By DM Staff
June 2015
In this ranking, we highlight 30 great colleges for INTJ personality types.
INTJ Personality Types
One of the most rare of the Myers-Briggs personality types is the INTJ type. This is the Introversion, Intuition, Thinking and Judgment Personality Type, often referred to as “The Architect.” INTJs make up approximately 2 percent of the population and of that 2 percent, 0.8 percent are women. Someone with this personality is likely a quiet, reserved person who may be referred to as a “Book Worm.” People with this Myers-Briggs personality type are abstract thinkers who like to see the big picture and value objective criteria rather than personal preference. These are people with strategic minds who loathe highly structured environments and prefer independent and autonomous situations.
Each of the sixteen Myers Briggs Personality types has a short list of career options that are ideally suited for the specific personality characteristics. While some INTJ personality types will pursue careers in other areas, those who choose one of the top INTJ majors will have the highest levels of job satisfaction. The INTJ’s strategic mind and decisive determination lends itself very well to careers such as scientist, engineer and doctor. Their high level of self confidence and decisiveness make them excellent business administrators and lawyers. They are very commonly found working in the STEM fields.
Each Myers Briggs personality will learn most efficiently in an academic environment that supports their unique strengths and weaknesses. While some personality types will benefit from a large university, full of extracurricular activities and clubs, others will thrive in a smaller atmosphere. Each Myers Briggs personality type has a learning environment that is ideally suited to their personality. An INTJ will benefit from a learning environment that allows for more direct interactions with their instructors, meaning a lower student to faculty ratio is important. INTJ personality types are also people who have a strong dislike for highly structured environments, therefore schools that provide opportunities for autonomous and unstructured research, creative endeavors and other related opportunities make for ideal INTJ college choices. These types of students need to feel like they have the backing of a strong academic institution so a strong library system, research facilities and students support are key.
Methodology
This list highlights 30 Colleges that provide the kind of environment that will strongly suit the INTJ personality. These are schools that allow for more autonomous learning and have a less structured environment. Many of these schools are nationally recognized for their programs in Science, Research, Engineering, Medicine, and Business Administration. Many of these colleges are on the smaller side with less focus on things like student interaction, fraternity and sororities, and student clubs and activities. The majority of schools making this list are in less urban centers, as INTJs much prefer a quiet, less crowded environment. As INTJ like autonomy and independence, schools offering these kinds of learning environments are excellent choices for the INTJ mind.
The pool of possible schools began with over two hundred of the country’s best nationally ranked programs in majors deemed a good match for INTJ. This data was gathered from US News and World Report as well as the Carnegie Foundation for Research Universities. The next step was to eliminate those schools that were located in major urban metropolitan areas, had enrollment of more than 15,000 undergraduate students, had high student to faculty ratios, and highly structured or restrictive environments. Schools were ranked using the point system described below.
Overall Cost of Attendance: This data was gathered from the National Center for Educational Statistics College Navigator Tool.
Less than $20,000/$20,001 – $30,000/$30,001 – $25,000
3 points / 2 points / 1 point
Students to Faculty Ratio: Data was gathered from US News and World Report.
7:1 or less/8:1-10:1/11:1-15:1
3 points / 2 points / 1 point
Enrollment: Data was gathered from US News and World Report. The data used in this methodology was total undergraduate enrollment.
Less than 5,000/5,001-7,500/7,501-10,000
3 points / 2 points / 1 point
Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity: 2 points
Inclusion on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects: 2 points
Percentage of Bachelor’s Degree’s Granted in STEM Majors: Data gathered from the US News and World Report list of Most Stem Majors.
90-100% / 89-75% / 74-50% / 49-25%
5 points / 3 points / 2 points / 1 point
Inclusion on the American Library Associations list of Top 100 Library Holdings
Over 10 million / 10.01 – 4.99 million / 5 – 3 million
3 points / 2 points / 1 point
Ranking: All points were then tallied and schools were placed in order by their overall score. In the case of ties, preference was given in this order: highest amount of STEM majors, followed by highest student to faculty ratio, and finally lowest cost of attendance.
