50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

50 Best Grad Schools in the US

1. Last Year’s Ranking:

   1. Harvard University
   2. University of California, Berkeley
   3. Columbia University
   4. University of Chicago
   5. Stanford University
   6. Yale University
   7. Princeton University
   8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
   9. University of Michigan
   10. Cornell University
   11. University of Pennsylvania
   12. New York University
   13. Johns Hopkins University
   14. University of California, Los Angeles
   15. California Institute of Technology
   16. University of Washington
   17. Duke University
   18. University of Southern California
   19. Northwestern University
   20. University of California, San Diego
   21. University of Minnesota
   22. University of Wisconsin–Madison
   23. University of Texas at Austin
   24. Carnegie Mellon University
   25. Brown University
   26. University of Virginia
   27. Boston University
   28. Georgetown University
   29. University of Pittsburgh
   30. Dartmouth College
   31. Purdue University
   32. University of Iowa
   33. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
   34. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
   35. University of Maryland, College Park
   36. University of California, Santa Barbara
   37. Brandeis University
   38. University of Arizona
   39. Syracuse University
   40. Tufts University
   41. Pennsylvania State University
   42. University of California, Irvine
   43. Michigan State University
   44. George Washington University
   45. University of Utah
   46. Vanderbilt University
   47. University of California, Davis
   48. Washington University in St. Louis
   49. Rice University
   50. Arizona State University
2. #1

   Harvard University

   Cambridge , MA

   #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online

   Tuition + fees

   $57K

   Acceptance

   3%

   Graduation

   98%

   Student body

   39K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1535/35

   Career Outlook for degree at Harvard University

   Cost of Degree: $59,076

   Expenses: $27,629

   Starting Salary: $139,100

   Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Harvard University features 12 graduate and professional schools recognized for their impactful scholarship and cutting-edge research.

   What we love about Harvard University:

   Harvard University has a rigorous admission process for its highly sought-after graduate programs.

   Harvard University is ideal for students who:

   Look for a challenging and rigorous graduate experience.

   Harvard University might not be ideal for students who:

   Are uncertain about meeting the challenges of Harvard’s academic curriculum.

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3. #2

   University of California, Berkeley

   Berkeley , CA

   #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $14K

   Acceptance

   11%

   Graduation

   94%

   Student body

   48K

   Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

   Cost of Degree: $14,850

   Expenses: $30,203

   Starting Salary: $79,000

   Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   The University of California, Berkeley, aims to advance graduate students’ careers through high-quality, innovative education.

   What we love about the University of California, Berkeley:

   The university helps students every step of the way when it comes to exploring their career paths and pursuing their professional goals.

   The University of California, Berkeley is ideal for students who:

   Have the ability or desire to take on rigorous academic challenges.

   The University of California, Berkeley might not be ideal for students who:

   Prefer more conservative education environments.

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4. #3

   Columbia University

   New York , NY

   #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $66K

   Acceptance

   4%

   Graduation

   95%

   Student body

   37K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1535/34

   Career Outlook for degree at Columbia University

   Cost of Degree: $68,171

   Expenses: $20,542

   Starting Salary: $115,600

   Cost Recoup Time: 14 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Columbia University is recognized as one of the world’s most important research centers.

   What we love about Columbia University:

   Columbia University offers a distinctive learning environment for graduate students across a wide range of professional fields.

   Columbia University is ideal for students who:

   Care about and want to contribute to human flourishing.

   Columbia University might not be ideal for students who:

   Do not share the commitment to thoughtful, rigorous debate.

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5. #4

   Stanford University

   Stanford , CA

   #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $58K

   Acceptance

   4%

   Graduation

   95%

   Student body

   20K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1540/34

   Career Outlook for degree at Stanford University

   Cost of Degree: $62,484

   Expenses: $25,349

   Starting Salary: $141,300

   Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Stanford University offers more than 200 graduate programs across seven schools.

   What we love about Stanford University:

   Stanford University provides learning opportunities that empower one’s dreams.

   Stanford University is ideal for students who:

   Are willing to create and apply knowledge by thinking and doing.

   Stanford University might not be ideal for students who:

   Do not have the leadership mindset.

