50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Key Takeaways
- Earning a bachelor’s degree from one of the best colleges or universities in the US will give you an advantage over other candidates in an extremely competitive job market.
- When choosing which college or university you want to attend, it is important to know what academic program you are interested in and if you want to study at a research university or a liberal arts college.
- Attending one of the schools on our list will ensure that you will be taught by some of the most influential professors in the world.
Top 10 US Colleges and Universities for Undergrads in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
The top ten best colleges and universities in 2025 remained fairly stable with the exception of the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan was able to move up as much as it did due to its expanded academic offerings in fields like artificial intelligence, sustainability, and biomedical sciences, providing students with cutting-edge opportunities in growing industries. Additionally, with greater financial aid options and a strengthened commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Michigan aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
Featured Programs
Best US Colleges & Universities for Undergrads 2025
- #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Best Universities in the World 2025
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: $59,076Expenses: $27,629Starting Salary: $139,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Harvard University known for?
Harvard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Harvard University needs little introduction, sitting at the top tier of the country’s universities in terms of academic quality, reputation, and international prestige.
What we love about Harvard University:
While a majority of Harvard students come from affluent backgrounds, there are ample need-based scholarships and opportunities available for students from low-income backgrounds who pass admission criteria.
Harvard University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a top-tier university that can open many doors, in terms of future professional development.
Harvard University might not be ideal for students who:
Are looking for a university that offers athletics scholarships or a good path to enter professional sports.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Midsize
- Average Net Price: $19,491
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 72%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
11%
Graduation
94%
Student body
48K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley
Cost of Degree: $14,850Expenses: $30,203Starting Salary: $79,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Berkeley known for?
University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
A member campus of the University of California system, the University of California, Berkeley is a highly regarded institution that is comparable in quality and stature to the Ivy League (as one of the so-called “Public Ivies”).
What we love about the University of California, Berkeley:
In many ways, UC Berkeley has it all: robust academics in major academic fields, a historic and beautiful campus, and a large, vibrant student body.
The University of California, Berkeley is ideal for students who:
Are driven to pursue their academics and generally do not have problems with spending a lot of time working independently.
The University of California, Berkeley might not be ideal for students who:
Might prefer a smaller, more close-knit learning environment or who might not readily conform somewhat more liberal campus environment.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Midsize
- Average Net Price: $19,257
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 60%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 19 to 1
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- #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 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
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: $68,171Expenses: $20,542Starting Salary: $115,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Columbia University known for?
Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Columbia University is located right at the heart of New York City. Among its excellent academic offerings, it is particularly known for its strong education program, as well as its overall research environment.
What we love about Columbia University:
Being in the middle of New York City brings students extremely close to a wide range of opportunities for internships, sought-after employers, and other academic opportunities for undergraduates.
Columbia University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a top-tier university with a blend of prestige and dynamic, big-city energy.
Columbia University might not be ideal for students who:
Might not take kindly to the overall high cost of living in New York City.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $22,058
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 57%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #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 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students 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: $62,484Expenses: $25,349Starting Salary: $141,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stanford University known for?
Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Stanford University makes the list of many students’ dream universities, being located in Silicon Valley. It is also known for being one of the most selective universities in the country.
What we love about Stanford University:
In many ways, Stanford University is the West Coast equivalent of equally prestigious East Coast Universities, with what many would consider to be a better climate.
Stanford University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a top-tier university with need-blind admissions & aid, as well as a wide range of means for financial support for students.
Stanford University might not be ideal for students who:
May want to avoid the generally high cost of living associated with the Bay Area.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $18,279
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 68%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5 to 1
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- #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 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students 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: $65,619Expenses: $23,421Starting Salary: $103,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Chicago known for?
University of Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Law
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
The University of Chicago is one of the country’s top private research universities and excels in the Physical & Social Sciences, Business, and Humanities, as well as Law and Medicine.
What we love about the University of Chicago:
The university has a wide range of graduate & professional schools, as well as high-quality research centers and laboratories.
The University of Chicago is ideal for students who:
Are aiming for a terminal degree and are looking for a university that they can stay in for the entirety of their academic journey.
The University of Chicago might not be ideal for students who:
Might be put off by the notoriously harsh winters in Chicago.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $36,991
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 56%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5 to 1
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Graduate Schools 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: $64,700Expenses: $23,600Starting Salary: $124,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Yale University known for?
Yale University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Yale University is one of the more globally well-known Ivy League universities (along with Harvard) and excels in major academic fields, including Engineering, Social Sciences & Humanities, Business, Education, Medicine, and Law.
What we love about Yale University:
Aside from its academic programs, Yale’s libraries boast one of the largest & most comprehensive among universities in the country.
Yale University is ideal for students who:
Might want to get into an Ivy League university that retains a more quiet, close-knit, and supportive vibe.
Yale University might not be ideal for students who:
Might not take too well to Yale’s primarily residential system or the various pressures that come with going to an Ivy League university.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Midsize
- Average Net Price: $18,647
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 59%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- #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 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students 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: $59,710Expenses: $24,330Starting Salary: $116,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Princeton University known for?
Princeton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Economics
- History
- Literature
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Princeton University may be a bit less well-known compared to other Ivy League universities, but it excels academically nevertheless, and also runs a wide set of research institutes, centers, and laboratories.
What we love about Princeton University:
Princeton is in a quieter corner of New Jersey but is within easy reach of New York City, which brings many opportunities for undergrads (i.e., internships, recruitment, etc.)