30 Great Colleges for INTJ Personality Types
#1 – Stanford University – Stanford, California
University Website Points: 16
Stanford University is set on a beautiful campus located in the California Bay Area, approximately 30 miles outside of San Francisco. First-year students are required to live on campus, and students are guaranteed housing for all four years, with the majority of students choosing to live on campus throughout their four years. Four of the university’s seven schools offer undergraduate and graduate coursework, and the remaining three serve as purely graduate schools. Graduate programs include the highly ranked School of Education, School of Engineering, Law School, School of Medicine, and the top-ranked Graduate School of Business. The creative undergraduate offerings have earned Stanford a spot on the US News and World Report’s list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. The intense level of research that is undertaken by every department throughout the university has led to the school being designated by the Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity. The student/faculty ratio of 5:1 mixed with the wide variety of INTJ majors means that Stanford is a great option for INTJ learners.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#4 Best National University
#2 Best Law School
#2 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
#2 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#1 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#4 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#1 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#2 Best Graduate Physics Program
#2 Best Medical School for Research
#25 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,109
Enrollment: 7,061
Percentage of STEM majors: 54%
Number of Library Holdings: 8,500,000
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Social Sciences; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Engineering; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; and Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
#2 – Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Cambridge, Massachusetts
University Website Points: 15
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a short distance from downtown Boston. MIT focuses most strongly on scientific and technological research and is divided into five schools and one college. Freshmen students must live on campus, but around 70 percent of all students choose to remain on campus during their entire four years. There are a number of undergraduate and graduate programs that cater to the INTJ personality. The nationally known graduate schools include the School of Engineering and Sloan School of Management, as well as strong programs in economics, psychology, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics and mathematics. Class sizes at MIT are small with a student to faculty ratio of 8:1. Research is a paramount focus, and research expenditures typically exceed $650 million annually. Research funding comes from a variety of government agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense. There is also an “Independent Activities Program,” which is a four-week term between fall and spring semesters in January, where students can participate in special courses, lectures, competitions and projects. Because of the strong programs at all levels, MIT has earned a number of special recognitions, including:
- Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity
- Named on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects
US News and World Report Ranking:
#7 Best National University
#5 Best Business School
#1 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
#1 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#1 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#1 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#1 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#1 Best Graduate Physics Program
Average Cost of Attendance: $26,726
Enrollment: 4,528
Percentage of STEM majors: 86%
Number of Library Holdings: 3,119,157
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Engineering; Computer Science; Physical Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; and Mathematics, General
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
#3 – Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts
University Website Points: 15
Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just a few miles outside of metropolitan Boston. The campus sits on a beautiful and sprawling 5,076-acre campus. The wide-ranging library system is home to the oldest library collection in the United States and the largest private collection in the world. First year students reside around the Harvard Yard at the center of campus. After the first year, students are placed in one of 12 undergraduate houses for their remaining three years. The largest school at Harvard is the undergraduate school known simply as the College. The wide-ranging, highly creative and innovative degree options at the undergraduate level earned Harvard a spot on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. In addition to the College, Harvard is made up of 13 other schools and institutes, including the nationally recognized Business School, Medical School, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Law School and John F. Kennedy School of Government. Classes at both the undergraduate and graduate level have a student/faculty ratio of 7:1, and a whopping 75.6 percent of classes have enrollment of 20 or fewer. Harvard has been named a Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#2 Best National University
#2 Best Business School
#5 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
#20 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#1 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#4 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#18 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#2 Best Graduate Physics Program
Average Cost of Attendance: $16,445
Enrollment: 6,722
Number of Library Holdings: 16,832,952
Setting: Urban – Midsize city
Top Five Majors Pursued: Social Sciences, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; History, General; Mathematics, General; and Psychology, General
Degrees Offered: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree
Overall School Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
#4 – Rice University – Houston, Texas
University Website Points: 14
Rice University is located in beautiful downtown Houston, Texas. As soon as students are accepted into the school they are assigned to one of 11 residential colleges, where they remain members even if they later choose to move off campus. Each residential college provides students with housing, dining, and academic and social events. This is a great way for the more stoic INTJ personality to come out of its shell and enjoy the college experience. There are no sororities or fraternities on campus, which most INTJs see as a benefit. There are a vast number of research and experiential learning opportunities for INTJ majors of all kinds. Rice has been included in the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. Rice is made up of eight individual schools, including the School of Social Sciences, School of Humanities and Wiess School of Natural Sciences. The graduate schools include the highly ranked Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and George R. Brown School of Engineering. The school received a Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#19 Best National University
#33 Best Business School
#5 Best Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Program
#31 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#42 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#33 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#20 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#26 Best Graduate Physics Program
Average Cost of Attendance: $18,427
Enrollment: 3,965
Percentage of STEM majors: 44%
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Biochemistry; Chemical Engineering; Psychology, General; Economics, General; and Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
#5 – California Institute of Technology – Pasadena, California
University Website Points: 13