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7. #5

   University of Chicago

   Chicago , IL

   #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $64K

   Acceptance

   5%

   Graduation

   96%

   Student body

   21K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1540/34

   Career Outlook for degree at University of Chicago

   Cost of Degree: $65,619

   Expenses: $23,421

   Starting Salary: $103,000

   Cost Recoup Time: 15 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   The University of Chicago highlights the importance of transformative education through its comprehensive list of graduate programs.

   What we love about the University of Chicago:

   The university equips graduate students with the intellectual skills to confront complex challenges.

   The University of Chicago is ideal for students who:

   Are open to rigorous inquiry and diverse, original ideas.

   The University of Chicago might not be ideal for students who:

   Do not believe ideas can transform the world.

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8. #6

   Yale University

   New Haven , CT

   #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $62K

   Acceptance

   5%

   Graduation

   98%

   Student body

   16K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1540/34

   Career Outlook for degree at Yale University

   Cost of Degree: $64,700

   Expenses: $23,600

   Starting Salary: $124,400

   Cost Recoup Time: 13 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Yale University remains committed to expanding and sharing knowledge through its transformative academic graduate programs.

   What we love about Yale University:

   Yale University offers advanced degrees to help graduate students realize their full potential and boost their credentials.

   Yale University is ideal for students who:

   Are willing to discover new passions and knowledge that will change their lives.

   Yale University might not be ideal for students who:

   Are afraid to venture into unfamiliar fields of knowledge.

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9. #7

   Princeton University

   Princeton , NJ

   #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #7 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $57K

   Acceptance

   6%

   Graduation

   97%

   Student body

   9K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1535/34

   Career Outlook for degree at Princeton University

   Cost of Degree: $59,710

   Expenses: $24,330

   Starting Salary: $116,300

   Cost Recoup Time: 13 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Princeton University offers an enriching learning experience for students while cultivating a sense of service to humanity in them.

   What we love about Princeton University:

   Princeton University features graduate programs with an emphasis on learning, creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

   Princeton University is ideal for students who:

   Want to take on the challenge of pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through research and scholarship.

   Princeton University might not be ideal for students who:

   Are not interested in completing independent and original research.

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10. #8

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA

    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,156

    Expenses: $22,574

    Starting Salary: $153,600

    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology underlines teaching and research enterprise in its graduate programs.

    What we love about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology:

    MIT is known for its global standard of excellence.

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:

    Seek a graduate education that can bring career advancement and personal growth.

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology might not be ideal for students who:

    Are not interested in figuring out solutions to complex problems.

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11. #9

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI

    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309

    Expenses: $17,554

    Starting Salary: $79,000

    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Michigan is focused on creating brighter futures through its comprehensive and innovative academic programs.

    What we love about the University of Michigan:

    The university has created a dynamic climate that allows graduate students to thrive.

    The University of Michigan is ideal for students who:

    Look for holistic graduate training.

    The University of Michigan might not be ideal for students who:

    Are hesitant to take part in solving complex, real-world problems.

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13. #10

    New York University

    New York , NY

    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $60,438

    Expenses: $27,314

    Starting Salary: $78,600

    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    New York University is known as one of the world’s prominent research universities, with its top-ranked graduate programs.

    What we love about New York University:

    The university features a community characterized by collaboration and innovation.

    New York University is ideal for students who:

    Want a quality graduate education to strengthen their skills and expertise and emerge as a thought leader and innovator.

    New York University might not be ideal for students who:

    Do not care to sharpen their academic and professional pursuits.

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14. #11

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY

    #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $66,014

    Expenses: $22,126

    Starting Salary: $101,200

    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Cornell University is committed to prioritizing public engagement by contributing in all fields of knowledge through its rigorous academic programs.

    What we love about Cornell University:

    Cornell University has a rich tradition of research and innovation.

    Cornell University is ideal for students who:

    Seek a rigorous education to prepare them for rewarding careers in advanced fields.

    Cornell University might not be ideal for students who:

    Are not willing to be collaborators in learning and research.

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15. #12

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA

    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $66,104

    Expenses: $22,924

    Starting Salary: $131,600

    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Pennsylvania boasts an innovative culture in its academic programs.

    What we love about the University of Pennsylvania:

    The university offers students a transformative education informed by intellectual rigor.

    The University of Pennsylvania is ideal for students who:

    Share a passion for engaging with communities around the world.

