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Compare Bachelor’s Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare Bachelor’s Programs
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Best Bachelor’s Degrees and Programs of 2025
Compare Bachelor’s Programs
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Earning a bachelor’s degree can help students prepare for many in-demand, high-paying career paths while developing valuable transferable skills necessary for today’s job market.

However, with so many bachelor’s degree programs to choose from, narrowing down options and finding the one that best fits your needs can be challenging. Therefore, Intelligent.com compiled this list of the best bachelor’s degrees and programs in the U.S. We also used our expertise to offer guidance on what students can expect in a bachelor’s degree program and answer frequently asked questions about bachelor’s degrees and programs.

Our Research

This list features some of the best bachelor’s degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation, as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of bachelor’s degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Top 50 Bachelor’s Degrees and Programs

Best Bachelor's Degrees and Programs badge
01

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
01

University of Chicago
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University of Pennsylvania
01

Harvard University
01

Stanford University
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Yale University
01

Duke University
01

Northwestern University
01

Carnegie Mellon University
01

Columbia University in the City of New York
01

University of Southern California
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Vanderbilt University
01

Dartmouth College
01

Brown University
01

Georgetown University
01

Claremont McKenna College
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Princeton University
01

Cornell University
01

University of Notre Dame
01

Washington University in St. Louis
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University of California, Berkeley
01

Rice University
01

University of California, Los Angeles
01

New York University
01

University of Michigan
01

Georgia Tech
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Caltech
01

Emory University
01

University of Wisconsin - Madison
01

University of Virginia
01

Bentley University
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Johns Hopkins University
01

Foothill College
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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University of Washington
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The University of Texas at Austin
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University of California San Diego
01

Texas A&M University College of Engineering
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Harvey Mudd College
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University of Maryland
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University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
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Colorado School of Mines
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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Tufts University
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University of Minnesota
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University of California, Santa Barbara
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University of California, Davis
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Boston University
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Purdue University
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Santa Clara University

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What You Can Expect in a Bachelor’s Degree Program

A bachelor’s degree is a post-secondary degree that typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. Students who enroll part-time usually complete their degrees within 5-6 years.

There are several different types of bachelor’s degrees available based on areas of study. Students who pursue degrees in liberal arts and humanities topics usually earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA), while visual and performing arts students typically receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Most STEM majors lead to a Bachelor of Science (BS), while business students earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). There are also numerous specialized bachelor’s degrees, such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).

The curriculum for a bachelor’s degree program typically consists of foundational core courses and intermediate-level courses in the student’s major, as well as general education courses in areas like English, foreign language, mathematics, and social sciences. Most programs also include an experiential learning component, such as an internship, to give students real-world experience in a supervised setting before graduating.

The type of bachelor’s program you pursue will depend on your area of interest and career goals. If you are unsure of the exact subject in which you want to earn your degree, many colleges will let you enroll and take general education classes that can eventually be applied to your selected degree program.

While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum level of education needed for many different careers, it is important to note that not all career paths require individuals to have a bachelor’s degree. Depending on your professional goals, you may be able to enter the field with an associate degree, which takes two years to complete, or by enrolling in a certificate or diploma program. Conversely, there are other careers that require additional education after a bachelor’s degree, such as a master’s or even a doctorate degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s Degrees and Programs

How much does a bachelor's degree cost?

The cost of a bachelor’s degree varies based on several factors, including the type of school a student attends, where they live, and how much financial aid they receive. For the most accurate information about the cost of a bachelor’s degree program, consult a financial aid counselor from the schools you’re considering.

An institution’s status as a public or private college significantly impacts its tuition rates. Because public colleges use state tax revenue for funding, they offer subsidized tuition rates to students who live in the state where the school is located, while out-of-state students pay a higher tuition rate. Meanwhile, because private colleges don’t use public money, they charge all students the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Tuition rates are often higher at private schools, as tuition is their main source of revenue. Students who attend a traditional in-person college and live on-campus will also need to factor in room and board costs.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual undergraduate tuition for in-state students at public schools during the 2022-23 academic year was $9,750, while annual private university tuition averaged $38,421.

Students can also significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs with scholarships, grants, work-study jobs, and employer tuition assistance benefits.

What are the admissions requirements for a bachelor's degree?

Each school sets its own admissions requirements, so review admissions information on the school’s website or speak to an admissions counselor to clarify processes and requirements.

In general, an application for a bachelor’s degree program consists of:

  • Completed application and required fees
  • Official high school transcript showing proof of graduation or a GED
  • Letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, and mentors who can speak to your academic potential
  • An essay or personal statement
  • A resume 
  • SAT or ACT scores (optional at some schools)

Students with previous college credits from another institution should also submit their transcript from that school so their credits can be applied to their new degree program.

Should I get a bachelor's degree in person or online?

Deciding between an online or in-person program for your bachelor’s degree is a personal decision that depends on multiple factors.

For many undergraduate students, attending college in person is an opportunity not just to earn a degree but to live somewhat independently for the first time. Experiencing campus life, participating in extracurricular activities and sports, and meeting new people from different backgrounds can all be a valuable part of the college experience, leading to personal growth and the development of life skills.

However, other students may have different priorities. For students who want to focus their energy on their schoolwork or must balance their education with work or family responsibilities, an online degree may be a better route, as remote learning is more flexible and accessible than a traditional degree program.

It’s also important to consider what environment is most conducive to learning for you. In-person programs allow for more interactive learning, with discussions, hands-on projects, and spontaneous meetings with faculty and classmates. In an online setting, learning happens more autonomously, meaning students must be more focused and self-disciplined.

Is a bachelor's degree worth it?

Earning a bachelor’s degree has plenty of benefits, although students should carefully consider their area of study and future career prospects when deciding which degree to pursue.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn a median weekly salary of $$1493, compared to $992 for individuals without a degree. The unemployment rate is also lower for individuals with a bachelor’s degree (2.2%) than it is for those without (3.3%).

However, research has shown that a student’s specific major can impact their return on investment (ROI), with certain majors outperforming others when it comes to future earning potential. Students should use resources like the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn more about earning potential and employment outlook to help them determine what kind of career and degree they want to pursue.

It’s also important to note that what you get out of a college education depends on what you put into it. Earning a degree is a significant undertaking that requires time and energy, and students are best poised for success when they are willing and able to focus on their studies.

How do I choose the bachelor's program that's right for me?

Choosing the bachelor’s degree program that’s right for you starts with clarifying your educational and career goals. Think about your interests and aptitudes, as well as research careers and areas of study that align with them. Career aptitude tests and personality assessments can help identify strengths and potential career paths. Also, think about your other priorities, such as whether you want an in-person or online program, your budget, and what type of school you want to attend.

Once you set some parameters, you can begin researching colleges and programs that meet your criteria. Visit schools’ websites, speak to admissions counselors and program representatives, and participate in in-person or virtual open houses and information sessions. Gather as much information as possible about curriculum, faculty, student life, cost, financial aid, and admissions criteria to help you make an informed decision.

It’s also important to verify that any schools you’re considering are accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, as this can impact your eligibility for financial aid, future educational opportunities, and employment.

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