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) places a strong emphasis on science and engineering. The campus is located in Pasadena, California, 11 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Social and academic life at Caltech begins at the eight student houses, which are known at the school as “self-governing living groups.” These student houses maintain a long-standing Caltech tradition of having dinners served by student waiters. While only freshmen are required to live on campus, more than 80 percent of students remain in their house for all four years. The school offers top-notch undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs in engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, mathematics and physics. The top five majors pursued by Caltech students are all considered ideal INTJ majors and make an excellent fit for this Myers-Briggs personality type. The school received a Carnegie Classification for Research Universities listing as a school with very high research activity, and students at Caltech participate in a large amount of research, receiving grants from institutions such as NASA, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others. With a student/faculty ratio of just 3:1 and 62.7 percent of classes with 20 or fewer students, Caltech offers some of the best individualized teaching in the country. While most INTJ learners are not considered to be highly social, most of them find it of great use to study closely with faculty members or direct supervisors, who they view as having much to offer.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#10 Best National University
#4 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
#5 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#1 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#11 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#2 Best Graduate Physics Program
Average Cost of Attendance: $24,308
Enrollment: 977
Percentage of STEM majors: 98%
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Engineering; Physical Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Mathematics and Statistics; and Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
#6 – Duke University – Durham, North Carolina
University Website Points: 13
Duke University is located in suburban Durham, with a large, picturesque campus. All students are required to live on campus for their first three years, and all first-year students live together on the East Campus. The university is divided into 10 schools and colleges, several of which offer both undergraduate and graduate training. The wide variety of undergraduate training programs, many of which include research and independent projects, earned the school its spot on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. Duke’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship, the Robertson Scholars Program, provides approximately 18 students from each class with scholarship money as well as the opportunity to study for a semester at UNC-Chapel Hill. Some of the esteemed graduate programs include the Fuqua School of Business, Pratt School of Engineering, School of Law, School of Medicine, Sanford School of Public Policy and School of Nursing. Because of the high level of ongoing research, the school received a Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity.The student to faculty ratio at Duke is 7:1.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#8 Best National University
#13 Best Business School
#8 Best Law School
#2 Best Undergraduate BioMedical Engineering Program
#28 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#11 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#41 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#25 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#29 Best Graduate Physics Program
#8 Best Medical School for Research
#29 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,116
Enrollment: 6,646
Percentage of STEM majors: 36%
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Information Not Available
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
#7 – Yale University – New Haven, Connecticut
University Website Points: 13
Yale University is located in New Haven, Connecticut and sits on a beautiful sprawling campus. Yale has a worldwide reputation as being an educational leader in a variety of fields at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Upon acceptance, students are assigned to one of 12 residential colleges for their entire stay at Yale. Each of these colleges has a master and dean who also reside in the college and become active participants in the lives of their students. There are culturally-based houses that offer a place for students to build a sense of cultural identity on campus. Yale is made up of the undergraduate College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and 13 professional schools. Included in the professional schools are the top ranked Law School and highly ranked School of Management, School of Medicine and a host of other graduate programs in areas such as engineering, biological science, chemistry, computer science and physics. The many research endeavors have led to a Carnegie classification of a university with very high research activity. Individualized attention and student support is a hallmark of academics at Yale, and small class sizes are important. The student to faculty ratio is just 6:1, and 76.8 percent of all classes have 20 or fewer students.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#3 Best National University
#13 Best Business School
#1 Best Law School
#35 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#34 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#12 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#20 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#11 Best Graduate Physics Program
#7 Best Medical School for Research
#57 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $16,528
Enrollment: 5,438
Number of Library Holdings: 12,787,962
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Economics, General; Political Science and Government, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; History, General; and Psychology, General
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
#8 – Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, Maryland
University Website Points: 12
Johns Hopkins University has four main campus locations throughout the Baltimore area. The Homewood Campus, located near the unique neighborhood of Charles Village, is the main campus for undergraduate students. There are three additional campuses that support the various graduate schools. Hopkins also has three satellite campus locations for its School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C.; Bologna, Italy; and Nanjing, China. The university is divided into nine schools, five of which serve undergraduate and graduate students. There are a number of undergraduate programs that provide students with the opportunity to learn experientially by conducting research, studying abroad and engaging in hands-on learning experiences. Because of this, Hopkins has been included on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. Some of the nationally known graduate programs include the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Whiting School of Engineering and School of Medicine. Johns Hopkins Hospital is the top-ranked overall hospital in the nation, with the majority of its specialties ranked in the top five. The high level and quality of research landed Hopkins with the Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity. Class sizes are kept intentionally small with a 10:1 student to faculty ratio, and 71.5 percent of classes have 20 or fewer students.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#12 Best National University
#21 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
#5 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#24 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#28 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#18 Best Graduate Physics Program
#3 Best Medical School for Research
#29 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,308
Enrollment: 6,117
Percentage of STEM majors: 38%
Number of Library Holdings: 3,701,215