Princeton University is ideal for students who:
Are looking to get into a prestigious and academically rigorous school, that offers a wide range of research, study abroad, and other opportunities.
Princeton University might not be ideal for students who:
Might be looking for a school that has a robust set of professional programs.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Small
- Average Net Price: $18,698
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 62%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #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 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students 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: $60,156Expenses: $22,574Starting Salary: $153,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Biology
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is commonly associated with the advancements in he many fields of Science and Technology, including Engineering, Computing, and the Physical Sciences.
What we love about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology:
MIT is known for emphasizing interdisciplinary research that aims to address various real-world challenges, from cancer to clean energy.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:
Are looking for rigorous degree programs in any of the science/technology fields, with research projects that have significant real-world impact.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology might not be ideal for students who:
Are looking for a school that excels in music and the performing arts.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Midsize
- Average Net Price: $20,232
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 79%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 3 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
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: $18,309Expenses: $17,554Starting Salary: $79,000Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Michigan known for?
University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Education
- Mathematics
- History
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
The University of Michigan aims to develop leaders and citizens through creating and preserving knowledge. Known for its academic vigor, the university offers undergraduate programs across various disciplines, which include Anthropology, Biomedical Engineering, Communication and Media, and Data Science.
What we love about the University of Michigan:
The University of Michigan takes pride in providing affordable college education to undergraduate students. In fact, 2 out of 3 students receive financial aid in one form or another.
The University of Michigan is ideal for students who:
Need plentiful academic support from advisors to help them focus on their future professional goals while enjoying the freedom to explore their options before committing to a major.
The University of Michigan might not be ideal for students who:
Prefer to keep to themselves instead of grabbing opportunities to get involved in various student activities that will expand their horizons.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Midsize
- Average Net Price: $19,318
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 74%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #10 50 Best Graduate Schools 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: $60,438Expenses: $27,314Starting Salary: $78,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is New York University known for?
New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Founded in 1831, the New York University has a demonstrated tradition of innovation. Since 2010, it has seen an explosive growth in grant funding for its research programs. Students can expect to find an enriching learning environment where collaboration and innovation take center stage.
Some of the academic programs they can choose from include Accounting, Architecture, Biology, Childhood Education, and Developmental Psychology.
What we love about New York University:
New York University makes it a point to provide students with a rigorous education, undertaking $1.27 billion in research every year. It is not surprising to find recipients of scholarly honors among its faculty.
New York University is ideal for students who:
Are outstanding in their academic endeavors and prefer to learn in an intellectually rich environment.
New York University might not be ideal for students who:
Are not open to acquiring a wide range of perspectives beyond the classroom.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $29,499
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 53%s
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #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: $66,014Expenses: $22,126Starting Salary: $101,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cornell University known for?
Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
While Cornell University is seen as one of the less prominent Ivy League schools, it stands out in terms of its perfect blend of robust and rigorous academics, distinct atmosphere, and natural beauty.
What we love about Cornell University:
It’s not just about the academics; the natural beauty of Cornell University’s Ithaca campus is hard to top. Cornell’s 2,800-acre Botanic Gardens are also a standout feature of the campus.
Cornell University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a top-tier university with a strong commitment to progress and innovation, with a beautiful campus to boot.
Cornell University might not be ideal for students who:
Might not take kindly to the harsh winters that Cornell’s main Ithaca Campus is known for, or the feeling of isolation that its rural setting can stir up in some students.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Small
- Average Net Price: $26,060
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 59%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #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: $66,104Expenses: $22,924Starting Salary: $131,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Pennsylvania known for?
University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
As part of the Ivy League, the University of Pennsylvania has the full range of academic offerings in most major fields, but its Business, Management, and Marketing-related majors are among the most popular among undergraduates.
What we love about the University of Pennsylvania:
On top of its Ivy League-tier academic quality, UPenn’s campus is also among the country’s most beautiful. Its location also means students have ready access to all the city comforts that Philadelphia has to offer.
The University of Pennsylvania is ideal for students who:
Prefer a top-tier university with a more balanced “work hard, play hard” atmosphere.
The University of Pennsylvania might not be ideal for students who:
Are looking to take up a major that isn’t related to Business, such as STEM, or the social sciences.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $26,123
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 57%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
92%
Student body
49K
Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $13,747Expenses: $24,284Starting Salary: $73,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Los Angeles known for?
University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Social Work
- History
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Bringing together diverse minds from all over the globe, the University of California, Los Angeles, provides equal academic opportunities to students, regardless of socioeconomic background. The undergraduate programs include Asian Humanities, Business Analytics, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, and more.
What we love about the University of California, Los Angeles:
The university offers an inclusive community where people from all walks of life are welcomed and valued.
The University of California, Los Angeles is ideal for students who:
Want to gain a foundational understanding of a broad range of disciplines along with an opportunity for in-depth study.
The University of California, Los Angeles might not be ideal for students who:
Prefer a small school with a strong emphasis on campus safety.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $16,999
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 57%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- #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 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students 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: $62,840Expenses: $22,725Starting Salary: $89,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Johns Hopkins University known for?
Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Johns Hopkins University occupies a prominent position in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, and has several satellite campuses throughout the state. It is especially known for having strong STEM and health sciences programs.
What we love about Johns Hopkins University:
Johns Hopkins University continues to lead in terms of conducting research in various fields, especially in the health sciences.
Johns Hopkins University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a top-tier university that excels in the health sciences, especially for undergraduates looking for a good pre-med track.
