education major ranking undergraduate

2024 Best Education Schools

Choosing a great education school, education rankings by degree level, best schools for education in the united states, 25 top schools in education.

There were about 1089 education students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year. Education degree recipients from Harvard University get an earnings boost of around $32,781 over the typical income of education majors.

There were approximately 1057 education students who graduated with this degree at Teachers College in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the education major at Teachers College at Columbia University get $19,757 more than the average college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

There were roughly 895 education students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University get an earnings boost of approximately $19,491 over the typical earnings of education graduates.

There were approximately 111 education students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients typically make around $47,080 in the first five years of their career.

There were about 124 education students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from Northwestern University earn $5,618 more than the average education grad.

There were approximately 1110 education students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from University of Southern California earn a boost of around $9,278 over the average earnings of education graduates.

There were approximately 640 education students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education program at University of Pennsylvania make $21,515 above the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

There were roughly 55 education students who graduated with this degree at A T Still University of Health Sciences in the most recent data year. Education degree recipients from A T Still University of Health Sciences get an earnings boost of about $37,228 over the typical earnings of education majors.

There were approximately 134 education students who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from Stanford University earn $24,364 more than the average education student.

There were roughly 869 education students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program report average early career wages of $47,227.

There were about 668 education students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the education major at New York University get $12,039 above the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

There were approximately 426 education students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education program at University of Maryland - College Park earn $20,365 above the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

There were roughly 663 education students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the education program make around $47,555 in the first couple years of their career.

There were roughly 1029 education students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from University of Georgia receive an earnings boost of approximately $8,070 over the typical income of education graduates.

There were roughly 367 education students who graduated with this degree at WWU in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program state that they receive average early career income of $46,065.

There were roughly 656 education students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education program at University of Washington - Seattle Campus earn $16,403 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

There were roughly 370 education students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from Vanderbilt University receive an earnings boost of about $7,241 above the average earnings of education majors.

There were approximately 497 education students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Education degree recipients from University of Virginia - Main Campus get an earnings boost of about $5,754 above the average income of education majors.

There were approximately 282 education students who graduated with this degree at Bank Street College of Education in the most recent data year. Education degree recipients from Bank Street College of Education get an earnings boost of approximately $18,537 above the typical income of education majors.

There were roughly 659 education students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the education degree program at Purdue University - Main Campus earn $6,138 more than the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

There were approximately 687 education students who graduated with this degree at TCNJ in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from The College of New Jersey make $7,160 more than the average education graduate.

There were about 777 education students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the education major at University of Florida earn $5,935 above the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

There were roughly 43 education students who graduated with this degree at LECOM in the most recent data year. Education degree recipients from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine receive an earnings boost of approximately $96,218 above the average earnings of education graduates.

There were roughly 487 education students who graduated with this degree at BYU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program report average early career income of $46,567.

There were roughly 284 education students who graduated with this degree at Baylor in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the education program make around $45,631 in the first couple years of their career.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Education Schools

Additional award winners.

Honorable Mentions

Education by Region

Other Rankings

Associate degrees in education, master's degrees in education, best value in education, best for non-traditional students in education, best online in education, most popular online in education, bachelor's degrees in education, doctor's degrees in education, highest paid grads in education, best for veterans in education, most popular in education, most focused in education, education majors to study.

Notes and References

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The 30 Best Colleges for Education Majors

What’s covered:, how we made this list, 30 best schools for education majors, what are your chances of acceptance to these top schools for education majors.

Education is one of the 10 most popular majors in the country. And given the high need for qualified educators in every age group and level, from early childhood through higher learning, that’s great news. 

If you’re looking to study education in college, where should you look? One of the 30 best colleges for the discipline may just be the answer!

To create this list, we evaluated a number of factors, including the reputation of the program, the overall school quality, the popularity of the major within the school, and the size of the program relative to the size of the school.

1. Vanderbilt University

Location: Nashville

Undergrad Enrollment: 6,800

Acceptance Rate: 12%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1470-1570/33-35

Through Vanderbilt’s Peabody College, students can pursue programs in areas like Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. Future teachers will gain classroom experience early on in college, and students are required to pursue a non-education second major in most instances in order to gain knowledge in other topics. Special Education undergraduates obtain some 500 hours in classrooms in Nashville and beyond.

Peabody also offers 21 master’s programs, 2 Ed.D. program tracks, and six Ph.D. programs. The university’s online education doctorate was ranked no. 1 by Fortune .

2. Michigan State University

Location: East Lansing

Undergrad Enrollment: 39,400

Acceptance Rate: 76%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1100-1300/23-29

Ranked among U.S. News ’ best places in the country to earn an online master’s degree in education, MSU also boasts top undergraduate education programs. Both the elementary and secondary programs have been ranked no. 1 in U.S. News for 28 consecutive years. 

Fieldwork is central to the curriculum. Students grow their understanding of pedagogy through internships and experiential learning. MSU has developed strong relationships with schools in Michigan and beyond, and students gain hands-on experience teaching in real-world settings.

3. University of Washington

Location: Seattle

Undergrad Enrollment: 32,000 

Acceptance Rate: 56%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1200-1457/27-33

The UW College of Education offers a wide variety of programs taught by nationally-recognized faculty, including undergraduate studies in areas like Early Childhood & Family Studies; Education, Communities & Organizations; Education, Learning & Society; and more. Future teachers can prepare through a Seattle Teacher Residency, where they will take part in a year-long classroom apprenticeship with integrated, graduate-level coursework. 

UW collaborates with diverse schools in the state to solve real-world educational challenges in order to prepare future generations of educators to become change agents.

4. Ohio State University

Location: Columbus

Undergrad Enrollment: 46,800

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1210-1430/26-32

Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology encompasses a wide variety of programs at the undergraduate level and beyond. There are numerous general and traditional educational programs, such as Child and Youth Studies, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and many others, as well as niche programs like Business Education.

Students have the opportunity to explore a wide array of topics and practices in the discipline, gaining the knowledge and skills to educate learners from all backgrounds and conduct research in the field.

5. University of Texas at Austin

Location: Austin

Undergrad Enrollment: 40,800

Acceptance Rate: 32%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1210-1470/26-33

At UT Austin, students will learn how to teach children with different backgrounds and abilities. Focusing on leadership, the program provides future teachers with nearly 800 hours of hands-on experience working with children in classrooms over several semesters — well beyond the state requirement. You will graduate well prepared to take the teacher certification exams — graduates of the program pass the exam at a rate of more than 95%

The university also offers non-certification programs that prepare students to work with students and youth in settings like daycare centers, after-school programs, and more.

6. University of Georgia

Location: Athens

Undergrad Enrollment: 29,600

Acceptance Rate: 48%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1220-1400/27-32

Education students have the option of several different pathways to pursue at UGA. Via the BSEd program, they can study areas like English Education, Health and Physical Education, Middle Grades Education, Science Education, Special Education, and more. Meanwhile, dual degree programs enable students to study education while pursuing another academic area simultaneously, typically in the same amount of time as it would take to pursue just one degree.

Another option is the so-called “Double Dawg,” a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree pathway. Students may earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years or fewer. Examples include an AB in French/MAT in World Language Education, AB in Political Science/MAT in Social Studies, and BSEd in Science Education/MEd in Science Education. No matter what the program, students receive mentorship and experiential learning opportunities.

7. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Location: Madison

Undergrad Enrollment: 31,700

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1260-1460/27-32

UW Madison’s School of Education offers a wide array of undergraduate programs. While undergraduate degrees are not available in every department, each division does offer courses at the undergraduate level — Art, Counseling Psychology, Curriculum and Instruction, Dance, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, Educational Policy Studies, Educational Psychology, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, and Theatre and Drama.

Students have a breadth of opportunities to conduct research and participate in experiential learning, such as volunteering, internships, and study abroad. The programs within the School of Education rank in the top 10 in all nine of the U.S. News ’ education specialty areas, including Educational Psychology, which ranks no. 1.

8. Pennsylvania State University

Location: University Park

Undergrad Enrollment: 40,300

Acceptance Rate: 54%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1150-1340/25-30

Penn State’s College of Education stays true to the belief that its students have the potential to positively impact the lives of others. The university prepares students through flexible academic offerings, including eight majors with teacher preparation in 20 specialty degree programs. 

Students will be equipped with the knowledge to pursue a range of careers across fields like policy-making, educational psychology, counseling, special education, and more. Students also have the opportunity to gain field experience through hands-on learning.

9. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Location: Champaign

Undergrad Enrollment: 33,900

Acceptance Rate: 63%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1210-1470/27-33

One of the first land-grant schools of education, the College of Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is known for groundbreaking research, preparation of educator-leaders, community outreach, and a global impact. 

The College creates a diverse community of learners. In 2014, UIUC received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award, recognizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Students can pursue licensure and non-licensure pathways, all while engaging with fellow educators, participating in research, studying abroad, and more.

10. Columbia University

Location: New York, NY

Undergrad Enrollment: 8,200

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Columbia’s world-renowned Teachers College has extended well beyond the field of teaching, but the graduate school remains one of the top graduate schools of education in the country, offering a breadth of innovative programs like hip-hop pedagogy and the revival of Inca languages in Latin American schools.

Undergraduates, too, can begin their journeys as educators through programs like the Barnard Education program (currently limited to Barnard students), which offers Educational Studies and an Urban Teaching minor, leading to teacher certification. 

11. Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, MA

Undergrad Enrollment: 9,900 

Acceptance Rate: 5%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1460-1580/33-35

Undergraduates at Harvard are encouraged to pursue the Teaching and Teacher Leadership (TTL) program at the Graduate School of Education, which houses the Harvard Teacher Fellows Program and its residency fieldwork model pathway. This will allow students to complete the courses and field experiences necessary for a Massachusetts teaching license in English, history, math, or science.

On top of their primary field, students may also pursue a secondary field in Educational Studies, allowing them to examine the field of education from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Meanwhile, GSA offers master’s and doctoral degrees, including online options.

12. Arizona State University  

Location: Tempe

Undergrad Enrollment: 42,800 

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1100-1320/21-28

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College offers degrees that blend subject matter knowledge, classroom techniques, and professional teaching experience — all before graduation. Students can explore topics like childhood education, gifted and special education, and beyond.

Students can pursue 100% online degree options and customize their academic experience with minors as well as majors, as well as certification programs.

13. Florida State University

Location: Tallahassee

Undergrad Enrollment: 32,400 

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1220-1350/27-31

The FSU College of Education offers world-class academics and a close-knit community. Students engage in educational research, all while learning in the classroom and enjoying an engaging student experience.

Faculty are pioneers in their fields — and students can work directly with them, at the forefront of education. They also have access to cutting-edge technology and resources, the most advanced teaching technology for testing and learning. There are many pathways, including combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs across several disciplines.

14. Stanford University

Location: Stanford

Undergrad Enrollment: 7,000

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1420-1570/31-35

Through Stanford’s renowned Graduate School of Education, undergraduate students can explore pathways in teaching and learning, too. In fact, GSE is the only graduate school at the university with an office dedicated to undergraduates. 

This is an undergraduate minor in education that offers a broad and focused study of research, theory, and practice. The undergraduate Honors program allows students to supplement their majors by applying their studies to education, pursuing independent inquiry under the mentorship of GSE faculty.

15. Indiana University Bloomington

Location: Bloomington, IN

Undergrad Enrollment: 33,300

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1120-1350/24-31

The no. 1 school of education in Indiana, IU offers a bachelor’s degree in areas like Counseling and Student Services, Music Education, Special Education, Visual Arts Education, World Languages, and many others. These pathways prepare you to become a licensed preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, or high school teacher.

Taught by well-known scholars and experts, graduates are routinely named the best teachers in Indiana. Programs are nationally ranked and have a worldwide impact.

16. University of Florida

Location: Gainesville, FL

Undergrad Enrollment: 35,400

Acceptance Rate: 31%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1290-1460/29-33

The College of Education at the University of Florida continues to dominate the rankings, with a top (no. 2) spot as the home of one nation’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs. Meanwhile, UF’s BA in Education Sciences, launched in 2020, is ranked no. 1 in U.S. News ’ list of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

This program gives students a foundation in education, preparing them to further explore a career in the field. Several options, including remote and in-person, are available.

17. University of Kansas

Location: Lawrence, KS

Undergrad Enrollment: 19,500

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1070-1320/22-29

Offering the no. 1 Special Education Public Program, KU’s School of Education and Human Sciences offers a broad array of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Bachelor’s degree programs span areas like Elementary Education, Foreign Language Education, Music Education, Physical Education, Secondary English, Secondary History & Government Education, STEM, and Visual Art education, ultimately leading to initial licensure.

18. University of Maryland, College Park

Location: College Park, MD

Undergrad Enrollment: 30,700

Acceptance Rate: 49%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1270-1480/29-34

The College of Education at the University of Maryland offers extensive research opportunities at multiple levels, both graduate and undergraduate, along with practice-oriented programs. Undergraduates can explore majors like Art Education, Elementary Education, Music Education, Secondary Education, and more.

Combined/dual-degree options are available, too, as are several minors and certificate programs, such as Disability Studies, Human Development, Leadership Studies, and others.

19. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Undergrad Enrollment: 34,400

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1240-1460/25-31

The College of Education and Human Development offers teacher education programs that prepare students to be experts in their fields. In some instances, students may earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching license in four years. 

There are several tracks, including Early Childhood, Special Education, and Elementary Education. After obtaining their bachelor’s degree, students may also apply to one of the university’s combined master’s teaching licensure programs. All CEHD students complete an internship, teaching practicum, or experiential coursework.

20. University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Undergrad Enrollment: 30,300

Acceptance Rate: 26%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1340-1560/31-34

Ranked no. 1 in Education & Educational Research by the Center for World University Subject Rankings — and home to several top 10 specialty programs per U.S. News , including a no. 1 ranking in Higher Education — the University of Michigan offers several well-regarded education programs at different levels.

At the undergraduate level, students may pursue a BA or BS in Elementary Teacher Education with Teacher Certification, aimed at developing instructional practices to disrupt inequities in schools. Alternatively, they may pursue a three-year Secondary Teacher Education program. Either way, first-year students should consider applying through the Teacher Education Preferred Admissions Program.

21. University of Pennsylvania

Location: Philadelphia

Undergrad Enrollment: 11,800

Acceptance Rate: 9%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1460-1570/33-35

UPenn’s Graduate School of Education offers several pathways for graduate students, including multiple joint and dual degree offerings. Undergraduates, too, can gain preparation for a career in education. Students can take a number of courses taught by GSE faculty and learn alongside graduate students. There is also an Urban Education Minor for undergraduates, cosponsored with the College of Arts & Sciences.

Another option is submatriculation. Full-time juniors or seniors may take up to four courses in GSE, applying them toward both degrees, beginning their graduate work early.

22. Clemson University

Location: Clemson, South Carolina

Undergrad Enrollment: 19,600

Acceptance Rate: 62%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1210-1390/27-32

A transformative leader in education, Clemson’s College of Education has a particular focus on serving underserved communities, offering award-winning programs in a range of areas. The College equips students for careers that make a difference in South Carolina and beyond and has ranked as the no. 8 Best College for Education Majors for three consecutive years by CollegeMagazine.com.

Students have the opportunity to participate in organizations, study abroad, and collaborate as a part of a close-knit community. Special programs include Call Me MISTER, which helps minority male students prepare for careers in elementary education, and ClemsonLIFE, which provides life skills and a college experience for students with intellectual disabilities.

23. University of Oregon

Location: Eugene, OR

Undergrad Enrollment: 19,100

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1090-1290/22-29

The no. 7 public college of education — home to the no. 3 special education program — Oregon’s College of Education offers an array of programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, along with certificates. 

One mission of the College is to close the inequity gap. The school emphasizes research and inclusion, striving to change lives and eliminate barriers. 

24. New York University

Undergrad Enrollment: 26,700

Acceptance Rate: 21%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1370-1540/31-34

Founded in 1890 as the first school of pedagogy in the US, NYU Steinhardt continues its mission of educating educators and fostering innovation and creativity. The school offers a breadth of degrees at multiple levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

At the undergraduate level, students study in the classroom, while also pursuing internships, study abroad, and other experiential learning opportunities. Dual degree pathways are available as well.

25. University of Alabama

Location: Tuscaloosa

Undergrad Enrollment: 33,000

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1070-1330/23-31

UA’s College of Education’s undergraduate programs focus on teacher education in the various fields of early childhood elementary education, physical education, music education, secondary education, and special education, leading to licensure in Alabama.

Just some of the many pathways include Counselor Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Educational Neuroscience, Educational Psychology, Gifted Education, Music Education, Reading Specialist, Physical Education, and Severe Disabilities. Many online options are available.

26. Texas A&M University

Location: College Station, TX

Undergrad Enrollment: 53,700

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1160-1380/25-32

Offering 21 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs, the School of Education and Human Development seeks to grow future leaders through four academic areas: Educational Administration and Human Resource Development (EAHR), Educational Psychology (EPSY), Health and Kinesiology (HLKN), and Teaching, Learning and Culture (TLAC).

The school prepares students to become certified school personnel across organizations. It is a leader in certifying teachers in math and science. Students begin their teaching experience in their first semester, starting hands-on experience early.

27. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Location: Chapel Hill

Acceptance Rate: 24%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1270-1470/27-33

Over its 130-year history, UNC’s School of Education has served the state, educating teachers in a range of specialties. Today, the School offers undergraduate degrees in Human and Organizational Leadership Development, Human Development and Family Science, K-12 Music Education, and Education in Science and Teaching. There is also a minor available.

A Pre-Master of Arts in Teaching is an early affiliation option for undergraduates who want to receive graduate credit while pursuing their bachelor’s degrees. Also of note is the NC Teaching Fellows program, designed to encourage students to pursue teaching careers in high-needs STEM areas.

28. University of Missouri

Location: Columbia

Undergrad Enrollment: 22,400

Acceptance Rate: 82%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1110-1320/23-30

Mizzou’s College of Education & Human Development has a number of pride points. For one, it’s ranked no. 4 in the nation among the best online master’s education programs for veterans in U.S. News . 

The College offers bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees in several niches and disciplines, and students engage in research and real teaching beginning sophomore year, completing their coursework in classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Elementary and special education programs culminate in a year-long senior year internship, called Senior Year On-Site Program. There are also Teach Abroad Programs.

29. University of California, Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles

Undergrad Enrollment:   31,500

Acceptance Rate: 14%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1290-1520/29-34

The UCLA School of Education & Information Studies is “at the forefront of a global transformation in education.” It is the only global public research university that began as a public research university and UCLA’s longest-running school, bringing more than a century of experience in education, emphasizing teaching in urban communities and multi-ethnic environments.

The school offers plenty of opportunities, including research through the centers within the school.

30. University of Virginia

Location: Charlottesville

Undergrad Enrollment: 16,700

Acceptance Rate: 23%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1320-1510/30-34

Future teachers and current teachers alike have access to a range of degree and certificate programs at the UVA School of Education and Human Department. Just some of the niches students can pursue include Curriculum & Instruction, ESL Education, Gifted Education, Instructional Technology, and Social and Emotional Learning. Online options allow students the flexibility to learn on their own terms.

The Contemplative Teaching and Learning Lab is home to research projects exploring how practices like mindfulness and yoga can be adapted and applied to improve teaching and learning, collaborating with other organizations within and outside UVA.

What are your chances of getting into the best colleges and universities for education in the country? Find out with our free chancing engine . This tool will estimate your real odds of admission to hundreds of top schools — plus give you tips on how to improve your profile.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Best Universities for Education Majors in the World

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in the World ranked based on their research performance in Education Majors. A graph of 31.4M citations received by 2.25M academic papers made by 4,239 universities in the World was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

For Education Majors

2. Stanford University

3. University of Toronto

4. Education University of Hong Kong

5. Pennsylvania State University

6. Michigan State University

7. Ohio State University

8. University of Washington - Seattle

9. University of Wisconsin - Madison

10. University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

11. Arizona State University - Tempe

12. Columbia University

13. Harvard University

14. University of California - Berkeley

15. University of British Columbia

16. University of Texas at Austin

17. University of Maryland - College Park

18. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

19. University of Sydney

20. University of Cambridge

21. Monash University

22. University of Oxford

23. University of Melbourne

24. Cornell University

25. University of California - Los Angeles

26. University College London

27. Johns Hopkins University

28. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

29. Iowa State University

30. University of Hong Kong

31. University of Florida

32. University of Pennsylvania

33. University of Pittsburgh

34. University of Virginia

35. Vanderbilt University

36. University of Alberta

37. University of Arizona

38. University of Georgia

39. University of Queensland

40. University of London

41. McGill University

42. Nanyang Technological University

43. Carnegie Mellon University

44. Florida State University

45. Queensland University of Technology

46. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

47. New York University

48. Griffith University

49. King's College London

50. University of Southern California

51. University of Auckland

52. University of South Florida

53. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

54. University of Illinois at Chicago

55. University of Nottingham

56. University of Manchester

57. Catholic University of Leuven

58. University of Colorado Boulder

59. University of Calgary

60. University of Iowa

61. Purdue University

62. University of Missouri - Columbia

63. Texas A&M University - College Station

64. University of New South Wales

65. University of Helsinki

66. University of Edinburgh

67. University of Chicago

68. University of Birmingham

69. Deakin University

70. Northwestern University

71. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

72. University of Leeds

73. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

74. University of Nebraska - Lincoln

75. Utrecht University

76. Yale University

77. University of California - Santa Barbara

78. Georgia State University

79. Brigham Young University - Provo

80. Georgia Institute of Technology

81. University of Kansas

82. University of California-San Diego

83. Indiana University - Bloomington

84. University of Amsterdam

85. University of Sheffield

86. George Mason University

87. University of Kentucky

88. University of Utah

89. University of Groningen

90. University of Warwick

91. Boston University

92. Duke University

93. University of Technology Sydney

94. University of California - Irvine

95. University of California - Davis

96. University of Tennessee - Knoxville

97. University at Buffalo

98. Chinese University of Hong Kong

99. University of Connecticut

100. Curtin University

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences subfields in the World

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50 Best Colleges for Education Majors – 2024

April 15, 2024

A decade ago, many states in the U.S. had a teacher surplus. However, due to burnout (one-third of new teachers leave the profession within five years) and massive declines in enrollment in teacher education programs since 2010, there is today a critical shortage of teachers across the country. Many entering the profession will attend local universities within their home state, which often feed into nearby school districts. However, those seeking to attend education programs with the best national reputations will find our list of Best Colleges for Education most useful. This list includes liberal arts colleges and large public and private universities from every region of the country. This list will be applicable to anyone pursuing certification as an early childhood education, elementary education, or secondary education teacher in 2024.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for Education Majors.

Best Colleges for Education Majors

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten teacher education institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Vanderbilt University

2) University of Michigan

3) Northwestern University

4) Duke University

5) New York University

6) University of Wisconsin-Madison

7) Boston College

8) Washington University in St Louis

9) Brown University

10) Swarthmore College

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the field of teacher education and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best colleges for education majors, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Vanderbilt University

• Nashville, TN

Academic Highlights: Four of Vandy’s ten schools cater to undergrads: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Blair School of Music, the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, and the School of Engineering. In the 2022-23 school year, 87% of course sections contained 19 or fewer students. Of the 70 undergraduate majors, economics, politics and government, and neuroscience are the most popular. The School of Engineering has a strong national reputation as do offerings in biology, economics, education, and music.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 96% of the Class of 2021 were employed or in graduate school. The most commonly entered industry was finance followed by technology, consulting, education, and engineering. Alumni can be found in droves at Capital One, Goldman Sachs, Bain & Company, JP Morgan Chase, Citi, and Meta. Among 2022 alumni who directly pursued advanced degrees, the majority enrolled at Vanderbilt followed by Columbia, Harvard, Penn, NYU, and Northwestern.