    The University of Pennsylvania might not be ideal for students who:

    Only focus on enriching their careers.

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16. #13

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA

    #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,747

    Expenses: $24,284

    Starting Salary: $73,200

    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of California, Los Angeles, is a public research university committed to the spread of knowledge.

    What we love about the University of California, Los Angeles:

    The University of California, Los Angeles, provides endless opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.

    The University of California, Los Angeles is ideal for students who:

    Want to make the world a better place through the advancement of education.

    The University of California, Los Angeles might not be ideal for students who:

    Are hesitant to reach their full potential.

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17. #14

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD

    #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $62,840

    Expenses: $22,725

    Starting Salary: $89,300

    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Johns Hopkins University is dedicated to advancing individual scholars through quality education.

    What we love about Johns Hopkins University:

    The university combines the power of teaching and research to produce brilliant graduates who can change the world.

    Johns Hopkins University is ideal for students who:

    Seek the solutions to difficult problems.

    Johns Hopkins University might not be ideal for students who:

    Are afraid to challenge the way things are done.

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19. #15

    California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena , CA

    #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $63,255

    Expenses: $23,631

    Starting Salary: $106,300

    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The California Institute of Technology addresses fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges through its diverse academic programs.

    What we love about the California Institute of Technology:

    This educational institution seeks to expand human knowledge through education heavily integrated with research.

    California Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:

    Look for a university that emphasizes excellence and ambition.

    California Institute of Technology might not be ideal for students who:

    Wish to avoid rigorous curriculum in their graduate education.

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20. #16

    Duke University

    Durham , NC

    #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $65,805

    Expenses: $21,267

    Starting Salary: $114,500

    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Duke University provides a superior liberal education to those who want to attain intellectual growth.

    What we love about Duke University:

    The university offers a wide range of educational opportunities beyond its campuses.

    Duke University is ideal for students who:

    Want to take their careers to the next level.

    Duke University might not be ideal for students who:

    Lack the drive to advance and grow professionally.

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21. #17

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA

    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,237

    Expenses: $22,216

    Starting Salary: $88,800

    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Southern California leads the way to the future of education through its rigorous academic programs and collaborative learning environment.

    What we love about the University of Southern California:

    The university commits more than $30 million of financial aid annually to help combat the rising costs of education.

    The University of Southern California is ideal for students who:

    Want to prepare for leadership roles in research, education, and professional practice.

    The University of Southern California might not be ideal for students who:

    Are looking for less expensive education options.

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22. #18

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX

    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,678

    Expenses: $19,894

    Starting Salary: $73,900

    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Communications
    • Physics
    • Law
    • Literature
    • History
    • Earth Sciences
    • Social Work
    • Computer Science
    • Philosophy
    • Engineering

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Walter Cronkite
    • Bill Moyers
    • Edsger W. Dijkstra
    • Robert Rauschenberg
    • Bruce Sterling
    • C. Wright Mills
    • Neil deGrasse Tyson
    • Alan Lomax
    • Steven Best
    • J. M. Coetzee
    • Robert Taylor
    • Abhay Ashtekar

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23. #19

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA

    #1 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,643

    Expenses: $21,909

    Starting Salary: $69,600

    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Washington serves as a hub for learning, education, and community building.

    What we love about the University of Washington:

    The university is committed to serving the greater good.

    The University of Washington is ideal for students who:

    Aim to learn and build solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

    The University of Washington might not be ideal for students who:

    Prefer more traditional education environments.

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25. #20

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL

    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $65,997

    Expenses: $25,293

    Starting Salary: $93,400

    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Northwestern University offers excellent teaching and innovative research to promote personal and intellectual growth.

    What we love about Northwestern University:

    The university provides a rigorous yet empathetic academic environment that blends theory and practice.

    Northwestern University is ideal for students who:

    Want to gain knowledge with practical applications.

    Northwestern University might not be ideal for students who:

    Are not open to belonging in an innovative and collaborative learning community.

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26. #21

    University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis , MN

    #6 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #6 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #21 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    61K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota

    Cost of Degree: $16,488

    Expenses: $16,378

    Starting Salary: $61,200

    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of Minnesota known for?