Johns Hopkins University might not be ideal for students who:
Might not like the overall vibe of Baltimore (compared to other major cities), or might want somewhere with a relatively more vibrant student life.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $24,034
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 67%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #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: $63,255Expenses: $23,631Starting Salary: $106,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California Institute of Technology known for?
California Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
California Institute of Technology (CalTech) focuses mainly on the pure and applied sciences.
It sits at the cutting edge of the world’s technological advances in the fields of engineering, planetary sciences, physics, astronomy, chemistry, and the social sciences.
What we love about the California Institute of Technology:
The learning environment at CalTech sees a high degree of collaboration between undergraduate and graduate students in various research projects.
California Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:
Are looking for the best when it comes to the fields of technology and the sciences.
California Institute of Technology might not be ideal for students who:
Are looking for a university that specializes in business-related degree programs.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Midsize
- Average Net Price: $20,755
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 71%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 3 to 1
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- #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: $65,805Expenses: $21,267Starting Salary: $114,500Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Duke University known for?
Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Education
- Law
- Sociology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
A private research university, Duke University has one of the most selective admissions in the country, though it also has among the highest research expenditures and maintains several special academic facilities.
What we love about Duke University:
Duke University ticks all the boxes for most prospective students: strong, rigorous academics & research, a good reputation, and a beautiful, expansive campus, with the bonus of Durham’s generally lower cost of living.
Duke University is ideal for students who:
Are looking to major in relatively niche fields, such as marine biology, for example, or want a university with strong research support.
Duke University might not be ideal for students who:
Might find the overall cost of education at Duke to still be expensive despite the wide range of financial aid options.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $23,694
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 57%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6 to 1
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- #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 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students 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: $68,237Expenses: $22,216Starting Salary: $88,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Southern California known for?
University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Communications
- Medical
- Education
- Computer Science
- Law
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
A place where some of the brightest minds come together, the University of Southern California is home to acclaimed schools, centers, and institutes. It is leading the way to the future of education by offering a diverse selection of academic programs, including advertising, anthropology, architecture, behavioral science, and business administration, among others.
What we love about the University of Southern California:
The University of Southern California fully supports students in their pursuit of transformative academic experiences by offering experiential learning opportunities.
The University of Southern California is ideal for students who:
Want to drive meaningful change through rigorous academic learning and rich community engagement traditions.
The University of Southern California might not be ideal for students who:
Find it difficult to navigate academic challenges.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $36,808
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 76%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- #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 #20 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students 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: $65,997Expenses: $25,293Starting Salary: $93,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwestern University known for?
Northwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Business
- Sociology
- Law
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Education
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Northwestern University is located immediately north of Chicago and is the oldest chartered university in the state. Its range of academic offerings includes the arts & sciences, engineering and applied science, communication, journalism, music, education, and professional studies.
What we love about Northwestern University:
Northwestern University’s beautiful campus is right on the edge of Lake Michigan, making for stunning views. Its suburban location also puts it within reach of Chicago and its conveniences.
Northwestern University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for an excellent university without the elitism, with a thriving balance of academics and extracurricular activities.
Northwestern University might not be ideal for students who:
Might not like the cold weather typical of campuses around the Great Lakes.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Small
- Average Net Price: $22,095
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 58%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6 to 1
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- #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: $63,274Expenses: $19,868Starting Salary: $103,000Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Carnegie Mellon University stands out in many fields today, most notably in the fields of Computer Science, Engineering, and its many interdisciplinary programs.
What we love about Carnegie Mellon University:
Carnegie Mellon University has a global reach when it comes to producing startups and technological innovations, with its network of satellite campuses in a number of locations worldwide.
Carnegie Mellon University is ideal for students who:
Are highly motivated and want the best education they can get in the technology fields, particularly in Computer Science.
Carnegie Mellon University might not be ideal for students who:
May not have what it takes to withstand the rigorous academics and workload that the university is known for.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $33,499
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 56%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #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: $68,230Expenses: $19,418Starting Salary: $89,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Brown University is among the smaller of the Ivy League universities. It is especially known for its signature Open Curriculum, which grants students a truly wide degree of freedom to choose their personalized course of study.
What we love about Brown University:
Academics are rigorous, like in any other Ivy League university, but Brown is also known for having a more laid-back and collaborative vibe. Its home city of Providence also has a unique blend of small-town feel and big-city progressiveness.
Brown University is ideal for students who:
Have a strong sense of individuality and a clear idea of the academic path they want to explore.
Brown University might not be ideal for students who:
Are undecided about the major they want to take up, or prefer an academic path with a more predetermined structure.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Midsize
- Average Net Price: $26,723
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 55%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- #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: $65,081Expenses: $23,660Starting Salary: $125,200Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Georgetown University occupies a unique place among the universities in this list given its location in Washington DC. The school’s excellent programs are in the Arts & Sciences, Health, Business, and Law, but it is particularly known for its programs related to foreign service.
What we love about Georgetown University:
As befits its location in the nation’s capital, Georgetown’s campus is equally beautiful and historic, making for a high-quality learning environment that is also aesthetically pleasing.
Georgetown University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a reputable university in the most prime location for establishing one’s networks, particularly in Political Science and International Relations.
Georgetown University might not be ideal for students who:
Might find Washington DC to be too expensive, or might find Georgetown’s urban campus to be somewhat cramped.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $35,566
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 45%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #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 50 Best Public Grad Schools 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: $22,323Expenses: $18,940Starting Salary: $79,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Virginia known for?
University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Started in 1819, the University of Virginia is designed to advance human knowledge, cultivate informed citizenry, and educate future leaders. It is also known to offer affordable, world-class education across a wide range of fields, such as biology, music, philosophy, global studies, and more.
