by our College Data Analytics Team
With all of the college options in the United States, it can be hard to know where to start. This list ranks **2152** colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology.
So you can compare your options, College Factual analyzed 2152 colleges on more than 20 objective measures such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, and per-student spending, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). Learn more about our ranking methodology.
The best college for you depends on what you want to study. Narrow your list by location and field of study, or explore other rankings below. You can also browse by degree level:
Want to compare schools head to head? Try our tool College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter most to you.
Learn more about these excellent colleges below:
Leading the list is Northwestern University, our #1 college in the United States. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Median early-career earnings reach $78,551. Typical student debt is $16,616.
A rank of #2 makes Stanford University one of the top colleges in the United States. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Stanford University graduates report median early-career earnings of $100,827. The median student debt is $10,492.
The strong outcomes at Georgetown University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Georgetown University graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. Georgetown University graduates report median early-career earnings of $79,632. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete a degree here.
You'll be in good company at Johns Hopkins University, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $84,850. The median student debt is $13,426.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Chicago one of the top colleges in the United States. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. Early-career graduates earn a median of $81,002. Typical student debt is $15,854.
Duke University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 97% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,388 early in their careers. Duke University students take on a median of $13,296 in debt.
University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #7 position. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania graduates report median early-career earnings of $99,682. Typical student debt is $16,155.
University Of California Berkeley placed #8 among the best colleges in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $70,847. The median student debt is $14,238.
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $83,560. Typical student debt is $24,323.
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #10 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. About 96% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates report median early-career earnings of $69,126. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete a degree here.
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology did well this year, earning the #11 position. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Graduates go on to earn a median of $113,129 early in their careers. Graduates carry a median of $13,516 in student loans.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best colleges. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates 93% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $66,254. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor students take on a median of $19,137 in debt.
Vanderbilt University did well this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Vanderbilt University graduates report median early-career earnings of $77,997. Typical student debt is $13,975.
Cornell University placed #14 among the best colleges in the United States. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Early-career graduates earn a median of $75,976. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete a degree here.
Santa Clara University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santa Clara, CA. Santa Clara University posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,293. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,380 early in their careers. Graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #16 position. Located in University Park, PA, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a public institution. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus graduates 86% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790.
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best colleges. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,327 early in their careers. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans.
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #18 among the best colleges in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,877 early in their careers. The median student debt is $21,813.
University Of Southern California came in at #19 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. About 92% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $75,677. The median student debt is $15,625.
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston did well this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Houston, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,748 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,132. Median early-career earnings reach $101,165. The median student debt is $21,988.
University Of Notre Dame came in at #21 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. University Of Notre Dame graduates report median early-career earnings of $69,494. Students borrow a median of $19,891 to complete a degree here.
Dartmouth College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best colleges. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hanover, NH. Dartmouth College posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,019. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $81,992. Graduates carry a median of $16,989 in student loans.
Rice University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $75,299. Typical student debt is $11,904.
Boston College landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Boston College graduates report median early-career earnings of $66,132. The median student debt is $18,101.
Washington University In St Louis did well this year, earning the #25 position. Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in St. Louis, MO. About 94% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $68,303. Washington University In St Louis students take on a median of $17,553 in debt.
These colleges rounded out the top of the list:
To learn more about the colleges below, just click on their names:
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | George Washington University | Washington, DC |
| 52 | New York University | New York, NY |
| 53 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA |
| 54 | University Of Minnesota Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN |
| 55 | Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, IN |
| 56 | University Of California San Diego | La Jolla, CA |
| 57 | Loma Linda University | Loma Linda, CA |
| 58 | Emory University | Atlanta, GA |
| 59 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA |
| 60 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ |
| 61 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, TX |
| 62 | Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem, NC |