    University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Nursing
    • Medical
    • Psychology
    • Engineering
    • Chemistry
    • Economics
    • Anthropology
    • Social Work
    • Biology
    • Mathematics

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Arthur Compton
    • Deke Slayton
    • Ernest Lawrence
    • Norman Borlaug
    • Thomas Friedman
    • Melvin Calvin
    • John L. Holland
    • Christiaan Barnard
    • Edward B. Lewis
    • Roy Wilkins
    • Alexander Wendt
    • Lars Peter Hansen

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27. #22

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $63,274

    Expenses: $19,868

    Starting Salary: $103,000

    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Carnegie Mellon University known for?

    Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Computer Science
    • Engineering
    • Economics
    • Business
    • Chemistry
    • Mathematics
    • Psychology
    • Physics
    • Education
    • Political Science

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Allen Newell
    • Ivan Sutherland
    • Oliver E. Williamson
    • James Gosling
    • Raoul Bott
    • Edward Feigenbaum
    • John Forbes Nash Jr.
    • Henry Giroux
    • Edward C. Prescott
    • Shafi Goldwasser
    • Kurt Vonnegut
    • Robert H. Dennard

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28. #23

    University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Madison , WI

    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #7 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Cost of Degree: $11,205

    Expenses: $17,700

    Starting Salary: $68,000

    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of Wisconsin–Madison known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Madison’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Sociology
    • History
    • Earth Sciences
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Anthropology
    • Biology
    • Psychology
    • Computer Science

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Frank Lloyd Wright
    • Carl Rogers
    • Edward Witten
    • John Bardeen
    • Charles Lindbergh
    • Abraham Maslow
    • Jim Lovell
    • Jack Kilby
    • Joshua Lederberg
    • Warren Weaver
    • C. Wright Mills
    • Jayaprakash Narayan

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29. #24

    Brown University

    Providence , RI

    #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $68,230

    Expenses: $19,418

    Starting Salary: $89,100

    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Brown University known for?

    Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Literature
    • Mathematics
    • History
    • Education
    • Computer Science
    • Economics
    • Communications
    • Political Science
    • Philosophy
    • Engineering

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Janet Yellen
    • John Tukey
    • Peter Norvig
    • Aaron Beck
    • Richard Holbrooke
    • Andy Hertzfeld
    • Jacob M. Appel
    • S. T. Joshi
    • Lester Frank Ward
    • Randy Pausch
    • Jeffrey Eugenides
    • David Lodge

    Compare school
31. #25

    Georgetown University

    Washington , DC

    #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #18 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown University

    Cost of Degree: $65,081

    Expenses: $23,660

    Starting Salary: $125,200

    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Georgetown University known for?

    Georgetown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Law
    • Political Science
    • Criminal Justice
    • Religious Studies
    • Nursing
    • Education
    • Business
    • Communications
    • Economics
    • History

    Most Influential Alumni

    • J. Edgar Hoover
    • Antonin Scalia
    • George Tenet
    • Abdullah II of Jordan
    • Allen Tate
    • Wang Yi
    • Steven Novella
    • Jan Karski
    • Jerome Powell
    • Susan Hockfield
    • Solomon H. Snyder
    • John R. Allen

    Compare school
32. #26

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA

    #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $22,323

    Expenses: $18,940

    Starting Salary: $79,400

    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of Virginia known for?

    University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Law
    • Political Science
    • History
    • Anthropology
    • Philosophy
    • Education
    • Economics
    • Business
    • Literature
    • Communications

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Edgar Allan Poe
    • Ronald Coase
    • Robert Mueller
    • John Backus
    • William Faulkner
    • Tom Regan
    • Georgia O'Keeffe
    • Katie Couric
    • Francis Collins
    • Anselm Strauss
    • Allen Tate
    • Ferid Murad

    Compare school
33. #27

    University of California, San Diego

    La Jolla , CA

    #8 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #9 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    24%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, San Diego

    Cost of Degree: $15,265

    Expenses: $23,240

    Starting Salary: $69,600

    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of California, San Diego, is recognized as one of the top research universities in the world.

    What we love about the University of California, San Diego:

    University of California, San Diego, is committed to helping students become change-makers.

    The University of California, San Diego is ideal for students who:

    Seek to gain multidisciplinary tools to address the world’s most pressing issues.

    The University of California, San Diego might not be ideal for students who:

    Lack the enthusiasm to make a difference in the world.