What we love about the University of Virginia:
The University of Virginia provides outstanding academic opportunities to talented students who meet its rigorous standards, covering 100% of financial needs and limiting debt.
The University of Virginia is ideal for students who:
Are passionate about tackling intellectual and societal challenges that impact the greater good.
The University of Virginia might not be ideal for students who:
Are not comfortable in exploring a culture of diversity.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Small
- Average Net Price: $19,469
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 54%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- #19 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
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: $62,982Expenses: $25,506Starting Salary: $87,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Washington University in St. Louis known for?
Washington University in St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
With emphasis on research, teaching, and learning, Washington University in St. Louis makes it a point to challenge students to realize their full potential. It offers a comprehensive selection of undergraduate programs from various fields of study, including business, art, engineering, law, social work, and public health.
What we love about Washington University in St. Louis:
The university is home to experienced and acclaimed faculty members, many of them won honors in their respective fields, from Pulitzer Prize and Poet Laureate of the United States to National Academy of Sciences and National Medal of Science.
Washington University in St. Louis is ideal for students who:
Want to acquire knowledge and skills through path-breaking research and exceptional academics.
Washington University in St. Louis might not be ideal for students who:
Are hesitant at developing big ideas and tackling challenging problems.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $23,432
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 50%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees
BS in Integrated Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Humanities
- Social Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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 #1 Best Research Universities in New Hampshire 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: $65,511Expenses: $22,054Starting Salary: $110,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Dartmouth College is one of the smallest Ivy League universities in terms of student population. It follows a generally liberal arts curriculum and offers around 60 majors in the natural sciences, the social sciences, humanities, and engineering.
What we love about Dartmouth College:
Unlike most other Ivy League universities, Dartmouth is situated in a small town, which means it has a generally quiet vibe and beautiful natural areas surrounding it.
Dartmouth College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a top-tier university with a unique close-knit learning environment, with a robust undergraduate program.
Dartmouth College might not be ideal for students who:
Might otherwise prefer a larger, more urban Ivy League university.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: Town: Remote
- Average Net Price: $19,208
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 58%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Indiana 2025
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
96%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1500/33
Career Outlook for degree at University of Notre Dame
Cost of Degree: $62,693Expenses: $20,578Starting Salary: $98,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Notre Dame known for?
University of Notre Dame’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Law
- History
- Business
- Political Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
The University of Notre Dame has always remained faithful to its religious and intellectual traditions since its founding in 1842. Today, it is at the forefront of research and scholarship, offering a wide array of programs across various disciplines, including architecture, global affairs, arts and letters, science, business, and engineering.
What we love about the University of Notre Dame:
The University of Notre Dame finds the balance between staying true to its traditional and religious roots while being open to change and the empowerment that scientific knowledge can bring.
The University of Notre Dame is ideal for students who:
Want to learn not only how to think but also how to live through enriching, hands-on learning experiences.
The University of Notre Dame might not be ideal for students who:
Believe education is only confined to classrooms and laboratories.
University Fast Facts:
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $28,474
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 68%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Campus Setting: City: Midsize
- Average Net Price: $39,775
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 73%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Physics
- History
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Campus Setting: City: Small
- Average Net Price: $45,565
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 68%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $30,479
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 46%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $26,680
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 56%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $25,606
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 69%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Psychology
- History
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Physics
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Campus Setting: City: Small
- Average Net Price: $21,270
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 49%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $38,279
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 90%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Economics
- Literature
- Law
- Political Science
- Education
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- History
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $21,367
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 66%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Literature
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $20,715
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 68%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Business
- History
- Earth Sciences
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $19,902
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 67%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6 to 1
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Literature
- Economics
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Campus Setting: Town: Fringe
- Average Net Price: $20,965
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 55%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Psychology
- History
- Physics
- Biology
- Economics
- Campus Setting: Town: Fringe
- Average Net Price: $46,462
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 100%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $35,192
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 86%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Political Science
- Physics
- Education
- Economics
- History
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $21,362
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 65%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Education
- Political Science
- History
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $26,009
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 53%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Education
- Communications
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Philosophy
- History
- Psychology
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $30,603
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 64%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Engineering
- Economics
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Business
- Law
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $28,702
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 99%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- History
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $39,072
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 82%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Physics
- Economics
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Campus Setting: City: Large
- Average Net Price: $33,106
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 64%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Economics
- History
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $23,476
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 47%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $19,962
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 55%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Literature
- Economics
- History
- Biology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Earth Sciences
- Campus Setting: Town: Fringe
- Average Net Price: $22,776
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 55%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Literature
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Communications
- History
- Political Science
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $24,087
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 100%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering
- Biology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $39,850
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 72%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Economics
- Literature
- Political Science
- Business
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Campus Setting: Suburb: Large
- Average Net Price: $28,701
- Percent Awarded Financial Aid: 53%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
University of Rochester
Career Outlook for degree at University of Rochester
What is University of Rochester known for?
University of Rochester’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Considered one of the leading research universities in the world, the University of Rochester is home to more than a thousand faculty, 12,000 students, and 30,000 staff. It allows students to carve their paths through its flexible curriculum and plenty of research opportunities. Currently, the university offers more than a hundred undergraduate programs, including Applied Mathematics, Clinical Psychology, Digital Media Studies, Environmental Geology, and Journalism, among others.
What we love about the University of Rochester:
The University of Rochester ensures education remains affordable by providing 71% of undergraduates with financial aid, awarding $300 million in scholarships and grants every year. This allowed 49% of students to graduate without debt in 2024.