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering; International Relations and Affairs; Neuroscience; Public Health, General; and Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
#9 – Princeton University – Princeton, New Jersey
University Website Points: 12
Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. This world-renowned university maintains the status and prestige of being an Ivy League University. Students at Princeton reside in one of six residential colleges, each of which offers a residential community, dining services and the option to join one of more than 10 eating clubs for their junior and senior years. These eating clubs serve as social and dining organizations for the students who join them. While this may not immediately sound attractive to the INTJ personality, it can become a very strong benefit. While most INTJs dislike a great deal of social interactions, these interactions are a necessary part of careers for INTJs upon graduation. Being a part of one of these clubs can help create a comfort level with social interactions and help graduates with this unique Myers-Briggs personality pursue a career that integrates inherent academic strengths with social nuances. The university includes highly-ranked graduate programs, including the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. A very unique element of Princeton’s academic program is that all undergraduate students are required to write a senior thesis. It is this and other innovations that earned the school recognition on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#1 Best National University
#10 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
#18 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#9 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#15 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#8 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#2 Best Graduate Physics Program
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,231
Enrollment: 5,323
Percentage of STEM majors: 37%
Number of Library Holdings: 7,226,744
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Economics, General; Political Science and Government, General; Molecular Biology; Psychology, General; and Public Policy Analysis, General
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
#10 – Case Western Reserve University – Cleveland, Ohio
University Website Points: 11
Case Western Reserve University is located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland. In the city, Case Western students have free access to a number of downtown museums like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center. Freshmen are required to live in one of four themed “residential communities,” which are called Cedar, Juniper, Magnolia and Mistletoe. Case Western is best known for its world-class research, having a Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity. The student to faculty ratio at Case Western is 10:1. The university provides degree options throughout a wide range of top-rated specialty graduate programs. Many of the programs at the undergraduate and graduate level offer ideal INTJ degree options such as law, business, engineering, science and medicine. The university also has renowned offerings in biomedical engineering at the School of Engineering, and in nonprofit management at the Weatherhead School of Management. In addition to the main suburban campus, Case Western owns the University Farm, a 389-acre plot of land about 10 miles from campus, where students can conduct research and participate in courses in biology, ecology and art.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#38 Best National University
#63 Best Business School
#59 Best Law School
#47 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#38 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#71 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#70 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#60 Best Graduate Physics Program
#24 Best Medical School for Research
#62 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $25,116
Enrollment: 4,661
Percentage of STEM Majors: 53%
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Psychology, General; Mechanical Engineering; and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree and Doctor of Medicine
Overall School Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
#11 – Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Points: 10
Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is best known for its strong programs in science and technology. As science and technology based careers are ideal majors for INTJ personality types, this school is an excellent choice. There are seven schools and colleges, including the College of Fine Arts and the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Nationally-ranked graduate programs include the Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Institute of Technology and School of Computer Science. The school received a Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity. Undergraduates at Carnegie Mellon have the opportunity to participate in research and can even receive grants or summer fellowships to support research in their field of study. The school was included on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects for some of the innovative experiential learning opportunities it offers motivated students. Freshman are required to live on campus, but students are guaranteed housing for all four years, and the majority of students choose to remain on campus.The student to faculty ratio at Carnegie Mellon is 13:1.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#25 Best National University
#20 Best Business School
#7 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
#4 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#42 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#45 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#1 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#36 Best Graduate Physics Program
Average Cost of Attendance: $35,464
Enrollment: 6,306
Percentage of STEM majors: 62%
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Computer Science; Electrical and Electronics Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; and Systems Science and Theory
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
#12 – Brown University – Providence, Rhode Island
University Website Points: 10
Brown University is situated on College Hill in Providence, Rhode Island. The university maintains a small college-town feel to keep students engaged when they are not in the classroom. While the INTJ personality is not immediately drawn to social settings, having them readily availably and easy to access helps when they feel the need to join in a social situation. This type of environment makes the INTJ feel much more at home. Incoming freshman are required to live on campus and must stay there for the first six semesters. Fortunately for the INTJ learner, the housing options include traditional singles, doubles and suites. This means students have the ability to live alone or in a small group. Academically, Brown provides many different undergraduate and graduate programs that make for great INTJ majors, including engineering, various sciences and medicine. The focus on research led to Brown receiving a Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity. This high level of research potential is another draw for the INTJ learner. The student to faculty ratio at Brown is 8:1.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#16 Best National University
#49 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#34 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#60 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#20 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#29 Best Graduate Physics Program
#35 Best Medical School for Research
#57 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,369
Enrollment: 6,455
Percentage of STEM majors: 35%
Number of Library Holdings: 4,187,257
Setting: Urban – Midsize city
Top Five Majors Pursued: Economics, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Engineering, General; International Relations and Affairs; and Political Science and Government, General
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree and Doctor of Medicine
