For the second year in a row, Princeton University has earned the #1 spot alongside a lead in all 14 metrics Forbes uses to determine which 500 American colleges provide the best educational, financial and career outcomes for all students. Among the standout numbers: a 97% six-year graduation rate for low-income students. But there’s also notable movement on the list, with Houston’s Rice University making the top 10 for the first time, jumping to #9 from #22 last year, thanks in part to its low student debt. Earlier this year, Rice was one of ten private schools, along with 10 public schools, to be named the “New Ivies.” Also notable: At a time when applications to historically Black colleges and universities are soaring and diversity efforts at some public universities are being scaled back, six HBCUs earned spots in the top 500, up from three last year.
While we don’t include school acceptance rates in our rankings, this year we decided to ease some of the concerns of high school seniors by highlighting top schools with acceptance rates that are not below 10%, such as Princeton, Stanford, or MIT. Thirty-eight of our top 100 schools accept more than 30% of applicants, and 16 of them accept 50% or more—in other words, these are great schools with lower acceptance rates. Also new this year, because school size is not factored into our rankings, we’ve created a sublist of the 50 best small colleges for students looking for the supportive environment and small class sizes that these schools offer. As in previous years, we’re also highlighting the top 5 public colleges, the top 5 private colleges that provide generous financial aid, and the top 5 schools that provide the best return on investment. For our essential rankings on the financial health of private colleges, click here . For a closer look at our rankings methodology, click here .
Here is the List of the Best and Most Favorite Colleges in America
1. Princeton University
Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university located in Princeton, New Jersey. As the fourth oldest college in the United States, Princeton has a long history spanning 276 years. The university offers 37 degree concentrations and over 50 interdepartmental certificate programs, with some of the most popular majors being the social sciences, engineering, public administration, and social service professions.
Read also: Here’s How Stanford University Has Helped Develop Silicon Valley
2. Stanford University
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to over 7,700 undergraduate students and nearly 10,000 graduate students at Stanford University for the Fall 2022 quarter. Known globally for its STEM programs, Stanford also provides academic programs from each of its seven schools, including humanities, law, and business. The university boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, with 2,304 faculty members. Stanford has produced a number of notable alumni, including Nobel Prize winners Carl Wieman, Paul Milgrom, and Roger Kornberg — who continues to teach at the university’s Medical School.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is remembered for its groundbreaking discoveries in science, research, and technology. The university’s acceptance rate is also competitive, admitting just 3.9% of the more than 33,000 applicants for the class of 2026. Last fiscal year, MIT’s total endowment was $24.6 billion, with funds going to research, education, and scholarships. In 2023, the average family earning just under $140,000 would cover full undergraduate tuition, thanks to its endowment.4. Yale University
4. Yale University
Yale University has a centuries-long history that solidifies its position among the Ivy League and stands as one of the most prestigious schools in the United States. In 2023, Yale’s competitive admissions reportedly accepted less than 5 percent of applicants, the lowest acceptance rate in the school’s recent history. The university provides degree-granting academic programs across 14 schools, including Yale College, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and the Yale Professional School. The university prides itself on its research efforts, with more than 70 core research facilities and $900 million in external funding for fiscal year 2022.
5. University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley’s accomplishments extend beyond academics with pride rooted in history, discovery, and social contribution. With more than 35,000 students, students can choose from 350 degree programs across 130 academic departments. Not only is UC Berkeley the all-time leading producer of Peace Corps members, but it also boasts an impressive alumni base of 35 Nobel Prize winners—nine of whom are current faculty. UC Berkeley athletics are also renowned for their broad academic offerings. 121 Olympic gold medals have been awarded to students and alumni and remains highly respected along with 98 National Championships. In 2023, the university recorded the highest California enrollment of its student body of more than 125,800.
