Top 8 Picks for the Best Colleges in the South

The South offers a terrific selection of universities that are consistently ranked among the nation's best.

     1.     Duke University

Known by many for its championship basketball teams, Duke is one of the nation's elite academic universities. Widely considered the most prestigious national university in the South, Duke draws the best and brightest from all over the country. It doesn't hurt that Duke's lush, modern campus boasts impressive architecture and first-rate facilities.
 

     2.    University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is well known as one of the nation's top several public universities. While admission is slightly less competitive for Virginia residents, this school accepts only the best and the brightest. Though only about two hours by car from Washington, DC, UVA definitely feels like it's a part of the South.
 

     3.     Emory University

Located in Atlanta and receiving massive financial support from a number of top companies based in the city, Emory is a magnet for ambitious students looking to begin their careers at a strong university with a national reputation.
 

     4.     University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Located in the picture-perfect college town of Chapel Hill, UNC probably ranks just below Virginia on the list of most prestious Southern public universities. Not everyone realizes that because of its strong preference for North Carolina residents, UNC is extraordinarily competitive for out-of-states.
 

     5.     College of William and Mary

William and Mary is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. The second-oldest public university in the nation (1693), this school feels very traditional and academic-focused for a public university.
 

     6.     Vanderbilt University

Located in Nashville, Vanderbilt has a spirit that's more "Southern" than most of the other schools on this list. While boasting top-notch academic programs and cultural offerings, Vanderbilt is traditional in manners, social interactions, and political leanings.

 

     7.     University of Texas at Austin

Another public university that easily ranks among the nation's best. A huge school with every academic program under the sun, Texas boasts an honors program, top sports teams, and an Austin location that may be one of the country's most well-regarded college towns.
 

     8.     Rice University

Rice is a smaller school (fewer than 3000 undergraduates) located in Houston. This elite university is one of the South's top few colleges and its students are among the nation's brightest. With comparably low tuition fees, Rice is also one of the South's best bargains.