Overall School Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
#13 – University of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
University Website Points: 10
The University of Chicago is located in the bustling city of Chicago. City living is a good option for those INTJ personality types who like the anonymity of that context. All first year students are required to live on campus, and more than 50 percent of students choose to remain on campus for their entire four years. About 47 percent of upperclassmen live in off-campus apartments and houses. On-campus students are placed in “houses” within their dorm, which serve as tight-knit communities and provide academic and social support. This is helpful for INTJ students who struggle to fit in socially. The University of Chicago is comprised of the undergraduate “College” and a number of graduate and professional schools. The several graduate schools include the highly-ranked Booth School of Business, Law School, Pritzker School of Medicine, Harris School of Public Policy Studies and Department of Geophysical Sciences. There are ongoing research projects at most departments throughout the school, and students are encouraged to participate actively. The Carnegie Foundation for Research Universities named the University of Chicago a school with very high research activity. Classes are kept small, with 75.3 percent of classes having 20 students or fewer; the average student to faculty ratio is 6:1.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#4 Best National University
#4 Best Business School
#4 Best Law School
#14 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#12 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#34 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#7 Best Graduate Physics Program
#10 Best Medical School for Research
#19 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $31,935
Enrollment: 5,659
Number of Library Holdings: 9,837,021
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Mathematics and Statistics; English Language and Literature/Letters; and Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree and Doctor of Medicine
Overall School Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
#14 – Cornell University – Ithaca, New York
University Website Points: 9
Cornell University is located in suburban Ithaca, New York on a large, sprawling campus. All freshman live on the north campus, and the university provides housing options for upperclassmen and graduate students; however, many upperclassmen choose to live off campus. Cornell is unique in that each of its 14 colleges and schools admit their own students and provide their own faculty. Despite functioning very autonomously, all graduates receive a degree from Cornell University. The student to faculty ratio at Cornell is 9:1. Many INTJ learners see this as a major benefit because they would rather be surrounded by like-minded individuals than those pursuing other interests. The two largest undergraduate colleges are the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The graduate schools include the nationally recognized S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, College of Engineering, Law School and Weill Cornell Medical College. The emphasis on research has earned Cornell recognition as a Carnegie Classification Research University with very high research activity. The focus on research, science and technology keep Cornell on the list of the best colleges for the INTJ personality type.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#15 Best National University
#16 Best Business School
#13 Best Law School
#10 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
#10 Best Online Graduate Engineering Program
#13 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#11 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#10 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#6 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#7 Best Graduate Physics Program
#18 Best Medical School for Research
#49 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $25,652
Enrollment: 14,393
Percentage of STEM majors: 45%
Number of Library Holdings: 8,173,778
Setting: Rural
Top Five Majors Pursued: Engineering; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences; and Social Sciences
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
#15 – University of Rochester – Rochester, New York
University Website Points: 9
The University of Rochester has come to describe itself as “one of the smallest and most collegiate schools among the nation’s top research universities,” thus making it one of the most ideal colleges for INTJ personality. Freshmen and sophomore students are required to live on campus, and two-thirds of the juniors and more than half of the seniors choose to remain on campus throughout their studies. The main campus is located two miles south of downtown Rochester, along the beautiful Genesee River. There are a wide range of undergraduate and graduate offerings ranging from arts and humanities to sciences and technology. The University of Rochester’s graduate programs include the highly-ranked William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration, Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Medical Center. There is a great deal of research undertaken but the university and the Carnegie Foundation names Rochester as a university with very high research activity. The student/faculty ration is 10:1, and 70.2 percent of classes throughout the university have 20 or fewer students.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#33 Best National University
#29 Best Business School
#39 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#68 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#49 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#52 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#44 Best Graduate Physics Program
#34 Best Medical School for Research
#35 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $31,499
Enrollment: 6,177
Percentage of STEM majors: 39%
Number of Library Holdings: 3,826,916
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Engineering; and Health Professions and Related Programs
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
#16 – Northwestern University – Evanston, Illinois
University Website Points: 9
Northwestern University is a multi-campus educational system with the main campus located in the suburban city of Evanston, Illinois. Both of Northwestern’s main campuses are located along Lake Michigan in Evanston and Chicago. In 2008, Northwestern opened a third satellite campus in Doha, Qatar. The school has 11 residential colleges, each of which offers “thematic living quarters” for social and academic programming. This is a very strong benefit for the INTJ personality. Because this type of Myers-Briggs Personality can be quiet and reserved, living with a large group of people can be a challenge. By placing students with like-minded individuals who are pursuing similar majors, the INTJ major can be surrounded by people with similar personality and academic strengths. Throughout Northwestern’s twelve schools, nine offer undergraduate programs and ten offer graduate and professional programs. The graduate schools include the Kellogg School of Management, the School of Law, the Feinberg School of Medicine, the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Interdepartmental Biological Sciences Program. Research is a priority, and the Carnegie Classification for Research Universities is “very high research activity.” The student/faculty ratio is an impressive 7:1, with 74.6 percent of classes having 20 students or less.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#13 Best National University
#6 Best Business School
#12 Best Law School
#5 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program – Industrial and Manufacturing
#21 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#26 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#7 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#34 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#26 Best Graduate Physics Program
#19 Best Medical School for Research
#39 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $28,601
Enrollment: 8,688