• Enrollment: 7,151 (undergraduate); 6,559 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,590
• Median SAT: 1530
• Median ACT: 35
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Retention Rate: 96%
• Graduation Rate: 93%

University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) enrolls the majority of students. The Ross School of Business offers highly rated programs in entrepreneurship, management, accounting, and finance. The College of Engineering is also one of the best in the country. By degrees conferred, engineering (15%), computer science (14%), and the social sciences (11%) are most popular. A solid 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school, with healthcare, education, law, banking, research, nonprofit work, and consulting being the most popular sectors. Within three months, 99% of Ross grads are employed with a median salary of $90k. Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, EY, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Deloitte, and Amazon.  Within six months, 96% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $84k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta employ the greatest number of alumni.

• Enrollment: 32,695 (undergraduate); 18,530 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,450 (in-state); $76,294 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1470
• Median ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 18%
• Retention Rate: 97%

Northwestern University

• Evanston, IL

Academic Highlights : Northwestern is home to six undergraduate schools, including Medill, which is widely regarded as one of the country’s best journalism schools. The McCormick School of Engineering also achieves top rankings, along with programs in economics, social policy, and theatre. The social sciences account for the greatest number of degrees conferred (19%), followed by communications/journalism (13%), and engineering (11%). 45% of classes have nine or fewer students enrolled; 78% have fewer than twenty enrollees. 57% of recent grads had the chance to conduct undergraduate research.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 69% of the Class of 2022 had found employment and 27% were in graduate school. The four most popular professional fields were consulting (18%), engineering (18%), business/finance (16%), and communications/marketing/media (13%). Employers included the BBC, NBC News, The Washington Post , NPR, Boeing, Google, IBM, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Northrop Grumman, and Goldman Sachs. Across all majors, the average starting salary was $73k. Of those headed straight to graduate school, engineering, medicine, and business were the three most popular areas of concentration.

• Enrollment: 8,659 (undergraduate); 14,073 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $91,290
• Median ACT: 34
• Retention Rate: 98%
• Graduation Rate: 97%

Duke University

Academic Highlights: The academic offerings at Duke include 53 majors, 52 minors, and 23 interdisciplinary certificates. Class sizes are on the small side—71% are nineteen or fewer, and almost one-quarter are less than ten. A stellar 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio helps keep classes so reasonable even while catering to five figures worth of graduate students. Computer Science is the most popular area of concentration (11%), followed by economics (10%), public policy (9%), biology (8%), and computer engineering (7%).

Professional Outcomes: At graduation, approximately 70% of Duke diploma-earners enter the world of work, 20% continue into graduate schools, and 2% start their own businesses. The industries that attract the largest percentage of Blue Devils are tech (21%), finance (15%), business (15%), healthcare (9%), and science/research (6%). Of the 20% headed into graduate school, a hefty 22% are attending medical school, 18% are in PhD programs, and 12% are entering law school. The med school acceptance rate is 85%, more than twice the national average.

• Enrollment: 6,640
• Cost of Attendance: $85,238
• SAT Range: 1490-1570
• ACT Range: 34-35
• Acceptance Rate: 6%

New York University

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights: NYU is divided into a number of smaller (but still quite large) colleges organized by discipline; in sum, there are 230 areas of undergraduate study across nine schools and colleges. For its size, a commendable 58% of classes have an enrollment under 20 students. While all schools within NYU have solid reputations, Stern holds the distinction as one of the top undergraduate business programs in the country. For those entering film, dance, drama, or other performing arts, Tisch is as prestigious a place as you can find to study.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of exiting, 94% of Class of 2022 grads had landed at their next destination, with 78% employed and 21% in graduate school. The top industries for employment were healthcare (11%), internet and software (9%), finance (8%), and entertainment (8%). Large numbers of alumni can be found at Google, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, IBM, JP Morgan Chase, Citi, and Amazon. The mean starting salary is $75,336. In 2022, business, arts and sciences, and law school were the most popular grad school destinations.

• Enrollment: 29,401 (undergraduate); 29,711 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $90,222-$96,172
• Median SAT: 1520
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Retention Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 87%

University of Wisconsin – Madison

• Madison, WI

Academic Highlights: There are 230+ undergraduate majors offered across eight schools and colleges, including the top-ranked School of Business and College of Engineering as well as the College of Letters and Science, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the Schools of Nursing, Education, Pharmacy, and Human Ecology. Undergrads can expect a mix of large and small classes, with 44% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Business (18%), biology (12%), the social sciences (11%), and engineering (10%) are most popular.

Professional Outcomes: In a recent year, 46% of job-seeking grads graduated with an offer.  Top employers included UW-Madison, Epic, Kohl’s, Oracle, Deloitte, and UW Health. Across all graduating years, companies employing 250+ alumni include Google, Target, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, PwC, Accenture, and Meta. 28% of recent grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school; the majority stayed at UW–Madison while others headed to Columbia, Northwestern, and Carnegie Mellon. The university is the top producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

• Enrollment: 37,230 (undergraduate); 12,656 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,916 (in-state); $58,912 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1440
• Median ACT: 30
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• Retention Rate: 94%
• Graduation Rate: 89%

Boston College

• Chestnut Hill, MA

Academic Highlights: The college offers roughly 60 majors across four schools that award undergraduate degrees. Approximately half of the college’s sections contain nineteen or fewer students. 95% of graduates reported learning how to think critically at BC, and 93% said they learned how to write clearly and effectively. BC offers highly respected programs in communications, psychology, and business through the renowned Carroll School of Management. Other popular and well-regarded majors include economics, biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Class of 2022 had landed at their next destination. The most favored industries were financial services and real estate (26%), health care/science (20%), and business/consulting (16%). The median starting salary for a 2022 BC grad was $67,000. Eighteen percent of the Class of 2022 entered graduate schools including Brown, Columbia, the University of Chicago, and Yale. Examining the Class of 2022 data, 16% entered law school, and 14% pursued some other type of doctoral degree.

• Enrollment: 9,484
• Cost of Attendance: $86,155
• Average SAT: 1482
• Average ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 17%
• Graduation Rate: 92%

Washington University in St. Louis

• St. Louis, MO

Academic Highlights : WashU admits students into five schools, many of which offer nationally recognized programs: Arts & Sciences, the Olin School of Business, the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and the Art of Architecture programs housed within the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (13%), social sciences (13%), business (13%), biology (11%), and psychology (10%). 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and over one-quarter have single-digit enrollments. 65% double major or pursue a minor.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 sent 52% of grads into the workforce and 28% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Amazon, Bain, Boeing, Deloitte, Google, IBM, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft. Of the employed members of the Class of 2022 who reported their starting salaries, 79% made more than $60k. The universities welcoming the largest number of Bears included the prestigious institutions of Caltech, Columbia, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 8,132 (undergraduate); 8,880 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $83,760
• Acceptance Rate: 11%

Brown University

• Providence, RI

Academic Highlights: Students must choose one of 80+ “concentration programs,” but there are no required courses. Class sizes tend to be small—68% have fewer than twenty students—and 35% are comprised of nine or fewer students. Biology, economics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering are among the most popular areas of concentration at Brown; however, it is hard to distinguish any one program, because Brown possesses outstanding offerings across so many disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: Soon after receiving their Brown diplomas, 69% of graduates enter the world of employment. Companies employing the greatest number of Brown alums include Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company. The Class of 2022 saw 27% of graduates go directly into graduate/professional school. Right out of undergrad, Brown students boasted an exceptional 81% admission rate to med school and an 81% admission rate to law school.

• Enrollment: 7,639
• Cost of Attendance: $84,828
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Retention Rate: 99%
• Graduation Rate: 96%

Swarthmore College

• Swarthmore, PA

Academic Highlights: Swarthmore offers forty undergraduate programs and runs 600+ courses each academic year. Small, seminar-style courses are the norm—an outstanding 33% of sections enroll fewer than ten students, and 70% contain a maximum of nineteen students. Social science degrees are the most commonly conferred, accounting for 24% of all 2022 graduates. Future businessmen/women, engineers, and techies are also well-positioned, given Swat’s incredibly strong offerings in economics, engineering, and computer science.

Professional Outcomes: 68% of Class of 2022 grads entered the workforce shortly after graduation. Popular industries included education (17%), consulting (16%), and financial services (13%); the median starting salary was $60,000. Google is a leading employer of Swarthmore grads followed by Amazon, Goldman Sachs, IBM, and a number of the top universities.  18% of 2022 grads pursued advanced degrees, with 35% pursuing a PhD, 35% entering master’s programs, 10% heading to law school, and 7% matriculating into medical school.

• Enrollment: 1,625
• Cost of Attendance: $81,376
• Median SAT: 1500
• Graduation Rate: 94%

University of Washington – Seattle

• Seattle, WA

Academic Highlights: 180+ undergraduate majors are offered across thirteen colleges/schools. Personal connections with professors abound as 55% of grads complete a faculty-mentored research project. The College of Engineering, which includes the College of Computer Science & Engineering, is one of the best in the nation; UW also boasts strong programs in everything from business to social work to environmental science. The most popular degrees are the social sciences (13%), biology (12%), computer science (11%), and business (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within months of graduation, 73% of Class of 2022 grads were employed and 17% were continuing their education. The most popular employers of the Class of 2022 included Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and KPMG. Across all living alumni, 6,000+ work for Microsoft, and 4000+ work for each of Boeing and Amazon. Of those headed to graduate/professional school, just over half remain in state, mostly at UW itself. Large numbers of 2022 grads also headed to Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and USC.

• Enrollment: 36,872 (undergraduate); 16,211 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $34,554 (in-state); $63,906 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1420
• Median ACT: 32
• Acceptance Rate: 48%
• Graduation Rate: 84%

University of California, Irvine

Academic Highlights: UCI offers eighty undergrad programs as well as many opportunities for personal connection; 56% of all sections enroll 19 or fewer students and over 60% of students conduct a research project. The most commonly conferred degrees are the social sciences (16%), business (12%), psychology (11%), and biology (9%). The Samueli School of Engineering has a solid reputation as does the Bren School, the only independent computer science school in the UC system. Programs in public health and biological sciences earn very high marks.

Professional Outcomes: Accounting, aerospace, internet and software, K-12 education, real estate, and retail are among the industries attracting the greatest number of Anteaters. Companies employing large numbers of recent grads include Boeing, the Walt Disney Company, Google, EY, and Microsoft. Hundreds of alumni are also found at Kaiser Permanente, Meta, Apple, Edwards Lifesciences, and Deloitte. The median salary is $69,000, with CS grads earning close to $120k right off the bat. UCI has a very strong reputation for premed.

• Enrollment: 28,661 (undergraduate); 7,275 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $40,202 (in-state); $72,776 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: Test Blind
• Median ACT: Test Blind
• Acceptance Rate: 26%
• Retention Rate: 91%

The College of New Jersey

Academic Highlights: As one of only eight public colleges in the country to maintain a four-year graduation rate above 75%, TCNJ is in the esteemed company of such institutions as UVA, Michigan, and UNC-Chapel Hill. TCNJ sports a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of twenty-one; 42% of sections contain fewer than 20 students. Sixteen percent of degrees conferred are in education as many attend TCNJ to become teachers but the most popular degree is actually business/marketing (19%), followed by engineering (9%), and health programs (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Checking in with TCNJ grads one year after receiving their degrees, 93% had entered the working world or started an advanced degree. The list of companies employing significant numbers of recent alumni includes Johnson and Johnson, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Bank of America, Bloomberg LP, MetLife, EY, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The most frequently attended graduate schools by recent grads included Rutgers, Georgetown, and Stevens Institute of Technology.

• Enrollment: 7,039
• Cost of Attendance: $34,86 (In-State); $40,710 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1250
• Median ACT: 28
• Acceptance Rate: 64%
• Retention Rate: 90%
• Graduation Rate: 86%

University of California, Los Angeles

• Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights: UCLA offers 125 majors in 100+ academic departments, and more than 60 majors require a capstone experience that results in the creation of a tangible product under the mentorship of faculty members. The most commonly conferred degrees are in the social sciences (25%), biology (16%), psychology (11%), mathematics (8%), and engineering (7%). Departmental rankings are high across the board, especially in computer science, engineering, film, fine and performing arts, mathematics, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: UCLA grads flow most heavily into the research, finance, computer science, and engineering sectors. High numbers of recent grads can be found at Disney, Google, EY, Teach for America, Amazon, and Oracle. Hundreds also can be found at Bloomberg, Deloitte, Mattel, Oracle, and SpaceX. The average starting salary exceeds $55,000. 16% of recent grads enrolled directly in a graduate/professional school, with other CA-based institutions like Stanford, Pepperdine, USC, Berkeley, and Loyola Marymount being the most popular.

• Enrollment: 33,040 (undergraduate); 15,010 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,517 (in-state); $71,091 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 9%

Colgate University

• Hamilton, NY

Academic Highlights: Fifty-six majors are on tap at Colgate, including all of the expected liberal arts concentrations. With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 16, Colgate undergraduates work intimately with their instructors. The social sciences account for 35% of all degrees conferred and, within that umbrella, economics, political science, and English are among the most popular and most well-regarded majors.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, only a small number of Colgate alumni are still looking for work; in 2022, that group represented less than 2% of the graduating class. A substantial 80% had already landed full-time jobs. Employers hiring the most Colgate grads included BOA, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, EY, Wayfair, and the NIH. 85-95% of law school applicants are accepted into one of their target institutions. The medical school numbers were even more impressive with 100% of graduating seniors gaining acceptance into at least one med school.

• Enrollment: 3,130
• Cost of Attendance: $83,814
• Graduation Rate: 91%

Bowdoin College

• Brunswick, ME

Academic Highlights: Class sizes are small—64% contain fewer than twenty students—and 21% have fewer than ten students. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1. More than half of Bowdoin undergrads report interacting with a professor outside of regular class time at least once per week. The greatest percentage of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (30%), biology (13%), area/ethnic/gender studies (8%), computer science (7%), and mathematics (7%). Economics and government and legal studies are two of the more popular majors within the social sciences.

Professional Outcomes: An examination of three recent years’ worth of outcomes data reveals that one year after graduation, between 73 and 77% of recent grads have found full-time employment, and 15% have gone directly into graduate school. Of those entering graduate school, 48% were enrolled in master’s programs, 23% in PhD programs, 13% in law school, and 8% in med school. The top twenty graduate schools attended, by volume, in the last five years make an exclusive list including six Ivies along with Duke, MIT, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 1,915
• Cost of Attendance: $82,600
• Median SAT: 1510

Smith College

• Northampton, MA

Academic Highlights: Smith has 50 academic departments and programs. The social sciences are most popular, accounting for 21% of the degrees conferred, with programs in economics and government carrying very strong reputations. Next in line are biology (6%), computer science (5%), English (5%), data science (5%), and engineering science (5%); more than two-fifths of current students are majoring in a STEM field. 19% of undergraduate sections have single-digit enrollments, and 69% of total class sections enroll fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 97% of alumnae had found employment. More than 25 alumnae can be found at the US Department of State, Google, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Accenture, Fidelity Investments, Deloitte, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and Amazon. Within two years of graduating, 40% of alumni had already entered a graduate program, and within ten years, 70% had earned or were working toward an advanced degree. Many Smith women rise to high ranks —twenty years after graduation, 18% of alumnae report holding a chief executive or other executive-level position.

• Enrollment: 2,523 (undergraduate); 350 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $88,980
• Acceptance Rate: 23%

Boston University

Academic Highlights: In total, the university offers more than 300 programs of study, 100+ of which are distinct undergraduate degrees spread across ten schools/colleges. Many classes at BU are reasonably small—60% contain fewer than twenty students; only 19% contain more than forty. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in social sciences (16%), business/marketing (15%), communications and journalism (15%), biology (11%), engineering (9%), and health professions/related sciences (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 90% of BU grads have found their way into the world of employment or full-time graduate study. Across all graduating years, companies employing more than 350 BU alums include Google, Oracle, Accenture, IBM, and Amazon Web Services. Of the one-quarter of grads who move directly into graduate school, many are welcomed onto the campuses of elite graduate programs. For example, engineering students found new academic homes at MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and Columbia.

• Enrollment: 18,459
• Cost of Attendance: $86,363
• Median SAT: 1430
• Acceptance Rate: 14%

Wesleyan University

• Middletown, CT

Academic Highlights: With 45 majors and 32 minors, Wes truly has something for everyone. The academic requirements are relatively minimal, giving undergrads a high degree of intellectual freedom. Under 75% of class sections have fewer than twenty students; students rave about the accessible faculty. Research opportunities with professors are plentiful. Offerings in economics, English, film studies, and neuroscience typically receive the most praise from employers/grad schools; accordingly, the social sciences (24%), psychology (17%), and the visual and performing arts (12%) are the most popular.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 66% of 2022 grads had entered employment, with tech/engineering/sciences, education, and arts/entertainment being the three top sectors. The companies employing the highest numbers of recent Wesleyan grads included Google, Epic, Analysis Group, Boston Medical Center, Booz Allen Hamilton, Accenture, and Apple. Graduate school was the next stop for 18% of new alums; enrolling institutions included MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, Harvard, Temple, and UMass.

• Enrollment: 3,069 (undergraduate); 184 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,094

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Chapel Hill, NC

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates can choose from 74 bachelor’s degree programs in a number of schools and colleges, the largest of which is the College of Arts & Sciences. 44% of classes have a student enrollment under 20. The social sciences (15%), biology (12%), media/journalism (9%), computer science (8%), and business (6%) are the areas in which the most degrees are conferred. The Kenan-Flager Business School is internationally renowned and requires separate admission. Other strong programs include those in chemistry, journalism, psychology, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Chapel Hill, 97% of 2022 grads had entered employment, military service, or graduate school. Among the for-profit companies that hire the most graduates are Wells Fargo, IBM, Cisco, Deloitte, EY, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. In the nonprofit sector, a large number of alumni are employed by AmeriCorps, NIH, Teach for America, and the Peace Corps. The average starting salary is $70,619. 18% of 2022 grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school.

• Enrollment: 20,210 (undergraduate); 11,739 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,036 (in-state); $60,040 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1450

Arizona State University

Academic Highlights: The faculty-to-student ratio is a fairly high 19:1, but not all classes call for stadium seating. In fact, 40% of course sections seat fewer than twenty students. Business is the concentration in which 22% of total bachelor’s degrees are conferred. Engineering (9%), biology (9%), and the health professions (7%) are the next three most popular. The WP Carey School of Business offers many highly ranked programs as does the Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Professional Outcomes: A healthy 83% percent of ASU graduates looking for work are employed within six months of earning their degrees. The median salary for an ASU grad is roughly $55,000. Among the school’s top fifty employers are Amazon, Apple, Intel, The Vanguard Group, and Walt Disney Company. Approximately one-fifth of recent grads enrolled in graduate school. Similar to employment, the size and scope of the university lead to many graduate pathways. Many grads continue at ASU itself, but some continue at various prestigious institutions.

• Enrollment: 65,492
• Cost of Attendance: $28,142 (in-state); $48,284 (out-of-state)
• Median ACT: 23
• Acceptance Rate: 90%
• Retention Rate: 86%
• Graduation Rate: 69%

Wellesley College

• Wellesley, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ departmental and interdisciplinary majors. Thirty-six percent of course sections have single-digit enrollments while 77% have 19 or fewer students. In addition, opportunities for participation in research with faculty members abound. Most programs possess sterling reputations, including chemistry, computer science, neuroscience, and political science, but the Department of Economics shines most brightly, leading many into PhD programs and high-profile careers. Economics, biology, and computer science are the most frequently conferred degrees.

Professional Outcomes : Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2022 had achieved positive outcomes. Of the 76% of grads who were employed, 24% were working in the finance/consulting/business fields, 17% in education, 17% in internet and technology & engineering, and 15% in healthcare/life sciences. Top employers included JPMorgan Chase, Google, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Goldman Sachs. The average starting salary for one recent cohort was a solid $63k. Of the 20% of 2022 grads who directly entered an advanced degree program, common schools attended included Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Stanford, MIT, and Emory.

• Enrollment: 2,447
• Cost of Attendance: $84,240
• Median SAT: 1490
• Graduation Rate: 90%

Colby College

• Waterville, ME

Academic Highlights: Offering 56 majors and 35 minors, Colby provides a classic liberal arts education with a high degree of flexibility and room for independent intellectual pursuits. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio is put to good instructional use as roughly two-thirds of courses have fewer than 19 students. Being a true liberal arts school, Colby has strengths across many disciplines, but biology, economics, and global studies draw especially high praise. These programs along with government and environmental science attract the highest number of students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 93% of the Class of 2022 had either obtained jobs or were enrolled full-time in a graduate program. Eighteen percent of graduates enter the financial industry and large numbers also start careers in education, with government/nonprofit, STEM, and healthcare next in popularity. The Medical school acceptance rate over the past five years is 68%, nearly double the national average.

• Enrollment: 2,299
• Cost of Attendance: $86,720
• Average SAT: 1485
• Average ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 8%
• Retention Rate: 93%

Vassar College

• Poughkeepsie, NY

Academic Highlights: Vassar students have the choice of 50 majors and only three foundational curricular mandates, which means that there is plenty of room to explore electives and intellectual passions. A 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 17 students, and 23% of all sections have an enrollment of nine or fewer. Professors are extremely available outside the classroom. The most popular majors are in the social sciences, biology, the visual and performing arts, foreign languages, and psychology.

Professional Outcomes: 93% of alums enjoy positive outcomes within six months of graduation, with 20% enrolling directly in a graduate or professional degree program. A solid number land at competitive companies like Google, Meta, EY, Deloitte, Microsoft, Citi, and Amazon. Elite universities such as Harvard, Penn, NYU, and Columbia are also among the top employers of former students, many of whom earn advanced degrees and enter academia. The school is one of the top 15 PhD producers.

• Enrollment: 2,459
• Cost of Attendance: $85,220
• Median SAT: 1480
• Acceptance Rate: 19%

University of Minnesota–Twin Cities

• Minneapolis, MN

Academic Highlights: There are 150 majors available across eight freshman-admitting undergraduate colleges. 65% of class sections enroll 29 or fewer students. The most commonly conferred degrees are in biology (13%), business & marketing (11%), engineering (10%), the social sciences (10%), computer science (9%), and psychology (8%). The College of Science and Engineering and the Carlson School of Management have strong national reputations, and the chemistry, economics, psychology, and political science departments are also well-regarded.

Professional Outcomes: The top seven companies snatching up the largest number of recent grads are all companies headquartered in the state of Minnesota: Medtronic, Target, 3M, United Health Group, US Bank, and Cargill. Google, Apple, and Meta all employ hundreds of Twin Cities alumni. The mean starting salary for recent grads was $50k. With 130 graduate programs in science, art, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and the humanities, the University of Minnesota retains many of its graduates as they pursue their next degrees.

• Enrollment: 39,248 (undergraduate); 15,707 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $33,032-$35,632 (in-state); $54,446-$57,046
• Median SAT: 1370
• Median ACT: 29
• Acceptance Rate: 75%

Middlebury College

• Middlebury, VT

Academic Highlights: Midd offers 50 departments and programs in which to major and minor. The school’s 9:1 student-faculty ratio allows 100% of courses to be taught by professors, not graduate assistants. Most classes are small; the mean class size is 16, and 14% of sections contain fewer than ten students. Middlebury is renowned for its Language Department as well as its programs in economics and international studies. The college has a robust international program (75 programs in 40 countries); over 50% of juniors take a semester abroad.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 81% of the Class of 2022 had landed jobs and 12% were in graduate school. The most commonly held jobs fell under the categories of financial services (19%), consulting (14%), science and healthcare (14%), and media and technology (12%). Many Middlebury grads now enter tech-related fields; Google and Facebook are two of the leading employers alongside Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Amazon, and JP Morgan. More than 100 alumni work in the US State Department.

