College Raptor Staff

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), are schools that were originally established to serve the African American community before the Civil Rights Movement. They are still incredibly important for the African American community today as they are beacons of the ongoing fight for equality and progress. There are 107 HBCUs in the United States that continue …

Division II, or D2, is a division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). D2 colleges offer athletic scholarships to some of their student-athletes. For students who are interested in continuing to play sports and have a chance at winning an athletic scholarship while focusing on their studies, D2 colleges offer unique opportunities.   

Division III, or D3, is a division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). D3 colleges and universities do not offer athletic scholarships to their student-athletes. However, these schools generally try to offer other scholarships that can be granted for your leadership skills, grades, and demonstrated financial need. For students who want to play sports at …

Rich with history, some of the best private colleges have also produced equally historic alumni. Providing top-tier education, these academic powerhouses and their distinguished faculty provide best-in-class education for their student body. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool. 

Some of the top colleges in the country are public schools. With tuition generally lower than private colleges, these institutions offer quality education at an affordable price. Public colleges are known for their diverse student populations, a wide array of academic programs, and abundant extracurricular opportunities.   

Liberal arts colleges are the epitome of a “well-rounded” education. At these schools, you’re not just a number, you’re part of a close-knit community that values both individuality and collaboration. Students are encouraged to explore a broad range of disciplines, from literature and the sciences to business and the arts, building the skills to think …

The best research colleges represent the pinnacle of academic achievement. Research classified colleges and universities are institutions that offer hands-on research opportunities for both students and faculty. The best research colleges often receive federal research grants, have renowned faculty, and provide strong programs across a range of fields, making them leaders in academic innovation.   

Love the idea of a small class size and campus? Then a small college may be right for you! Attending one of these top best small colleges affords its students the opportunity to join a tight-knit community and a unique opportunity for your voice to be heard. For this ranking list, we counted any college with …

Not too small and not too big, the best mid-sized colleges are a good medium for students who want to experience the best of both worlds. The list of the top mid-sized colleges includes schools that have between 3,000 and 9,999 total students enrolled – undergraduates and graduate students.