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Economics, General; Journalism; Psychology, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; and Speech Communication and Rhetoric
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation:
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
#17 – Grinnell College – Grinnell, Iowa
University Website Points: 9
Grinnell College is located in the rural town of Grinnell, Iowa, midway between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. The remote location could be seen as a major attribute by a number of INTJs. Many ideal schools for INTJs will include a more remote setting where they can focus more strongly on their academics and research than on social interactions. The school known as “Little School on the Prairie” has a wide variety of academic offerings that cater to potential jobs for INTJ graduates. Biology and Biological Sciences is one of the most widely studied areas at Grinnell. Several innovative and research-based undergraduate degree programs earned Grinnell the highly respected inclusion on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. While a Liberal Arts university is not normally thought of as a college for INTJ learners, Grinnell manages to promote the perfect blend of Liberal Arts academics and independent learning opportunities. The student to faculty ratio at Grinnell is 9:1.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#19 Best National Liberal Arts College
Average Cost of Attendance: $23,334
Enrollment: 1,721
Setting: Rural
Top Five Majors Pursued: Social Sciences, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Foreign Languages and Literatures, General; History, General; and Visual and Performing Arts, General
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree
Overall School Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
#18 – Brandeis University – Waltham, Massachusetts
University WebsitePoints: 9
Brandeis is comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences and four graduate schools. The university is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, a short nine miles away from downtown Boston. The suburban location is an excellent option for students who like a small campus setting but the flexibility of being near a larger city. It is often the case that a small school located near a big city offers the INTJ learner more opportunities for research, hands-on learning and non-traditional learning experiences. The student to faculty ratio at Brandeis is 10:1. Brandeis has many INTJ degree offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate level, many of which cater to the specific needs of the INTJ learner. Some of their nationally recognized programs include engineering, science, and medicine. The school received a Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity. Students are guaranteed housing for their first four semesters, which makes the potential struggle of finding a suitable place to live much easier.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#35 Best National University
#55 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#71 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#82 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#65 Best Graduate Physics Program
Average Cost of Attendance: $26,952
Enrollment: 3,614
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Economics, General; Psychology, General; Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other; and Health Policy Analysis
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
#19 – University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
University Website Points: 8
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn or Penn) is an internationally recognized university and medical school and is located in the University City section of Philadelphia. Penn offers housing options in more than 10 college houses, but many students choose to live in the numerous off-campus apartments and houses available throughout University City. Penn is comprised of 12 schools, with four offering undergraduate and graduate studies and eight offering solely graduate training. Penn’s highly-ranked graduate programs include its Wharton School, School of Education, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Law School and School of Medicine. The student to faculty ratio is just 6:1, and almost 70 percent of classes have 20 students or less. This prestigious university offers a wide range of INTJ major preferences. Some of these include business, law, engineering, many different sciences, and medicine. The academic support, various course offerings and prestige make UPenn one of the best schools for INTJ learners.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#8 Best National University
#3 Best Business School
#7 Best Law School
#19 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#19 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#19 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#19 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#16 Best Graduate Physics Program
#5 Best Medical School for Research
#12 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,994
Enrollment: 9,712
Number of Library Holdings: 6,438,305
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Social Sciences; Engineering; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; and History
Degrees Offered: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
#20 – Washington University in St. Louis – St. Louis, Missouri
University Website Points: 8
Washington University in St. Louis (Wash U) is a school with a strong emphasis on science, research and technology. The university has the prestigious reputation of being named a university with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation. There is ongoing research conducted by the faculty and students in a vast array of subject areas. All freshman are required to live on campus; however, after freshman year, students can choose to live in suite-style housing, on-campus apartments, fraternity houses or off-campus apartments and homes. Among Wash U’s graduate programs are the top-ranked Olin Business School, the School of Law, the School of Medicine and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. This school is one of the best suited for INTJ learners as they offer training in almost every area that is listed as an ideal career for INTJs. Some of these include law, business, engineering, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, physics and medicine. One more benefit for students pursuing an education at Wash U is the 8:1 student to faculty ratio.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#14 Best National University
#19 Best Business School
#18 Best Law School
#54 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#11 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#35 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#40 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#44 Best Graduate Physics Program
#6 Best Medical School for Research
#19 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $32,956
Enrollment: 7,336
Number of Library Holdings: 4,323,958
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Social Sciences; Engineering; Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Degrees Offered: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree and Doctor of Medicine
Overall School Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
#21 – Creighton University – Omaha, Nebraska
University Website Points: 8
Creighton University is located in Omaha, Nebraska with a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree offerings as well as a nationally ranked medical school. The university is made up of nine undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools and colleges. For the many innovative undergraduate programs, Creighton was listed on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. Some of the highly respected graduate schools include the College of Business, Graduate School, School of Law, School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. Classes throughout the university have a student to faculty ratio of 11:1, another benefit for INTJ majors who prefer a smaller, more intimate learning environment.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#1 Best Regional University – Midwestern