• Enrollment: 2,773 (undergraduate); 70 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,850
• Median SAT: 1460
• Acceptance Rate: 13%

University of Delaware

Academic Highlights: The University of Delaware offers 150 bachelor’s degree programs. Nearly one-third of students pursue a degree in either business (21%) or engineering (9%), two of the school’s highest-ranked departments. Nursing is popular, with 11% of degrees conferred being in the health professions. Other frequently pursued majors include the social sciences (10%), biology (7%), and education (5%). 62% of courses enroll fewer than 30 students. The university also has the oldest study abroad program in the nation, with 30% of undergrads participating.

Professional Outcomes: 94% of Class of 2022 grads quickly found their next destination. 66% were employed, with 74% taking jobs at for-profit companies, 16% at nonprofits, 7% in K-12 education, and 4% with a government entity. The greatest number of newly minted alums were hired by JPMorgan Chase & Co., KPMG, EY, ChristianaCare, and Deloitte. The median starting salary for this cohort was $62,000. 28% immediately pursued an advanced degree, with 62% entering master’s programs, 20% entering a professional program, and 9% beginning a PhD.

• Enrollment: 18,066 (undergraduate); 4,557 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $33,718 (undergraduate); $57,358 (graduate)
• Median SAT: 1280
• Acceptance Rate: 72%
• Graduation Rate: 82%

The Ohio State University — Columbus

• Columbus, OH

Academic Highlights: There are 200+ undergraduate majors and 18 schools and colleges housed within OSU. Business sees the greatest percentage of degrees conferred at 18% followed by engineering (15%), health professions (10%), and the social sciences (9%). It makes sense that so many flock to the business and engineering schools as they are among the highest-rated undergraduate programs in their respective disciplines. 40% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and approximately 20% of students gain research experience.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their diplomas, 56% of Class of 2022 graduates were entering the world of employment while 17% were already accepted into graduate or professional school.  Hordes of Buckeyes can be found at many of the nation’s leading companies. More than 2,000 alumni work for JPMorgan Chase, more than 1,000 are employed by Amazon, and more than 600 work for Google and Microsoft. Of the grads who directly matriculate into graduate or professional school, many continue in one of OSU’s own programs.

• Enrollment: 45,728 (undergraduate); 14,318 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,241 (in-state); $52,747 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1340-1450
• Median ACT: 29-32
• Acceptance Rate: 53%
• Graduation Rate: 88%

University of Georgia

Academic Highlights: UGA boasts seventeen distinct colleges and schools that offer 125+ majors. Business is the most commonly conferred undergrad degree, accounting for 29% of diplomas earned. It is followed by biology (10%), social sciences (8%), communication & journalism (8%), and psychology (7%). Top-ranked programs include animal science, business, communications, and public and international affairs. 49% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and no matter your major, UGA encourages you to conduct research with a member of the school’s faculty.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of the Class of 2022 was employed or continuing their education six months after graduation. Popular employers include Accenture, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Walt Disney Company, and Deloitte. Salaries vary between colleges; engineering grads had a median starting salary of $65k while journalism and communication grads reported a $50k median. In 2022, 24% of graduates enrolled directly into a graduate/professional degree program, with the most commonly attended schools including Columbia, Duke, Emory, Georgia Tech, Penn, and UVA.

• Enrollment: 30,714 (undergraduate); 9,893 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,142 (in-state); $48,538 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1310
• Acceptance Rate: 43%

University of Florida

• Gainesville, FL

Academic Highlights: With 16 colleges and 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, educational experiences are exceptionally diverse. The Warrington College of Business and the Wertheim College of Engineering are highly respected, so it’s no surprise that those two programs confer the greatest percentage of degrees—12% and 14%, respectively. Biology (11%), the social sciences (11%), and health professions (8%) are next in popularity. 53% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and 33% of students partake in an undergraduate research experience.

Professional Outcomes: By graduation day, 66% of the Class of 2022 had already procured a first job. The top occupational areas were engineering (13%), health care (13%), computer science (5%), and marketing (4%). 200+ Gator alumni can be found at top corporations like Google, EY, Raymond James, Deloitte, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and PwC. The average salary for all 2022 grads was $69k, with a high of $100k for computer science majors. Of those pursuing advanced degrees, a master’s degree was the most popular pursuit (63%) followed by law school (11%).

• Enrollment: 34,552 (undergraduate); 20,659 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $23,530 (in-state); $45,808 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1400
• Median ACT: 31

University of Connecticut

Academic Highlights: UConn is home to fourteen schools and colleges as well as 115+ undergraduate majors. The four most commonly conferred undergraduate degrees are in business (15%), engineering (12%), the social sciences (12%), and health professions/nursing (12%). In terms of prestige and national reputation, programs in business, pharmacy, and nursing carry a good deal of weight. The school also does a nice job of creating a balance of classroom experiences—53% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students and only 18% contain more than fifty.

Professional Outcomes: 90% of the Class of 2022 experienced a positive outcome (job, grad school, military, volunteer position) within six months of earning their degrees. Among the 59% who found employment, the largest numbers landed at Aetna, Cigna, PwC, The Hartford, Travelers, and Raytheon Technologies; the median starting salary was $62,400. Massive numbers of alumni are employed by Pratt & Whitney, Pfizer, IBM, and Deloitte. 30% of 2022 graduates immediately entered a graduate or professional program, with many choosing to stay at UConn.

• Enrollment: 18,983 (undergraduate); 8,020 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $41,606 (in-state); $64,478 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1340
• Acceptance Rate: 55%
• Graduation Rate: 83%

University of Oregon

Academic Highlights: Over 80 degree programs are offered, and students flock in large numbers to the social sciences as 19% of degrees conferred fall under this umbrella. The next most popular academic pursuits are communication/journalism (14%), business (14%), psychology (9%), biology (8%) and the visual and performing arts (7%). The Lundquist College of Business and the College of Education have strong national reputations. The median class size is 20 students (37% contain less than that), and an impressive 80% of undergraduate students engage in some type of research activity.

Professional Outcomes: Members of the Class of 2022 already had their next destination lined up at graduation with 78% already employed or entering graduate school.  For 73% of that group, their outcomes related directly to the degree that they had just completed. More than 1,000 Oregon alumni work for Nike, and hundreds of others occupy offices at Intel, Amazon, Microsoft, Adidas, Google, Apple, and Salesforce. The median starting salary for a 2022 graduate was $51,000.

• Enrollment: 19,565 (undergraduate); 3,598 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,721 (in-state); $64,302 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1260
• Median ACT: 27
• Acceptance Rate: 86%
• Graduation Rate: 73%

Florida State University

• Tallahassee, FL

Academic Highlights: A wide range of baccalaureate degrees—103 to be precise—are available at FSU. The student-to-faculty is a 17:1, which translates into somewhat larger class sizes. Ten percent of sections contain more than fifty students, and 4% have more than 100. However, that is balanced by the 66% of sections that contain fewer than twenty students. Twenty-three percent of degrees conferred fall under the business umbrella. The social sciences (15%), psychology (8%), biology (8%), and homeland security (6%) are next in popularity.

Professional Outcomes: Eighty-three percent of job-seeking Seminole grads receive at least one offer of employment within three months of graduation. The top five sectors employing 2022 grads are (in order) finance, technology, marketing, health, and engineering. Roughly one-third of 2022 Florida State grads elected to immediately pursue admission into an advanced degree program; 75% of those who apply receive at least one acceptance. A typical graduating class sees over 100 students accepted into medical schools and over 200 accepted into law schools.

• Enrollment: 32,936
• Cost of Attendance: $25,762 (In-State); $39,692 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1300
• Acceptance Rate: 25%
• Graduation Rate: 85%

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Champaign-Urbana, IL

Academic Highlights: Eight of UIUC’s fifteen schools cater to undergraduate students. There are 150 academic programs offered, including those at the acclaimed Grainger College of Engineering and Gies College of Business. In sheer volume of degrees conferred, engineering and business/marketing are tied at 19%, followed by the social sciences (9%) and psychology (6%). 39% of sections are capped at 19 students. 29% of undergraduates work with a faculty member on a research project; another 22% have some type of fieldwork, practicum, or clinical experience.

Professional Outcomes: 95% of the members of the Class of 2022 landed at their next destination within six months of graduation, with 38% matriculating directly into an advanced degree program. 57% were employed full-time; the most popular sectors were finance, consulting, healthcare, electronics, and education. Corporations landing the most recent Illini grads were KPMG, Deloitte, Epic Systems, EY, PwC, and Amazon. The average salary across all Class of 2022 majors was an extremely solid $75,000.

• Enrollment: 35,120 (undergraduate); 21,796 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,926-$41,190 (in-state); $55,386-$63,290 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 79%

Michigan State University

• East Lansing, MI

Academic Highlights: This highly regarded state institution boasts over 200 programs—undergraduate, graduate, and professional—across 17 degree-granting colleges. A 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio rates in the average range for public universities of MSU’s size and scope. Class sizes are a genuine mix of small seminars and giant lecture halls. 16% of the degrees conferred in 2022 were in the business/marketing category. The next most common degrees were earned in communication/journalism (12%), engineering (11%), and the social sciences (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within months of strutting across the graduation stage, 56% of Class of 2022 members had landed full-time employment, 27% were pursuing advanced degrees, and 6% were still looking for a job. The top employers of this group included big names like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Deloitte, Epic Systems, Target, PepsiCo, and Microsoft. The median starting salary earned was $60,000. Among the grads schools favored by recent alumni are the University of Michigan, New York University, Columbia University, and Boston University.

• Enrollment: 39,201
• Cost of Attendance: $27,805 (In-State); $55,189 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1220
• Acceptance Rate:
• Retention Rate: 89%

University of Maryland, College Park

• College Park, MD

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates can select from 100+ majors across twelve colleges. 18% of degrees are conferred in computer science, followed by the social sciences (13%), with  criminology, government and politics, and economics being the most popular majors.  Engineering (13%), business (11%), and biology (8%) are next in line. The School of Business, the School of Engineering, and the College of Journalism are all top-ranked, as are programs in computer science and criminology. 46% of sections enroll fewer than twenty students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 96% of Class of 2022 grads had positive outcomes. 67% found employment; the companies/organizations that hired the greatest number of grads included Northrop Grumman, Deloitte, Amazon, and EY. Meta, Apple, and Google employ more than 200 alumni each.  The mid-50% salary range for 2022 grads was $55k-$83k. 21% of the Class of 2022 headed directly to graduate and professional school; 11% entered doctoral programs, 5% entered medical school, and 5% entered law school.

• Enrollment: 30,353 (undergraduate); 10,439 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $31,540 (in-state); $60,918 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 84%

The College of Wooster

• Wooster, OH

Academic Highlights: The College of Wooster receives high marks across the board in undergraduate teaching, senior capstone, undergraduate research, innovation, and value. With no graduate students, the faculty is wholly committed to undergraduate education and has an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The most conferred degrees last year were in the social sciences (19%) and biology (17%). Next in popularity were psychology (6%), the physical sciences (6%), mathematics (6%), journalism (6%), visual/performing arts (6%), and computer science (5%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of leaving Wooster, 96% of job-seeking individuals had landed a job, and 72% were employed in their preferred field. Organizations hiring at least one recent grad include Bank of America, Ernst & Young, the FBI, Morgan Stanley, and Northrop Grumman. Over the past few years, 97% of graduate school applicants were accepted into their top-choice institution. Among recent grads, 54% left to pursue a master’s degree, 27% entered doctoral programs, 8% matriculated into medical school, and 3% began law school.

• Enrollment: 1,967
• Cost of Attendance: $73,550
• Median SAT: 1350
• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• Retention Rate: 84%
• Graduation Rate: 74%

Indiana University

• Bloomington, IL

Academic Highlights: IU offers 200+ majors. The university’s 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio is not bad for a school of Indiana’s size, and it does make an effort to keep undergraduate classes on the small side. While there are a number of introductory courses that transpire in giant lecture halls, 37% of all sections contain no more than 19 students. Business/marketing is the most popular major accounting for 30% of the total degrees conferred and biology is second at 9%. IU’s computer science degree program is the school’s third most frequently conferred degree at 8%.

Professional Outcomes: Class of 2022 grads reached their next employment or graduate school destination at a 94% rate within six months of receiving their degrees. The median starting salary for A&S grads was $41,000. In the Kelley School of Business, 97% were placed successfully within six months, and the median starting salary was $67,000. Among the most frequently attended graduate schools by recent grads are Indiana Bloomington (including its own law and medical schools), Purdue, Loyola Chicago, Northwestern, and Columbia.

• Enrollment: 35,660
• Cost of Attendance: $25,170 (In-State); $53,860 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• Graduation Rate: 81%

Wake Forest University

• Winston-Salem, NC

Academic Highlights: All freshmen enter the Undergraduate College, which offers 45 majors and 60 minors. Sporting a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, classes are kept on the small side with 59% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. 60% of students engage in hands-on research for academic credit. Wake Forest is strong across myriad disciplines, most notably chemistry, communication, accounting, finance, and international affairs. The most frequently conferred degrees are in business (22%), the social sciences (20%), journalism (8%), and biology (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 97% of the Class of 2022 had found their next destination, with 71% starting their first professional job and 26% matriculating into a graduate program. Management/consulting, investment banking, and healthcare were the top three industries. Employers landing the highest numbers of alumni included national and multinational corporations IBM, Siemens, Volvo, Goldman Sachs, Disney, Deloitte, Dell, Gucci, PepsiCo, EY, and Nike. By the start of mid-career, Wake Forest alumni earn the second-highest median salary of any school in North Carolina.

• Enrollment: 5,447 (undergraduate); 3,516 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,622
• Acceptance Rate: 21%

University of Pittsburgh

• Pittsburgh, PA

Academic Highlights: Pitt admits freshmen to the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, the College of Business Administration, the Swanson School of Engineering, and the School of Nursing. Pitt’s engineering and business schools are top-rated and among the most commonly chosen fields of study. Premed offerings are also top-notch, with majors in the health professions (12%), biology (11%), psychology (9%), and computer science (9%) rounding out the list of most popular majors. Pitt has a strong 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio; 42% of sections have an enrollment of under twenty students.

Professional Outcomes: Within a few months of graduating, 94% of 2022 grads entered full-time employment or full-time graduate or professional school. Engineering, nursing, business, and information sciences majors had 73-86% employment rates while other majors tended to flock to graduate school in large numbers. Employers scooping up the highest number of grads in one recent year included the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (170), PNC (57), BNY Mellon (36), and Deloitte (19). Median starting salaries fluctuated between $37k-65k depending on major.

• Enrollment: 20,220 (undergraduate); 9,268 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,034-$43,254 (in-state); $56,400-$66,840 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1360
• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• Retention Rate: 92%

University of Iowa

• Iowa City, IA

Academic Highlights: 200+ undergraduate majors, minors, and certificate programs are available across eight colleges, including the Tippie College of Business, which has a very strong reputation. The most commonly conferred degree is business (24%), with parks and recreation (10%), social sciences (8%), health professions (8%), engineering (7%), and communication & journalism (5%) next in popularity. Over half of its undergraduate sections enroll 19 or fewer students, and 30% of undergrads conduct or assist research.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of Class of 2022 grads found their first job or advanced degree program within six months of receiving their diploma. The most commonly entered industries were healthcare (23%), entertainment/the arts (14%), finance and insurance (11%), and marketing/PR (10%). Companies that employ hundreds of alumni include Wells Fargo, Collins Aerospace, Principal Financial Group, Amazon, Accenture, and Microsoft. The median salary for 2022 grads was $50,000. 28% of recent graduates went directly into graduate school; 76% remained at the University of Iowa.

• Enrollment: 22,130 (undergraduate); 7,912 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,846-$32,259 (in-state); $50,809-$54,822 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1240
• Median ACT: 25
• Acceptance Rate: 85%

Pennsylvania State University — University Park

• State College, PA

Academic Highlights: Penn State offers 275 majors and a number of top-ranked programs in a host of disciplines. The College of Engineering is rated exceptionally well on a national scale and is also the most popular field of study, accounting for 15% of the degrees conferred. The Smeal College of Business is equally well-regarded, earning high rankings in everything from supply chain management to accounting to marketing. It attracts 15% of total degree-seekers. 61% of classes have an enrollment below thirty students.

Professional Outcomes: By graduation, 70% of Nittany Lions have found their next employment or graduate school home. 98% of College of Business grads are successful within three months of exiting, flocking in large numbers to stellar finance, accounting, consulting, and technology firms. Hundreds of alumni work at Citi, Salesforce, and Meta, and more than 500 currently work at each of IBM, Deloitte, PwC, Amazon, EY, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle. 75% of 2022 grads employed full-time earned starting salaries greater than $50k.

• Enrollment: 41,745 (undergraduate); 7,020 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $32,656 (in-state); $52,610 (out-of-state)

Macalester College

• St. Paul, MN

Academic Highlights: Students can choose from roughly 40 majors and over 800 courses that are offered each academic year . Being an undergraduate-only institution, Macalester students enjoy the full benefits of the school’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The average class size is only 17 students, and 14% of class sections have single-digit enrollments. Macalester possesses strong offerings across many different disciplines. Programs in economics, international studies, and mathematics are among the best anywhere.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 95% of the Macalester Class of 2022 had found employment, graduate school, or a fellowship. Employers of recent grads include ABC News, Google, Goldman Sachs, Dow Chemical Company, McKinsey & Company, the ACLU, the National Cancer Institute, and National Geographic . Across all sectors, the average starting salary for recent grads was above $62k. Sixty percent of Mac grads pursue an advanced degree within six years of earning their bachelor’s.

• Enrollment: 2,175
• Cost of Attendance: $79,890
• Acceptance Rate: 28%
• Retention Rate: 88%

Brandeis University

• Waltham, MA

Academic Highlights: Brandeis offers 43 majors, the most popular of which are in the social sciences (18%), biology (17%), business (10%), psychology (8%), public administration (8%), and computer science (7%). The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of courses contain nineteen or fewer students. Departments with a particularly strong national reputation include economics, international studies, and sociology as well as all of the traditional premed pathways including biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98% of the Class of 2022 had found their way to employment (59%), graduate school (35%), or another full-time activity like travel or volunteer work (4%). Members of the Class of 2022 were hired by Red Hat, Deloitte, Nasdaq, NPR, and McKinsey & Company. The average starting salary for recent grads is $61k. A large contingent of grads elects to continue at Brandeis for graduate school. Many others go to BU, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, and Yale.

• Enrollment: 3,687
• Cost of Attendance: $86,242
• Acceptance Rate: 39%

St. Olaf College

• Northfield, MN

Academic Highlights: St. Olaf offers 45+ majors. Over half of all course sections contain fewer than twenty students, and there are multiple avenues through which students can pursue research experiences. The most commonly conferred degrees are in the social sciences (18%), the visual and performing arts (11%), biology (11%), psychology (8%), and foreign languages (7%). Many departments at St. Olaf have exceptional national reputations including religion, mathematics, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: In 2022, 98% of graduates had entered the workforce or graduate school within six months of receiving their diplomas. The great majority of alumni remain in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area, which impacts what companies hire the most Oles. To name names, alumni have the largest representation at Target, UnitedHealth Group, the Mayo Clinic, Wells Fargo, Medtronic, 3M, and US Bank. The school is also a top producer of future PhDs.

• Enrollment: 3,074
• Cost of Attendance: $72,070
• Acceptance Rate: 52%

University of Central Florida

• Orlando, FL

Academic Highlights:  With a very high 29:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes at UCF are fairly large as 23% contain 50 or more students. There are 100+ undergraduate majors at this institution. The most popular majors are business (17%), health professions (15%), psychology (10%), engineering (9%), and the visual and performing arts (7%). The school ranks well for facilitating social mobility and overall value and the engineering, computer science, and nursing programs all rank well on a national level.

Professional Outcomes:  Over two-thirds of recent graduates obtained employment immediately after earning their bachelor’s degree; one-quarter head right to graduate school. The median starting salary is $47,000 and the most commonly entered industries are hospital/healthcare, education, hospitality services, engineering, technology, financial, accounting, and marketing. The most popular graduate degrees pursued were in the sciences, health professions, education, and medicine.

• Enrollment: 58,749
• Cost of Attendance: $24,244 (In-State); $39,269 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1270
• Acceptance Rate: 41%
• Graduation Rate: 76%

Dickinson College

• Carlisle, PA

Academic Highlights: As students immerse themselves in one of 46 areas of concentration, Dickinson supports them with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of fifteen, with 78% of classes being capped at 19 students. By discipline, the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (27%), biology (12%), business (10%), psychology (7%), and foreign languages (5%). The college’s foreign language program, which features 13 offerings—including Arabic, Hebrew, and Portuguese—is recognized as one of the top programs in the country.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 95% of Dickinson grads have found jobs or full-time volunteer work, or have enrolled in graduate school. Companies employing more than 25 Dickinson alumni include Deloitte, IBM, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Merck, EY, PNC, PwC, Google, and Amazon. It’s interesting that more alumni can be found in New York City than in Pennsylvania. Within five years of receiving their diplomas, 55-60% of recent grads have entered or finished graduate school.

• Enrollment: 2,125
• Cost of Attendance: $86,151
• Median SAT: 1355
• Acceptance Rate: 35%

University of South Carolina

• Columbia, SC

Academic Highlights: UofSC is a massive enterprise, with 16 colleges/schools within the larger university. Even so, 70% of all sections contain 29 or fewer students. 32% of students take the opportunity to earn a degree in the business/marketing realm from the superb Darla Moore School of Business. The international business program is also top-ranked. Other popular disciplines include health services (11%), biology (10%), engineering (6%), and communication and journalism (6%).  The South Carolina Honors College is extremely hard to get into and is one of the finest in the entire country.

Professional Outcomes: 79% of recent grads landed at their next destination within six months with an average starting salary of over $55,000. Within the School of Business, 87% of 2023 grads were employed within three months and the average starting salary was $69k. Top employers of recent classes included KPMG, IBM, Aramark, Bank of America, Vanguard, PwC, and Marriot. The majority of those continuing their studies in a graduate/professional degree program did so at the University of South Carolina; other popular landing spots are Duke and Wake Forest.

• Enrollment: 27,343 (undergraduate); 8,310 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,696 (in-state); $60,942 (out-of-state)
• Graduation Rate: 78%

Purdue University — West Lafayette

• West Lafayette, IN

Academic Highlights: Purdue offers over 200 majors at ten discipline-specific colleges, and 38% of course sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer. Engineering and engineering technologies majors earn 34% of the degrees conferred by the university; the College of Engineering cracks the top ten on almost every list of best engineering schools. The Krannert School of Management is also well-regarded by employers; 11% of degrees conferred are in business. Other popular majors include computer science (10%) and agriculture (5%)—both are incredibly strong.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after receiving their diplomas, 70% of 2022 grads headed to the world of employment while 24% headed to graduate/professional school. The top industries entered by grads in recent years are (1) health care, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices; (2) finance, insurance, and consulting; (3) manufacturing and machinery; (4) airline, aviation, and aerospace. Companies employing the greatest number of recent alumni were Amazon, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Labcorp, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft. The average starting salary was $68k across all degree programs.

• Enrollment: 37,949 (undergraduate); 12,935 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $22,812 (in-state); $41,614 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1330

SUNY – Geneseo

• Geneseo, NY

Academic Highlights:  SUNY Geneseo is one of the top public liberal arts honors colleges in the United States and it proudly offers 150+ academic programs. It has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and class sizes vary, with 59% enrolling between 20 and 49 students. A rarity for colleges in 2024, the most commonly conferred degree is in education (19%), followed by business (15%), psychology (15%), the social sciences (15%), and biology (12%).

