Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

Badge for BEST IN THE-US COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Our ranking of the best US 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 schools that produce students who become influential in their fields of study, are schools that demonstrate key indicators of academic excellence.

Key Takeaways

  • Students enrolled in one of the best universities benefit from top research instructors and can expect to gain networking from known people in various industries.
  • Liberal arts colleges emphasize a student’s overall education while also assisting them in excelling in their chosen majors. On the other hand, research universities concentrate on more specialized fields of study and provide students with access to leading authorities and the most recent developments in their area or programs.
  • States that have the majority of the best universities in college rankings are California, Massachusetts, and New York.

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.

In 2025, the ranking of the top ten best universities in the United States remained largely stable. New York University was able to enter the top ten as a result of the university modernizing academic facilities with cutting-edge technology for enhanced learning experiences. The university has also strengthened its internship and career development opportunities through partnerships with top New York City firms, providing students with real-world experience.

Featured Programs

50 Best US Universities

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA

    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
  2. 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
  3. #3

    Columbia University

    New York , NY

    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
  4. #4

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA

    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
  5. #5

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL

    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
  6. #6

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT

    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
  7. #7

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ

    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
  8. 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
  9. #9

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI

    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
  10. #10

    New York University

    New York , NY

    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
  11. #11

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY

    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
  12. #12

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA

    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
  13. 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
  14. #14

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD

    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
  15. 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
  16. #16

    Duke University

    Durham , NC

    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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. #20

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL

    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
  21. #21

    University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis , MN

    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
  22. #22

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    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
  23. 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
  24. #24

    Brown University

    Providence , RI

    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
  25. #25

    Georgetown University

    Washington , DC

    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
  26. #26

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA

    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
  27. 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
  28. #28

    Boston University

    Boston , MA

    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

    Boston University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Undergrad Completion Program
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  29. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    59K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Bloomington

    Cost of Degree: $11,790
    Expenses: $17,110
    Starting Salary: $57,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  30. #30

    University of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh , PA

    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
  31. 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

    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
  32. #32

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover , NH

    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
  33. 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

  34. #34

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN

    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: $62,693
    Expenses: $20,578
    Starting Salary: $98,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  35. 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
  36. #36

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    67K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,859
    Expenses: $18,372
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  37. #37

    Purdue University

    West Lafayette , IN

    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
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. #40

    University of Rochester

    Rochester , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1465/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Rochester

    Cost of Degree: $64,348
    Expenses: $21,614
    Starting Salary: $74,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Rochester’s Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  41. 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

  42. #42

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ

    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

    University of Arizona’s Online Degrees

    BA in Africana Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Administration of Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Care, Health and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Cyber Operations
    Degree Concentrations
    • Engineering
    • Defense & Forensics
    • and Cyber Law & Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Economy and Industry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies, in Arts, Media and Entertainment
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Global and Intercultural Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Global Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government and Public Service
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Rights Practice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Literacy, Learning and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Science and ESociety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Law
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Regional Commerce
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Intelligence and Information Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy: Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nutritional Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Sports and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sustainable Built Environments
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Social Behavior and Human Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  43. 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
  44. #44

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY

    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

    Syracuse University’s Online Degrees

    BPS in Creative Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Knowledge Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Cybersecurity Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  45. #45

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $16,220
    Starting Salary: $65,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  46. #46

    Tufts University

    Medford , MA

    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
  47. #47

    Michigan State University

    East Lansing , MI

    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
  48. #48

    University of Utah

    Salt Lake City , UT

    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
  49. #49

    Rice University

    Houston , TX

    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
  50. #50

    Texas A&M University

    College Station , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    77K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas A&M University

    Cost of Degree: $12,841
    Expenses: $20,408
    Starting Salary: $67,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Texas A&M University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Best US Universities Ranked 51-100

  • University of Virginia
  • University of Iowa
  • The New School
  • University of Maryland, College Park
  • Brandeis University
  • Emory University
  • University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • University of Miami
  • Howard University
  • University of Kansas
  • University of Missouri
  • University of Oregon
  • Wayne State University
  • Fordham University
  • Tulane University
  • Stony Brook University
  • American University
  • Clark University
  • Yeshiva University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • William & Mary
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • University of New Mexico
  • University of Vermont
  • The Catholic University of America
  • Southern Methodist University
  • University of Denver
  • Saint Louis University
  • Wake Forest University
  • Lehigh University
  • Santa Clara University
  • Pepperdine University
  • University of San Francisco
  • Stevens Institute of Technology
  • Clark Atlanta University
  • Seattle University
  • Thomas Jefferson University
  • University of the Pacific
  • University of Tulsa
  • Hampton University
  • Gallaudet University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Alliant International University
  • University of Detroit Mercy
  • California Institute of Integral Studies
  • Andrews University
  • Chatham University
  • Baker University
  • American University of Armenia
  • Saint Louis University
  • Universidade São Francisco
  • University of the Pacific

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 universities in the US.

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Ranking the Nation’s Best Universities

Intense competition for admission at the best universities in the US puts pressure on students. They think obtaining a degree from renowned national universities will enable them to enjoy a more lucrative future.