    Compare school
34. #28

    Boston University

    Boston , MA

    #19 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $65,168

    Expenses: $21,195

    Starting Salary: $75,900

    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Boston University known for?

    Boston University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Literature
    • Social Work
    • Communications
    • Religious Studies
    • Education
    • Political Science
    • Business
    • History
    • Philosophy
    • Physics

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Martin Luther King Jr.
    • Sheldon Glashow
    • Neal Stephenson
    • Ray Hyman
    • Norman Vincent Peale
    • Tipper Gore
    • Albert-László Barabási
    • Steven M. Wise
    • Kim Stanley Robinson
    • Bernard Berenson
    • Daniel C. Tsui
    • Bill Simmons

    Compare school
35. #29

    University of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh , PA

    #11 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #12 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh

    Cost of Degree: $21,524

    Expenses: $16,922

    Starting Salary: $61,200

    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of Pittsburgh known for?

    University of Pittsburgh’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Philosophy
    • Medical
    • Criminal Justice
    • Biology
    • Anthropology
    • Social Work
    • Psychology
    • History
    • Computer Science
    • Education

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Stuart Hameroff
    • Paul Lauterbur
    • Paul Churchland
    • Patricia Churchland
    • John Taylor Gatto
    • Richard Lazarus
    • Ernest Sosa
    • Michael Chabon
    • August Wilson
    • Bennet Omalu
    • Bas van Fraassen
    • Jaak Panksepp

    Compare school
37. #30

    Washington University in St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO

    #19 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #23 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington University in St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $62,982

    Expenses: $25,506

    Starting Salary: $87,900

    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Washington University in St. Louis known for?

    Washington University in St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Biology
    • Law
    • Medical
    • Engineering
    • Chemistry
    • Social Work
    • Business
    • Political Science
    • Economics
    • Anthropology

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Tennessee Williams
    • J. C. R. Licklider
    • Phyllis Schlafly
    • Daniel Nathans
    • Edwin G. Krebs
    • Charles Eames
    • Marilyn vos Savant
    • Samuel Moyn
    • Michael Isikoff
    • İhsan Doğramacı
    • Clyde Cowan
    • William E. Moerner

    Compare school
38. #31

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover , NH

    #18 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #20 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #21 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #24 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Dartmouth College

    Cost of Degree: $65,511

    Expenses: $22,054

    Starting Salary: $110,200

    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Dartmouth College known for?

    Dartmouth College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Business
    • Literature
    • Computer Science
    • Political Science
    • History
    • Earth Sciences
    • Medical
    • Economics
    • Mathematics
    • Religious Studies

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Joseph Campbell
    • Dr. Seuss
    • Robert Frost
    • Daniel Webster
    • Vincent Canby
    • Robert Reich
    • C. Everett Koop
    • Stuart Kauffman
    • Jaegwon Kim
    • Robert Christgau
    • Michael Gazzaniga
    • Edward Norton Lorenz

    Compare school
39. #32

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC

    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989

    Expenses: $17,120

    Starting Salary: $68,800

    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • History
    • Law
    • Education
    • Philosophy
    • Sociology
    • Psychology
    • Business
    • Mathematics
    • Biology
    • Computer Science

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Lawrence Ferlinghetti
    • Francis Collins
    • James E. Webb
    • Dan Ariely
    • Howard T. Odum
    • Jeffrey Beall
    • Charles Tart
    • Robert F. Furchgott
    • Sidney Powell
    • Christine Blasey Ford
    • David Brinkley
    • James Rachels

    Compare school
40. #33

    University of California, Santa Barbara

    Santa Barbara , CA

    #13 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #14 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #14 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    26%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    28K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara

    Cost of Degree: $14,965

    Expenses: $25,622

    Starting Salary: $62,400

    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of California, Santa Barbara known for?

    University of California, Santa Barbara’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Physics
    • Earth Sciences
    • Sociology
    • Anthropology
    • Religious Studies
    • Psychology
    • Computer Science
    • Mathematics
    • Chemistry
    • Communications

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Garrett Hardin
    • Grady Booch
    • Richard Serra
    • Carol W. Greider
    • Robert Ballard
    • Reza Aslan
    • Edward Feser
    • Richard E. Mayer
    • Tibor Machan
    • Joseph Tainter
    • Mark Juergensmeyer
    • Viral B. Shah

    Compare school
41. #34

    Purdue University

    West Lafayette , IN

    #1 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #11 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #16 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Purdue University

    Cost of Degree: $9,992

    Expenses: $14,890

    Starting Salary: $62,200

    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Purdue University known for?