Professional Outcomes:  In surveying the Class of 2022, SUNY Geneseo found that 80% of graduates had achieved a positive outcome within six months of earning their bachelor’s degree. Most of the starting salaries were in the $40k-$60k range and popular employers included KPMG, Epic, The Walt Disney Company, AmeriCorps, and the US Army. Those pursuing a grad school path most often landed at Syracuse, RIT, Binghamton University, Stony Brook University, and the University at Buffalo.

• Enrollment: 4,136
• Cost of Attendance: $24,346 (In-State); $34,586 (Out-of-State)
• Median ACT: 26
• Graduation Rate: 72%

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges for Education Majors to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

• AP Score Calculators 
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• Best Summer Programs 
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• Best Colleges by Major

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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The 50 Best Undergraduate Colleges in the U.S.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Best Undergraduate Colleges Covering Big and Small Student Populations

Most rankings of America’s best colleges list the usual suspects: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, in the East. In the West, Stanford, Berkeley, Caltech. In the Midwest, the University of Chicago and a few Big Ten schools. In the South, Duke, Vanderbilt, and Emory.

To round out such a list, most rankings also throw in a good number of small, elite, liberal arts colleges. Our list will also include some of these top colleges. But it will go well beyond that. In our ranking, you’ll find some exceptional schools that you won’t see on any other list.

Featured Online Schools

In ranking the 50 best colleges in the United States, we don’t include the big research universities, which invest many more of their resources into graduate rather than undergraduate education. By a “college,” in this article, we mean a school that exists primarily to teach undergraduates.

Thus, in our ranking, we list schools whose main degree is a bachelor’s or even an associate degree (in fact, our top-ranked school offers only a two-year degree).

Besides the usual academic benchmarks such as achievement and excellence, this ranking underscores the prospects for personal enrichment and advancement that await students AFTER GRADUATION. College, in our view, should be not merely a stepping stone to the next stage of life, whatever that may be, but a springboard to a full, rich, independent life.

Thus, in our ranking, you’ll find Harvey Mudd College ahead of many more-famous, elite, liberal arts colleges. Why? For one thing, Harvey Mudd has an exceptional undergraduate engineering program. But there’s more: Harvey Mudd’s graduates have exceptional career prospects.

Undergraduate Colleges and Universities Ranking Guidelines

Of course, our ranking is not only concerned with “return on investment.” For a college, as opposed to a research university, we value especially the following five factors:

1. Record of achievement

When you graduate from any of the colleges in our ranking, you’ll have something to show for it. You’ll have a skill-set, a credential, a springboard to new possibilities. This can translate into cash, but it can also translate in other ways.

2. Diversity of study

We think excellence in a college education need not be confined to liberal arts and sciences. Business, engineering, architecture, seafaring, aviation, musicianship, visual arts, performing arts, filmmaking, animation, etc. are all legitimate pursuits in college, and a list of top colleges should reflect this diversity.

3. Freedom of inquiry and expression

We believe that dogmatism and political correctness hinder true education. You’ll find liberal and conservative schools in our ranking. But we’ve tried to avoid elite schools who seem mainly in the business of indoctrination and politicization.

4. Academic Rigor

College should be fun, but also a time of intense concentration and effort. An undergraduate’s course of study should be thoroughgoing, empowering him or her with mastery of a subject, skill, or set of ideas. Also, more focus should be on primary sources rather than criticism.

5. Low Cost and Minimal Debt

A college education should not load students with massive debt. Large debts drastically limit what students can do after graduation. We like schools that charge zero tuition (yes, such schools exist — read on!), or have such big endowments that students with financial need can get scholarships.

Unless stated otherwise, SAT scores include the 25th/75th percentile.

The Top 50 Undergraduate Colleges in the United States for 2017–18

1. deep springs college.

Deep Springs, California

Deep Springs College, a unique alternative to the first half of a conventional, four-year college program, recruits students of exceptional ability. Many of its students have turned down offers from some of the nation’s most highly esteemed colleges.

Deep Springs is founded on the pillars of academics, self-governance, and labor, and prepares students for lives of service to humanity.

Admissions officers of the top schools know and respect the name of Deep Springs College. After students participate in a two-year, liberal arts honor program, most of them complete their degree at the world’s most prestigious four-year institutions.

Students learn from their responsibilities of authentic self-government and substantial physical labor, as well as from the school’s traditional arts curriculum. Students administer the labor program. They also have the dominant decision-making authority regarding curriculum, admissions, and hiring of faculty members.

Professors live about 100 yards from students. They’re readily available to provide advice on academic life and other subjects.

In the classrooms, students discuss subjects with their professors in a seminar format. Many students develop their own independent or directed studies.

• Established in 1917
• Location: East of Fresno, near the Nevada border
• Student body consists of 26 students
• Admissions selectivity varies from 6% to 15%, year-to-year
• SAT: Accepted students generally average in the upper 700 range for verbal and about 700 for math
• 4-to-1 student/teacher ratio
• Students work at least 20 hours a week on the farm, ranch, or in positions related to the college or community
• More than two-thirds of alumni have a graduate degree
• Each student receives a full scholarship valued at more than $50,000 per year
• Notable alumni include Thomas E. Fairchild, politician and federal judge; Raymond Jeanloz, geophysicist and recipient of a MacArthur “genius grant”; and Jim Olin, U.S. Congressman

Admission : The school emphasizes academic ability, leadership potential, and the desire to assume active and practical responsibility for the ongoing life of the Deep Springs community. The school regards the interview and essays as more important parts of the admission process than the SAT. Although it seemed that women could apply to enroll in the class of 2013, as of this revision in 2017 only persons who identify as male are permitted to enroll at Deep Springs.

Related Articles : Deep Springs is #1 in The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition

2. Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, California

Harvey Mudd College — one of the nation’s leading math, science, and engineering colleges — is also a liberal arts college. Many of the engineers, scientists, and mathematicians become leaders in their fields. Harvey Mudd only offers undergraduate degrees. The college provides nine math, science, and engineering majors. All of the programs include humanities and social science courses.

Harvey Mudd College has the highest rate of science and engineering Ph.D production among all undergraduate colleges and second-highest compared to all colleges and universities. Graduates have produced great advances in technology such as MIME Standard, SQL, Flash, and Remote Procedure Calls.

Students gain hands-on experience in high-level research projects and through the college’s world-renowned Clinic Program. They must complete at least one year of in-depth research or a challenging clinic project. They also work with notable companies in the clinics.

The school has a wide variety of clubs to keep students entertained and connected. The student population governs itself via a student-run Honor Code.

• Established in 1955
• 842 students
• Location: Between Los Angeles and San Bernardino
• 13% acceptance rate
• 89% of the applicants ranked in the top 10% of their high school class
• 29% of students in the entering class were valedictorian or salutatorian of their graduating high school class
• SAT: Critical reading, 690/770; writing, 690/770; math, 740/800; and math two subject, 760/800
• About 30% of the students are National Merit Scholars (second among liberal arts colleges in the nation)
• Notable alumni include George “Pinky” Nelson, astronaut; Stan Love, astronaut; and Richard H. Jones, diplomat

Admission : Harvey Mudd College seeks students who excelled in challenging courses, show a passion for math and science, appreciate the social sciences and humanities, and participate in activities outside of the classroom. The admission procedure includes recommendations from a mathematics or science recommender and a recommendation from an English, foreign language, or social studies recommender. Applicants should have four years of English.

Related Articles : Harvey Mudd ranks as the best college in California in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019

3. Curtis Institute of Music

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Curtis Institute of Music, one of the world’s leading conservatories, trains and educates exceptionally gifted young musicians for careers as performing artists at the highest professional level.

The Curtis Institute offers complete musical training and liberal arts courses. Students train with some of the world’s leading musical artists.

Over 60 graduates have performed at the Metropolitan Opera. The school’s trained instrumentalists comprise 16% of principal chairs of the top 25 U.S. orchestras. They have also been members of the Berlin Philharmonic and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. Two New York Philharmonic music directors have come from the Curtis Institute.

Graduates are regularly among the winners of the most prestigious honors and awards in classical music, including prizes, competitions, and career grants. Graduates have received Pulitzer Prizes, Grammy and Tony awards, and Guggenheim Fellowships.

The institute enrolls just enough students to maintain a full symphony orchestra, an opera program, plus select departments in guitar, piano, composition, conducting, harpsichord, and organ.

The Curtis Institute offers a performance Diploma, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music in Opera, and a Professional Studies Certificate in Opera.

The students participate in a busy schedule of performances. Every year, well known stage and music directors work with the Curtis Opera Theater on fully staged productions.

• Established in 1924
• 173 students
• Location: Downtown
• Students of elementary-school age or high-school age receive training from the same teachers at the same intensive levels as do older students
• Every student receives a full-tuition scholarship
• Faculty includes about 90 top-tier musical artists and highly credentialed classroom teachers
• The institute does not have teaching assistants
• Notable alumni include Leonard Bernstein, composer, conductor, and pianist; Samuel Barber, composer; Gian Carlo Menotti, composer; Jaime Laredo, violinist and conductor; Richard Goode, pianist; Hilary Hahn, violinist; and many others

Admission : The school selects students based on artistic promise. The institute has no minimum or maximum age requirements. Every applicant must audition in person.

Related Articles :

Curtis Institute of Music ranks #2 in The 20 Best Music Conservatories in the U.S . and #3 in The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition

4. Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Swarthmore College, a private, liberal arts college, consistently hovers near the top of almost every ranking list of U.S. liberal arts colleges.

The college is known for rigorous intellectual inquiry, which is shaped by its commitment to social responsibility and the legacy of its Quaker heritage. Graduates include five Nobel Prize winners (second-highest number of Nobel Prize winners per graduate in the United States).

The college provides a liberal arts and engineering curriculum. About one-third of the students pursue their degree through the school’s exceptional honors program. The college also offers community-based learning courses. Students can design their own major.

• Established in 1864
• Location: Near Philadelphia
• 1545 students
• SAT: Critical reading, 680/770; math, 670/760; and writing, 680/770
• Accepted 14.1%of applicants to the Class of 2016; 33% of the enrolled students were valedictorians or salutatorians; 53% were in the top two percent of their high school class
• 94% first-year student retention rate (full-time students)
• 89% four-year graduation rate
• 19.9% of graduates complete a doctoral program (third-highest in the nation)
• 8-to-1 student/faculty ratio
• Notable alumni include Nancy Roman, NASA’s first Chief of Astronomy in the Office of Space Science; Michael Dukakis, 1988 Democratic presidential nominee; James Michener, novelist; Robert George, writer, thinker; and David Baltimore , Nobel Prize winning HIV and Cancer virologist

Admission : The private college is open to all students regardless of their financial need. Applicants are evaluated on factors such as:

• High school record
• Standardized tests
• Extracurricular commitments
• Recommendations
• Interview (highly recommended, but not required)

Swarthmore ranks as the best college in Pennsylvania in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 and #52 in The 100 Richest Universities: Their Generosity and Commitment to Research .

5. Williams College

Williamstown, Massachusetts

Williams College, a private, liberal arts college, consistently ranks among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges.

Williams College ranked #1 among National U.S. colleges and universities in percentage of undergraduates participating in paid summer science research.

The faculty has received recognition for scholarship and professional achievements. Williams College ranks third among national liberal arts colleges in the number of National Science Foundation Grants held by faculty.

The school has three academic divisions: Social Studies; Language and the Arts; and Science and Mathematics. The college uses Oxford-style tutorials. Experiential programs and courses challenge students to become more personally engaged in their learning via fieldwork from research, special projects, or placement in community organizations.

Williams College encourages students to connect their community interests to their academic learning via a broad range of curricular and extracurricular programming. Its students are enrolled in over 150 off-campus program worldwide.

• Established in 1793
• Location: Northwest corner of the state, adjacent to New York and Vermont
• The college has about 2,000 undergraduates
• SAT: Critical reading, 660/770; and math, 650/760
• In most years, the college admits about 20% of applicants
• 6-to-1 student/faculty ratio
• The college meets 100% of every student’s demonstrated financial need for four years
• Notable alumni include A.R. Gurney, playwright and novelist; Stephen Birmingham, writer; and Michael Beschloss, historian

Admission : The college enrolls students without regard to their ability to pay.

6. United States Military Academy

West Point, New York

The United States Military Academy, a four-year, public, liberal arts college, is one of the most selective colleges in the nation.

The United States Military academy develops cadets in four vital areas: intellectual, physical, military, and moral-ethical.

Cadets participate in Individual Advanced Development (IAD) activities. Some cadets participate in academic IADs, including at the Supreme Court, NASA, Crossroads to Africa, and the National Laboratories.

The academy provides a Bachelor of Science degree. After students graduate, they earn a commission in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. They have a five-year service requirement after graduation.

• Established in 1802
• Location: On the Hudson River, north of New York City
• 4,624 students
• 11% of applicants admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 560/680; math: 590/690; and writing: 550/660
• No annual cost to students
• Notable alumni include Ulysses S. Grant, Commanding General of the Union Army during the Civil War and 18th president of the U.S.; Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander in the European theater during World War II and 34th president of the U.S.; and Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander in the Pacific theater during World War II

Admission : Applicants are required to apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination from a congressional representative.

7. College of William and Mary

Williamsburg, Virginia

College of William and Mary is a “Public Ivy”—one of eight in the nation.

It is well known for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and its engaged, dedicated professors. The college has a historic dedication to community service. Seventy-five percent of the students participate in community service projects.

The College of William and Mary believes in original hands-on research. Undergrads, beginning with their first class, have opportunities to work with peers and faculty mentors on inspiring projects.

• Established in 1693
• 6,276 undergraduates
• 79% of freshman graduated in the top 10% of their class
• SAT: Critical reading: 620/730; math: 620/720; and writing: 620/720
• 95% first-year student retention (full-time students)
• 83% four-year graduation rate
• Notable alumni include Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the U.S.; James Monroe, fifth president of the U.S.; and David Brown, astronaut.

Admission : School representatives use a combination of GPA, choice of curriculum, and curriculum vigor to evaluate academic potential.

8. Pomona College

Pomona College, one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges, provides an environment for intellectual development and personal growth.

The college offers a comprehensive curriculum in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Professors teach all the courses.

As a member of The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of seven independent institutions with contiguous campuses, Pomona College provides students with the personal experience of a small, high-level, liberal arts college, along with the extensive resources typically associated with major universities.

• Incorporated in 1887
• 1,563 students
• 9% acceptance rate in 2017
• SAT: Critical reading: 680/780; math: 690/770; and writing: 680/780
• Of those ranked, 91% of the current freshman class were in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, and 21% were valedictorians or salutatorians
• 90% of seniors graduate on time
• 7-to-1 student/faculty ratio
• About 53% of the students receive scholarship assistance and no students pay the full cost of their education at Pomona College
• Notable alumni include Roy E. Disney, senior executive, Walt Disney Company; Robert Shaw, six-time Grammy-winning conductor; and Colleen Hartman, astrophysicist and NASA administrator

Admission : Academic excellence is the school’s main consideration. The school reports that it is interested in the best students; their ability to pay doesn’t matter.

Pomona College ranks #46 in The 100 Richest Universities: Their Generosity and Commitment to Research .

The School’s Ski-Beach Day appears in our list of 50 Crazy College Campus Traditions

9. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Terre Haute, Indiana

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is one of the leading undergraduate engineering, mathematics, and science colleges in the nation. It’s one of the rare engineering schools in the U.S. focusing nearly entirely on undergraduate education.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology reports that its seniors are highly sought-after by Fortune 500 firms, the nation’s best graduate schools, and emerging hi-tech companies. Rose-Hulman Ventures, situated on campus, provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects from an array of technology-based companies.

• Established in 1874
• 2,278 students (2,202 undergraduates)
• Median class rank of typical freshman class: Top 7%
• SAT: Critical reading: 550/670; and math: 630/720
• 61% of applicants are admitted
• 89% first-year student retention (full-time students)
• Approximately 20% of students go directly to graduate school after obtaining a bachelor’s degree
• Notable alumni include Abe Silverstein, NASA center director and Guggenheim Medal winner; Lawrence Giacoletto, transistor pioneer; and Ernest R. Davidson, National Medal of Science winner

Admission : Regarding schools that rank students, the college expects applicants to be in the top 25% of their graduating class. For schools that don’t rank students, the college gives special attention to the quality and rigor of the curriculum students pursued.

10. Grove City College

Grove City, Pennsylvania

Grove City College, a non-denominational, Christian college, emphasizes faith and freedom. The college provides a liberal and professional education.

To maintain its independence of thought and expression, it does not accept government funds such as federal student loans. And yet, as of 2017, its per-year cost has been around $27,542 total (not just tuition!). This is comparable to in-state costs for many public universities.

Grove City is renowned as a college uniquely qualified in the teaching of Austrian economics and other aspects of conservative economic and political thought at the undergraduate level.

• Established in 1876
• Location: Between Pittsburgh and Lake Erie
• 76% of applicants admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 559/692; and math: 560/677
• 88% freshman retention rate
• 77% four-year graduation rate
• Notable alumni include Edward D. Breen, CEO, Tyco Corporation; C. Fred Fetterolf, president, ALCOA; and Laurence Reed, president, Mackinac Center for Public Policy

Admission : Grove City College uses a holistic admissions process. An interview is highly recommended; interviews plays a significant role in the selection of the freshman class.

Grove City College ranks #1 in The Best Colleges for Homeschool Graduates , #2 in The 20 Best Conservative Colleges in America , and #5 in The 25 Best Colleges for Studying the Bible .

11. United States Naval Academy

Annapolis, Maryland

United States Naval Academy, a four-year, coeducational, public, liberal arts college, is one of the nation’s most selective colleges.

The academy provides a demanding four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy, or as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

Moral development is a fundamental element of all aspects of the Naval Academy experience. The four-year program focuses on integrity, honor, and mutual respect. The academic program of every midshipman includes a core curriculum providing courses in science, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities. The objective is a wide-based education to qualify students for nearly any career field in the Navy or Marine Corps. Students also have the opportunity to develop a specific area of academic interest.

• Established in 1845
• Location: South of Baltimore, on Chesapeake Bay
• 4,528 students
• 7% of applicants are admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 560/680; and math: 600/700
• 97% average freshman retention rate
• 88% four-year graduation rate
• Tuition is fully funded by the U.S. Navy in return for an active-duty service obligation after graduation
• Notable alumni include Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the U.S.; Charles Bolden, NASA administrator; and Alan Sheppard, astronaut

Admission : Applicants are required to apply directly to the academy. They are also required to receive a nomination, typically from a congressional representative.

12. Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, Rhode Island

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD, pronounced “Rizdy”), one of the nation’s oldest and best-known colleges of art and design. The school offers bachelor’s degrees, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, as well as master’s degrees.

RISD students can take classes at Brown University. Students can earn a dual degree from RISD and Brown University consisting of a Bachelor of Fine Arts from RISD and a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University.

Undergraduate students participate in an intensive Foundation Studies program and also work in their studio major. Students earn a third of their credits in liberal arts subjects.

Students have access to the RISD Museum, which includes more than 80,000 works of art.

• Established in 1877
• 2,477 students (1,999 undergraduate students)
• 34% acceptance rate
• SAT: Critical reading: 560/680; math: 590/660; and writing: 580/640
• On average, 95% of freshman continue at the school
• 71% four-year graduation rate
• 9-to-1 student/faculty ratio
• Notable alumni include Nicole Miller, fashion designer and businessperson; Julie Mehretu, artist; and Martin Mull, actor and comedian

Admission : Prospective applicants are encouraged to follow a college-preparatory program in secondary school and take courses in art history and studio art. Letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals who have first-hand knowledge of an applicant’s art or academic achievements are not required; however, recommendations can be very helpful in the consideration of an application.

13. Colorado College

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado College is nestled near the foot of the Rocky Mountains. This private liberal-arts college was founded in 1874 by the founder of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, General William Jackson Palmer. Palmer was a Civil War verteran.

The college offer 42 majors and 33 minors. Colorado Colleges follows a “block plan“ in which students study one subject at a time in three and a half week blocks.

• Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Student body consists of 2,101 students
• 16% Acceptance Rate
• Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Critical Reading: 670 SAT Math:660 SAT Writing:660
• 10:1 Student to Teacher Ratio
• Henry Ansbacher: director, documentary filmmaker, executive director of Just Media
• Vince Bzdek: former news editor of The Washington Post, author, editor of The Gazette in Colorado Springs
• Lynne Cheney: novelist, scholar, and wife of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney

Admissions :Colorado College requires that applicants submit either the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT test, or elect a third option including three exams of the applicant’s choice chosen from a list of acceptable exams.

14. Juilliard School

New York, New York

Juilliard School, one of the world’s most prestigious performing arts schools, provides a superb performing arts education.

The school offers pre-professional training in music, dance, and drama. Graduates of the Juilliard School have won over 105 Grammy Awards, 62 Tony Awards, 47 Emmy Awards, 24 Academy Awards, and 16 Pulitzer Prizes.

Besides taking courses specific to their major, students also take liberal arts courses.

The pre-college division teaches students enrolled in elementary school, junior high, and high school.

• Established in 1905
• Location: West of Lincoln Center
• 580 undergraduate students
• 6% of applicants admitted
• 95% average freshman retention rate
• 82% four-year graduation rate
• 5-to-1 student/faculty ratio
• Notable alumni include Paul Taylor, choreographer; Viola Davis, Kelsey Grammer, William Hurt, Val Kilmer, Kevin Kline, Christopher Reeve, Kevin Spacey, and Robin Williams, actors; Peter Schickele and Meredith Willson, composers; James Levine, conductor; Wynton Marsalis, trumpeter; Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zuckerman, violinists; and Leontyne Price, soprano

Admission : The admissions process varies by department, but often applicants are required to audition. Juilliard School evaluates the transcripts and diplomas earned by applicants. The school does not require a GPA, specific courses, standardized test scores such as SAT or ACT, or a class rank for admission.

Juilliard ranks #1 in The 20 Best Music Conservatories in the U.S .

15. Bowdoin College

Brunswick, Maine

Bowdoin College, a “New Ivy“ private liberal arts college, is one of the elite colleges and universities outside of the Ivy League.

Due to its strengths in liberal arts and sciences, the college received a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

The college reports that a liberal arts education at Bowdoin College is not about being small and safe. Rather, it is about having the support to take surprising risks.

According to the college, its curriculum provides a bold blueprint for liberal education designed to inspire students to become world citizens with acute sensitivity to the social and natural world.

• Established in 1794
• Location: Between Portland and Augusta
• 1,806 undergraduates
• SAT: Critical reading: 670/750; math: 660/740; and writing: 670/760
• 15% acceptance rate
• 97% first-year student retention rate (full-time students)
• 90% four-year graduation rate
• Over 40% of the students receive grant assistance from Bowdoin College
• Notable alumni include George Mitchell, U.S. Senate Majority Leader; Henry W. Longfellow, poet and educator; and Nathaniel Hawthorne, novelist and short story writer

Admission : A student’s overall academic record is by far the most important credential. Bowdoin College uses a holistic selection process based on individual review. Successful applicants are bright and engaged community members who show curiosity and a willingness to take intellectual risks.

Bowdoin College ranks as the best college in Maine in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 and #75 in The 100 Richest Universities: Their Generosity and Commitment to Research

16. United States Air Force Academy

El Paso County, Colorado

United States Air Force Academy, a public, liberal arts college, provides intellectual, physical, moral, and leadership development.

Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree.

The academy is a military school for officer candidates for the United States Air Force. Most graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force.

• Established in 1954
• Location: Near Colorado Springs
• 4,237 students
• 15% of applicants admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 590/680; and math: 630/710
• The U.S. government pays for tuition and room and board
• Students have a commitment to serve a number of years of military service after they graduate
• Notable alumni include Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger, U.S. Airways pilot known as “Hero of the Hudson”; General Douglas M. Fraser, commander, U.S. Southern Command; and Charles L. Veach, astronaut

Admission : The academy evaluates the academic, athletic, character, and leadership potential of every applicant, as shown by their achievements and life experiences. Leadership activities are important. Applicants must also pass a fitness test and obtain a nomination, typically from the member of Congress in the applicant’s home district.

