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    83%

    Retention Rate

    $12,840

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    231
    Institution Type
    Private
    #29

    Mid-America Christian University

    • Oklahoma City, OK
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Mid-America Christian University is located in Oklahoma City and is one of several private Christian universities in the state of Oklahoma. Originally founded as the Gulf Coast Bible College, Mid-America Christian University was relocated from Houston, Texas to better serve a growing population of students interested in theological studies in the "Bible Belt" region of the United States. 

    95%

    Online Enrollment

    $17,568

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    64%

    Retention Rate

    $17,568

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    2,237
    Institution Type
    Private
    #30

    Miles College

    • Fairfield, AL
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Miles College was founded in Fairfield, Alabama at the end of the nineteenth century by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. This private college is one of the oldest historically Black colleges in the nation, and it continues to offer a high quality of education and varied degree paths for its student population, which continues to grow. 

    13%

    Online Enrollment

    $11,164

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    60%

    Retention Rate

    $11,164

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    1,520
    Institution Type
    Private
    #31

    Oakwood University

    • Huntsville, AL
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Oakwood University is located in the growing city of Huntsville, Alabama. This private institution has Christian affiliations, and students are able to choose either secular or religious degree options, securing associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, or one of several graduate degree options. This university is recognized as a historically Black college. 

    24%

    Online Enrollment

    $18,974

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    73%

    Retention Rate

    $18,974

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    72%
    Students Enrolled
    1,452
    Institution Type
    Private
    #32

    Paine College

    • Augusta, GA
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Paine College is located in the beautiful and historic Augusta, Georgia. This college is one of several HBCU post-secondary learning institutions in the southern region of the United States. While its student body was historically African-American, Paine College now has a wide cultural population of students and an equally wide variety of degree opportunities. 

    100%

    Online Enrollment

    $12,706

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    61%

    Retention Rate

    $12,706

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    52%
    Students Enrolled
    251
    Institution Type
    Private
    #33

    Peirce College

    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 4 year
    • Online
    • Accredited

    Peirce College is one of several colleges located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. What separates Peirce College from other post-secondary institutions, though, is its comprehensive lineup of both accelerated learning programs and non-traditional degree programs. Most of the students who attend Peirce College take advantage of night and weekend courses or accelerated schedules. 

    100%

    Online Enrollment

    $14,400

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    100%

    Retention Rate

    $14,400

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    875
    Institution Type
    Private
    #34

    Ranken Technical College

    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Ranken Technical College is located in the historic city of St. Louis, Missouri. This technical college is specifically designed to give job training and career certification courses in the automotive, information technology, manufacturing, construction, and electrical technology industries. The school recently constructed a residence hall for students who wish to live on campus. 

    70%

    Online Enrollment

    $15,264

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    N/A

    Retention Rate

    $15,264

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    1,826
    Institution Type
    Private
    #35

    St. Augustine College

    • Chicago, IL
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Saint Augustine College is located in Chicago, Illinois, and this school was established only about thirty years ago by the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. The college was created to be a bilingual education center for Spanish-speaking students. Currently, the nearly 1500 students attending Saint Augustine College are able to pursue fourteen different educational programs. 

    N/A

    Online Enrollment

    $11,720

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    67%

    Retention Rate

    $11,720

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    737
    Institution Type
    Private
    #36

    Livingstone College

    • Salisbury, NC
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Salisbury, North Carolina is the home of Livingstone College, a historically Black college founded in the late 1800s. Today, Livingstone College has a large African-American student population, but students of all ethnicities and racial backgrounds attend the institution. The school is accredited to offer bachelor's degrees in the arts, fine arts, sciences, and also in social work.

    17%

    Online Enrollment

    $15,917

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    58%

    Retention Rate

    $15,917

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    51%
    Students Enrolled
    890
    Institution Type
    Private
    #37

    Shaw University

    • Raleigh, NC
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    Shaw University is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school was originally known as the Raleigh Institute of Learning, and it was established as an African American educational center. Shaw University has the distinction of being known as the longest-operating historically Black university in the Southern region of the country.

    61%

    Online Enrollment

    $11,808

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    58%

    Retention Rate

    $11,808

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    65%
    Students Enrolled
    1,141
    Institution Type
    Private
    #38

    Stillman College

    • Tuscaloosa, AL
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Stillman College is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This historically Black college was founded immediately after the end of the American Civil War as an effort to provide freed slaves with a quality education. Today, students of all races, religious backgrounds, and ethnicities are able to pursue bachelor's degrees in both the arts and sciences and in the field of education. 

    71%

    Online Enrollment

    $9,548

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    64%

    Retention Rate

    $9,548

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    76%
    Students Enrolled
    728
    Institution Type
    Private
    #39

    Lane College

    • Jackson, TN
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, An Historically Black Christian Community, Is Considered The Founding Group Of Lane College. Located West Of Memphis In Jackson, Tennessee, Lane College Offers Bachelor's Degrees Predominantly In The General Studies And Liberal Arts Subject Areas. This School Was Formed In The Latter-19th Century. 

