Selection of Prestigious Colleges in America?

This might sound a bit naive, but could anyone tell me which colleges are considered the most prestigious in America? Is it only Ivy League schools, or are there others that are regarded highly as well?

Certainly! Prestige is often associated with selective universities known for their academic rigor, well-known faculty, strong alumni networks, and histories of producing successful graduates. While 'prestige' is somewhat subjective, some commonly regarded prestigious universities fall into the following categories:

- Ivy League Schools: These eight schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell) are known for their long history, high admissions standards, and overall academic and extracurricular excellence.

- Other Highly Selective Colleges: Beyond the Ivy League, there are many highly regarded institutions such as Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University, and Duke University.

- Liberal Arts Colleges: Many small, top-tier liberal arts colleges such as Amherst College, Swarthmore College, Williams College, and Pomona College are very prestigious, and known for their small class sizes and strong emphasis on undergraduate education.

- Public Ivies: These are state institutions that are thought to provide an Ivy League experience at a public school price. They include the University of Michigan, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Virginia.

Remember, while prestige can be a factor when deciding on a college, it's crucial to also consider other factors such as academic programs, culture, size, location, and cost when making your college decision.