17. Haverford College

Haverford, Pennsylvania

Haverford College, strong in all liberal arts and science areas, offers a personalized educational experience due to its small size.

The college earned a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society due to its academic strengths. Many of the students continue their studies at top national universities.

Although all the students are undergraduates, they are involved in faculty research. Also, students can take classes at Swarthmore College, Bryn Mawr College, and the University of Pennsylvania.

The connection of academics to social justice issues is extended by three interdisciplinary centers: The Center for Peace and Global Citizenship, the Hurford Humanities Center, and the Koshland Integrated Natural Science Center.

• Established in 1833
• Location: Northwest of Philadelphia
• 1,268 undergraduate students
• SAT: Critical reading: 650/750; math: 650/750; and writing: 660/760
• 21% acceptance rate
• 95.8% average freshman student retention rate
• 87% four-year graduation rate
• Notable alumni include Dave Barry, humorist; Gerald Levin, CEO, Time Warner; and Mark Geragos, criminal defense attorney

Admission : The academic transcript receives the greatest weight. Due to its holistic and personal application evaluation process, the college recommends all applicants have an interview, if possible. The school reports that it is interested in students who show an ability and interest in achieving at the highest levels of scholarship and service, in engaging deeply and substantially with the community, and in growing intellectually and personally.

18. Colorado School of Mines

Golden, Colorado

Colorado School of Mines, a public research institution, provides all the advantages of a world-class research institution with a size allowing for personal attention. The college is known for its excellent academic programs in engineering and applied sciences.

Colorado School of Mines, which is devoted to engineering and applied science, provides a curriculum and research program emphasizing responsible stewardship of the earth and its resources. The Colorado School of Mines has broad expertise in resource exploration, extraction, production, and utilization.

Research funding, provided by government agencies and corporations, supports cutting-edge work in alternative and traditional energy sources, earth sciences, mineral economics, environmental science, and engineering, as well as materials.

Partnerships with government laboratories, including the Bureau of Land Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey, offer students great opportunities to participate in world-class research.

Faculty members and student research new frontiers in resource exploration, extraction and processing; renewable energy production and distribution; and advanced materials; as well as in environmental impact, mitigation, and remediation. The college’s renowned faculty provides a challenging and supportive learning environment for students.

• Location: Just west of Denver
• 4,610 undergraduate students
• About 12,000 applicants apply each year for 875 spots in the freshman class
• 87% first year student retention (full-time students)
• SAT: Critical reading: 570/675; and math: 630/710
• 38 research centers on the Colorado School of Mines campus
• #1 national ranking of student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers
• Notable alumni include Ryan O’Hayre, recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for scientists & Engineers; Mari Angeles Major-Sosias, vice-president, AREVA International Network; and Andrew P. Swinger, senior vice-president, Exxon Mobil

Admission : Trigonometry is the minimum math requirement for freshman; however, applicants should complete pre-calculus or calculus, if they have the opportunity. Freshmen should also rank among the upper one-third of their high school class and have strong SAT or ACT scores.

19. Cooper Union

Cooper Union is known for its excellent engineering, architecture, and art programs.

Graduates have received at least 18 Guggenheim fellowships, three MacArthur fellowships, three American Institute of Architects Thomas Jefferson Awards for Public Architecture, and one Nobel Prize.

Copper Union focuses on preparing students for the architecture, art, and engineering professions. It consists of three schools: Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture; the Albert Nerken School of Engineering; and the School of Art.

• Established in 1859
• Location: Near the East Village
• 964 students (876 undergraduate students)
• 8% of applicants accepted
• SAT: Critical reading: 610/720; math: 650/780; and writing: 620/730
• 94% average freshman retention rate
• 75% four-year graduation rate
• Notable alumni include Thomas Edison, inventor; Stan Allen, Dean, Princeton University’s School of Architecture; and Daniel Libeskind, architect selected to oversee the rebuilding of the World Trade Center

Admission : Cooper Union admits undergraduates only on merit and all undergraduates receive full-scholarships.

Cooper Union is #2 in The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition .

20. Hillsdale College

Hillsdale, Michigan

Hillsdale College, a liberal arts college, is one of the few non-military colleges in the United States requiring all students to study the U.S. Constitution as a core requirement.

Most of the curriculum is based on the teachings of the Western heritage as a product of Greco-Roman culture and the Judeo-Christian religion.

• Established in 1844
• 1,526 students
• Average SAT score 1980
• 96.3% freshman retention rate
• 70% four-year graduation rate
• Notable alumni include E. Ross Adair, U.S. representatives from Indiana; Jared Maurice Arter, slavery-born African-American pastor and educator; and Henry M. Kimball, U.S. representatives from Michigan

Admission : Important factors include official academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a résumé of extra-curricular activities. The school strongly encourages applicants to have an interview with an admissions officer.

Hillsdale College ranks #4 in The Best Colleges for Homeschool Graduates , #1 in The 20 Best Conservative Colleges in America , and #17 in The Top 50 Places to Study Classical Economics .

21. Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College (CMC), a member of the Claremont Colleges, is one of the nation’s leading private liberal arts colleges.

CMC focuses mainly on undergraduate education. Almost half of its students study abroad.

• Established in1946
• 1,347 students
• 9% of applicants admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 630/720; math: 670/760; and writing: 640/730
• 94% first-year student retention (full-time students)
• 92% graduation rate
• 77% of CMC students attend graduate school within five years of graduation
• Notable alumni include Thomas Pritzker, Chairman and CEO, Global Hyatt Corporation; Jonathan Rosenberg, Sr., Vice President for Product Management, Google; and Steven Grove, political commentator, YouTube News

Admission : The college weighs the following factors: Academic performance and promise; achievements and goals; personal characteristics; participation in activities and organizations; and interests, talents, and leadership potential.

Claremont McKenna alum Robert A. Day is featured in our list of The 50 Most Generous Alumni Donors to American Colleges & Universities .

22. Carleton College

Northfield, Minnesota

Carleton College is an independent, non-sectarian, private liberal arts college.

The college has enrolled more students who are part of the National Merit Scholarship Program than any other liberal arts college in the United States.

Carleton reports that the most important thing its students learn is how to learn for a lifetime. Every course is taught by a professor, not a teaching assistant.

Community service is another integral part of the Carleton College experience.

• Established in 1866
• Location: Just south of the Twin Cities
• 1,991 students
• 31% acceptance rate
• SAT: Critical reading: 660/750; and math: 660/760
• 97% freshman retention rate
• Notable alumni include T.J. Stiles, winner of a Pulitzer Prize for biography and a National Book Award for nonfiction; John F. Harris, editor-in-chief, Politico; and Garrick Utley, journalist and former host of Meet the Press

Admission : The admissions committee is typically attracted to applicants who take advantage of the opportunity to do honors or advanced placement work. Normally students are expected to take two or more years of a foreign or classical language, unless it’s not provided at their school. Carleton College recognizes achievements in the arts and encourages applicants to submit tapes, slides, or other evidence of their work with their application.

Carleton College ranks as the second best college in Minnesota in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 and #49 in 50 Private Colleges with the Best Return on Investment .

The school’s Primal Scream and Silent Dance Party are featured in our list of 50 Crazy College Campus Traditions .

23. Grinnell College

Grinnell, Iowa

Grinnell College was initially founded in 1846 as Iowa College. The college was founded by a group of congregational ministers in Davenport, Iowa prior to the state joining the union. The college shortly moved from Davenport to Grinnell and adopted the name in 1909.

Grinnell utilizes an open curriculum in which students select courses with the direction of a major department advisor. This freedom allows students to take ownership of their education and fosters academic engagement.

• Established in 1846
• Location: Between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids
• Student body consists of 1,699 students
• 20% Acceptance Rate
• Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Composite: 1360–1540
• 9:1 Student to Teacher Ratio
• Norman F. Bates: recipient of Medal of Honor in the Civil War
• Bruce Friedrich: executive director of The Good Food Institute (GFI) and founding partner of New Crop Capital (NCC)
• John Garang de Mabior: former vice-president of Sudan and past commander-in-chief of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement
• Louise Rosenfield Noun: activist for women’s rights and president, Iowa Civil Liberties Union

Admissions :Grinnell doesn’t have minimum GPA or test score requirements, and reviews every component of your application with care because potential success at Grinnell shouldn’t be distilled to just one number.

Grinnell College ranks as the second best college in Iowa in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 .

24. New College of Florida

Sarasota, Florida

New College of Florida was initially founded as a private college in 1960. In 2015 it became an honors college as part of the State University System of Florida.

The college was founded as a bastion of liberal arts thinking in the South. Students are encouraged to take responsiblity for their education and embody free-thinking.

Students begin each semester by completing a contract with an advisor, which lays out the courses for the semester and expectations. The New College of Floida does not employ letter grades or a grade point average. Professors provide narrative evaluations of students. Students must complete seven contracts for graduation.

• Established in 1960
• Location: Sarasota, Florida
• Student body consists of 861 students
• 71% Acceptance Rate
• Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Composite: 1250–1440
• Susan Burns: founding editor of business magazine BIZ(941), and a founding board member of the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences
• Jose Diaz-Balart: emmy Award-winning journalist, Telemundo and MSNBC national news anchor
• William C. Dudley: president, New York Federal Reserve Bank

Admissions :New College of Florida practices selective admission, seeking those students who are able and eager to take responsibility for their own education, and who will benefit from the College’s demanding academic program and flexible curriculum.

25. Wheaton College

Wheaton, Illinois

Wheaton College is a private and interdenominational Christian liberal arts college, which takes the pursuit of faith and learning seriously.

• Established in 1860
• Location: Just west of Chicago
• 2,901 students (2,456 undergraduates)
• 50% of freshman graduated in the top 10% of their class
• SAT: Critical reading: 610/710; math: 610/690; and writing: 600/700
• 79% four-year graduation rate
• Notable alumni include Dan Coats, former U.S. Senator for Indiana and ambassador to Germany; Billy Graham, evangelist; Nathan O. Hatch, President of Wake Forest University; Will Liverman, operatic baritone; and Dawn J. Wright, Chief Scientist of Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (esri)

Admission : The college reports that it continues to enroll strong, distinctively Christian students. It evaluates the following factors: quality of course selection; class rank; performance in high school/college; essays; ACT and/ or SAT scores; extracurricular activities; recommendations; and Christian commitment (necessary for admission).

Wheaton College ranks as the second best college in Illinois in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 , #26 in The Best Colleges for Homeschool Graduates , and #38 in 50 Private Colleges with the Best Return on Investment , and #9 in The Best Schools for Studying the Bible .

26. Davidson College

Davidson, North Carolina

Davidson College, consistently regarded as one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, provides a vigorous undergraduate education. The college has graduated 23 Rhodes Scholars.

The Honor Code is central to student life at Davidson College. The college also has a commitment to community service.

• Established in 1837
• Location: North of Charlotte
• 1,796 students
• 20% of applicants admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 630/730; math: 640/718; and writing: 630/730
• 97% first-year student retention (full-time students)
• 80% of students travel, work, or study abroad
• The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need with grants and student employment
• Notable alumni include James Batten, CEO, Knight-Ridder; John Chidsey, CEO, Burger King; and Kenneth B. Bell, justice, Florida Supreme Court

Admission : Davidson College seeks evidence of academic success and well-developed interests and/or talents in the arts, leadership, athletics, and service. In descending order, Davidson College emphasizes the following factors:

• Rigor: The difficulty of high school courses
• Success: Grades in an applicant’s particular course of study
• Writing ability and personal impact: An evaluation of essays and recommendations
• Involvement, leadership, and service: The breadth and depth of extra-curricular pursuits
• Testing: Scores on the SAT and/or ACT

Davidson College ranks as the second best college in North Carolina in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 .

27. School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), a leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars, fosters a conceptual and technical education.

SAIC has been recognized by Columbia University’s National Arts Journalism survey as “the most influential art college in the United States.” The school provides an education in the liberal arts and in the arts and design. SAIC offers seven bachelor’s degrees.

The school’s resources include the Art Institute of Chicago.

• Location: South Loop
• 3,569 students (2,848 undergraduates)
• 75.2% average freshman retention rate
• 59% acceptance rate
• SAT: Critical reading: 510/630; and math: 510/620
• 10-to-1 student/faculty ratio
• Instructors grade on a credit/no credit system
• Renowned faculty include many of the leading practitioners in their fields
• Notable alumni include Georgia O’Keeffe, painter; Orson Welles, filmmaker; Edward Gorey, illustrator; Walt Disney, animator; Bill Mauldin, cartoonist; John Chamberlain, sculptor; and Ed Paschke, painter

Admission : Applicants at the freshman level are required to submit their official high school transcript, one letter of reference, a portfolio, and a statement of purpose. The school strongly recommends an interview.

28. Reed College

Portland, Oregon

Reed College, a liberal arts and sciences college, reports that a higher percentage of its graduates earn Ph.D.s across fields than do graduates of all but three other United States colleges and universities.

Reed ranks #2 among liberal arts colleges in producing Rhodes scholars. Students regularly win Fulbright, National Science Foundation, Watson, and other fellowships.

The college requires all first-year students to take humanities courses. It emphasizes a conference-style classroom, where the instructor acts as a mediator for discussion instead of as a lecturer.

Reed College has a research reactor — the college is the nation’s only school which has a nuclear reactor run entirely by undergraduates.

• Established in 1908
• 1,427 students (1410 undergraduates)
• 31% admission rate
• SAT: Critical reading, 670/750; writing, 650/740; and math, 630/720
• Professors assign a letter grade to coursework; however, students are only informed of their grade if it’s below a C
• Students are evaluated on a pass or no-pass scale
• Undergraduate students can enroll in a five-year, dual degree program, which includes a liberal arts degree from Reed College and a specialized degree at a cooperating institution
• Notable alumni include Emilio Pucci, Florentine fashion designer and politician; Gary Snyder, essayist, lecturer, environmental activist, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry; and Howard Vollum, engineer, scientist, philanthropist, and co-founder of Tektronix Corporation; Apple founder Steven Jobs attended Reed College without graduating

Admission : Academic accomplishments have the greatest weight in the selection process. Reed College reports a strong secondary school preparation, including honors and advanced courses, improves students’ chances for admission. The college reports that it looks for applicants excited about ideas, passionate about learning, and oriented towards independent thought, as well as eager to be part of an intellectual community that emphasizes student-faculty collaboration.

Reed College ranks as the second best college in Oregon in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 .

29. Beloit College

Beloit, Wisconsin

Beloit college, the oldest college in Wisconsin to be continuously operated, was founded in 1846 while Wisconsin was still a territory.

Beloit boasts more anthropology Ph.D.s than any other undergraduate institution. This is a direct result of their focus on experiential learning and field work.

The philosophy department has hosted such high-caliber visiting professors as Martha Nussbaum and Daniel Dennett.

• Location: Between Chicago and Milwalkee
• Student body consists of 1,394 students
• 70% Acceptance Rate
• Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Composite: 1150–1400
• 11:1 Student to Teacher Ratio
• Roy Chapman Andrews: naturalist, explorer, and director of the American Museum of Natural History
• James Arness: actor, star of films and long-running TV series Gunsmoke
• Fred Ascani: U.S. Air Force Major General

Admissions :Students receive funding from many sources: merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, loans, work study, and scholarships from outside organizations to help meet costs. Together, these help to make Beloit an affordable education. Beloit students receive, on average, $26,226 in gift aid alone

Beloit College ranks as the second best college in Wisconsin in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 and #16 in The Top 50 Places to Study Classical Economics .

30. University of Dallas

Irving, Texas

University of Dallas, a Catholic University, earned a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society due to its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences.

• Established in 1956
• Location: Midway between Dallas and Fort Worth
• 2,357 students (1,407 undergraduates)
• 80% acceptance rate
• SAT: Critical reading: 550/690; math: 530/640; and writing: 530/670
• 82% first-year student retention (full-time students)
• 63% four-year graduation rate
• Almost 80% of students study at the university’s campus in Rome for a semester.
• Notable Alumni include L. Brent Bozell, Fox News political commentator; Joe (“Skip”) Garcia, pulmonary scientist and physician; and John H. Gibson, senior Defense Department official and business executive

Admission : The University of Dallas recommends the following curriculum for preparing for its academic program:

• Art: Two years
• English: Four years
• Foreign language: Two years
• Electives: Four years
• Math: Three to four years
• Science: Three years
• Social studies: Four years

University of Dallas ranks as the second best college in Texas in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 , #4 in The 20 Best Conservative Colleges in America , and #12 in The 25 Best Colleges for Studying the Bible .

31. Smith College

Northampton, Massachusetts

Smith College, which is among the largest of the historically all-women’s colleges in the United States, focuses on educating women at the undergraduate level.

Talented young women from all over the world enroll at Smith College to be part of its intellectual life and participate in its vibrant academic environment. The college reports that students are free to pursue their intellectual passions and receive support on their own terms. The learning experience includes mentors, faculty advisors, and independent study opportunities.

Every year, almost half of the college’s juniors study abroad in the college’s programs in Geneva, Florence, Paris, Hamburg, and many other cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Smith College is part of a five-college cooperation along with Mount Holyoke, Amherst, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts.

Smith College is also one of the “Seven Sisters.”

• Established in 1871
• Location: Near Amherst
• 2,500 undergraduates on the main campus, and 250 studying in other locations
• 37% acceptance rate
• SAT: Verbal: 600/710; math: 570/680; and writing: 590/700
• 78% four-year graduation rate
• 25% of graduates go directly to graduate school
• Notable alumni include Julia Child, cookbook author; Sylvia Plath, poet; and Gloria Steinem, author and founder of Ms . magazine

Admission : Smith College strongly recommends that applicants prepare for the college by taking the strongest courses provided by their high school. Admission staff members look for evidence of success in a rigorous curriculum. The school reports that it takes a holistic and individual approach to each application. Besides meeting the normal requirements, the college expects each applicant to pursue in greater depth academic interests important to the applicant. A personal interview is highly recommended.

32. Gettysburg College

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg College, a national college of liberal arts and sciences, has earned a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society due to its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences.

Students prepare for leadership via experimental learning opportunities, a career network, co-curricular service, and off-campus study activities. Almost half of the students have spent a semester abroad.

Undergraduates get an idea about career life via the college’s program, named “Bright Lights! Big City!,” consisting of a three-day trip to Washington, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia to attend company presentations, meet prominent alumni ,and work together on case studies.

• Established in 1832
• Location: South-central Pennsylvania, site of decisive Civil War battle
• 2,394 students
• 43% acceptance rate
• 71% of students in the top tenth percent of their high school class
• SAT: Critical reading: 610/690; and math: 610/690
• More than 90% first-year retention rate
• Higher than 80% graduation rate
• Notable alumni include, Ron Paul, U.S. Representative from Texas and Republican presidential candidate; J. Michael Bishop, Nobel Laureate in Medicine for cancer research; and Jerry Spinelli, children’s book author

Admission : The college expects applicants to participate in a solid college-preparatory program with accelerated, enriched, and advanced placement courses. Significant factors include grades in academic courses, quality and distribution of subjects, and class rank.

33. Berea College

Berea, Kentucky

Berea College charges no tuition and only admits academically promising students with limited resources, primarily from Appalachia.

Seventy percent of the students are from Kentucky or the wider Appalachian region; however, students come from all 50 states and over 60 foreign countries. Every student works at least 10 hours per week in campus and services jobs.

Berea College provides rigorous Bachelor of Arts of Science degree programs.

The college also provides student/faculty undergraduate research opportunities in numerous fields.

• Established in 1855
• Location: South of Lexington
• 1,665 undergraduates
• SAT: Critical reading: 495/640; math: 483/588; and writing: 513/610
• 33% acceptance rate
• 79% first-year retention (full-time students)
• 43% four-year graduation rate
• 57% of freshman ranked in the top fifth of their high school graduating classes
• Approximately 200 Berea College students study, intern, or teach abroad every year
• Notable alumni include G. Samuel Hurst, physicist and inventor of touch screen technology; George Lester, developer of the catalytic converter; and Juanita M. Kreps, U.S. Secretary of Commerce

Admission : Berea College seeks applicants with strong academic potential and financial need. The college also considers factors such as leadership qualities, community service, and levels of motivation. The personal statement is optional for every applicant; however, the school strongly encourages applicants who have experienced obstacles or adversity to submit a personal statement.

Berea College ranks as the second best college in Kentucky in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 and is featured in The Most Affordable Four-Year College in Each State and The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition .

34. United States Coast Guard Academy

New London, Connecticut

The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), the military academy of the United States Coast Guard, has one of the lowest acceptance rates of any college in the nation, private or public.

The academy, which provides a Bachelor of Science degree program, offers a holistic education, including academics, physical fitness, character, and leadership. Every cadet completes core studies in liberal arts and sciences. Each student also receives a full-scholarship.

Graduates of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy have an obligation to serve five years in U.S. Coast Guard.

USCGA provides academics through five departments: humanities, engineering, mathematics, management, and science. The academy also provides unique courses via its Strategic Intelligence and Homeland Security department.

• Established in 1876.
• Location: On Long Island Sound, east of New Haven
• 1,046 cadets enrolled
• 16% admitted
• 52% of students in the top 10% of their high school class
• SAT: Critical reading: 550/640; math 590/670; and writing 540/630
• No congressional nomination is required
• About 80% of graduates go to graduate school (most paid for by the Coast Guard)
• Notable alumni include Bruce E. Melnick, astronaut; Daniel C. Burbank, astronaut; and Timothy S. Sullivan, senior U.S. military advisor and Secretary of Homeland Security

Admission : Accepted applicants typically have proven academic accomplishments, especially in math and the sciences, a record of service to the community, skills as an athlete, motivation to embrace leadership development, and an unwavering desire to serve their country and humanity.

35. California Institute of the Arts

Valencia, California

California Institute of the Arts, also known as CalArts, is an internationally recognized school for the performing and visual arts, emphasizing the exploration of new paths beyond conventional boundaries.

The school emphasizes close collegial interaction between students and instructors in class and in one-on-one mentoring. All the faculty members are working artists.

CalArts has three entities: an on-campus educational and artistic program; the REDCAT theater and gallery; and the CalArts’ Community Arts Partnership.

• Established in 1961
• Location: North of Los Angeles, near Santa Clarita
• 1,455 students
• 24% acceptance rate
• SAT: Scores are not a required part of the application process
• 77.8% average freshman retention rate
• Notable alumni include Ed Harris, actor; David Hasselhoff, actor; and Don Cheadle, actor

Admission : The school accepts students primarily on the basis of their demonstrated talent, creativity, and commitment.

36. Webb Institute

Glen Cove, New York

Webb Institute is a private engineering college. All accepted students recieve full tuition for four years and graduate with degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

The school has significant influence in the marine industry as a direct result of their emphasis on ship design and practical work experience.

The Webb Institute requires students to participate in an internship each January and February. During this period students seek employment in the marine industry.

• Established in 1889
• Location: Glen Cove, New York
• Student body consists of 92 students
• 29% Acceptance Rate
• Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Composite: 1470–1530
• Full-tuition scholarship for every accepted student
• All students graduate with a dual BS in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
• Halsey Chase Herreshoff: naval Architect
• David M. Young, Jr.: mathematician and computer scientist

Admissions : Students must apply directly to Webb Institute.

Webb Institute is #6 in The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition

37. Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University

La Mirada, California

The Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University, a liberal arts and biblical studies institute, emphasizes academic excellence, but also values students who show abilities in an array of fields.

The institute exposes students to the great works of the Western and Christian traditions. Torrey Honors Institute incorporates rigorous reading, discussion, and writing guided by faculty members. Discussion is the main mode of instruction.