    100%

    Online Enrollment

    $9,270

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    56%

    Retention Rate

    $9,270

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    1,047
    Institution Type
    Private
    #40

    Texas College

    • Tyler, TX
    • 4 year
    • Campus
    • Accredited

    The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is the founding group for Texas College, located in Tyler, Texas. The United Negro College Fund continues to financially support this historically Black institution. Texas College offers bachelor's degrees and associate's degrees in a variety of subjects including the liberal arts, business, and education. 

    N/A

    Online Enrollment

    $8,208

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    31%

    Retention Rate

    $8,208

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    731
    Institution Type
    Private
    #41

    Doane University

    • Crete, NE
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    The Lincoln, Nebraska campus of Doane College is a satellite campus of the larger Doane College located in Crete, Nebraska. This private college has a religious association with the United Church of Christ, which provided the college with an endowment of over $70 million. The original Doane College was established in the latter part of the 19th century. 

    8%

    Online Enrollment

    $37,080

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    67%

    Retention Rate

    $37,080

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    76%
    Students Enrolled
    1,867
    Institution Type
    Private
    #42

    Baker College of Cadillac

    • Cadillac, MI
    • N/A
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    The original Baker College was established in Michigan in Flint in the early 20th century. Today, Baker College of Cadillac is one of thirteen different Baker College satellite campuses. This not-for-profit educational institution has regional accreditation, and it predominantly exists to provide career training to students. 

    N/A

    Online Enrollment

    N/A

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    N/A

    Retention Rate

    N/A

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    0
    Institution Type
    Public
    #43

    Ottawa University-Kansas City

    • Overland Park, KS
    • 4 year
    • Online
    • Accredited

    The original Ottawa University still operates in Ottawa, Kansas, but the school has expanded with a satellite campus in Kansas City. Ottawa University-Kansas City has both on-campus and online learning programs. This private college emphasizes learning in the liberal arts field of study and has religious ties with the American Baptist Churches of the USA. 

    100%

    Online Enrollment

    $12,229

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    N/A

    Retention Rate

    $12,229

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    N/A
    Students Enrolled
    551
    Institution Type
    Private
    #44

    Gallaudet University

    • Washington, DC
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Thomas Gallaudet is one of the most important individuals with regard to deaf education history, so Gallaudet University, named after him, strives to offer high-quality education for deaf individuals. Gallaudet University is the only American post-secondary institution that offers degree programs, transition education, and professional services to just the deaf community. 

    45%

    Online Enrollment

    $16,512

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    80%

    Retention Rate

    $16,512

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    62%
    Students Enrolled
    1,433
    Institution Type
    Private
    #45

    Trocaire College

    • Buffalo, NY
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    • Accredited

    Trocaire College may only be a junior college in Buffalo, New York, but it has created a reputation for providing students with an excellent learning foundation. Initially founded as a school for women, Trocaire College is now coeducational. The school offers certification programs and associate's degree programs, as well as transfer opportunities for students who want to continue their education. 

    89%

    Online Enrollment

    $18,340

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

    100%

    Retention Rate

    $18,340

    Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
    Acceptance Rate
    47%
    Students Enrolled
    1,101
    Institution Type
    Private

    The Benefits of Small Private Colleges

    Even among the relatively low number of small private colleges in the country, there can be great diversity between degree programs. Some are known for their academic specialties, their historical place in American education, or for their faculties. Among them, these are some of the most-attractive assets: Academic Standards. One of the reasons small private colleges enjoy prestige is because they consistently establish high academic standards for the faculty and student body. Admission is highly competitive. The college may be celebrated for specific academic disciplines or for offering a well-rounded liberal arts education based on small class sizes, led by distinguished educators.

    AC Online: Private Colleges with Million-Dollar Returns

    What’s a college education worth? While there’s no foolproof way to gauge degree value, certain colleges must be doing something right. Just one percent of colleges across the country have a documented million-dollar return on investment (ROI): alumni whose lifetime earnings surpass those of non-degree holders by seven figures.

    The following colleges and universities represent the mere 46 private institutions that make up this Top 1%. These post-secondary juggernauts continually graduate young professionals who earn top dollar over the course of their careers.

    To identify the private institutions with seven-figure returns, AC Online examined tuition rates, fees, and alumni salaries for more than 7,000 U.S. colleges and universities. Primary data sources include the Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the Carnegie Foundation, and PayScale.com – four of the most trusted names in college- and career-related data.

    AC Online has compiled a list of affordable small private schools for you to consider. From New York to California, there are plenty of options across the country for students seeking smaller classroom sizes with a modest price tag. All the schools below are accredited, have tuition and fees totaling less than $15,000, and enroll less than 4,000 students.

    Related articles that may interest you

    10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025

    10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025

    The best online colleges offer a great education at an affordable price. Learn more about choosing a school and program that meets your needs.

    Thomas Broderick

    by Thomas Broderick

    Updated December 16, 2024

    10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025

    10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025

    Discover the top 10 most affordable online colleges for earning your degree, with rankings based on factors like program options and student-to-faculty ratio.

    Evan Thompson

    by Evan Thompson

    Updated November 22, 2024

    Best Military-Friendly Colleges of 2025

    Best Military-Friendly Colleges of 2025

    The best online colleges for veterans and military personnel offer flexibility, convenience, financial benefits, and helpful resources for vets.

    Holland Webb

    by Holland Webb

    Updated February 4, 2025