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Best Colleges in America of 2025
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With over 5,800 accredited post-secondary institutions, the U.S. has plenty of options when students are considering colleges. Determining which of these institutions is the best depends on many factors, including admissions, retention, and graduation rates; cost and financial aid availability; quality of degree programs and faculty; and personal factors unique to each student.

To help students narrow down their choices, Intelligent.com reviewed hundreds of colleges and universities based on key factors, selecting the ones that performed the best. This article also guides students on how to choose the college that is best for them and answers frequently asked questions about higher education.

Our Research

Our research for this list focused on finding the overall best colleges and universities in the U.S. This meant evaluating schools based on the factors most important to students and their families, including quality of programs, reputation, faculty, research, student life, graduation, retention, and cost.

A key indicator of quality for higher education institutions is the type of accreditation a school has. All of the programs on our list are regionally accredited, which means they achieve high standards of quality in post-secondary education. These schools are typically eligible for all federal financial aid programs, and credits are more easily transferred to other institutions.

We evaluated each program based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.

The Top 50 Colleges and Universities

Best Colleges in America badge
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Stanford University
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Harvard University
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Yale University
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University of Pennsylvania
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Duke University
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Princeton University
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University of Chicago
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Columbia University in the City of New York
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Johns Hopkins University
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Carnegie Mellon University
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Brown University
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Northwestern University
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Cornell University
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Caltech
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Washington University in St. Louis
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University of Southern California
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Dartmouth College
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Georgetown University
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Vanderbilt University
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Emory University
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Rice University
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University of Notre Dame
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New York University
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Claremont McKenna College
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Boston University
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University of California, Berkeley
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Case Western Reserve University
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Hillsdale College
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Georgia Tech
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Pomona College
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University of California, Los Angeles
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Tufts University
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University of Rochester
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University of Michigan
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Soka University of America
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University of Wisconsin - Madison

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Online vs. Traditional College — Which is Best for Me?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a trend toward online learning, an increasing number of colleges are offering online degree programs. This creates yet another decision for prospective students — should they attend a traditional in-person college or earn their degree remotely? Here are some factors to consider when making this choice.

Flexibility

One of the primary selling points of online degree programs is flexibility. Many of these programs deliver coursework asynchronously, meaning there are no designated class meetings, and students can access their lessons and assignments whenever and wherever it best suits them. By comparison, traditional in-person degree programs require students to be in a specific location at a specific time for classes. For students who are juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, the flexibility of an online program may be necessary for completing their degree.

However, students who are considering this path should note that it does require a significant amount of self-discipline and motivation. Without consistent class meetings and interactions with instructors, students must hold themselves accountable for completing lessons, studying, and turning in assignments on time.

Accessibility

Online degree programs also increase students’ access to learning. For example, you may want to pursue a degree that isn’t offered at any nearby colleges. Attending a traditional in-person program may require relocating to a different city or state, which may not be possible. With an online program, you can access the degree you want from wherever you are without uprooting your life.

Additionally, for differently abled students, learning remotely may be easier than traveling to and navigating a campus. A self-paced asynchronous program can allow students to progress through their coursework as their physical or mental health allows without adhering to a strict schedule.

Learning style and preferences

Every student learns differently, so it’s also important to consider what works best for you when it comes to obtaining and retaining information.

Most college courses, whether in-person or online, rely on a combination of lectures, reading, and written assignments. When learning in person, however, there is a greater opportunity for questions and discussion with instructors and classmates, which can help students process material and make new connections. There may also be more hands-on projects, either in individual or group settings, which can be more engaging for tactile learners.

In online programs, students typically learn through pre-recorded lectures, videos, readings, and written assignments. Although instructors may use online discussion forums, students largely learn independently, which can be beneficial for those who process information visually and through writing.

Area of study

Considering the area of study you’re pursuing can also help determine whether you should pursue a degree online or in-person, as some subjects may be better suited to in-person learning.

For example, students studying visual and performing arts programs that rely heavily on physical processes and collaboration may be better served by attending a traditional on-campus program. Science programs requiring lab work or specialized equipment may also be easier to complete in person.