The Institute fulfills most of the Biola University undergraduate general education requirements. Freshmen take their classes at the institute with their group for all four years.

The institute evaluates students on their individual progress. Students have opportunities such as community service, studying abroad, and extracurricular opportunities.

• Established in 1995
• Location: South of Los Angeles, near Anaheim
• Biola University reports that the average applicant to Torrey is among the top 10% of students, in terms of academic, social, and spiritual leadership, who plan to attend Biola University
• Students completing the full Torrey program receive a Torrey Honors Institute Certificate
• The institute offers study abroad opportunities such as Torrey Europe, Torrey Rome, Oxford Study Abroad, and Torrey Cambridge

Admission : All potential Biola University students with one or more of the following can apply to the Torrey Honors Institute: GPA of 3.8 or higher; combined SAT of 1800; or composite ACT of at least 25. Applicants should have completed some honors or Advanced Placement work, if available at their high school.

Biola University ranks #1 in The 25 Best Colleges for Studying the Bible and #2 in The Best Colleges for Homeschool Graduates .

38. Babson College

Wellesley, Massachusetts

Babson College, an independent business school, offers top-flight undergraduate business education combining integrated and applied business and liberal arts programs with curricular and non-curricular learning experiences.

All students study business and work to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. The program emphasizes leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Every student receives extensive hands-on training. First-year students take a year-long course in which they develop student teams and launch and liquidate a for-profit business they design.

• Established in 1919
• Location: West of Boston
• 3,165 students (2,283 undergraduates)
• 25% of applicants admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 580/680; math: 640/740; and writing: 610/700
• Notable alumni include Daniel Gerber, founder, Gerber baby foods; Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons; and Craig Benson, businessperson and governor of New Hampshire

Admission : The college uses an extensive and holistic evaluation of applicants. The college reports that its greatest focus is on students’ four-year performance at the secondary level. Factors carefully considered include academic performance, rigor of coursework, academic motivation, performance on standardized tests, writing ability, involvement in activities and/or work experience and leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm.

39. United States Merchant Marine Academy

Kings Point, New York

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is one of the five undergraduate service academies in the nation.

USMMA reports that its graduates have careers in the maritime industry and the armed services, and that many of its graduates become leaders in business and government. Many graduates continue their studies in graduate or professional schools.

Every student at the academy trains in subject areas related to shipping and transportation. The United States Merchant Marine Academy offers academic programs through the following departments: Humanities, Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, Mathematics and Science, Naval Science, and Physical Education and Athletics.

The academy’s Sea Year program places students on a U.S. flag — bearing merchant ship for portions of their sophomore and junior years.

• Established in 1942
• Location: On Long Island Sound, near New York City
• 927 students (904 undergraduates)
• SAT: Minimal requirements: critical reading: 510; and math: 560 (writing is used for placement)
• 20% acceptance rate
• 83% first-year student retention
• 68% four-year graduation rate
• Tuition and room and board covered
• Five-year service requirement upon graduation
• Notable alumni include Sean Connaughton, head of U.S. Maritime Administration; Mark H. Buzby, rear admiral, United States Navy; and Lee A. Kinkaid, president, American Maritime Congress

Admission : Admission office representatives evaluate applicants’ high school record, class rank, SAT or ACT standardized test scores, history of extracurricular activities, recommendations from school officials, ability to pass a Candidate Fitness Assessment, and evidence of character, leadership, and potential for academic achievement. Applicants are required to obtain a letter of nomination from a member of the U.S. Congress.

40. New England Conservatory of Music

Boston, Massachusetts

New England Conservatory of Music, recognized nationally and internationally as a leading music school, provides rigorous training to music students from all over the world. The school’s faculty includes internationally esteemed musicians, performing artists, and scholars.

The conservatory serves as a training ground for orchestral players for the Boston Symphony Orchestra; however, its graduates have filled orchestra chairs, concert hall stages, recording studios, and jazz clubs, as well as arts management positions worldwide.

The New England Conservatory of Music offers degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The courses focus in the areas of performance and composition. The programs emphasize one-on-one studio instruction.

• Established in 1867
• Location: Near Northeastern University
• 819 students (413 undergraduate)
• 35% acceptance rate
• SAT: Scores are not required
• Over 50% of freshman in the top 10% of their high school class
• Notable alumni include Stanley M. Hoffman, composer and arranger; Yan Tong, violinist; and Michael Gandolfi, composer

Admission : Applicants are considered for admission based on a competitive review of their audition results, artistic preparation, overall academic history, and letters of recommendation.

New England Conservatory of Music ranks #6 in The 20 Best Music Conservatories in the U.S .

41. St. John’s College, Annapolis

St. John’s College, a co-educational, four-year liberal arts college, is known for its distinctive “great books” curriculum.

The college bases all required course of study on the reading, study, and discussion of the most important books of the Western tradition. St. John’s College has no majors and no departments; every student follows the same program. The school provides a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Students study from the classics in literature, theology, philosophy, political science, psychology, history, economics, laboratory sciences, mathematics, and music. The courses don’t use textbooks. Students read the books roughly in chronological order beginning with ancient Greece and continuing to modern times.

Although the college does not train students for specific careers, students gain valuable and marketable skills. Before they graduate, many students participate in internships from medical research to teaching to the arts. Many of its graduates go to law school, medical school, or graduate school.

• Received a charter in 1784
• 484 students
• 53% of applicants admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 640/730; and math: 570/680
• 83% first-year retention (full-time students)
• 64% four-year graduation rate
• Notable alumni include Francis Scott Key, author of the lyrics to The Star-Spangled Banner; New York Post columnist Robert A. George; television screenwriter and producer Lee David Zlotoff; novelist Salvatore Scibona; and political philosopher Tom G. Palmer

Admission : The school expects applicants to have pursued a college-preparatory course of study, including substantial sequences in foreign languages, mathematics, and the physical sciences. SAT and ACT scores are optional, but they provide helpful information.

St. John’s College ranks as the second best college in Maryland in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 .

42. Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden Sydney, Virginia

Hampden-Sydney College, a private, liberal arts college for men, is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Due to its strengths in liberal arts and sciences, the college earned a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Its general education objectives include civic, moral, and academic components.

The students subscribe to the following two statements of honorable behavior: “The Hampden-Sydney student will behave as a gentleman at all times and in all places“ and “The Hampden-Sydney student will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.”

• Established in 1775
• Location: Between Richmond and Roanoke
• 1,027 students
• SAT: Critical reading: 490/600; math: 510/610; and writing: 470/580
• 56% of applicants are accepted
• 78% first-year student retention (full-time students)
• 61% four-year graduation rate
• Notable alumni include Stephen Colbert, television comedian; William Henry Harrison, 9th president of the U.S.; Francis Schaeffer, theologian; and John L. Kirkpatrick, president, Davidson College

Admission : The admissions office seeks applicants who have demonstrated aptitude in the classroom through a series of rigorous courses. The admission office is also interested in applicants who excelled outside their studies. Applicants should have mastered a college-preparatory program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have an interview and in some cases may be required to have a personal interview.

43. Morehouse College

Atlanta, Georgia

Morehouse College, a private, liberal arts college for African-American men, is often thought of as the preeminent, historically black college in the country.

The college reports that it is committed to training the leaders who will change their communities, the nation, and the world. It also reports its mission is to develop men with disciplined minds who lead lives of leadership and service.

Through the Corporate Connection program, corporate sponsors partner with the college to help produce outstanding business and civic leaders. The program includes:

• Corporate & Foundation Relations
• Leadership Lecture Series
• Division of Business Administration and Economics
• Executive Mentorship Program
• Student Internship Program
• Advisory Councils, Case Competition Series
• Sales & Marketing Institute

Morehouse College provides Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Academic divisions include Business Administration & Economics; Humanities & Social Sciences; and Science & Mathematics.

The college emphasizes leadership and volunteerism. Almost three-quarters of students volunteer within the community.

• 2,108 students
• 66% acceptance rate
• SAT: Critical reading: 460/590; math: 470/580; and writing:450/570
• 85% first-year student retention (full-time students)
• Notable alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Walter Massey, physicist and director of the National Science Foundation; Louis W. Sullivan, secretary, Department of Health and Human Services; and Herman Cain, presidential candidate

Admission : Academic competence is a major consideration in selecting students. An applicant’s personal qualities, which may add to the diversity of the student body, are also important.

Morehouse College ranks as the second best college in Georgia in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 .

44. Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering

Needham, Massachusetts

Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, an independent, nonprofit, undergraduate engineering college, strives to prepare students to become engineering innovators who recognize needs, design solutions, and engage in creative enterprises for the good of the world.

The school reports that it seeks to redefine engineering as a profession of innovation encompassing the consideration of societal needs, the creative design of engineering systems, and the creation of value via entrepreneurial philanthropy and effort.

Graduates of the Senior Consulting Program for Engineering Teams are hired by corporations, entrepreneurial ventures, or nonprofits for real-world engineering projects.

The programs have an interdisciplinary, project-based approach emphasizing liberal arts and entrepreneurship, as well as rigorous science and engineering fundamentals.

Project-based teaching begins in the first year and culminates in two capstone projects in the senior year.

• Established in 1997
• Location: Southwest of Boston
• 378 students
• 10% of applicants admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 690/773; math: 718/773; and writing: 670/750
• Every student receives a four-year, half-tuition scholarship

Admission : The college seeks applicants with outstanding achievement in coursework and testing. The college gives special attention to creativity, passion, and enterprise.

45. College of the Ozarks

Point Lookout, Missouri

College of the Ozarks has a mission to provide the advantages of a Christian education for the youth of both sexes, particularly for those found worthy but who don’t have sufficient means to pay for their education.

The curriculum has a liberal arts core. The college has a cultural goal to cultivate an appreciation of the fine arts, an adherence to high personal standards, and an understanding of the world. It also strives to foster the Christian faith via the integration of faith with living, learning, and service.

Full-time students do not pay tuition. College of the Ozarks does not participate in any federal loan programs. Students work to pay for many of their educational costs.

• Established in 1906
• Location: Near Branson
• 14% of applicants admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 580/630; math: 530/560; and writing: 540/570
• 87% first-year student retention (full-time students)
• 38% four-year graduation rate
• Alcohol and drugs are prohibited on and off campus
• Notable alumni include General Terrance R. Dake, assistant commandant, U.S. Marine Corps; Erin Hayes, correspondent, ABC News; and Sherry Herschend, co-owner, Herschend Family Entertainment

Admission : College of the Ozarks seeks students who demonstrate financial need, academic ability, sound character, and willingness to work.

College of the Ozarks ranks as the second best college in Missouri in The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019 , #4 in The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition , #6 in The 20 Best Conservative Colleges in America , and #6 in The Best Colleges for Homeschool Graduates .

46. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Daytona Beach, Florida

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s only fully accredited, aviation-oriented university, teaches the practice, science, and business of the world of aviation and aerospace.

The university provides the nation’s largest aerospace program. Its two Air Force ROTC detachments form the nation’s largest university-based Air Force commissioning source. The university’s contract with the U.S. Department of Defense maintains the school’s long-time status as the sole provider of aviation-related degree programs to the U.S. military in Europe.

The university’s curriculum covers the engineering, operation, research, manufacturing, marketing, and management of modern aircraft and the systems which support them. The university’s research and consulting addresses the needs of the aerospace and aviation sectors and related industries.

Two residential campuses — in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona — offer education in a traditional environment.

Embry-Riddle Worldwide offers instruction in over 150 locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as via online learning.

The major airlines hire more alumni from Embry-Riddle than from any other collegiate aviation program. The university is the country’s largest supplier of air traffic controllers with bachelor degrees to the FAA.

• Established in 1925
• Combined enrollment for all the campuses is over 33,000
• 71% of applicants admitted
• SAT: Critical reading: 470/590; and math: 510/630
• 72% first-year student retention (full-time students)
• 30% four-year graduation rate
• 15-to-1 student/faculty ratio
• Notable alumni include Daniel Burbank, B. Alvin Drew, and Susan Kilrain, astronauts

Admission : High school students must have four years of English, three or four years of math, and two or more years of lab science.

Embry-Riddle ranks #2 in 25 Online Colleges with the Best Return on Investment .

47. The King’s College, NYC

The King’s College, a Christian liberal arts college, seeks students who want to make a difference in the world.

The college reports that it prepares students for principled leadership.

The King’s College teaches a worldview rooted in the Bible and informed by close study of great works of political theory, philosophy, and economics. The college provides an education which incorporates classroom instruction, extra-curricular commitments, and service to the larger community.

The college is open to all students regardless of their religious affiliations.

• Established in 1938
• Location: In the financial district
• 465 undergraduate students
• 64% acceptance rate
• SAT: Verbal: 580/670; math: 520/610; and writing: 565/650
• 68% retention rate of first time full-time students
• 46% four-year graduation rate

Admission : Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.

The King’s College ranks #11 in The 20 Best Conservative Colleges in America and #12 in The Best Colleges for Homeschool Graduates .

48. Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Maritime Academy offers Bachelor of Science degrees, Merchant Marine Officer’s Licenses, and Naval Officer’s Commissions, as well as programs in maritime-related fields, including marine transportation, marine engineering, facilities engineering, energy systems engineering, international maritime business, and other subjects.

Although not required, some of graduates serve in active and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces.

• Established in 1891
• Location: Cape Cod
• SAT: Verbal: 410/550; and math: 480/580
• Notable alumni include Lee Van Germert, author of Stability and Trim for the Ship’s Officer; and Emery Rice and Timothy M. Cooper, U.S. naval commanders

Admission : The academy bases admission on an evaluation of applicants’ academic record, testing information, including SAT or ACT, extracurricular and community activities, letters of recommendation, and leadership potential. An interview is highly recommended.

49. Alice Lloyd College

Pippa Passes, Kentucky

Alice Lloyd College was founded as Caney Junior College in 1923. The college began offering four-year degrees in the 1980s.

Alice Lloyd College places an emphasis on educating Appalachain leaders close to home. Three quarters of the college’s graduates are the first member of their family to obtain a degree. A staggering 95% of graduates are accepted to graduate or professional programs.

The school offers 18 academic majors and eight pre-professional programs.

• Established in 1923
• Location: Rural Eastern Kentucy
• Student body consists of 605 students
• 22% Acceptance Rate
• SAT Math: 460–480
• SAT Critical Reading: 430–520
• SAT Writing: 410–550
• 17:1 Student to Teacher Ratio
• Dr. Grady Stumbo:former head of Kentucky Democratic Party.
• Carl D. Perkins: member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 through 1984.

Admissions : Alice Lloyd awards tuition guarantees for residents of 108 Central Appalachian counties, regardless of income, who are eligible for admission. The College provides high quality educational opportunities primarily for students with outstanding leadership potential for effective service to the surrounding mountain region regardless of the student’s ability to pay.

Alice Lloyd College ranks #8 in The Best Colleges Providing Free Tuition .

50. Virginia Military Institute

Lexington City, Virginia

Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a state-supported military college founded in 1839. All cadets enrolled in VMI must be part of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

Unlike other military academies, VMI graduates may pursue employment as a civilian or in any branch of the military as either active duty or reserve.

• Established in 1839
• Location: Lexington, Virginia
• Student body consists of 1,713 students
• 51% Acceptance Rate
• Average SAT Score for middle 50% of students: SAT Composite: 1120–1300
• Thomas Marshall Boyd: Assistant Attorney General under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush
• Benjamin Franklin Ficklin: founder of the Pony Express
• George Patton: his father and grandfather were both VMI graduates. Left VMI in 1904, to attend and graduate from West Point.

Admissions : Applicants are normally not less than 16 or more than 22 years of age at matriculation and may not be married or a parent. A one-year age waiver may be granted for an applicant who has served on active duty in the armed forces or for other extenuating circumstances.

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2024 College and University Rankings by Major

Explore the best colleges and universities in the United States by major and area of study. College rankings are based on a composite of various indices and value metrics including student satisfaction, post-graduate success, graduation rate, admissions selectivity and overall value. Our Methodology

See also: Top 100 Colleges and Universities – Top 100 Most Affordable Universities – Top 100 Most Affordable Community Colleges – Top 100 Highest Acceptance – Top 100 Lowest Acceptance

2024 Design College and University Rankings

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2024 Nursing School Rankings

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(1) Represents the fall admission rate for full-time undergraduate students. (2) Graduation rate for full-time students who began their studies as first-time degree or certificate seeking students. (3) Percentage of students employed two years after graduation. (4) Median earnings of students six years after graduation. (5) Average net price generated by subtracting grant or scholarship aid from total cost of attendance.

• Top 100 Colleges and Universities
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• Top 100 Highest Acceptance
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30 Best College Majors for the Future [2024 Top Majors, Salary, and Rankings]

We’ve ranked the 30 Best College Majors for the Future for 2024 . Explore the best future majors, top salaries, and the best majors for future job market.

In search of the best college majors for the future? Our in-depth rankings guide will explore the most popular college majors with the highest paying salaries after graduation, projected job growth rate, and employer demand!

The market is poised for growth, and college graduates are in demand for a variety of lucrative jobs.

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30 Best College Majors for the Future Rankings

Here’s the list of the 30 Best Majors for the Future rankings based on salary, expected growth, and the availability of programs from reputable, top accredited universities.

• Petroleum Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Nuclear Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electronics Engineering
• Information Technology
• Health Informatics
• Management Information Systems
• Game Design
• Mechanical Engineering
• Public Administration
• Liberal Arts
• Biomedical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Construction Management
• Communications
• Business Administration
• Political Science

The best college majors for the future will prepare you for a number of career choices. Salaries are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Top Choice #1 Petroleum Engineering

Salary & Job Growth

• Starting Median Salary: $84,000
• Mid-Career: $126,000
• Future Growth: 3% (2020-2030)

Petroleum Engineering is first on our list of rankings for the best college majors. It can be one of the most fruitful majors for young students. While the market is insanely competitive, the financial rewards for majors in this field can be incredibly high.

A student who selects this major can expect a high-intensity program featuring a diverse collection of classes, including engineering, economics, and environmental studies.

Because of the high competition levels for future jobs in this major, students should consider taking a master’s or even a PhD in this field for furthering their chances of success once they enter the job market in the future.

If you have a good background in math and the sciences, this may be the best college major for you. Although some core coursework for this major may be completed online, petroleum engineering bachelor degrees are not offered entirely online.

#2 Cybersecurity Degree

• Starting Median Salary: $75,000
• Mid-Career: $116,000
• Future Growth: 28% (2020-2030)

Next on the list of top college majors?

In an ever-changing world increasingly reliant on technology, a bachelor’s in cybersecurity can be a huge advantage when looking to start a career. This major will ensure you’re knowledgable about all of the latest developments in the field and will teach you other information technology related skills like coding and software development.

A person who has studied cybersecurity will most likely end up working in cybersecurity for a business or government entity, but that isn’t the only potential career path for graduates with this college major.

Software and application development, along with several other information technology and technology-related jobs, are very popular options for someone who completes this top college major.

Cybersecurity is one of the best degrees to get and you can earn your bachelor’s in this major entirely online.

#3 Nuclear Engineering

Career Salary & Job Growth

• Starting Median Salary: $68,000
• Mid-Career: $109,000
• Future Growth: 1% (2020-2030)

Nuclear Engineering sits 3rd in our rankings for best college majors. It is an incredibly specialized major, and the financial rewards it provides can be excellent in the long run for those who earn a bachelors in this field.

This may be a more niche field, but finding work can be incredibly beneficial from a financial standpoint. As the planet moves toward more renewable energy sources, jobs in this major are becoming more in demand, and future opportunities are becoming a little easier to come by.

If you major in this field, expect a bit of hard work and brush up on your math skills. Learning nuclear physics and how nuclear energy works, along with the necessary safety procedures, will be key parts of a nuclear engineering major.

While the employment opportunities for this college major can be lucrative, it’s important to note that a lot of employers may even expect their engineers to have either a Master’s or a PhD in the subject to secure the best future jobs.

Although some core curriculum may be completed online, bachelor degrees in this major aren’t available entirely online.

#4 Software Engineering

• Starting Median Salary: $74,000
• Mid-Career: $102,000
• Future Growth: 21% (2020-2030)

Software Engineering is 4th for top college majors. It is another computer-related college major that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The increase in popularity of this best college major should come as little surprise though, with the job markets constantly expanding in this technology field.

A major in this specialty likely provides classes in application programming, core computer concepts, cloud technology, and database systems development. It will teach future engineers some skills that will be transferable to other technology related jobs.

Software engineering majors generally find themselves working in a number of different job positions, with software and application programming and development being among the most common future career paths chosen.

You can earn your bachelor’s in this top major entirely online if you prefer.

#5 Physics Degree

• Future Growth: 9% (2020-2030)

Physics takes 5th place for best majors. It is a top choice of college major for students because bachelor programs in physics can open up a lot of doors for graduates and can lead to someone continuing their education and working in research facilities.

Physics graduates can usually find work as engineers in various sectors or in potential roles working in academia and research. This is a top college major because research roles in physics can be particularly lucrative.

A college major in physics requires potential students to have a mind for calculation and science because the course of study will incorporate these disciplines regularly. It’s common for bachelor’s holders to pursue a doctorate in engineering for advancement and more lucrative salaries.

#6 Computer Science Degree

• Starting Median Salary: $62,000
• Future Growth: 16% (2020-2030)

Computer Science is 6th for top college majors. It is one of the most popular college majors in the technology field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for those with expertise in this field is constantly growing, and there are future job opportunities opening up continually from corporations to nonprofits and everywhere in between.

Computer science majors are quickly becoming an essential part of any corporation, with projects ranging from driverless cars, data mining, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

Students in this top college major will likely study a range of different modules, including cloud technology, program design, and software development. Computer science majors will likely spend a considerable amount of time sharpening up their coding and programming skills.

The range of jobs for someone who has graduated with this major includes positions like, software developer, systems analyst, computer hardware engineer, application developer and many more. It’s possible to continue on to a master’s and eventually work in research in the field.

Since computer science is a top college major, a number of colleges offer 100% online computer science degrees.

#7 Chemistry Major

• Starting Median Salary: $66,000
• Mid-Career: $99,000
• Future Growth: 6% (2020-2030)

Though difficult for many students, chemistry gets 6th for best majors. Chemistry is one of the most popular types of science for students to major in. Chemistry courses generally include organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry.

A college major in Chemistry provides a range of career options. One of the most common jobs for a chemistry major is a chemist, though working in chemical research or in a laboratory of some kind is another incredibly popular career route for graduates.

One of the most common options for someone who majors in chemistry is to continue their studies once they have finished their bachelor’s. Completing a master’s program in chemistry is a very popular step, and a lot of students will then continue into research or doctorate programs.

#8 Economics Major

• Starting Salary: $58,000
• Mid-Career: $98,000
• Future Growth: 8% (2020-2030)

A business degree finally lands in 8th place for top college majors. Selecting a college major in Economics is an excellent way to take advantage of the current demand for data experts.

Studies in this top major will not only provide you with more knowledge about the economy and finance in general but will also sharpen your data analysis skills and provide you with a useful transferable skillset.

A college degree in this major can open up a wide range of possibilities for potential students. Many economist jobs are government-based and offer very competitive salaries, but there’s the option of becoming a data analyst elsewhere or finding other work in the finance sector.

This is the best college major for someone who enjoys math and business and has strong analytical skills. You’ll study the history of economies for the purpose of putting modern markets into perspective.

#9 Electronics Engineering

• Starting Salary: $64,000
• Mid-Career: $95,000
• Future Growth: 2% (2020-2030)

Electronics Engineering ranks 9th among best majors. This is an area of constant growth. The demand for engineers who can design and create electronic devices is increasing by the day, and the job market is constantly growing with it. Although the line between electrical engineering and electronics engineering are often blurred, they are two distinct fields.

