R1:Doctoral Universities are research institutions with very high research activities. R1 universities offer doctoral programs in diverse area with large number of doctoral students. Those schools receive much higher amount of research funding compared to other type of doctoral institutions such as R2 universities and D/PUs. These research institutions play a crucial role in advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and contributing to economic growth through their research activities. [Learn more about Carnegie Classification methodology here.]
As of 2025, there are 187 R1 Universities operating in the United States, including 135 public and 52 private institutions. 42 of these are newly classified R1 universities in 2025. The "*" sign next to certain institutions in below table indicates their recent addition to the R1 category, reflecting their significant growth in research activities and doctoral program offerings. In addition, University of Alabama in Huntsville reclassfied from R1 to R2 in 2024.
Compare and explore detailed statistics for 187 R1 Universities to find the perfect college match for your academic goals, budget, and career aspirations. Our comprehensive comparison tool provides key data including tuition costs, acceptance rates, financial aid, graduation rates, and enrollment statistics to help you make informed decisions about your higher education:
- Average Tuition & Fees: R1 Universities charge $12,963 for in-state students and $41,128 for out-of-state students on average for undergraduate programs.
- Graduate Program Costs: Average graduate tuition & fees for R1 Universities is $21,328 for in-state graduate students and $34,516 for out-of-state graduate students.
- Admission Statistics: R1 Universities have moderately selective admissions, with an average acceptance rate of 57.42% and an average SAT score of 1,320 among accepted applicants.
- Student Population: R1 Universities enroll an average of 26,752 students across all programs.
- Graduation Success Rate: Students at R1 Universities demonstrate strong academic success, with an impressive average graduation rate of 76.09%, reflecting excellent academic support and student retention programs.
Use our detailed college comparison tables below to evaluate R1 Universities side-by-side. Compare tuition and fees, financial aid packages, admission requirements, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation outcomes to identify the best college that matches your educational needs and budget. Start comparing colleges now to make the right choice for your future.
Key Statistics & Highlights
Here are the highest and lowest statistics among R1 Doctoral Universities:
| Statistic |
Average |
Highest |
Lowest |
| Tuition & Fees | $41,128 | University of Southern California $71,647 | Brigham Young University $6,688 |
|---|
| Graduate Tuition & Fees | $34,516 | University of Southern California $71,515 | Brigham Young University $8,416 |
|---|
| Enrollment | 26,752 students | Arizona State University Campus Immersion 79,818 students | Weill Medical College of Cornell University 1,474 students |
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| Acceptance Rate | 57.42% | The University of Texas at El Paso 99.92% | California Institute of Technology 2.57% |
|---|
| SAT Score | 1,320 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1,560 | The University of Texas at El Paso 960 |
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Comparison between all R1 Doctoral Universities
The following table compares 187 R1 Doctoral Universities with tuition and important admission statistics. You can sort the table to find top-ranked schools in the indicator (column) by clicking/touching a column that you want to sort. Note again, "*" symbol next to certain institutions in below table indicates that the school is newly classified in 2025.