| 63 | College Of William And Mary | Williamsburg, VA |
| 64 | Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT |
| 65 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX |
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 316 | Suny College At Oneonta | Oneonta, NY |
| 317 | University Of Minnesota Duluth | Duluth, MN |
| 318 | Bradley University | Peoria, IL |
| 319 | Monmouth University | West Long Branch, NJ |
| 320 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR |
| 321 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso | El Paso, TX |
| 322 | University Of California Merced | Merced, CA |
These schools also stood out this year:
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 323 | University Of Vermont | Burlington, VT |
| 324 | Sewanee The University Of The South | Sewanee, TN |
| 325 | Widener University Main Campus | Chester, PA |
| 326 | Rider University | Lawrenceville, NJ |
| 327 | Cuny Graduate School And University Center | New York, NY |
| 328 | Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus | Angola, IN |
| 329 | Wentworth Institute Of Technology | Boston, MA |
| 330 | Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania | Bloomsburg, PA |
| 331 | California State University Fresno | Fresno, CA |
| 332 | Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College | Baton Rouge, LA |
| 333 | Gustavus Adolphus College | Saint Peter, MN |
| 334 | Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine And Science | North Chicago, IL |
| 335 | A T Still University Of Health Sciences | Kirksville, MO |
| 336 | Pennsylvania State University World Campus | University Park, PA |
| 337 | The University Of Texas At Arlington | Arlington, TX |
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 338 | California Maritime Academy | Vallejo, CA |
| 339 | Massachusetts School Of Professional Psychology | Newton, MA |
| 340 | California State University Channel Islands | Camarillo, CA |
| 341 | University Of Kentucky | Lexington, KY |
| 342 | Montclair State University | Montclair, NJ |
| 343 | Bethel University Minnesota | Saint Paul, MN |
| 344 | Northeastern University Global Network | Boston, MA |
| 345 | Pennsylvania State University Penn State Great Valley | Malvern, PA |
| 346 | George Fox University | Newberg, OR |
| 347 | University Of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND |
| 348 | Merrimack College | North Andover, MA |
| 349 | Clarkson University | Potsdam, NY |
| 350 | Winona State University | Winona, MN |
| 351 | Elmhurst College | Elmhurst, IL |
| 352 | Ohio University Main Campus | Athens, OH |
| 353 | Hamline University | Saint Paul, MN |
| 354 | Cuny Hunter College | New York, NY |
| 355 | Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois | Addison, IL |
| 356 | Suny At Geneseo | Geneseo, NY |
| 357 | Catholic University Of America | Washington, DC |
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 358 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL |
| 359 | Muhlenberg College | Allentown, PA |
| 360 | St Lawrence University | Canton, NY |
| 361 | Linfield College | McMinnville, OR |
| 362 | Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton, WI |
| 363 | University Of North Carolina At Wilmington | Wilmington, NC |
| 364 | Messiah College | Mechanicsburg, PA |
| 365 | University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center | Oklahoma City, OK |
| 366 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg, WA |
| 367 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS |
| 368 | University Of Detroit Mercy | Detroit, MI |
| 369 | University Of St Francis | Joliet, IL |
| 370 | John Carroll University | University Heights, OH |
| 371 | North Dakota State University Main Campus | Fargo, ND |
| 372 | Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY |
| 373 | Bank Street College Of Education | New York, NY |
| 374 | Pace University New York | New York, NY |
| 375 | Valparaiso University | Valparaiso, IN |
| 376 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA |
| 377 | University Of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR |
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 378 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC |
| 379 | Augustana College South Dakota | Sioux Falls, SD |
| 380 | Smith College | Northampton, MA |
| 381 | Emory University Oxford College | Oxford, GA |
| 382 | University Of New Haven | West Haven, CT |
| 383 | Alliant International University | San Diego, CA |
| 384 | Wagner College | Staten Island, NY |
| 385 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ |
| 386 | The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey | Galloway, NJ |
| 387 | Wilkes University | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
| 388 | Ithaca College | Ithaca, NY |
| 389 | Pacific University | Forest Grove, OR |
| 390 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma, WA |
| 391 | Macalester College | Saint Paul, MN |
| 392 | University Of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA |
| 393 | Concordia Seminary | Saint Louis, MO |
| 394 | Linn State Technical College | Linn, MO |
| 395 | Lake Forest Graduate School Of Management | Lake Forest, IL |
| 396 | University Of Nevada Reno | Reno, NV |
| 397 | Minnesota State University Mankato | Mankato, MN |
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 398 | University Of North Carolina At Charlotte | Charlotte, NC |
| 399 | Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND |
| 400 | Baylor College Of Medicine | Houston, TX |
| 401 | Salve Regina University | Newport, RI |
| 402 | University Of South Florida Main Campus | Tampa, FL |
| 403 | Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine | Philadelphia, PA |
| 404 | University Of Florida Online | Gainesville, FL |
| 405 | The College Of Wooster | Wooster, OH |
| 406 | Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL |
| 407 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD |
| 408 | Suny At Albany | Albany, NY |
| 409 | Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College | Erie, PA |
| 410 | Calvin College | Grand Rapids, MI |
| 411 | Western New England University | Springfield, MA |
| 412 | Saint John Fisher College | Rochester, NY |
| 413 | Vanguard University Of Southern California | Costa Mesa, CA |
| 414 | Marymount University | Arlington, VA |
| 415 | Oklahoma State University Main Campus | Stillwater, OK |
| 416 | Kettering University | Flint, MI |
| 417 | North Central College | Naperville, IL |
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 418 | Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary | Bethlehem, PA |
| 419 | University Of Central Florida | Orlando, FL |
| 420 | Molloy College | Rockville Centre, NY |
| 421 | Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Overbrook | Ambler, PA |
| 422 | Mount St Marys College | Los Angeles, CA |
| 423 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI |
| 424 | Truman State University | Kirksville, MO |
| 425 | Gannon University | Erie, PA |
| 426 | Maryville University Of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO |
| 427 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy | Buzzards Bay, MA |
| 428 | Biola University | La Mirada, CA |
| 428 | Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute Of Religion | New York, NY |
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked colleges only.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and per-student spending drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
References
See our data sources and methodologies.