    Purdue University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Engineering
    • Chemistry
    • Computer Science
    • Mathematics
    • Business
    • Physics
    • Nursing
    • Biology
    • Education
    • Economics

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Neil Armstrong
    • Ward Cunningham
    • James Samuel Coleman
    • Gus Grissom
    • Edward Mills Purcell
    • C. N. R. Rao
    • Mohamed M. Atalla
    • John C. Reynolds
    • Douglas Comer
    • Booth Tarkington
    • Yitang Zhang
    • Ben Roy Mottelson

    Compare school
43. #35

    George Washington University

    Washington , DC

    #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in DC 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/32

    Career Outlook for degree at George Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $64,798

    Expenses: $19,325

    Starting Salary: $82,400

    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is George Washington University known for?

    George Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Political Science
    • Criminal Justice
    • Law
    • Communications
    • Business
    • Anthropology
    • Physics
    • Medical
    • Education
    • Earth Sciences

    Most Influential Alumni

    • J. Edgar Hoover
    • L. Ron Hubbard
    • Glenn Greenwald
    • Bob Woodward
    • Allen Dulles
    • George Armitage Miller
    • Juan Guaidó
    • Roger Stone
    • James E. Webb
    • Michael D. Griffin
    • Lester Frank Ward
    • Brian Williams

    Compare school
44. #36

    University of Maryland, College Park

    College Park , MD

    #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #16 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #17 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park

    Cost of Degree: $11,505

    Expenses: $19,380

    Starting Salary: $70,800

    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of Maryland, College Park known for?

    University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Physics
    • Mathematics
    • Computer Science
    • Economics
    • Sociology
    • Engineering
    • Political Science
    • Earth Sciences
    • Psychology
    • Social Work

    Most Influential Alumni

    • George Dantzig
    • James Clapper
    • Jim Henson
    • Robin Hahnel
    • Michael D. Griffin
    • Frank J. Tipler
    • Charles Fefferman
    • Jean E. Sammet
    • Connie Chung
    • Philip J. Davis
    • James A. Yorke
    • David Bentley Hart

    Compare school
45. #37

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Champaign , IL

    #2 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #18 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    62K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Cost of Degree: $18,060

    Expenses: $17,638

    Starting Salary: $70,900

    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign known for?

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Computer Science
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Engineering
    • Chemistry
    • Psychology
    • Economics
    • Biology
    • Philosophy
    • Communications

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Paul Halmos
    • Jack Kilby
    • Eugenio Calabi
    • Richard Hamming
    • James Tobin
    • Steven Best
    • Roger Ebert
    • Jerome Lettvin
    • Irving Azoff
    • Temple Grandin
    • Hamilton O. Smith
    • Brendan Eich

    Compare school
46. #38

    University of Iowa

    Iowa City , IA

    #2 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $10,964

    Expenses: $17,632

    Starting Salary: $62,000

    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of Iowa known for?

    University of Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Literature
    • Psychology
    • Communications
    • History
    • Medical
    • Economics
    • Biology
    • Education
    • Law
    • Philosophy

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Albert Bandura
    • Tennessee Williams
    • Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak
    • Tom Brokaw
    • Oswald Veblen
    • Jayaprakash Narayan
    • Leon Festinger
    • Henry Jenkins
    • Everett Rogers
    • Julian Rotter
    • John Robert Anderson
    • Wallace Stegner

    Compare school
47. #39

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ

    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $13,277

    Expenses: $19,500

    Starting Salary: $56,000

    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of Arizona known for?

    University of Arizona’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Anthropology
    • Physics
    • Earth Sciences
    • Communications
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Criminal Justice
    • Philosophy
    • Chemistry
    • Business

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Geraldo Rivera
    • Clifford Stoll
    • Temple Grandin
    • Garry Shandling
    • Clyde Snow
    • Brian Schmidt
    • Henry Eyring
    • Michael McClure
    • Barbara Kingsolver
    • George H. Smith
    • Allen Buchanan
    • Frank Press

    Compare school
49. #40

    Brandeis University

    Waltham , MA

    #21 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #23 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #25 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1450/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Brandeis University

    Cost of Degree: $64,946

    Expenses: $21,296

    Starting Salary: $69,000

    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Brandeis University known for?