#103 Part Time MBA
#113 Best Law School
#79 Best Medical School for Research
#78 Best Medical School for Primary Care
Average Cost of Attendance: $27,057
Enrollment: 4,076
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; and Social Sciences
Degrees Offered: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree and Doctor of Medicine
Overall School Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
#22 – Hope College – Holland, Michigan
University Website Points: 8
Hope College is a small school located in Holland, Michigan, located about five miles from Lake Michigan. Undergraduate students can choose from 90 majors and minors in a wide variety of areas. The school was included on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. There are many learning communities and distance learning opportunities found throughout the school to meet the needs of a variety of students. Distance learning is a great academic option for those INTJ learners who feel more secure learning on their own schedule. The INTJ personality is one that strongly dislikes a highly structured environment; therefore learning from a distance can be ideal for some INTJ personality types. There are several majors for INTP learners, including psychology, business, chemistry and biological sciences. Class sizes at Hope College are another strength at just 9 students to each faculty member.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#99 Best National Liberal Arts College
Average Cost of Attendance: $25,078
Enrollment: 3,388
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Psychology, General; Business Administration and Management, General; Chemistry, General; Kinesiology and Exercise Science; and Biology/Biological Sciences, General
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree
Overall School Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
#23 – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Troy, New York
University Website Points: 8
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is located in suburban Troy, New York. The school was founded on the principles of “bringing science to everyday life,” and this important principle is still a large part of the curriculum . The focus on science and research had led to a designation by Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity. All first-year students live on campus in dormitories that only house freshman students. RPI’s campus overlooks the Hudson River, where students can participate in waterfront activities as well as other outdoor activities. The school is close to Grafton Lakes State Park, Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains. All five of the top pursued majors at RPI are considered ideal INTJ majors of study. The school has a highly ranked engineering program. RPI has also taken the scientific approach to offer unique accelerated programs such as the B.S./M.D. Physician-Scientist Program, which can be completed in seven years, and the B.S./J.D. in Science, Technology and Society Law, which takes six years to finish. Each year, the university hosts technical events like the annual GameFest, which is a showcase of computer games designed by students. Many graduates from RPI have gone on to successful careers as entrepreneurs, inventors, scientists and many more ideal INTJ careers. Student to faculty ratio at Rensselaer Polytech is 15:1.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#42 Best National University
#145 Best Part Time MBA Program
#39 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#93 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#76 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#52 Best Graduate Computer Science Program
#54 Best Graduate Physics Program
Average Cost of Attendance: $36,043
Enrollment: 5,452
Percentage of STEM majors: 84%
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Engineering; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; and Physical Sciences
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
#24 – Tulane University – New Orleans, Louisiana
University Website Points: 7
Tulane University is located in the world-famous city of New Orleans. The city is known for the exciting downtown area and the annual celebration of Mardi Gras. However, this re-born city has much more to offer than being a party town. Tulane is divided between an uptown campus, which is considered the main location, and a downtown campus, which is the center for health science programs. Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus, unless a student commutes from the home of a parent, is married or is older than 21. The school offers strong undergraduate and graduate programs in excellent INTJ careers such as engineering, biological sciences, chemistry and physics. There is a large research community found at Tulane, and because of its strong history of research, Tulane is designated by Carnegie Classification for Research Universities as a school with very high research activity. The student to faculty ratio is 9:1, and 64 percent of classes have an enrollment cap of 20 students.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#61 Best Business School
#50 Best Law School
#107 Best Graduate Engineering Program
#106 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
#96 Best Graduate Chemistry Program
#95 Best Graduate Physics Program
Average Cost of Attendance: $31,886
Enrollment: 8,290
Number of Library Holdings: 4,155,793
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; and Health Professions and Related Programs
Degrees Offered: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree and Doctor of Medicine
Overall School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
#25 – Oberlin College – Oberlin, Ohio
University Website Points: 7
Oberlin College is a small school located in suburban Oberlin, Ohio, approximately 35 miles southwest of Cleveland. The college does not support a Greek Community, so there are no sororities or fraternities. Many INTJs see these types of social groups as a distraction from academics, so having a campus with none of this kind of representation is a strength to most INTJ learners. The college is made up of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. There is a four-week winter term in January, where students have the opportunity to investigate a specific topic through an individual or group project. Previously completed projects include traveling to India to study Gandhi and an intensive group course on electronic music. Oberlin also has the Experimental College, which offers for-credit courses taught by students, administrators, townspeople and faculty with a focus on nontraditional subjects like the fundamentals of rock climbing or community organizing. These innovative programs earned Oberlin a spot on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. Class sizes at Oberlin are very small, with a student/faculty ratio of 9:1 and more than three quarters of classes having 20 or fewer students.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#23 Best National Liberal Arts College
Average Cost of Attendance: $37,366
Enrollment: 2,894
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Music Performance, General; Biology, General; Political Science and Government; English Language and Literature, General; and Psychology, General
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree
Overall School Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
#26 – Butler University – Indianapolis, Indiana
Points: 7
Butler University is located a short distance from the heart of Indianapolis, which was ranked the best city for new graduates by careerbuilder.com. All freshmen reside in one of two residence halls, while upperclassmen can choose to live in a residential college or university apartment. The university is made up of six individual schools and colleges. Nationally recognized graduate programs are offered in a number of areas from schools such as the College of Business, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the College of Fine Arts. Undergraduates can choose from over 60 majors, and for qualified students there is an honors program. Butler is home to a nationally ranked Biological Sciences program, which is one of the ideal careers for INTJs. The school was also included on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects for the various undergraduate learning opportunities that happen outside of the classro0m.The student to faculty ratio at Butler is 11:1.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#2 Best Regional University – Midwestern Region
