McMurry University is a private Methodist university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, known for its liberal arts and sciences education, close-knit campus community, and personalized teaching environment with a low student-to-faculty ratio. The university offers a range of undergraduate programs in fields such as business, education, nursing, arts, sciences, and pre-professional tracks, emphasizing leadership, service, and real-world readiness.

Yeshiva University (YU) is a private Jewish research university combining Jewish scholarship with academic excellence across liberal arts, sciences, medicine, law, business, social work, psychology, and education. Founded with roots in Talmudic study, it now includes undergraduate schools (like Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business) and multiple graduate/professional schools such as Cardozo School of Law, Katz School of Science and Health, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, and affiliates like Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Instruction and scholarship blend secular and Jewish learning.

Mississippi State University (MSU) is a public land-grant research university with a strong focus on education, research, and community service. It is classified as an R1: Doctoral University ? Very High Research Activity and participates in land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant programs. MSU offers more than 180 baccalaureate, graduate, and professional degree programs across multiple colleges including engineering, agriculture, business, education, and veterinary medicine ? the latter being the only accredited program in Mississippi.

The University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) is a private Catholic university known for its comprehensive liberal arts and professional programs across business, education, engineering, arts & sciences, health sciences, and more. It emphasizes engaged learning, strong student outcomes, and a values-driven education. UST is one of the largest private universities in Minnesota and serves students from across the U.S. and around the world.

University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public research university recognized for excellence in health sciences and biomedical research. It offers comprehensive academic programs across medicine, nursing, engineering, business, and liberal arts. UAB is known for its strong research funding, innovation, and impact on healthcare and community development.

Oregon State University (OSU) is a public land-grant research university known for its strong academic programs in science, engineering, agriculture, forestry, marine sciences, environmental research, and more. It is classified as an R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity and is one of only a few institutions in the U.S. holding land, sea, space, and sun grant designations. OSU offers more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across its colleges and campuses.