Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis, known as WashU, is a research-focused university with a Gothic-style campus next to Forest Park, a park larger than New York's Central Park that includes a free zoo and art museum. Students find it strong in medicine and pre-med, business, engineering and the arts, with a collaborative culture. Fun fact: the 1904 Summer Olympics took place on campus. Students who like a friendly, ambitious community and an affordable Midwest city often love it.