Emory University

Emory University draws driven, competitive students who also know the value of enjoying college life. Pre-professional majors dominate the academic landscape, so it's no wonder that Emory students are so focused on the future. No matter which field you're in, you'll be surrounded by people fighting for top grades and logging the study hours to show for it. Yet the social scene doesn't suffer. Set in a suburban area of Atlanta, there's always a game, cultural event or show going on in the neighboring communities, which include Buckhead, Decatur, Midtown, and Little Five Points. The private Christian school's campus is gorgeously green, and there's a thriving Greek scene that provides a built-in network of friends to those who rush. There are 19 varsity athletic teams, with a newly added women's golf team. As for the student body, the school's above-average price tag attracts some more affluent students, as evidenced by the slew of BMWs and Audis seen in the limited and often-crowded parking lots. But if you arrive car-less, there is a campus-wide shuttle system called the Cliff that services all students.