Even in programs for which most of the coursework can be completed remotely, like nursing or social work, experiential learning components like clinical rotations and internships may require students to fulfill them in person.

Student experience

Deciding what kind of learning environment you want also depends on your desired student experience.

For many students, particularly those who enroll in college directly after graduating from high school, attending a traditional on-campus program is the first time they are living independently away from home. It provides valuable life experience and opportunities for personal and social growth. Students in on-campus programs have more access to extracurricular activities, athletics, networking and social opportunities, and different geographic environments.

Meanwhile, an online program may be a better way to incorporate post-secondary education for students whose primary focus is earning their degree or who already have an established life with job and family obligations. While this type of learning may not offer the same type of social opportunities as an in-person program, students can develop valuable skills, like working independently, technical knowledge, and collaboration using various telecommunications platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Colleges in America

How much does a college degree cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average annual tuition during the 2022-23 academic year was $3,885 for two-year degree programs (associate degrees) and $17,709 for four-year degree programs (bachelor’s degrees). The average annual tuition for graduate programs was $20,513.

However, the total cost of college degrees and the amount that students actually pay vary based on multiple factors. For example, public colleges, which receive state and federal funding to subsidize tuition costs for in-state students, are often a less expensive option than private colleges. Non-resident students who attend a public college online may also qualify for in-state tuition rates, depending on the school and program.

Meanwhile, students who attend traditional in-person colleges must factor in the costs of on-campus room and board or commuting costs like gas, parking, or public transportation.

Students can also significantly lower their tuition costs with financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid, known as gift aid, like scholarships, grants, fellowships, or employer tuition assistance benefits.

For the most accurate information about how much college costs, speak to a financial aid counselor from the institutions you’re considering.

How long does it take to earn a college degree?

This largely depends on the degree you’re earning, the total number of credits required, and the pace at which you progress through the program.

Degree Minimum Credits Standard Minimum Completion Time (Full-Time Enrollment)
Associate 60 2 years
Bachelor’s 120 4 years
Master’s 36-60 1-3 years
Doctorate 60-120 3-5 years

Students who attend their program on a part-time basis will likely take longer to finish their degree.

Those who want to complete their degree faster can consider accelerated degree programs, which condense coursework into a shorter time frame or allow students to progress through the program at their own pace.

Is a college degree worth it?

Earning a college degree has numerous benefits, including increased earning potential, lower unemployment rates, career preparation, and the development of transferable skills.

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 with no degree. Median weekly earnings increase to $2,206 for those with a professional post-graduate degree.

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.

What is accreditation?

College accreditation is an evaluation process conducted by an independent agency to ensure that traditional and online post-secondary institutions provide students with an educational experience that meets specific quality standards. In the U.S., accreditation is optional, although there are numerous benefits to having this status. A school’s accreditation status can affect a student’s eligibility for financial aid, future educational and job opportunities, and professional licenses and credentials.

The U.S. Department of Education oversees accreditation for post-secondary institutions, although it does not accredit schools itself. Instead, independent agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) review schools and award accreditation to those that meet their established standards.

There are two types of accreditation for colleges and universities in the U.S. — regional and national. Regional accreditation is the more rigorous of the two and is considered the gold standard of academic accreditation. Regionally accredited institutions only accept college credits and degrees from other regionally accredited schools, whereas nationally accredited schools accept credits from both types of institutions. This is important for students who plan to transfer between colleges or pursue graduate study after completing their undergraduate degree.

How can I learn more about online and traditional colleges?

There are many ways to research colleges. Most students start by visiting a school’s website, where they can learn more about the curriculum, faculty, admissions requirements, and cost. Prospective students can also contact the school’s admissions office to speak to an admissions counselor and get more information. Another option is following colleges and academic departments on social media.

For students considering traditional in-person programs, one of the best ways to determine if a school is a good fit is to visit. Most schools offer campus tours, open houses, class observations, or pre-college programs where students can get an up-close look at the school and get a feel for the campus environment. With online programs, schools often offer virtual open houses or information sessions so prospective students have an opportunity to interact with faculty and students.

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