Tufts University

Many schools boast about being "Ivy League equivalents," but Tufts University actually does deliver an education on par with some of the best colleges in the country. Tufts is a private institution where students can expect to work hard to keep pace with rigorous programs offered in a wide variety of academic disciplines, from biopsychology to peace and justice studies. Nine out of 10 students graduate within four years. The Tufts student body is mostly white and liberal-leaning, although there are plenty of people who don't fit that mold (and the administration says it's working to improve diversity on campus). Tufts is also home to the Beelzebubs, a male a cappella group responsible for the arrangements and background vocals for the fictional Warblers on the TV show "Glee." Tufts students say their university is in an ideal location: Not only is the campus scenic, but the towns of Medford and nearby Somerville provide many entertainment opportunities. Plus, Boston is only a short train ride away.