#139 Best Graduate Biological Sciences Program
Average Cost of Attendance: $30,991
Enrollment: 4,120
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Education; Visual and Performing Arts; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; and Social Sciences
Degrees Offered: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
#27 – Furman University – Greenville, South Carolina
University Website Points: 7
Furman University is located in Greenville, South Carolina on a scenic campus with its own lake. The campus sits a short five miles away from downtown Greenville, a suburban city of about 64,000 residents. Furman has its own stop on the local bus route and students can take advantage of the Greenville Transit Authority buses for $1.50 one way. All students are required to live on campus, unless they commute from a parent’s home or are married. Degrees for INTP learners at Furman include excellent programs in business, biology and other sciences. There are several innovative undergraduate offerings, earning Furman a spot on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. Class sizes are kept intentionally small, with 53.3 percent of all classes having enrollment of 20 or less. The student to faculty ratio is 11:1, which is another strength for the INTJ’s preference for a more customized learning environment.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#51 Best National Liberal Arts College
Average Cost of Attendance: $32,527
Enrollment: 2,798
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Business Administration, Management and Operations; Political Science and Government; Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other; Biology, General; and History
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
#28 – Truman State University – Kirksville, Missouri
University Website Points: 7
Truman State University is located in the rural town of Kirksville, Missouri, a three-hour drive from Des Moines and four-hour drive from St. Louis. The majority of students live off campus (58 percent), which suits the INTJ personality type who would prefer the autonomy of off-campus housing. Undergraduate students can choose from approximately 30 areas of study, and graduate students have six degree options to choose from, including a graduate accounting degree supported by the business school. The school was included on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. Truman places an emphasis on student support beyond graduation, and students receive assistance in securing their post-college plans by working with members of the career center. Professionals at the career center help students write résumés and learn important interview techniques. The school supports the Truman in Washington Program, which connects students with internships and alumni in D.C. The student/faculty ratio at Truman State is 17:1.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#9 Best Regional University – Western
Average Cost of Attendance: $13,060
Enrollment: 5,898
Setting: Rural
Top Five Majors Pursued: Business Administration and Management, General; Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General; English Language and Literature, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; and Psychology, General
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree
Overall School Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
#29 – Trinity University – San Antonio, Texas
University Website Points: 6
Trinity University is located in the exciting and eclectic city of San Antonio, Texas. Almost 80 percent of all students live on campus in one of the several residence halls, and there are designated areas on campus for freshmen and sophomore housing. There are a number of academic programs at the bachelor’s and master’s level that will offer the training to lead to excellent INTJ jobs and careers, including business and biological and biomedical science. Undergraduates can choose from almost 40 majors, and all students complete the Common Curriculum, a requirement of a core curriculum with the goal of providing a well-rounded liberal arts education. This can help the INTJ personality participate in courses that they may not otherwise have undertaken. Over 40 percent of students at Trinity participate in the various study abroad programs around the world. Another strength of the school, particularly for the INTJ personality type, is the small class sizes. There is a student/faculty ratio of 9:1, and 63.8 percent of all classes have a cap of 20 students.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#1 Best Regional University – Western
Average Cost of Attendance: $26,013
Enrollment: 2,237
Setting: Urban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; and Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
#30 – Elon University – Elon, North Carolina
University Website Points: 6
Elon University is located in suburban Elon, North Carolina on a beautiful 620-acre campus. The university is made up of five schools and colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, School of Communications, School of Education, and School of Law. Undergraduates can choose from over 50 majors spanning a wide range of academic disciplines, many of which are excellent choices for the INTJ personality. The student to faculty ratio at Elon is 12:1. At the beginning of each academic year, 40 first-year students are admitted into the Honors Program. In this program, students can participate in small class discussions and learn as part of a dedicated academic community. Students in this program can also receive study abroad grants and live in special Honors housing. Because of the uniqueness of the undergraduate offerings, Elon was named on the US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. There are a number of graduate offerings at both the master’s and doctoral level that appeal strongly to the INTJ learner, specifically the sciences and mathematics.
US News and World Report Ranking:
#1 Best Regional University – South
#8 Best Part Time MBA
Average Cost of Attendance: $30,272
Enrollment: 5,599
Setting: Suburban
Top Five Majors Pursued: Business/Commerce, General; Communication and Media Studies; Psychology, General; International Relations and Affairs; and Political Science and Government, General
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree
Overall School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Great Colleges for INTJ Personality
For those with the unique Myers-Briggs personality of Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judgment, the right kind of education may not be the traditional college education. When most of us think of college we think of big classes, participating in clubs and activities, living on campus and interacting with others in a highly structured and regulated environment. Because INTJ personality types are people who shy away from big social gatherings, strongly dislike structure, and function best independently, they need a different kind of college setting. The best college for the INTJ personality is a small school with small class sizes. In this setting, they will likely receive more individualized attention from their instructors. These are schools that offer training in areas of interest to INTJs, such as Science, Research, Engineering, Business Administration, Law or Medicine. Many of the schools included in this list are in non-urban settings and have smaller enrollment numbers. The INTJ Personality is very rare, therefore finding a college that fits the needs of the personality is very important.
Resources:
American Library Associations List of Most Library Holdings in the United States
Carnegie Classification for Research Universities
National Center for Educational Statistics College Navigator Tool
US News and World Report list of Best Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects
US News and World Report list of Most Stem Majors
A high resolution version of the award badge in this article can be found by clicking here and you are free to use it for your publications.