Classics is a fascinating field of study about the history, culture, and languages of ancient civilizations. If you have a passion for the classics, you may be wondering what school to attend to receive the best classical education.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best colleges for classics. We will take into consideration factors such as academic reputation, faculty expertise, and research opportunities.
6 Best Schools for Classics: A Full List + Overview
Ready to pursue a degree in the classics?
The following schools are widely recognized for offering the best undergraduate classics programs, distinguished faculty, and opportunities for research and study abroad. Each offers a unique path to exploring ancient languages, history, and culture.
1. Harvard
Harvard University is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious classics departments in the country. Students can explore Greek and Latin literature, philosophy, history, and art while working alongside renowned faculty members.
Beyond the classroom, opportunities such as archaeological digs in Greece, Italy, and Turkey bring the ancient world to life in hands-on ways. With a wide variety of courses and active student groups, Harvard offers both academic rigor and a vibrant community for aspiring classics majors.
Highlights
- Distinguished department with centuries of history and influence
- Diverse curriculum covering languages, literature, philosophy, history, and art
- Specialized classes like The Origins of Greek Religion and Roman Satire
- International archaeological projects for field experience
- Faculty mentorship with chances to publish student research
- Student organizations: Harvard Classics Club, Society for Classical Studies, Undergraduate Classics Association
?Transfer Admission Insight: Transferring into Harvard is incredibly rare, only a handful of students are admitted each year. Check out our guide on Harvard transfer acceptance rates.
2. Princeton
Princeton University offers one of the nation’s strongest classics programs, with a curriculum that balances deep language training with a broad view of the ancient world. Students begin with Greek and Roman civilization, mythology, and literature before moving into advanced study of history, philosophy, and art.
Research centers like the Program in Hellenic Studies provide opportunities for original work, while a vibrant community of clubs and conferences keeps the classics alive outside the classroom.
Highlights
- Faculty include MacArthur Fellows and National Humanities Medal winners
- Introductory-to-advanced courses in languages, history, philosophy, and art
- Specialized research hubs: Program in Hellenic Studies, Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies
- Extracurriculars: Princeton Classics Club, Princeton Classics Conference
- Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary study
?Transfer Admission Insight: Princeton reopened its transfer program after decades of closure – but it remains extremely selective. Take a look at our piece on Princeton transfer acceptance rates.
3. Yale
Yale is one of the best universities to study classics, offering a program that blends literature, philosophy, archaeology, and art history.
With access to the Yale Classics Library and opportunities for senior essays and independent research, students can deeply explore ancient Greece and Rome while benefiting from a tight-knit scholarly community.
Highlights
- Interdisciplinary curriculum across literature, languages, history, and archaeology
- Dedicated Yale Classics Library with 25,000+ works
- Research opportunities, senior essays, and independent study projects
- Events: guest lectures, seminars, film screenings, and symposia
- Faculty expertise across classics, philosophy, history, and art history
?Transfer Admission Insight: Yale’s transfer pathway is one of the toughest in the Ivy League. Only a small group of students each year successfully make the leap, according to the Yale transfer acceptance rates.
4. Dartmouth
Dartmouth College offers classics students a highly personalized education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Small class sizes foster close faculty-student relationships, and programs such as the Foreign Study Program in Athens, Rome, and London provide immersive cultural experiences.
The department also sponsors archaeological excavations in Greece, allowing undergraduates to gain practical fieldwork experience alongside their studies.
Highlights
- Small student-to-faculty ratio for close mentorship
- Faculty expertise in Greek and Roman literature, history, philosophy, archaeology
- Foreign Study Program in major classical sites (Athens, Rome, London)
- Hands-on archaeology: Sanctuary of the Great Gods excavation in Samothrace
- Interdisciplinary and experiential focus in curriculum
?Transfer Admission Insight: Dartmouth’s transfer acceptance rate is slightly more accessible than most Ivy peers. Still competitive, it tends to favor students who thrive in small academic environments.
5. Brown
Brown University is well known for its humanities programs, and its classics department is no exception. The program blends rigorous language training in Greek and Latin with courses in literature, philosophy, art, and history.
Students are encouraged to analyze primary texts and artifacts while pursuing research, senior theses, or archaeological fieldwork. Brown’s flexible curriculum makes it a strong choice for students seeking both structure and academic freedom.
Highlights
- Comprehensive curriculum covering literature, history, philosophy, religion, and art
- Greek and Latin offered from beginner through advanced levels
- Opportunities for research, senior theses, and archaeological fieldwork
- Emphasis on analyzing primary sources in cultural and historical context
- Faculty known for interdisciplinary scholarship
?Transfer Admission Insight: Brown’s transfer acceptance rate over the years clearly shows that the spots are limited, and successful applicants often show strong alignment with the school’s open curriculum philosophy.
6. Duke
Duke University’s Department of Classical Studies emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to individual interests. Students can branch into electives such as mythology, archaeology, and epigraphy.
Interdisciplinary courses that bridge philosophy, art, and history add depth, making Duke a strong choice for those seeking both breadth and focus in classical studies.
Highlights
- Core curriculum in ancient languages, history, and culture
- Electives in mythology, archaeology, epigraphy, and classical reception
- Interdisciplinary options linking classics with philosophy, history, and art history
- Opportunities to customize courses around personal academic goals
- Strong undergraduate focus at a major research university
?Transfer Admission Insight: Duke’s transfer acceptance rate is competitive, giving classics majors a slightly better shot at making Durham their academic home.
How to Choose the Best School for Classics for Your Needs
With so many excellent programs, deciding where to study classics can feel overwhelming. Here are a few factors to help you narrow it down:
- Class Size & Environment: Smaller schools like Dartmouth or Brown offer close mentorship, while larger universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton provide expansive resources and research networks.
- Research & Fieldwork Opportunities: Harvard and Dartmouth emphasize archaeological digs, while Yale and Brown excel in archival research and senior thesis projects.
- Curriculum Flexibility: Brown’s open curriculum is ideal for designing your own path, while Princeton and Yale offer more structured, language-focused tracks.
- Campus Culture & Extracurriculars: Harvard, Princeton, and Yale have active classics clubs and conferences, whereas Duke stands out for its strong interdisciplinary connections.
Finding Your Place in the Classics
Studying classics isn’t just about reading ancient texts – it’s about connecting with the roots of modern thought, culture, and society. Each of the schools on this list offers its own strengths, whether it’s small-class mentorship, world-class research, or flexible programs that let you carve your own path.
The most important step is choosing the environment where you’ll thrive, both academically and personally. Visit campuses if you can, explore course catalogs, and connect with current students or faculty to get a feel for the program.
No matter which school you select, a degree in classics will equip you with timeless knowledge and versatile skills that open doors far beyond the classroom. The opportunities are as varied as the civilizations you’ll study.