The University of Rochester is ideal for students who:
Want to enjoy a flexible, open curriculum, allowing them to major in a certain field while also pursuing their other passions and interests through the cluster system.
The University of Rochester might not be ideal for students who:
Do not like cold, windy, and depressing weather as the campus experiences real winter, being closer to Toronto than to New York City.
University Fast Facts:
University of Rochester’s Online Degrees
BSN in RN to BSN
Brandeis University
Career Outlook for degree at Brandeis University
What is Brandeis University known for?
Brandeis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Brandeis University is relatively young, having been founded in 1948. Many of its undergraduate programs are interdisciplinary and include The Arts and Sciences, as well as Business and Management.
What we love about Brandeis University:
There’s so much to do at Brandeis for undergrads, whether curricular or extracurricular. The campus is spacious, but its students & faculty remain part of a close-knit community.
Brandeis University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a university with excellent academics and supportive faculty, and has a good reputation among potential employers.
Brandeis University might not be ideal for students who:
Feel they can pass admissions in more selective (and more prestigious) schools or
University Fast Facts:
Tufts University
Career Outlook for degree at Tufts University
What is Tufts University known for?
Tufts University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Offering the best of both worlds, Tufts University is a close-knit educational institution that provides resources commonly found in major research universities. It is fully committed to advancing liberal arts and interdisciplinary culture that will create a resounding global impact. Students select from a comprehensive array of academic degree programs, including archeology, cellular agriculture, entrepreneurship, and international relations, among others.
What we love about Tufts University:
This higher learning institution is home to a huge global alumni network, with many of them continuously engaging with Tufts University through lifelong learning, volunteering, and networking.
Tufts University is ideal for students who:
Are empowered and not afraid to ask bold questions that will help them grow intellectually.
Tufts University might not be ideal for students who:
Are not keen to develop critical thinking skills that can help them lead in an ever-evolving world.
University Fast Facts:
Emory University
Career Outlook for degree at Emory University
What is Emory University known for?
Emory University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Emory University offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and over 60 minors across nine colleges and schools. Some of the available degree programs include accounting, architectural studies, nursing, computer science, and bioethics.
What we love about Emory University:
The university is home to more than 3,000 faculty members. Of these, 95% have terminal degrees, and many of them are recipients of reputable awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, Nobel Peace Prize, and Lasker Award.
Emory University is ideal for students who:
Aim to prepare to think critically and gain skills and knowledge that can help them serve and lead.
Emory University might not be ideal for students who:
Are not open to collaborating with others.
University Fast Facts:
Vanderbilt University
Career Outlook for degree at Vanderbilt University
What is Vanderbilt University known for?
Vanderbilt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Since its establishment in 1873, Vanderbilt University has provided an immersive academic community where academic excellence is infused with a spirit of collaboration and collegiality. The university is home to the College of Arts and Science, Blair School of Music, Divinity School, School of Engineering, Law School, and School of Medicine, among others.
What we love about Vanderbilt University:
The university actively engages with the world beyond its campus, housing more than 475 organizations that focus on expanding the varied interests of its community.
Vanderbilt University is ideal for students who:
May want to benefit from a unique culture that combines academic rigor and a diverse and enjoyable learning experience.
Vanderbilt University might not be ideal for students who:
Shy away from academic challenges and prefer to stay in their comfort zone instead.
University Fast Facts:
Wesleyan University
Career Outlook for degree at Wesleyan University
What is Wesleyan University known for?
Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Since its establishment in 1831, Wesleyan University has provided a liberal arts community to undergraduate students who seek critical thinking skills and practical idealism. Today, it offers hundreds of undergraduate programs, including Film Studies, History, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies, and Computer Science, among many others.
What we love about Wesleyan University:
Wesleyan University offers students a wealth of opportunities beyond classroom learning, with more than 250 student groups on campus. This allows undergraduate students to explore their potential and find something that can feed their passion.
Wesleyan University is ideal for students who:
Want to develop and apply their unique skills in a meaningful and relevant way, regardless of their chosen field.
Wesleyan University might not be ideal for students who:
Prefer not to be challenged and take meaningful risks when it comes to their intellectual agility.
University Fast Facts:
Case Western Reserve University
Career Outlook for degree at Case Western Reserve University
What is Case Western Reserve University known for?
Case Western Reserve University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
A leader in innovation, Case Western Reserve University ensures students take part in experiential learning, from research and co-ops to internships. Currently, students may choose among more than a hundred undergraduate programs such as aerospace engineering, accounting, biochemistry, business information technology, and communication sciences.
What we love about Case Western Reserve University:
The university is a leading national research institution that offers ample opportunities for students to excel with its state-of-the-art facilities and rigorous academic programs.
Case Western Reserve University is ideal for students who:
Want to feel valued by professors, allowing them to explore their ideas and get mentorship opportunities.
Case Western Reserve University might not be ideal for students who:
Are afraid to think big and make a difference through exploring, discovering, and inventing.
University Fast Facts:
Amherst College
Career Outlook for degree at Amherst College
What is Amherst College known for?
Amherst College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Amherst College is a liberal-arts college that consistently makes the top tier of best liberal arts colleges in the country. It is an exclusively undergraduate institution and covers 41 fields of study, including the Arts and Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
What we love about Amherst College:
Along with a few other colleges and universities in the country, Amherst College is also known for having an open curriculum, giving students a lot of freedom to plan out their academic path.
Amherst College is ideal for students who:
Have a generally clear idea of the majors they are interested in and the topics they want to take up.