    Brandeis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Sociology
    • Philosophy
    • Mathematics
    • Psychology
    • Economics
    • Political Science
    • Physics
    • History
    • Literature
    • Computer Science

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Edward Witten
    • Angela Davis
    • Michael Walzer
    • Leslie Lamport
    • Thomas Friedman
    • Patricia Hill Collins
    • Abbie Hoffman
    • Avital Ronell
    • Michael Sandel
    • Elaine Showalter
    • Deborah Lipstadt
    • Christina Hoff Sommers

    Compare school
50. #41

    University of California, Irvine

    Irvine , CA

    #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #21 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #21 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    39K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Irvine

    Cost of Degree: $14,237

    Expenses: $24,814

    Starting Salary: $65,800

    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of California, Irvine known for?

    University of California, Irvine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Philosophy
    • Computer Science
    • Anthropology
    • Sociology
    • Mathematics
    • Chemistry
    • Psychology
    • Biology
    • Literature
    • Earth Sciences

    Most Influential Alumni

    • David Benioff
    • Pedro Domingos
    • Robin Hanson
    • Michael Chabon
    • Jane Gallop
    • Paul Mockapetris
    • Chris Burden
    • William K. Black
    • Roy Fielding
    • Bart Kosko
    • Yusef Komunyakaa
    • Richard Ford

    Compare school
51. #42

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY

    #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #5 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $63,061

    Expenses: $22,086

    Starting Salary: $69,200

    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Syracuse University known for?

    Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Political Science
    • Communications
    • Business
    • Literature
    • Earth Sciences
    • Social Work
    • Education
    • Mathematics
    • Sociology
    • Philosophy

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Clement Greenberg
    • Joyce Carol Oates
    • Bob Costas
    • Ted Koppel
    • Sol LeWitt
    • Megyn Kelly
    • Ernest Becker
    • George Saunders
    • Marv Albert
    • William Safire
    • Story Musgrave
    • Dorothy Thompson

    Compare school
52. #43

    Pennsylvania State University

    #5 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #22 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2024

    What is Pennsylvania State University known for?

    Pennsylvania State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Earth Sciences
    • Engineering
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Philosophy
    • Computer Science
    • Education
    • Biology
    • Criminal Justice

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Paul Berg
    • Steven Levy
    • Graham Harman
    • Douglas Comer
    • Todd May
    • Benjamin Bloom
    • Harry J. Anslinger
    • Iris Marion Young
    • T. Colin Campbell
    • John Mashey
    • Carol Ryff
    • Thomas R. Dye

    Compare school
53. #44

    Tufts University

    Medford , MA

    #24 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #24 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Tufts University

    Cost of Degree: $67,844

    Expenses: $20,456

    Starting Salary: $103,300

    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Tufts University known for?

    Tufts University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Medical
    • Political Science
    • Economics
    • Business
    • Law
    • Philosophy
    • Education
    • Physics
    • Biology
    • Engineering

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Norbert Wiener
    • Vannevar Bush
    • Eugene Fama
    • Jamie Dimon
    • Ram Dass
    • Gordon S. Wood
    • Roderick MacKinnon
    • Paul Offit
    • Peter Navarro
    • Mariana Mazzucato
    • John Ciardi
    • Richard N. Goodwin

    Compare school
55. #45

    Michigan State University

    East Lansing , MI

    #21 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #23 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #24 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Michigan 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Michigan State University

    Cost of Degree: $17,270

    Expenses: $16,680

    Starting Salary: $63,200

    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Michigan State University known for?

    Michigan State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Business
    • Nursing
    • Biology
    • Education
    • Sociology
    • Criminal Justice
    • Medical
    • Economics
    • Psychology
    • History

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Rollo May
    • Alfred Hershey
    • Russell Kirk
    • Eli Broad
    • David Sloan Wilson
    • Charles Bachman
    • Vernor Vinge
    • Theda Skocpol
    • Daniel Wegner
    • Eugene Parker
    • Robert Ressler
    • Liberty Hyde Bailey

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56. #46

    University of Utah

    Salt Lake City , UT

    #7 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #22 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #24 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Utah

    Cost of Degree: $9,315

    Expenses: $21,298

    Starting Salary: $63,500

    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of Utah known for?