A college degree in this top major provides you with all the latest developments in the industry and also incorporate several practical elements to the bachelor’s. Project management and product design will be major components of the major.

This major can open up a range of career prospects for graduates. A job in electronics engineering would be the obvious choice, but other areas, including product design, could be an option. This college major is best for someone who enjoys math or design and has an eye for detail.

#10 Information Technology

• Starting Salary: $60,000
• Mid-Career: $93,000
• Future Growth: 5% (2020-2030)

This top college major combines business and technology. As the world becomes more dependent on technology, selecting a college major in Information Technology can prove hugely advantageous.

A major in Information Technology can open up doors for many potential jobs. A person who has studied information technology can work in programming, cyber-security, software development, application development, and many other computer or technology-focused fields.

Subjects in an IT bachelor’s degree include basic computer operations, system analysis and design, networking foundations, and database administration. Students may have plenty of opportunities for improving their coding and programming skills, both of which are incredibly valuable for finding future work post-graduation.

Graduates with this IT major may find jobs as Developers, Database Administrators, Network Architects, or Computer and Information Research Scientists. This could be the best college major for individuals with a passion for business and technology.

Although this program has a major focus on technology and computers, it’s not the same as a Computer Science degree. An Information Technology program sets its sights on the business and communication aspect of computing, while the Computer Science program focuses on the scientific aspect of computing.

You can earn your bachelor’s in this top major online from the comfort of your own home. IT degrees are one of the most popular majors being offered by online universities.

#11 Health Informatics Degree

• Future Growth: 11% (2020-2030)

The 11th place in our rankings for top college majors is another tech degree. Health informatics is the use of technology and analytics for analyzing medical records and improving medical systems. It’s a useful college major combining several different skills and opens up a variety of future career paths for graduates.

Majors in health informatics combine the study of healthcare with information technology, and graduates can expect to get jobs working as a network system administrator or an information analyst. It’s a very popular college major for those who are looking to climb further up the academic ladder and enter into research a little bit further down the line.

The requirements for a bachelor’s in health informatics can vary, but typically, someone who has an interest in any of the sciences or any technology related subject will likely consider this a top major.

#12 Management Information Systems

• Mid-Career: $91,000

MIS comes in at 12th for best majors. Arguably one of the best all-rounder modern majors you can study, this major combines the latest technology advancements and several aspects of business, effectively teaching you how to implement new technology into an organization.

On top of the computer-based and business-focused aspects of the bachelor’s, you will study sociology, psychology, internet ethics, and project management.

A Management Information Systems major can open lots of different computer-related career paths, but the most common is working toward a profession as an information systems manager. There are also plenty of entry-level positions available after graduating with this major, including a computer systems analyst, with a lot of room for future career progression in this particular field.

Online bachelor programs in this top major are offered by a number of accredited universities.

#13 Game Design Major

• Starting Salary: $51,000
• Mid-Career: $90,000

The next choice for top college majors comes as good news for gamers.

Game Design is a newer type of college major that’s becoming increasingly popular as demands in the industry continue to rise. A bachelor’s in this major will teach students the basics of creating a video game or application and will help them brush up their coding and general software development skills.

While the most obvious career path for someone who majors in game design is working for a video game studio, there are several other IT and technology related jobs for graduates in this top college major. Working as a software or app developer or computer systems analyst are other potential career options.

This could be the best college major for someone who is creative but detail-oriented, passionate about games, and who has a love for coding. Online bachelor programs in this major are being offered by a select number of universities.

#14 Mechanical Engineering

• Starting Salary: $62,000
• Mid-Career: $89,000
• Future Growth Rate: 4% (2020-2030)

In 14th place for best majors is another STEM degree. This is one of the broadest engineering majors a student can select, and it often covers a wide variety of subjects to ensure graduates are well-prepared for future real-world applications.

A mechanical engineering major will study not only the basics of mechanics but more complex topics, like fluid mechanics, materials science, circuit dynamics, and thermodynamics.

The demand for a mechanical engineering major is high, and a lot of graduates can expect to find jobs within the field. There are other options with this top major though, with some moving into product design and project management as an alternative route.

Programs for this major can often be quite long, and many courses will offer students the option of spending a year of their degree getting real, hands-on experience.

#15 Public Administration Major

• Starting Salary: $54,000
• Mid-Career: $87,000
• Future Growth: 17% (2020-2030)

Finally something for non-business, non-science students among the best majors. The Public Administration major is one of the fastest-growing in all of America. As more and more young people become engaged with their communities, the need for public administration roles continues to grow.

A large portion of a Public Administration major involves teaching students how to manage big government projects, something you will be more than capable of doing upon completion of the course.

A bachelor’s in Public Administration typically sets students up for a career in government planning or working for a non-profit organization. The skills you’ll develop make this the best college major for these kinds of roles. Many graduates find there are a lot of job opportunities working in social care or in local government.

This could be the best college major for the kind of student who feels like making a difference or giving a little back to his or her community.

Although a Master’s in Public Administration is more commonly sought online, a few universities are offering an online bachelor’s in this top major.

#16 Liberal Arts Major

• Starting Salary: $55,000
• Mid-Career: $86,000
• Future Growth: 10% (2020-2030)

Here’s another non-STEM, non-business option among the top college majors.

The liberal arts major, or humanities, as it’s also known, can have a wide range of uses for a potential student. Liberal Arts is a broad field covering a wide variety of subjects, including history, literature, writing, philosophy, sociology, psychology, and creative arts. The versatility of a Liberal Arts bachelor degree makes it a top college major among students with diverse interests.

The aim of this major is to set you up for general employment opportunities by equipping you with broad skills, like the ability to think for yourself and how to communicate effectively.

A major in Liberal Arts is diverse and broad, allowing you to select courses from a variety of disciplines. Generally, you’ll take a number of introductory courses, giving you a broad knowledge of different subjects, while helping you decide a specific area for further study.

A graduate with a bachelor’s in this major will likely find a job in a great number of fields. Journalism, teaching, research, and even business are all common routes for liberal arts majors. Politics and public service are other very popular career routes.

This could be the best college major for a person who enjoys academic subjects on the whole. It can also be the perfect major for someone who is hoping to continue their academic journey once they have completed their college degree because a lot of research opportunities are available in liberal arts subjects.

You can earn your bachelor’s in this top major online from a number of accredited universities.

#17 Biomedical Engineering Degree

• Starting Salary: $61,000
• Mid-Career: $85,000
• Future Growth: 4% (2020-2030)

Biomedical Engineering lands in 17th place in the rankings for best college majors. This top major brings together some of the most competitive and rewarding job markets available today. This major will combine both the technology world and the medical world.

Those who select the Biomedical Engineering major will learn about the impact technology is having on modern medicine and healthcare and be educated on all of the latest biomedical equipment and advances.

The most common route for bachelor program graduates with this college major is becoming a biomedical engineer, though a lot of workplaces may expect their employers to have earned a master’s or some other type of further qualification in this field.

This could be the best college major for someone with a background in math and science, and it can also be an excellent major for someone who has been working in the tech or medical industry and is looking for a change in career.

#18 Civil Engineering

• Starting Salary: $56,000

Another engineering degree lands in 18th place for top college majors. This may be the most in-demand of all of the engineering fields a potential student can enter. Graduates with this major work on the construction of highways, airports, sewers, and various other public buildings and structures.

Of all of the engineering fields, this is generally one of the easiest ones to find work in, and while the pay is not as high as some of the other specialties, there’s a lot of room for progression. There are other job opportunities in areas like town planning and project management following this top major.

This could be the best college major for you if you have a mind for math and architecture.

#19 Industrial Engineering Major

• Mid-Career: $82,000

Similar to the last contender for best major is Industrial Engineering. The engineering industry has always been a strong one for graduates to enter into, and that still rings true today. Courses in this college major will teach students how to develop systems that will help make products and supply services in a variety of ways. It will allow students to move into many different sectors.

Graduates in this major generally work as engineers, though it can open up opportunities to work in project management and industry-focused areas.

Most students will likely study a lot of math and science, while more focused topics like inventory control are also likely to be a big part of this top major.

#20 Construction Management Major

One of the best majors for the future that’s back on the rise is construction management. It’s similar to the last couple of top college majors but more geared for hands-on builders.With an ever-growing need for more homes, schools, business building, and hospitals nationwide, this major is seeing a solid rise in demand.

A college major in construction management may be one of the best ways to get yourself a position working as a construction manager, a job becoming increasingly in-demand as the housing market and the economy continue moving in the right direction.

This could be the best college major for you if you have an interest in construction, business, and supervising others.

A growing number of universities are now offering bachelor’s in this top major online.

#21 Communications Major

• Starting Salary: $46,000
• Mid-Career: $77,000

The broad field of Communications comes in at #21 for best majors. It is an increasingly popular college major that will often include subjects like language in the media, public relations, reporting, and many others.

A bachelor’s in this top college major will prepare students for an array of different potential careers. Graduates will likely end up working in the media, with jobs in journalism and public relations often being the most popular path.

Because communication studies is a very diverse major, you could use this bachelor’s for almost any job, from writing business memos to the next bestselling eBook.

You can now earn an online bachelor’s in this major in a number of concentrations, including new media, technical communication, and journalism.

#22 Marketing Major

• Starting Salary: $47,000
• Mid-Career: $75,000

A traditional but perhaps the most creative business degree ranks #22 for top college majors. As a Marketing major, you’ll take a range of courses analyzing and researching business markets with the intent to promote, sell, and distribute products and services to potential consumers.

This is a top college major for undergraduates, and one of the biggest reasons is the diverse range of career paths it opens up. The art of marketing and promoting goods is in constant demand, and it’s a versatile skill to have under your belt.

You’ll study psychology, advertising, communications, sales, service, and financial principles to help you understand the return on investment your marketing efforts bring.

The list of potential careers for someone who majors in Marketing is fairly extensive. Administration, events planning, PR, digital marketing, content writing, graphic design – these are just some of the potential careers available with a Marketing major.

In your courses for this major, you’ll study psychology so that you can understand why people make the purchasing decisions they do, a range of communication methods, and foundational business principles.

Marketing degrees are now available online at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels.

#23 Accounting Major

• Starting Salary: $53,000
• Mid-Career: $73,000

Business gets another spot among the best majors with a numbers-intensive specialty. Accounting is a profession that’s constantly in high demand. A degree in this top college major may open up many different diverse career options, all of which will probably be quite lucrative, making it a very sensible investment.

A bachelor degree in Accounting will, of course, open up the possibility of working in accountancy, but it will also open up various other fields, including being a financial analyst, a personal financial advisor, or a cost estimator. Some of the most common career paths for accounting majors are Public Accountant or Auditor, Corporate Accountant, Internal Auditor, Tax Examiner, Collector, or Revenue Agent.

Many people who graduate with this major work for large banks and other corporations. An accounting degree or an accounting-related degree can get you employment in various workplaces and industries because all industries and establishments usually have an accounting department, although some employers only hire accountants with master’s degrees.

This could be the best college major for you if you have proficiency in finance, statistics, and math.

Accounting degrees are available online at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels.

#24 Business Administration Major

• Starting Salary: $50,000
• Mid-Career: $72,000
• Future Growth: 7% (2020-2030)

Business is on a roll, landing another specialty among the top college majors.

A Business Administration major is one of the most in-demand majors for both students and employers. Courses in this top college major are comprised of accounting, finance, business law, supply chain logistics, organization theory, management, and marketing to give students a strong foundation for employment in a variety of industries.

The business administration major is one of the most diverse available and opens a wide range of doors for graduates. The bachelor degree will allow students to embrace their own entrepreneurial spirit while learning about the ins and outs of the business world.

This could be the best college major for you if you want a broad overview of the business world. Maybe you want to start your own business, become the manager of a small business, or enter the workforce as the manager of a specific department. This is also an ideal starting place for someone who plans to earn an MBA or take a master’s in a specific business area.

The Business Administration major opens up a number of career possibilities, and graduates have traditionally become accountants, sales supervisors, financial managers, project managers, and many other business-related job roles.

Studying for this college major presents graduates with the opportunity to quickly move into management positions in their chosen profession.

A mind for business or math is often beneficial if you want to major in business administration, and the course can be ideal for someone who has previous work experience in a field related to business who is looking to take a step up the career ladder.

You can earn an online bachelor’s in this major in a number of concentrations. If you pursue your master’s online, a number of universities offer online MBA programs.

#25 Finance Major

• Mid-Career: $71,000

Besides accounting, Finance is the second numbers-intensive option you’ll see among the best majors.

When it comes to finding a reliable career path, there are few college majors as attractive as finance. With ever-changing regulations and a fast-paced and competitive job market, a degree in this top college major can open up many doors for potential students and help them make solid, successful careers for themselves.

A Finance program rarely focuses on a specific area of finance; rather, it focuses on finance-related topics such as economics, accounting, risk mitigation, financial analysis, taxation, and statistics.

Graduates with a bachelor’s in this major will qualify for a broad range of positions in public, private, and non-profit establishments. Finance majors can become bankers, financial advisors, financial analysts, and many other lucrative positions.

Selecting this college major will present students an opportunity for creating an invaluable network of contacts within the financial sector, which is something that will help them considerably once they graduate.

This could be the best college major for you if you enjoy statistics, math, and business.

A bachelor degree focused on the aspects of finance will pave the way for a career in various areas like Investment Banking, Financial Planning, Commercial Banking, Insurance, and Real Estate. You could also specialize in International Finance, Risk Management, Investment, and Corporate Finance.

Finance majors can now pursue bachelor programs online, or MBA programs with a specialized focus in Finance.

#26 Management Major

Management is among the top college majors for those who want to be hands-on in business, not behind a desk crunching numbers.

Management is the art of supervising people and operations in a business environment.

This top college major is ideal for students looking to enter into a management role in their future careers. Studying management will give students exposure to a wide range of topics, including finance, marketing, and human resources. It will help you learn how to manage groups of people and projects.

A person who majors in Management can go into various professions in finance, retail, hospitality, or even government contracting.

This could be the best college major for a person who enjoys business or organizational leadership. Someone who already has work experience in various sectors may find that a college major in this field can help them make a step forward in their career.

You can earn your bachelor’s in this major online from a number of accredited universities. Online masters programs are also widely available from top schools.

#27 Nursing Major

• Mid-Career: $69,000
• Future Growth: 12% (2020-2030)

One of the best majors for the future and also one of the most rewarding a student can select is Nursing. The demand for nursing is always incredibly high, and while there’s no pretending the job isn’t hard work, it’s an incredibly rewarding career path.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for this top major will increase by 12% in the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The most common jobs for nurses after graduation are as a registered nurse (RN) or as a nurse practitioner (NP). There are, however, various other routes a graduate can go down in the care-sector if they wish.

As a Nursing major, you’ll study anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, and nutrition, along with medical ethics and caregiving.

Once you have completed your nursing degree, you must then pass your national council licensor examination. If you go down the path of becoming a nurse practitioner, then you will go back to college for further studies after your degree.

This could be the best college major for someone who is compassionate and can help people through difficult situations but also analytical with strong attention to detail. As a nurse, you’ll be the primary caregiver for individuals in a hospital, doctor’s office, or nursing home. You could also work as a home health aide, helping elderly people stay in their homes longer.

Many nurses work long hours but enjoy a lifetime of rewarding experiences as they help patients recover from illnesses and injuries, or ease their discomfort during the last moments of life.

At this time, there are no 100% online bachelor programs for this top major since there’s a large clinical component in the programs. However, once you’ve become a Registered Nurse (RN), there are quite a few universities offering the fastest way to get a bachelor’s degree online in Nursing with an RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs around.

#28 Political Science Major

• Starting Salary: $49,000

History buffs and the politically-minded will be happy to see Poly-Sci among the best college majors.

The Political Science major covers a broad range of topics but is mostly focused on how laws are made and the impact those laws have on societies. The major course of study for this top college major will include current affairs and the impact they are having on smaller communities.

Studying for a college major in Political Science opens up a plethora of career options for graduates. Jobs such as town planner, lobbyist, political scientist, teacher, political consultant, lawyer, and many others are all perfectly viable options for those who major in political science.

This could be the best college major for someone who is interested in current affairs and who has an active interest in politics.

Although political science bachelor programs are not widely available online, there are a few accredited universities offering this top college major online. An alternative major that may be of interest is criminal justice.

#29 Education Degree

• Starting Salary: $40,000
• Mid-Career: $54,000

Do you enjoy teaching others? Do you think you can command the attention of a classroom? Then this could be the best college major for you! It’s still a very rewarding career path, even if it is near the bottom of the list for top college majors.

The field of Education is most convenient for someone who welcomes challenges and can effortlessly pass information on in the simplest of ways, making for easy understanding. The job of an educator never ends; you can never truly know when your influence on others begins or ends. It’s an unending process of continually developing others intellectually and socially.

Education is a popular college major that can open up a myriad of career paths for graduates. In Education, a student will learn about the theories behind education and put some of those into practice in real-life classroom and school environments.

While teaching may be the main career graduates with this college major, there are plenty of other options that become available. A career in teaching methodology, publishing, or childcare are other very good options.

If you do want to become a classroom teacher, you can choose your specialization – whether by age range or subject. For example, you could specialize in early childhood development, higher education, or a similar teaching field.

There’s a misconception that graduates with a major in education can only end up being a teacher in a way or the other. But times have changed, and a graduate with an education degree can occupy other positions involving Special Education, Administration, Curriculum Design, Counseling, Library Science, and many more.

If you further your career and teach at the university level, you could be looking at a future mid-career salary of $87,000.

A large number of accredited colleges and universities offer online bachelor programs for this top college major.

Top Choice #30 English Degree

• Starting Salary: $41,000
• Mid-Career: $51,000

Although it may be last in our rankings among the best majors, English is still a great option. An English major can be incredibly fruitful for graduates and present them with a variety of career options. Your studies in this top college major will provide you a wide variety of skills, all of which will be transferable into other specialties.

Media, publishing, marketing, and education are all possible sectors for an English major. Becoming an English teacher, a journalist, or even a publisher are all very popular options for someone who has studied this college major.

As an English major, you could become a writer, editor, ESL teacher tutoring foreign students domestically or abroad, or a Language Arts or English teacher for a middle or high school.

Students of this top college major need to be creative but also have the ability to think analytically about how we use language and its mechanics.

Bachelors programs for English majors are widely available online or on campus.

Best College Majors for Future Job Market

Wondering what the best college majors are for the future?

According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 80% of students in undergraduate studies chose their college major based on the potential job prospects. For those of you who are among the 20% wanting your degree as quickly as possible, you may find our article Quick Degrees that Pay Well helpful.

There’s nothing worse than investing in a college major and then finding out the job market for that major is rapidly diminishing! Save yourself the trouble by choosing a major in a field geared for high growth for a good return on your investment.

Below are the best majors for future growth rankings according to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Business Majors

Business majors are one of the most popular degrees and programs for a reason. They are in high demand across the board!

Some of the jobs experiencing the highest projected growth in business industries include:

• Operations research analyst: 27%
• Marketing analysts and specialists: 23%
• Management analysts: 14%
• Cost estimators: 11%

There are plenty of other in-demand business majors you can choose.

Healthcare Majors

Healthcare majors are a booming industry with some of the highest growing jobs. The demand for individuals with healthcare training far surpasses almost any of the other industries with job growth expected in nearly every level of healthcare.

An example of this projected growth can be seen in the job growth expected in these roles over the next 10 years.

• Personal care aides: 39%
• Medical assistants: 29%
• Registered nurses: 15%
• Licensed practical nurses: 12%
• Nursing assistants: 11%

The healthcare industry will continue growing as the population both ages and increases.

Software & Information Technology Majors

Software majors and information technology majors are also in high demand as the world continues in technological advances. There isn’t a business sector not heavily reliant on the support of software and IT. Be part of the surge with jobs like these that are experiencing exceptional job growth.

• Information security analysts: 28%
• Software developers: 24%
• All computer occupations: 13%
• Computer user support specialists: 11%
• Computer systems analyst: 9%

The impressive starting salaries and constant room for advancement help advertise why this field is in the top rankings.

50 Best Salaries by College Major

As you consider the best college major that is the right fit for you, having an understanding of the top majors that produce the highest earning jobs is essential.

The following list highlights the 50 best college majors by median pay with a bachelor’s in both entry-level and mid-career salaries.

Source: Payscale As you can see from this list of lucrative careers, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) majors can be highly advantageous as many of the top paying programs and best college majors for the future fall into one of these categories. So, if you’re looking for good majors in college, STEM might be a good place to start.

Exploring Top College Majors and Their Impact

Entering college often entails making a significant decision: choosing a major. The range of options, from liberal arts to STEM, can shape your academic journey and future career path.

In this section of the guide, your will read about various popular college majors, their roles in education, and their impact on professional opportunities. Whether you prefer analytical careers, or lean more towards anthropology, astronomy, chemical engineering, health care, human resources, working as a nonprofit chief executive officer, or want to work for one of the government agencies hiring economists, or even federal agents, there is a college major for you, and more colleges and universities are offering these programs online.

Understanding the Role of Liberal Arts in College Education

Liberal arts remain a top choice among the best college majors. Universities around the US incorporate a liberal arts curriculum to build a comprehensive understanding of various disciplines. Students studying liberal arts often take courses in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and math, fostering an interdisciplinary approach.

Exploring the Promise of Engineering Fields

Engineering remains a best major in many top universities. Various branches including industrial engineering, aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering, computer science, hardware, materials engineering, and more, which can lead to promising career prospects due to continuous technological advancements. In addition to core engineering principles, these majors often include courses in math and science.

Unveiling the Importance of Healthcare Professions

Healthcare majors, such as nursing, medical assisting, and pharmaceutical careers, are in high demand due to growing public health needs. Nursing school programs provide rigorous training to future nurses, ensuring they’re prepared for a variety of medical situations. Medical assistants play an essential role in healthcare administration, often interacting directly with patients and managing logistical elements of care.

The Impact of Technology on the Job Market

Majors such as computer science, information technology, software engineering, and cybersecurity offer promising job growth due to increasing dependence on technology. These top majors require a solid foundation in math and science. Graduates often find employment in a variety of industries, showcasing the versatility of these degrees.

Accounting and Finance: A Stepping Stone to Prosperity

Accounting and finance remain popular undergraduate majors due to the stability and robust income potential they offer. These degrees equip students with a comprehensive understanding of financial management, public policy, and statistical analysis, opening the doors to a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors.

Advancing with a Degree in Social Sciences

Social sciences, such as sociology, political science, and anthropology, offer insights into human behavior and societal patterns, as well as helping hone your communication skills. Students with a major in social sciences are often well-equipped to handle roles in public administration, public relations, and social services, or even serve as counselors. These majors emphasize research methodology, critical thinking, and data analysis.

The Ever-growing Domain of STEM Education

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degrees continue to be top college majors due to the high demand in the job market. Majors like physics, chemistry, biology, and math fall under this umbrella. STEM degrees offer substantial salary prospects and are vital for pushing the frontiers of technology and science.

Importance of Public Speaking and Communications

Majors in communications, journalism, and public relations help students develop strong public speaking and professional skills. These majors are among the best for students who enjoy engaging with people and creating impactful narratives. Whether it’s writing an editorial for a newspaper or managing a public relations crisis, these majors prepare students for a wide range of roles.

Indeed, there is a growing demand for trained workers in various industries where their skills are needed to fill the workforce gap and ensure the smooth functioning of the economy. Whether you are considering civil engineering, computer engineering, or a career in ecology or biochemistry, remember that the median annual salary is just the middle salary among all professionals.