Amherst College might not be ideal for students who:
Aren’t exactly able to handle an intense academic workload, or are those who might find Amherst to be too small overall.
University Fast Facts:
Swarthmore College
Career Outlook for degree at Swarthmore College
What is Swarthmore College known for?
Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Located in the southwestern outskirts of Philadelphia, Swarthmore College is a small liberal arts college that is known for its uniquely structured and collaborative Honors Program.
What we love about Swarthmore College:
Its small size means students and faculty have closer working relationships, students are given more attention, and the campus is regarded as among the most beautiful in the country.
Swarthmore College is ideal for students who:
Are comfortable with a quieter, more close-knit environment and can handle intense academic workloads.
Swarthmore College might not be ideal for students who:
Might find the overall vibe to be too quiet, or might not be too comfortable with the College’s small size and perceived lack of variety.
University Fast Facts:
Rice University
Career Outlook for degree at Rice University
What is Rice University known for?
Rice University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Rice University is a private research university in Houston, Texas. It maintains a large network of research centers and resources, with its range of academic programs covering the Social Sciences, Architecture and Engineering, the Humanities, Music, and Management.
What we love about Rice University:
On top of the academics and strong research, Rice University’s residential college system is well-regarded. Its location in downtown Houston also puts it in close proximity to a wide range of activities and conveniences.
Rice University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a university that has a good balance of strong academics, a tight-knit community, and a good location.
Rice University might not be ideal for students who:
Might be put off by the relatively higher costs as well as the highly selective admissions.
University Fast Facts:
Williams College
Career Outlook for degree at Williams College
What is Williams College known for?
Williams College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Williams College is a small liberal arts college in the Northwestern corner of Massachusetts. It is known for its strong academics, predominantly in the Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and the Arts.
What we love about Williams College:
Aside from its academics, Williams College is also known for its beautiful and sprawling 450-acre campus and its many natural features.
Williams College is ideal for students who:
Thrive in a quiet, more laid-back learning environment with a small, close-knit student body.
Williams College might not be ideal for students who:
Might find its small-town rural setting a bit too quiet or sleepy and instead prefer more urban campuses.
University Fast Facts:
Oberlin College
Career Outlook for degree at Oberlin College
What is Oberlin College known for?
Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Built on a foundation of academic excellence, Oberlin College holds the distinction of being the first college in the country to grant undergraduate degrees to women in a coeducational program. Some of the areas of study available to interested students include anthropology, astronomy, biology, economics, and global health, among others.
What we love about Oberlin College:
On top of its academic and musical excellence, the college is also committed to advancing social engagement and diversity.
Oberlin College is ideal for students who:
Have a passion for knowledge and boundless courage to explore their interests.
Oberlin College might not be ideal for students who:
Are skeptical about collaboration and interdisciplinary education.
University Fast Facts:
Yeshiva University
Career Outlook for degree at Yeshiva University
What is Yeshiva University known for?
Yeshiva University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Yeshiva University is one of a handful of Jewish-affiliated universities in the country, with its four campuses located in New York City. Its range of undergraduate majors includes the physical sciences, Hebrew and Jewish studies, Management, the humanities, and business, as well as a number of health-related degrees.
What we love about Yeshiva University:
As a religious-affiliated school, it is structured uniquely to create a special immersive learning experience.
Yeshiva University is ideal for students who:
Belong to the country’s Jewish community, who are looking for a place that caters to their community’s special needs.
Yeshiva University might not be ideal for students who:
Might not readily conform to the tenets of Orthodox Judaism that the school is anchored upon.
University Fast Facts:
Wellesley College
Career Outlook for degree at Wellesley College
What is Wellesley College known for?
Wellesley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Committed to inclusive excellence, Wellesley College encourages and challenges students to thrive in their academic endeavors at the highest level. The academic programs on offer, include American Studies, Art History, Data Science, Economics, International Relations, and Writing.
What we love about Wellesley College:
It is one of the few educational institutions in the country that offer need-blind admission, admitting students based entirely on their qualifications regardless of their financial situations.
Wellesley College is ideal for students who:
Need academic advising to help them build their strengths and develop new learning strategies.
Wellesley College might not be ideal for students who:
Are unwilling to take part in intellectual risk-taking and take their learning beyond the classroom.
University Fast Facts:
Barnard College
Career Outlook for degree at Barnard College
What is Barnard College known for?
Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Fostering empowerment, Barnard College is home to scientists, poets, artists, activists, and athletes who take part in an academic journey shaped by the innovative Foundations curriculum. Students are honed to interpret information, think critically, and communicate their ideas with confidence.
What we love about Barnard College:
Breaking the boundaries between the classroom and the outside world, Barnard College encourages students to apply what they learned by engaging in real-life experiences that inform their studies.
Barnard College is ideal for students who:
Seek real and meaningful ways to connect to the community through rigorous academic coursework.
Barnard College might not be ideal for students who:
Are hesitant to explore disciplines across the arts and sciences.
University Fast Facts:
Vassar College
Career Outlook for degree at Vassar College
What is Vassar College known for?
Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
An independent, residential liberal arts college, Vassar College cultivates intellectual openness through its widely varied academic programs, including chemistry, mathematics, history, environmental studies, physics, and political science.
What we love about Vassar College:
Consistently ranking among the top liberal arts colleges, Vassar pioneers achievements in education and continuously meets society’s ever-evolving needs.
Vassar College is ideal for students who:
Want to learn from a diverse community of scholars, scientists, writers, musicians, and thinkers.
