Washington University in St Louis

Students at Washington University in St. Louis say they study hard, like to party, love their school, and get frustrated if people haven't heard of it (or think it's in D.C. or Washington state). Academics are rigorous at the private research university, and students report that A's are elusive. As a result, competition is fierce, especially among students in the popular engineering, social sciences and business programs. But the hustle pays off: Alumni post median earnings around $83,000 after they leave school. WashU has a thriving social scene. The Loop – an area within walking distance of campus – has restaurants, a movie theater and shopping, in addition to nightlife options. As far as campus goes, students at Washington U praise the amenities, particularly the food and dorms (they're modern, with air conditioning, carpet, laundry facilities and big living spaces). Three-quarters of undergraduates join intramural sports teams like badminton, bowling and table tennis. The school also brags that it's environmentally conscious, eliminating over half a million plastic bottles every year.