As a college grad enters the workforce, their degree can provide them with a strong foundation to navigate the professional landscape. They can benefit from annual performance reviews and salary increases, allowing them to share in the financial success of their organization. Additionally, some companies offer equity programs that provide employees with an opportunity to invest in the company’s growth and potentially benefit from stock value appreciation. Graduates should also explore retirement plans with employer match contributions, ensuring long-term financial security. By taking on advanced roles within their chosen discipline, graduates can increase their earning potential and reduce potential student loan debt over time. Moreover, understanding the economic landscape and the factors that drive compensation in their field can help graduates make informed decisions about job opportunities and negotiate favorable salary packages. When it comes to high paying college majors,

Finally, considering regional and global offices can open up diverse career paths and increase earnings potential, as different economic environments present unique opportunities for growth.

University Accreditation

Selecting one of the best college majors isn’t the only consideration. You should also make sure your degree programs are worth the time and money you spend investing in them. In addition to checking out various college ranking and review sites, you should also taken into consideration the university’s accreditation. This is a guarantee that the university meets quality standards.

What you’re looking for is regional accreditation. When the college you pick is accredited, it has willingly opened itself up for third-party, independent inspectors to verify the quality of its programs and the education it offers.

When doing prep work to compare top majors, search for your target schools in the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database.

Financial Aid

And even the best college majors should see you earning high returns after you graduate, there’s no reason to pay more for your education than you need to.

Look for these fastest funding opportunities to help ease the burden of tuition:

• Scholarships
• Employee Tuition Assistance
• Deferred Student Loans
• Private student loan

Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

When considering paying for college, it’s essential to seek advice and utilize any resource available, such as state grants and scholarships, to minimize the need for paying college loans off later on, while leveraging savings, bank accounts, and low interest options, and utilizing tools that can help navigate the financial aid process. When finding the total cost of education, it may also be helpful to use a financial aid and tuition calculator.

What Majors Are Most In Demand?

The most in demand majors right now are Business, Healthcare, and IT-related programs and will be for the foreseeable future. But don’t let these rankings be your only deciding factor for what the top college major is.

The job market is growing at one of the fastest rates in recent history, which means nearly every college major will be valuable for students entering or re-entering the workforce after graduation.

What College Majors Are Worth It?

Every college major is worth it, even if you don’t end up working in the field you studied. There are liberal arts majors who enjoy lucrative careers as lawyers and physicians.

Remember, part of earning your degree is showing employers and graduate school admission committees that you can learn, accomplish your goals, and apply yourself. Colleges have certain rules, requirements, and red tape that define how to succeed. Navigating this landscape helps advertise your characteristics of being a go-getter, problem-solver, and finisher.

If you do work in your degree field, all the better. Your education will help you bypass certain entry-level positions and start earning a professional salary.

You can also learn more about specific careers and compensation on Twitter and LinkedIn.

What Are the Best College Majors to Get a Job?

The best college majors to get a job are those in the higher rankings of projected job growth and lucrative salaries such as business administration, healthcare, and technology.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics keeps track of job growth and salary data for a wide range of professions. When looking for the best major, knowing which majors have the highest rankings in median salary and projected growth rate can be very useful in helping you make a more informed decision.

What Are the Most Common College Majors?

The most common college majors are business, health professions, social sciences, history, psychology, biological sciences, biomedical sciences, and engineering.

Together, these top majors make up 56% of all bachelor’s degrees conferred, and are offered at nearly every private or public college.

How Do I Know Which College Major To Pursue?

There are several factors that you should consider when choosing a college major that you believe is the best major for you. Some of the obvious factors include program cost, salary potential, and job demand. If you choose a major that is in the top rankings for one or more of these factors, then you are off to a great start.

One of the biggest factors not mentioned yet is job satisfaction. When finding the best major, you need to look into the future and ask yourself: Will I enjoy the field of work with this college major?

Job satisfaction is a crucial aspect of a fulfilling career. Satisfaction in our work not only affects our overall well-being but also has a profound impact on our productivity and motivation. When we experience satisfaction in our job, we feel a sense of fulfillment, contentment, and enjoyment in what we do. Job satisfaction fuels our drive to excel and pushes us to go the extra mile. Satisfaction in our work leads to increased engagement, higher levels of commitment, and a greater sense of loyalty towards our organization. Moreover, it fosters a positive work environment and promotes better mental health. Prioritizing job satisfaction is not only beneficial for individuals but also for companies, as it contributes to higher employee retention rates, improved performance, and a positive company culture.

Ultimately, you want to find a certain major that matches closely to your interests, values, and abilities. By doing so, you will have a better chance at achieving happiness with the career path you choose.

How Many Years Does it Take to Study a Common College Major?

Students have the choice of either studying for two years, and receiving an associate’s degree, or four years, and receiving a bachelor’s degree. It depends on the strategies you use to complete your degree.

For those who want to further their studies even more, there are graduate programs that advertise a more in-depth study and take about two more years to earn after completing a bachelor’s program.

What Is the Best College Major to Study?

Choosing the best college majors for the future may seem like a balancing act as you contemplate the job market, your personal interests, and abilities. But as you could see with the up-to-date salary data and projected industry growth rates, there are quite a few great options for bachelor’s degree holders!

Which college major is the best major? The choice is yours. You can search for programs now using our college degree search tool below.

Related College & Degree Guides:

• Hardest College Majors
• What Kind of Degrees Are There

California State University, Sacramento

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Story content, sac state playing key role in improving diversity in education, report shows.

By Cynthia Hubert

August 28, 2024

Sacramento State is helping to fill a critical need for Latine educators, a newly released national report indicates.

A report by Excelencia in Education , an organization that promotes Latine college student success, ranks the University 10th in the nation in awarding undergraduate Education degrees to Latine students. Three other CSUs also are listed in the top 10 in that category.

The report is based on graduation rates from 112 institutions across the country for the 2019-20 academic year. Since then, Sac State has continued to maintain a strong pace in awarding Education degrees, University data shows.

Sac State and other listed colleges and universities can serve as models for helping to fill a serious shortage of educators prepared to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population, Excelencia in Education said.

“To ensure America’s future, institutions and employers in education must play an active role in preparing, selecting, and sourcing Latino talent for a global economy,” the report reads.

In 2021, according to the report, Latines represented 26% of all K-12 students in the nation, but less than 10% of teachers.

"Sacramento State has a presence as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, and our innovative programming that serves Latine students has received national recognition. It is our notable faculty and amazing staff in our Latine-serving centers that deserve recognition for work they do in supporting our Latine students to graduation.” -- Amber Gonzalez, professor of Child and Adolescent Development and DEGREES Project faculty advisor

Excelencia in Education analyzed national databases to identify the top 25 institutions that are “graduating and preparing Latinos for the workforce,” the report reads. The institutions “serve as prime locations for sourcing and selecting Latino talent,” it says.

The report shows that Sac State awarded 180 undergraduate Education degrees to Latines in 2019-20, representing 36% of all degrees awarded. The University awarded 205, 183, and 213 Education degrees to Latines in the three subsequent years, respectively, University statistics show, and this year is on pace to meet or exceed last year’s number.

The ranking is the latest acknowledgement of Sac State’s work to promote Latine student success. The University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a federal designation indicating that at least 25% of its students are Latine. The designation makes Sac State eligible for federal grants designed to help advance Hispanic education.

Sac State is also a two-time recipient of Excelencia in Education’s Seal of Excelencia , which recognizes institutions that intentionally serve Latine students.

The University has made steady progress in enrolling and graduating Latine students. The strides have occurred in part because of Sac State’s commitment to improve graduation rates overall, as well as programs and institutional practices designed with Hispanic students in mind.

Those programs include the College Assistance Migrant Program , which offers support to students from farmworker backgrounds; the Serna Center , which focuses on political knowledge, activism and community service; the Educational Opportunity Program , which serves low-income students; and the Dreamer Resource Center , which assists undocumented students.

The University also is increasing the number of faculty who have demonstrated records of success in working with Hispanic students.

"Sacramento State has a presence as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, and our innovative programming that serves Latine students has received national recognition,” said Amber Gonzalez, a professor of Child and Adolescent Development and DEGREES Project faculty advisor in Sac State’s College of Education.

“It is our notable faculty and amazing staff in our Latine-serving centers that deserve recognition for work they do in supporting our Latine students to graduation.”

Carlos Nevarez, Sac State provost and interim vice president of Academic Affairs, said the data cited by Excelencia in Education “serves as a valuable benchmark, allowing us to measure our progress and reaffirm our dedication to supporting Latino students.”

The top-10 ranking “is not just a number,” he said. “It represents countless opportunities for our Latino graduates to become influential professionals and role models in their communities."

“Sacramento State's consistent performance in awarding Education degrees to Latino students reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in teaching, research and service,” Nevarez said.

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• Student Success
• Antiracism and Inclusion

About Cynthia Hubert

Cynthia Hubert came to Sacramento State in November 2018 after an award-winning career writing for the Sacramento Bee. Cynthia believes everyone has a good story. She lives in East Sacramento with her two cats, who enjoy bird-watching from their perch next to the living-room window.

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Forbes’ Top 25 Public Colleges

These state universities stand out as schools that offer students high earning potential with low debt burdens and a great return on their investment., by emma whitford , forbes staff.

W hile prestigious private colleges—particularly the eight Ivies—get the lion’s share of media attention, it’s public colleges that educate a majority of America’s undergraduates. Three out of every five bachelor’s degree-seeking students in the U.S. attend a state school. And as the cost of higher education continues to rise, it’s worth giving your own state’s offerings a serious look.

During the 2023-24 academic year, the average net price for tuition and fees—that is, the out-of-pocket cost after student aid is factored in—paid by private college students and their families was $15,910, compared with a net tuition and fees cost of only $2,730 for in-state public college students, according to the College Board . California high schoolers are especially lucky—seven in-state universities land on this top 25 list. But Texas, Florida and New York, the next three most populous U.S. states, can also claim universities on this list. And all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico are home to at least one public college on Forbes’ top 500 .

To determine this year’s top 25 public colleges, Forbes applied the same methodology to all four-year public colleges with at least 300 undergraduates that we used to determine the 500 schools on the America’s Top Colleges list. Our methodology prioritizes, among other things, high alumni salaries, low student debt levels and high returns on investment .

The following schools, which educate a combined 709,000 students, stood out as high performers on all 14 of our metrics. They’re listed in order of how highly they scored against their peers. Interested in learning more about one of these colleges? Click on its name to view the full college profile.

University of California-Berkeley

Routinely the top-ranked public college on Forbes’ annual list of 500, the University of California-Berkeley is well-known for its rigorous academics and science programs. It’s a competitive ticket—in 2024, the school’s admissions rate was around 11%. Graduates of the Bay Area public university earn a median $74,919 six years after matriculating (or, for most undergraduate students, two years after graduating), and a median $92,446 six years out. Nearly 500 UC Berkeley graduates go on to earn a PhD each year.

University of California-Los Angeles

Of the public colleges on the Forbes’ top 50, The University of California-Los Angeles is the toughest to get into, with an admissions rate of about 9%. The public university boasts nationwide name recognition and a significant chunk of its undergraduate student body—23%—come from outside the state or the country. Some of the most popular undergraduate programs at the university include psychology, economics and sociology.

University of Florida

The University of Florida, located in Gainesville, offers students a great return on their investment—Third Way estimates that it takes graduates about nine months to make up the net cost of their education in post-graduate earnings. Six years after stepping foot on campus, graduates earn a median $56,398, and a median $123,700 ten years after they graduate. The public university is well-known for its Division I Florida Gators sports teams, and students and alumni have earned 143 Olympic medals. The school was recently named a “New Ivy” by Forbes for admitting top talent and earning praise from employers for producing high-achieving, hard working graduates.

University of California-San Diego

The University of California-San Diego is the third of six University of California schools on this list (which is no surprise , given how well the state university system routinely scores on Forbes’ annual rankings). Its picturesque campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, California is a draw of its own, and a boon to its surf team, which is one of the best in the country and has won six national championships. The public research university is also popular for its biology, computer science and cognitive science programs, and students earn a median $​​79,200 two years after graduating.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the United States, having opened its doors to students in 1795. The university’s rigorous academics prepares students well for graduate school—on average, 244 alumni earn a PhD each year, federal data shows. But it’s not all work and no play. UNC Chapel Hill is also famous for its Tar Heels sports teams, especially its men’s basketball team, which has won six national championships. About 18% of students take out loans to attend the university, and nearly 90% of them are able to make payments toward their loan principal (as opposed to paying only interest) within five years of entering repayment. UNC was also named a New Ivy by Forbes .

University of California-Santa Barbara

Almost any student could find their niche at the University of California-Santa Barbara, which offers more than 200 undergraduate majors, the most popular of which include sociology, econometrics and communications. Graduates then go on to earn a median $72,700 and $148,600 six and ten years out from graduation, respectively. The university enrolls a significant share of low-income students—30% of undergraduates receive Pell grants.

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Only 16% of students take out loans to attend The University of Washington, making it one of only a handful of schools on this list where fewer than one in five students borrow for their degree. The school draws in a lot of out-of-staters—24% of undergraduates come from outside Washington, compared with 60% from in-state and 15% from outside the U.S. Some of the most popular majors include social science, biomedical science and computer science.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Among the top 25 public colleges, the University of Michigan ranks behind only UC Berkeley when it comes to the number of alumni on the Forbes American Leaders list; Wolverines on this year’s list include Ohio congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Guggenheim fellow Julia Wolfe and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Olivia Weinstock. Graduates of the University of Michigan earn a median $80,300 six years after graduation, and a median $137,500 ten years after receiving their diploma. The University of Michigan is another one of Forbes ’ New Ivies.

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Located in Charlottesville, the University of Virginia-Main Campus is popular among students who major in social science, business and the liberal arts. Among the top 25 public schools, UVA has the highest graduation rate—95% of all students graduate with a bachelor’s degree within six years. It also boasts the highest graduation rate for low-income students—92% of Pell grant recipients graduate within six years. UVA is also one of Forbes ’ New Ivies.

University of California-Irvine

The University of California-Irvine enrolls a diverse student body, 81% of which hails from within California. Thirty-eight percent of undergraduates are Asian, 27% are Hispanic or Latino and 13% are white. Nearly four in ten students at the public university receive Pell grants, with the average Pell grant award worth $5,644 and 65% of all students at UC Irvine get some kind of grant aid to attend. Social science, business, management and marketing are all popular majors at the university.

University of Maryland-College Park

The University of Maryland-College Park draws students from in and out of state—72% of undergraduates hail from Maryland while 26% live elsewhere in the U.S. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. makes the school ideal for students interested in politics and policy, though computer science, social science and engineering are the most popular programs among undergraduates. The university has a 95% three-year average retention rate, showing that year after year, a large majority of freshmen return as sophomores. Maryland, too, was named a New Ivy.

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Graduates from the Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus earn some of the highest mid-career salaries of any public university on this list. Six years after stepping foot on campus, students earn a median $102,772, and 10 years after graduation, that median salary hits an impressive $163,500. Georgia Tech, a favorite of employers, also made the Forbes New Ivies list.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign gets high marks on Forbes ’ academic metrics. The university enrolls or has graduated 20 people who have, within the past year, become Rhodes, Truman, Fulbright or Goldwater scholars. Each year, more than 300 University of Illinois alumni go on to earn a PhD. Popular programs at the midwestern university include engineering, business and marketing. The school also qualified as a New Ivy.

University of California-Davis

The University of California-Davis has strong international appeal—the university enrolls 18% of its students from outside the U.S. Of the university’s nearly 32,000 undergraduates, 31% are Asian, 24% are Hispanic or Latino and 21% are white. Those students who take out federal student loans to attend UC Davis borrow a median of $11,000 and about nine in 10 graduates pay some of their principal loan amount within five years of entering repayment.

The University of Texas at Austin

Students love the University of Texas at Austin—95% of first-time undergraduates return for a second year. Employers also love UT Austin. Its great reputation among hiring managers landed it a spot on Forbes ’ New Ivies list . The urban university enrolls nearly 40,000 undergraduates, who favor programs in biology, engineering, communications and journalism, and go on to earn a median salary of $60,896 two years after graduating.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Named a public New Ivy by Forbes in May, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is well-known by employers for producing smart, hard-working graduates. It’s the biggest feeder school into healthcare records giant Epic, located just miles away from the University of Wisconsin’s Isthmus campus. Computer science, economics and psychology are all popular among undergraduates at the university.

William & Mary

William & Mary is unique in that despite being classified as a doctoral, public research university, its student population is largely made up of undergraduates and its 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio give it a liberal arts campus feel. The Virginia public college’s acceptance rate hovers around 33%, making it fairly attainable compared to other schools of its size and prestige. William & Mary has a long, rich history—U.S. presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler attended the college, and other founding fathers, including George Washington, had connections to the school, earning it the nickname “Alma Mater of the Nation.”

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo boasts high starting and mid-career median salaries for its graduates, who often go on to work in technology, engineering and business. Two years after graduating from a four-year program, Cal Poly alumni earn a median $72,358. Later on in their careers, 10 years after graduation, their median salaries hover around $148,600. About one fifth of students take on debt to attend the university, with the median debt load sitting around $15,000.

Purdue University-Main Campus

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University enrolls more than 36,000 full-time undergraduates who can choose from more than 100 majors, including chemical engineering, forestry and UX design. About a quarter of students take out loans to attend Purdue, with the median loan value at $15,000. Of those students, 90% are able to pay some of their loan principal within five years of graduation.

Florida State University

Florida State University offers its students a great return on their investment. According to Third Way, graduates of the public university in Tallahassee take less than a year to make up their net cost in earnings. Eighty-six percent of students receive some kind of grant aid to attend, with the average aid award sitting at $8,731. The most popular majors for undergraduates include psychology, criminal justice and finance.

University of Georgia

Of the 29,680 full-time undergraduates at the University of Georgia, three quarters come from within the state while the remaining quarter come from other parts of the U.S. Some of the most popular programs among students at the public university are psychology, public health and biology. The Georgia Bulldogs are popular collegiate teams, and they have won national championships in football, baseball, men’s and women’s tennis and golf, to name a few.

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

One of the most cost-effective colleges on our list, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College costs New Yorkers $31,482 to attend, and out-of-staters $39,432—both prices before student aid. Return on investment for students at the New York City public college is high—Third Way estimates that it takes graduates about four months to make up the net cost in earnings, and low-income graduates do so in less than three months. Of all 25 schools on this list, Baruch College enrolls the highest percentage of low-income students—52% of undergraduates receive Pell grants. Only 11% of Baruch College undergraduates take out loans to attend the school, and the median debt burden is $10,000.

Texas A & M University-College Station

By far the largest school on this list with more than 50,000 undergraduates, Texas A&M University-College Station is known for its engineering, agriculture and veterinary science programs. Graduates of the university go on to earn a median $72,600 six years after graduation and a median $139,700 10 years out. Texas A&M does not require applicants to submit test scores, and admits around 64% of applicants—the large majority of which are in-state students.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Graduates from North Carolina State University at Raleigh earn a median salary of $70,800 six years after graduation and $128,600 ten years after graduation. It takes about two years for graduates from North Carolina State to make up their net cost in earnings, according to Third Way, but low-income students typically do so in less than a year after graduation. Engineering is by far the most popular program at the university, followed by business and biology.

San Diego State University

The seventh California public college on this list, and one of the 23 schools in the California State University system, is San Diego State University. The university enrolls 28,524 undergraduates, who can choose from majors like criminal justice, psychology and mechanical engineering. About one in five students take on loans to attend San Diego State, and the median loan amount is just under $13,000.

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Best universities in the UK 2024 - University Rankings

The university of oxford is top in a list of the best universities in the uk 2024, which includes institutions in england, wales, scotland and northern ireland.

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Top 10 universities in the UK 2024

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Which are the top universities in the UK? If you want to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, which universities should you consider?

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This league table reveals the best UK universities and colleges, according to the trusted Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.

The University of Oxford takes the first place position, with the University of Cambridge following in second place, while two of London’s best universities and a Scottish university complete the top five.

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Three universities in Scotland appear in the top 25 – the University of Edinburgh , the University of Glasgow and the University of St Andrews – while Cardiff University is the top-ranked Welsh university, sitting in 24th place.

For students looking to study in Northern Ireland, the best university in the ranking is Queen’s University Belfast .

Of the top universities in the UK, about 20 are in London, including well-known institutions such as Imperial College London and King’s College London.

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Top 5 universities in the UK

5.  university of edinburgh.

Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is the sixth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Britain and Ireland’s seven ancient universities.

It is made up of three colleges: arts, humanities and social sciences; science and engineering; and medicine and veterinary medicine. Within these colleges are 20 academic schools.

A range of student clubs and societies is on offer, including a music society, a theatre society and a variety of sports teams including football, rowing, judo and rugby.

The student newspaper, The Student , is one of the oldest student newspapers in the UK. It was founded by the author Robert Louis Stevenson.

UCL’s main campus is in the central London area of Bloomsbury. Nearly half of all UCL students are from outside the UK, with significantly more from Asia than from continental Europe.

UCL was the first university in England to admit students irrespective of class, race or religion, and the first to admit women on equal terms with men, following the educational philosophy of Jeremy Bentham, the university’s “spiritual founder”.

For admission, undergraduate students are required to have achieved top grades in their high school exams. The most competitive degree is the BSc in philosophy, politics and economics, which receives 30 applicants for every place.

Famous alumni include Mahatma Gandhi; Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone; and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who met the other members of his band at the university.

3. Imperial College London

Imperial’s main campus is near Kensington Palace in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, with other campuses around the city. The student cohort is extremely international and is made up of more than 125 nationalities.

Imperial College London is consistently ranked among the best universities in the world for science, technology, engineering, medicine and business.

It was formed in 1907 from a merger of three colleges in London and now has 17,000 students and 8,000 staff.

In addition to top scientists, Fields medallists and Nobel prizewinners, Imperial also produces influential government advisers and policymakers. Many graduates go on to achieve breakthrough innovations in industry and business, and are highly sought after by blue-chip companies and start-ups.

The author H. G. Wells and Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, are among Imperial’s famous alumni.

Ten things every international student in London should know

2. University of Cambridge

In total, 117 Nobel laureates are affiliated with the University of Cambridge , and Cambridge-linked mathematicians have won 11 Fields medals. Notable alumni include actors, athletes, politicians, royals and cultural figures, including biologist Charles Darwin, broadcaster David Attenborough, conservationist Jane Goodall and actress Olivia Colman.

Like Oxford, the University of Cambridge is fundamentally collegiate and is also one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. The town is just an hour from London.

The university is home to more than 19,000 students and 9,000 staff. There are 31 colleges, some of which date back to the 13th century, and more than 100 academic departments.

Cambridge is particularly renowned for excellence in mathematics and has educated some of the most famous British scientists.

Undergraduates are taught via lectures and supervisions – intimate tutorials with only a couple of other students at most. The workload is heavy but terms are shorter than at many other UK universities.

Cambridge libraries are home to extensive collections of medieval manuscripts, and the university museums display collections of archaeological artefacts and zoological specimens.

Oxbridge and the Ivy League: tips for applications

1. University of Oxford

More than 30 world leaders, 27 British prime ministers, 50 Nobelists and 120 Olympic medallists were educated at Oxford. Stephen Hawking, Hugh Grant and Indira Gandhi are some of its famous graduates.

Undergraduates and postgraduates belong to one of its 44 colleges and often live in the college building or college-owned accommodation.

One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford attracts top scholars and students. Entry standards are high and admission is competitive; on average, the institution receives five applications for each available place.

Social life and recreational activities – such as rowing, cultural events and societies – also revolve around the college. Undergraduates are taught almost exclusively by tutors in their college, while postgraduate students are primarily served academically by a centralised faculty.

There are more than 100 libraries at Oxford, the most famous of which is the Bodleian, built in 1602. The city also has a number of museums, including the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, which houses the remains of a dodo, and the Museum of the History of Science, which displays a blackboard used by Albert Einstein.

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Best universities in the UK 2024

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