Vassar College might not be ideal for students who:
Are not aiming for a purposeful life through quality education.
University Fast Facts:
Illinois Institute of Technology
Career Outlook for degree at Illinois Institute of Technology
What is Illinois Institute of Technology known for?
Illinois Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
A technology-focused university, Illinois Institute of Technology offers academic programs in Science, Engineering, Architecture, Business, Design, Applied Technology, Law, and Human Sciences.
What we love about the Illinois Institute of Technology:
Illinois Institute of Technology is fully committed to meeting the changing needs of students, society, and the world.
Illinois Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:
Want to acquire a distinctive and relevant education to help them succeed in their chosen field.
Illinois Institute of Technology might not be ideal for students who:
Do not see the benefit of pursuing careers that contribute to solving pressing problems.
University Fast Facts:
Bryn Mawr College
Career Outlook for degree at Bryn Mawr College
What is Bryn Mawr College known for?
Bryn Mawr College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Committed to providing academic excellence and enough room to pursue one’s passion, Bryn Mawr College offers majors from various fields, with its Social Sciences and Humanities as standout programs. It is also a leader in academic innovation, focusing on research, fieldwork, and community engagement.
What we love about Bryn Mawr College:
The college boasts of a close-knit community with deep traditions and a great learning environment, helping students build lifelong friendships and connections.
Bryn Mawr College is ideal for students who:
Want to gain a strong foundation in the liberal arts while actively engaging with the world around them.
Bryn Mawr College might not be ideal for students who:
Do not believe that inclusion is essential when it comes to realizing the values of excellence and equity.
University Fast Facts:
Reed College
Career Outlook for degree at Reed College
What is Reed College known for?
Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Despite being a small liberal arts college, Reed College has historically produced a higher proportion of PhDs and other distinguished graduates than many other larger universities.
What we love about Reed College:
Reed College is known for its academic rigor but has a unique overall environment that is different from what many would consider to be the traditional college experience.
Reed College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a school with a close-knit & supportive community, with a challenging curriculum and a healthy amount of extracurriculars.
Reed College might not be ideal for students who:
Follow a more conservative set of beliefs and values, as Reed College is known for being very liberal.
University Fast Facts:
Haverford College
Career Outlook for degree at Haverford College
What is Haverford College known for?
Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
A leading liberal arts college for undergraduate students, Haverford College holds the distinction for its rigorous academic programs, experienced faculty, and affordable tuition rates. It currently offers a diverse selection of undergraduate programs, including Education, International Studies, Neuroscience, Romance Languages, and Creative Writing, among others.
What we love about Haverford College:
Fully committed to making education accessible and affordable, Haverford College strives to minimize student debt upon graduation. Around 49% of students receive some form of financial aid, while 40% are provided with a college grant.
Haverford College is ideal for students who:
Seek to acquire knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to grow as individuals and reach their full potential on their chosen career paths.
Haverford College might not be ideal for students who:
Do not want to take part in an enriching learning experience beyond the boundaries of a traditional classroom.
University Fast Facts:
Pomona College
Career Outlook for degree at Pomona College
What is Pomona College known for?
Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Home to a diverse community of scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs, and artists, Pomona College maintains small class sizes to allow students and faculty to build close relationships and explore academic fields. Some of the majors students can choose from include Economics, Philosophy, Linguistics, Sociology, and Media Studies.
What we love about Pomona College:
Pomona College cultivates a learning environment where students work closely with professors in research, receiving ample support academically and financially.
Pomona College is ideal for students who:
Thrive in a collaborative learning environment.
Pomona College might not be ideal for students who:
Want to keep to themselves instead of exploring their potential by learning with others.
University Fast Facts:
Bowdoin College
Career Outlook for degree at Bowdoin College
What is Bowdoin College known for?
Bowdoin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Providing access to quality education, Bowdoin College is known for its rigorous academic programs that stretch what is expected of the liberal arts. Whether one prefers to pursue the study of history, poetry, biology, teaching, or engineering, students will be able to find the perfect fit.
What we love about Bowdoin College:
Bowdoin College promotes a need-blind admission policy to make education accessible to all, regardless of economic status.
Bowdoin College is ideal for students who:
Want to acquire an education that brings history, integrity, and empathy to society in particular and to the world at large.
Bowdoin College might not be ideal for students who:
Find it hard to work with other students and find the best solutions beyond the classroom.
University Fast Facts:
Hampshire College
Career Outlook for degree at Hampshire College
What is Hampshire College known for?
Hampshire College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Founded in 1970, Hampshire College empowers students to address the urgent issues faced by society by providing ample opportunities for experiential learning. Some of the programs on offer include animation and digital art, anthropology, history, and Native American studies.
What we love about Hampshire College:
The college has reshaped a liberal arts education to match the needs of today’s world by launching a new curriculum and student experience.
Hampshire College is ideal for students who:
Wish to take part in a transformative academic journey that allows them to explore and combine multiple disciplines.
Hampshire College might not be ideal for students who:
Want to stick to traditional majors and departments instead of defining their career paths.
University Fast Facts:
Harvey Mudd College
Career Outlook for degree at Harvey Mudd College
What is Harvey Mudd College known for?
Harvey Mudd College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
As one of the country’s premier educational institutions for engineering, science, and mathematics, Harvey Mudd College ensures students can gain a clear understanding of the impact of their work on society. Integrating vigorous STEM and liberal arts courses into its program offerings, Harvey Mudd College gives students a wide range of choices. It includes majors such as computer science, chemistry, biology, engineering, and physics.
