Search programs
x
Compare School Options

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

Compare School Options

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

Jump to this section:
Compare School Options
Table of Contents
The Best Colleges of 2025
Compare School Options
Back to top

Choosing a college and degree program is a key life decision based on many factors, including professional and personal interests, job opportunities, learning preferences, cost, and more. With so many options available, it can be tough to narrow down the choices to the ones that best meet your needs and priorities.Considering that, we reviewed hundreds of traditional in-person colleges and degree programs to recommend the strongest post-secondary options. We also have answers to frequently asked questions about choosing the right college for you, as well as information about in-demand degrees worth considering.

How we rank colleges and degrees

This list features some of the best traditional in-person colleges and degree programs for various areas of study in the U.S. All schools are nonprofit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each college and program based on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared our picks 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a College

What are the pros and cons of attending a traditional in-person college?

There are many advantages to attending a traditional in-person college, although this approach may not be right for all students.

Pros include:

  • tickAccountability and support from instructors and classmates:

    Learning in person can benefit students who learn best through discussion and interactive activities. Regular class meetings and connecting with faculty during office hours or after classes can also help students who need support to stay on track in their studies.

  • tickNetworking opportunities:

    Attending college is as much about developing a professional network as it is developing skills and knowledge. Networking can be much easier in an in-person setting, as you spend time with peers in and out of the classroom and can participate in clubs, organizations, professional development activities, and job fairs.

  • tickAccess to extracurricular activities, athletics, and social events:

    For many students, especially those at the undergraduate level, attending college is an opportunity to grow personally by making new friends, living in a new environment, and participating in different activities. It is much more accessible in a traditional on-campus environment, where students can immerse themselves in campus life and activities.

Cons include:

  • tickLack of flexibility:

    Attending college in person means students must be in a specific location at a specific time. This may not work for all students, especially those with full-time jobs or family responsibilities. Online programs can give students more flexibility to attend classes and complete assignments on a schedule that works best for them.

  • tickInaccessibility:

    An in-person education may not be an option if no nearby colleges offer the specific program a student wants and they can’t relocate. In this case, an online degree program may be the best option for students to obtain their desired education.

How much does a degree at a traditional college cost?

There are several factors that determine how much a degree costs, including:

  • Public school versus private school: A school’s status as a public or private institution influences tuition rates, as public colleges receive government funding to provide subsidized education to state residents. Private schools don’t receive this type of funding, resulting in higher tuition costs.
  • Type of degree: Tuition also varies by degree type. For example, the average annual tuition during the 2022-23 academic year was $3,885 for a two-year degree and $17,709 for a four-year degree, according to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES).
  • Additional fees: Students who attend traditional college programs and live on-campus must also factor in the cost of room and board, which averaged $13,175 at four-year colleges during the 2022-23 academic year. Many schools also charge additional fees to campus activities, services, and technology.
  • Financial aid: The amount and type of financial aid a student receives will also affect the cost of their degree. Gift aid, such as scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance benefits, can significantly impact the out-of-pocket cost of a degree.

To get the most accurate information about the cost of a program, students should speak to a financial aid counselor about tuition, room and board, and fees.

How long does it take to earn a college degree?

It depends on the type of degree you’re seeking and the pace at which you progress through the program.

Full-time students can usually complete these degrees in the following timeframes:

  • Associate degree: Two years
  • Bachelor’s degree: Four years
  • Master’s degree: 1-3 years
  • Doctorate degree: 3-5 years

Attending a program part-time may add 1-2 years to the program’s duration. Some schools may offer accelerated programs that allow students to finish faster by taking a higher credit load each term or accepting many previously earned credits.

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

The first step in choosing a college is clarifying your goals and priorities. If you know what degree you want to obtain, you can start by focusing on schools that offer a program in your area of study. Think about what kind of campus environment you want, such as a rural or urban campus. Setting a budget is also helpful, as this can help you eliminate schools that are out of your price range.

Once you’ve established criteria for what you’re looking for in a college, begin researching potential schools by visiting their websites, contacting admissions counselors and program representatives, and attending on-campus tours and open houses. Consider how you feel on campus and if you can see yourself living and studying in this environment for an extended time. Be sure to verify the college’s accreditation status, as this can impact your eligibility for financial aid, future educational opportunities, and jobs.

You’ll also want to review the application and eligibility requirements for the schools and programs you’re considering. Make sure you meet eligibility requirements such as minimum GPA, prerequisite coursework, and standardized test score thresholds. Give yourself ample time to prepare application materials, including letters of recommendation, essays, and resumes or CVs.

What Are the Best Degrees to Pursue?

Selecting a degree is a highly personal decision based on your career goals, personal interests, and current education level. If you already have a degree program in mind, you can begin researching colleges that offer the kind of degree program that you seek.

However, if you’re still exploring your career options, consider the following online degrees, which can prepare students for jobs in fast-growing or high-paying fields.

Healthcare

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S., with a projected average of 1.9 million job openings annually through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

For those interested in clinical roles, the employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 40% through 2033. Earning a Master of Science (MSN) in nursing is a common path to this career.

Meanwhile, on the non-clinical side, demand for medical and health services managers who fulfill administrative roles within healthcare facilities and services is expected to increase by 29% during the next decade. Students can prepare for this career with a Master’s in Healthcare Administration.

Business

Business degrees offer flexibility and versatility, preparing graduates for jobs in various industries, including finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology. Employment in fields related to business and finance will increase at a faster-than-average pace through 2033, according to the BLS. This is a lucrative field as well, with a median annual salary of $79,050.

Students interested in pursuing in-demand jobs such as financial analyst or financial manager can prepare for these roles with a bachelor’s degree in finance. A bachelor’s degree in project management can lead to employment as a project management specialist, another fast-growing career. For those with a bachelor’s degree, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can provide the advanced education and skill development needed for management and executive roles.

Social work

Social workers are crucial in helping individuals, families, communities, and other populations stay emotionally, physically, and mentally healthy. Employment in this field is expected to increase by 7% through 2033, with an average of 67,300 new jobs annually.

Although individuals can obtain entry-level non-clinical roles like community services manager with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), for job opportunities as a clinical social worker, students must have a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

Computer and information technology

Employment in the computer and information technology sector is expected to increase at a much faster-than-average pace through 2033. According to the BLS, there will be an average of 356,700 new job openings per year. This is also a lucrative field, with a median annual salary of $104,420.

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can prepare individuals for employment as an information security analyst, while a bachelor’s in software engineering trains students for roles like software developer and quality assurance analyst. At the graduate level, a master’s in computer science can help students develop the technical skills they need to become computer and information research scientists.

Best Colleges & Degree Programs

Program categories

Colleges

Art and Design

Bachelor

Master’s

Biblical Studies & Theology

Master’s

Business and Management

Bachelor

Master’s

Master of Business Administration

Computer and Technology

Associate

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Criminal Justice & Legal Studies

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Education and Teaching

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Doctorate

Liberal Arts and Humanities

Bachelor

Master’s

Nursing & Healthcare

Certificates

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Doctorate

Psychology and Counseling

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Doctorate

Science and Engineering

Bachelor

Master’s

Certificates

Associate

Bachelor’s

Master’s

PhD