And while elite colleges undoubtedly draw the best students, whether these institutions directly impact professional outcomes is still up for discussion.

Regardless, there are several reasons why attending a more elite university can be advantageous for your future. Remember that we’re concentrating on the potential financial and professional advantages of attending a top-ranking college or university.

Aside from that, selective universities might push you intellectually further and let you hang out with similarly driven and accomplished people.

Benefits of the Best Universities in the US

High Standards in Education

Students enrolled in the best universities in America will receive a higher quality of education than non-ranked institutions. But this is not to say that institutions not included on this list are not good. It’s just that top universities have award-winning higher education experts as part of their faculty.

These universities also have higher-caliber research than others, so prospective students will learn from the best and have the chance to cooperate and advance their profession by working with the best.

World-class facilities and resources

Top universities are first in line for funding opportunities in addition to high education standards. Hence, these universities can always finance necessary upkeep for student learning.

The best universities often own a copy of an original research paper, the most expensive laboratory equipment, and other research and faculty resources you most likely cannot find in less-known institutions.

Additionally, top universities have abundant financial aid opportunities to help reduce tuition and fees. Students are required to complete the FAFSA after choosing their undergraduate majors.

If you need more guidance on the process of applying for financial aid, refer to our Focus on the FAFSA.

Vast Networking Opportunities

Since the best universities have award-winning alumni and faculty, you will indeed be given a chance to create a vast network during your studies. You’ll not only have the opportunity to be taught by an excellent faculty, but you’ll also get to attend seminars hosted by industry-specific leaders.

Remember, the best universities hold the best seminars for college students, which gives them the chance to listen and build networks that can help them land jobs immediately after graduation.

Employment opportunities

Graduates from top universities in the US, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, and Yale University, have higher chances of getting employed at big companies. Additionally, graduates from top-tier universities often receive higher wages since they’re expected to provide better outcomes due to their extensive higher education training. Top universities also top the highest graduation rates.

Be in a Community That Understands You

You are surrounded by like-minded individuals who will challenge you. These are the people who, like you, made it through the difficult admissions process of top US universities. These people will often offer you the challenge you need to succeed in your chosen career.

Typical Admission Requirements of Top Universities in the USA

Aside from the usual high GPAs, essays, and more, top universities are also strict regarding requirements such as SATs, APs, and extracurriculars.

Standardized Test Scores

SAT scores are reliable predictors of academic and professional success. Standardized examinations can provide evidence of and encourage academic rigor, which is crucial for students’ success in college and throughout their careers.

You should aim for scores between 1300 and 1400 if you are serious about attending a prestigious college or university.

AP Scores

Taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school show mastery of a subject. The scores for these courses have been standardized so that students can be assessed throughout the nation.

It is now mandatory for applicants to colleges like Stanford, MIT, and other Ivies to have completed at least six AP classes, achieving a score of at least 4 or 5.

Extracurricular Activities

Candidates must list extracurricular endeavors demonstrating leadership, zeal, and dedication. Participation in 8-10 of these activities is strongly recommended.

Interested in seeing competitive smaller colleges?

Our ranking of universities has the very best colleges and universities in the country based on the number of influential faculty and alumni affiliated with the schools over the past ten years. Larger schools have a huge advantage simply because they have more people. We also offer rankings that control for the size advatages of largers universities. Doing that reveals smaller colleges and universities that compete proportionally with largers universities. The rankings below use the method that controls for size advantages:

Our Methodology

Using our proprietary InfluenceRanking™ Engine—innovative machine-learning technology that objectively measures a school’s influence through its students, faculty, staff, and alumni—we rank academic persons, institutions, and disciplinary programs. We use publicly available data and objective measures of influence to determine which schools give students the best academic experience and outcome.

Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Concentrated Influence, the metric we use, provides a ranking that is freer from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

For higher education rankings, “best” may mean having the most knowledgeable departmental faculty, the most accomplished professors, or the most noteworthy alumni. For students passionately interested in a specific discipline, the best school is likely to be one widely recognized for excellence in that discipline. Our experience with and research into academic rankings suggests that influence gets at the heart of what is truly best in education.

To rank the influence of schools, we first determine the influence of scholars and professionals based on the number of citations and publications they have had over the past 10 years. In addition to publications and citations, we consider the web links to and from these sources, and the page views of those sources. We then match the influential people to their alma maters and institutions of employment, so that their influence is attributed to those schools. Our machine-learning Influence Ranking algorithm produces a numerical score of academic achievements, merits, and citations across Wikipedia, wikidata, Crossref, Semantic Scholar and an ever-growing body of data. If you are interested in exploring how and why we rank by influence, explore our methodology in more depth.

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.

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Find the Best Colleges and Universities Near You

Best Colleges and Universities in Your State
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Find the Best Colleges and Unviersities in Your Discipline of Choice

The Best Undergraduate Colleges and Universities by disciplines

Photo Credit: Harvard University’s Harvard Yard, By Mancala English Wikipedia, Public Domain.

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