What we love about Harvey Mudd College:
Students are required to undergo a capstone experience in their senior year, either in original research or clinic program, which contributes a lot to their well-rounded and enriching learning experience.
Harvey Mudd College is ideal for students who:
Want to pursue leadership roles in their chosen fields with a clear understanding of their impact on society.
Harvey Mudd College might not be ideal for students who:
Lack the enthusiasm to acquire problem-solving skills and adapt to various academic challenges.
University Fast Facts:
Claremont McKenna College
Career Outlook for degree at Claremont McKenna College
What is Claremont McKenna College known for?
Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
As one of the country’s top liberal arts colleges, Claremont McKenna College makes it its mission to prepare students for academic excellence and make a difference. It covers an array of academic disciplines, including biology, economics, history, public policy, and legal studies.
What we love about Claremont McKenna College:
Claremont McKenna College houses the Student Opportunity Center, which is integral to providing students with mentoring, advising, and networking support tailored to an individual’s professional goals.
Claremont McKenna College is ideal for students who:
Want to be guided by the principles of leadership, opportunity, and interdisciplinary liberal arts.
Claremont McKenna College might not be ideal for students who:
Are not open to a unique yet enriching college education experience.
University Fast Facts:
Every fall, more than 2 million high-school graduates will enroll in colleges and universities across the United States. With nearly 3,000 4-year schools to choose from, finding the best college for your educational, personal, and professional goals may be challenging. The purpose of this ranking is to help you manage this challenge. We offer a new perspective of the best colleges and universities for earning a bachelor’s degree.
Our ranking of the best colleges and universities is based on the academic impact of the schools’ faculty and alumni. We believe that schools with histories of hiring and developing influential faculty, and nurturing students who become influential in their fields of study, are schools that demonstrate key indicators of academic excellence.
Attention Undergrads!
Choosing the right college for an undergraduate degree is one of the toughest decisions a student makes. Where you attend college can have a lasting impact on both your professional and personal life.
Many undergraduate students choose a college based on emotions, a limited set of criteria, and sometimes, just gut feeling. Although this does not preclude students from their academic success, making a such crucial decision should be done under a higher level of scrutiny.
How to Choose the College for You
When scouting for colleges, it’s important for prospective students to consider a range of factors, like the size, location, cost, campus safety, quality of academic programs, the choice of degree programs or majors, college rankings, and other personal factors. Here are some other things to consider when you choose your college.
Accreditation: Accreditation is a quality assurance process through which a school has been vetted by an officially licensed organization, and its curriculum has been reviewed and verified to meet the basic academic standards for higher education.
Accreditation is assessed by private and nongovernmental accrediting agencies created specifically to review education programs and institutions. These agencies are recognized and reviewed by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Most schools provide this information on their website. A university or college can be nationally or regionally accredited. Within an institution, specific departments, programs, or schools can also have their sub-accreditation. This is to guarantee that your degree is recognized by employers and other institutions of higher education.
The Type of College: The National Association for College Admission Counseling lists the most popular types of colleges. Here are some that you should get to know to help you narrow down your college search.
- Community and Junior Colleges: These are colleges that offer the first two years of liberal arts education or vocational training. After completing, you will earn an associate’s degree. Either you can look for a job after this or continue to a four-year institution.
- Liberal Arts Colleges: Classes are generally smaller since liberal arts colleges are smaller than universities. This means, more personal attention is given to students by their college professors. Students are exposed to a general sampling of classes instead of focusing only on a specific career path. They can also choose an area of in-depth study as their course “major”.
- Universities: These are large institutions that include colleges that are focused on preparing for a specific career, like education or nursing. Universities are made up of a wide range of academic colleges; and generally have large class sizes.
- Women’s Colleges: These are the types of colleges where women are given the chance to enjoy a learning community where they are in the majority. Women colleges also have a larger number of female faculty and administrators. They also produce a high number of science majors.
- Technical Institutes and Professional Schools: These schools enroll students who already have a career path of their choice. The curriculum is purely focused on preparing students for their respective careers. Career options usually offered at these types of colleges are in fine arts, music, technical sciences, and engineering.
Geographic Location: Do you live in a quaint and quiet neighborhood or a big city? Does a campus party sound fun to you or just a distraction? How about regional culture? Or the weather? Most importantly, can you afford to study out-of-state, especially in bigger and more expensive cities?
The school’s geographic location plays a big part in your college experience. Even if you have the best school but you hate the location, enduring four long years of college (or more) could be a challenge. If you’re looking at colleges in a specific city, make sure that you like it there. The best move is to schedule a trip to get the feel for the city.
We’ve identified a total of 1,392 colleges and universities in the US that meet our criteria. Of those, 637 are public institutions and 755 are private institutions. This list focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees, and includes both public and private colleges and universities. In order to be included in this list of best colleges, a school needs to a regionally accredited nonprofit college or university.
If you would like to see this ranking without school size considered, visit our best universities in the US ranking.
Is a research university right for me?
Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.
Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.
Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.
- Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
- Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.
Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.
Find the Best Colleges and Unviersities in Your Discipline of Choice
The Best Undergraduate Colleges and Universities by disciplines
Earn a Degree That is Close to Home
You know by now that the best colleges and universities in the US offer a stellar education and the chance to edge out competition in the job market upon graduation.
But if attending a liberal arts school that is close to home is also important to you, check out our Complete List of Colleges and Universities by State.
Check out the College Admissions Process Guide for additional tips on finding, applying to, and getting into the college of your choice.
See our Resources Guide for much more on studying, starting your job search, and more.
