Jon L Albee
Google
Here's a comprehensive private research university that flies completely under the radar. There are reasons for that, including the fact that this institution is very young by the standards of elite research universities. It's becoming harder to gain admission to the college each year. Miami is no longer the college of choice for wealthy, underachieving, white kids from south Florida. In fact, the university is now a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Nearly everything about the university has improved substantially in the past decade, but certain programs really shine. Music, marine biology, earth and atmospheric science, communication, business, and computer science are standouts. The lush grounds and lovely modern buildings are worth a stroll, no matter your affiliation (or lack thereof) with the university. Many of the university's athletic facilities are off campus.