    University of Utah’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Computer Science
    • Chemistry
    • Biology
    • Physics
    • Anthropology
    • Medical
    • Earth Sciences
    • Mathematics
    • History
    • Business

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Alan Kay
    • Orson Scott Card
    • Ted Bundy
    • Stanley Smith Stevens
    • Edwin Catmull
    • Gordon B. Hinckley
    • Lars Peter Hansen
    • Jim Blinn
    • Wallace Stegner
    • Ralph Hartley
    • David C. Evans
    • Bui Tuong Phong

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57. #47

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN

    #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Vanderbilt University

    Cost of Degree: $63,946

    Expenses: $25,644

    Starting Salary: $86,200

    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Vanderbilt University known for?

    Vanderbilt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Nursing
    • Law
    • Medical
    • Philosophy
    • Religious Studies
    • Education
    • Business
    • Economics
    • Psychology
    • Political Science

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Herman Daly
    • James Patterson
    • Allen Tate
    • Cleanth Brooks
    • John Crowe Ransom
    • Robert Penn Warren
    • David Brinkley
    • John Seigenthaler
    • John Ridley Stroop
    • Michelle Alexander
    • Norman Shumway
    • Steven E. Jones

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58. #48

    University of California, Davis

    Davis , CA

    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools California 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    43K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Davis

    Cost of Degree: $15,247

    Expenses: $25,808

    Starting Salary: $68,100

    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is University of California, Davis known for?

    University of California, Davis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Biology
    • Sociology
    • Criminal Justice
    • Earth Sciences
    • Mathematics
    • Chemistry
    • Psychology
    • Economics
    • Anthropology
    • Medical

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Elaine Showalter
    • Bruce Nauman
    • Dian Fossey
    • Jonathan M. Marks
    • Chris Crawford
    • Mike Pondsmith
    • Michael R. Gottfredson
    • Stephen Robinson
    • H. Allen Orr
    • Alan Templeton
    • Charles M. Rice
    • Gregory J. Feist

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59. #49

    Rice University

    Houston , TX

    #19 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Rice University

    Cost of Degree: $58,128

    Expenses: $20,150

    Starting Salary: $91,600

    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Rice University known for?

    Rice University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Chemistry
    • Mathematics
    • Engineering
    • Physics
    • Computer Science
    • Economics
    • Philosophy
    • Business
    • History
    • Earth Sciences

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Herman Daly
    • Joyce Carol Oates
    • Robert Woodrow Wilson
    • Dennis Sullivan
    • Robert Curl
    • Matthew Sands
    • George Mackey
    • William Sims Bainbridge
    • Thomas W. Malone
    • David Eagleman
    • John Morgan
    • Henry M. Morris

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61. #50

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ

    #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,051

    Expenses: $21,219

    Starting Salary: $55,500

    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What is Arizona State University known for?

    Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    • Earth Sciences
    • Business
    • Engineering
    • Education
    • Anthropology
    • Physics
    • Computer Science
    • Political Science
    • History
    • Psychology

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Jimmy Kimmel
    • Michael I. Jordan
    • Bernie Grundman
    • David Spade
    • Temple Grandin
    • Robert O. Pihl
    • Barry Bonds
    • Larry Schweikart
    • Linda Ronstadt
    • Matthew Desmond
    • Reggie Jackson
    • Kim Komando

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Student Submitted Questions on the Best Graduate Schools

Nate asks, “What are the average class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios in the top-ranked graduate programs?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Average class sizes in the top graduate programs tend to range between 10 and 20 students in size. In seminar-style courses and advanced research classes, there is a potential for the classes to be even smaller. In regards to student-to-faculty ratios, in highly ranked programs ratios like 10:1 or even lower are common.

Minnie asks, “How diverse and inclusive are top graduate programs?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: The diversity and inclusivity of programs will vary, but many of the top graduate schools are known for being diverse and attracting large international student populations. These institutions also typically feature support programs that are aimed to represent and back underrepresented groups.