Top 25 Best Colleges in the Mid-East US

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 20, 2025

From New York to DC, there are some of the country’s oldest and best schools in the mid-East. The area itself is known for its rich history, vibrant cities, cultural diversity, and educational and professional opportunities. The best colleges in the mid-East United States rankings include schools from: New York, Delaware, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, and …

Top 25 Best Colleges in the Southeast US

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 20, 2025

The South is known for delicious southern food, heart-warming southern hospitality, and quality southern education. It’s also home to some of the oldest colleges in the country, dating back to the Civil War and even before in many cases. The best Southeast college rankings include schools from: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North …

Top 25 Best Colleges in the Plains Region

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 20, 2025

America’s heartland has a lot to offer — beautiful scenery, booming industry, vast farmlands, and fantastic colleges. In fact, some of the very best colleges in the US are in the plains, or mid-west, region. The best colleges in the plains region include schools from: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  …

Top 25 Best Colleges in the Great Lakes Region

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 20, 2025

Superior, Erie, Michigan, Huron, and Ontario make up the 5 Great Lakes that border the United States and Canada. While the region is well-known for its mighty bodies of water, the colleges in the area are equally impressive. The best colleges in the Great Lakes region include schools from: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.   

25 Most Affordable Great Colleges for the Average “B” Student

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 20, 2025

Affordability is more than a number—it’s access to a quality education. The average GPA in America is a 3.0, and for students with a solid “B” average, the journey to higher education should be about finding a great college at a price they can afford. That’s why we’ve identified the 25 best ROI colleges that provide …

Top 25 Best Colleges in the Rocky Mountain Region

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 20, 2025

Also known as the Rockies, the Rocky Mountain region of the United States offers unique wildlife, challenging hikes, great skiing, and some amazing colleges. The best colleges in the Rocky Mountain include schools from: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our …

Top 25 Best Colleges in the Southwest US

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 20, 2025

When you think of the southwest region, you likely think of Westerns and deserts. However, the region is also home to sweeping vistas, snowcapped mountains, stunning wildlife, and some of the best colleges in the country. The best colleges in the southwestern United States include schools from: Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. 

Top 25 Best Colleges in the Far West US

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on October 20, 2025

The western United States has some of the most diverse wildlife, landscapes, cultures, and foods in the country. Not to mention the area has a strong reputation for business acumen, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship. And of course, they have some amazing colleges and universities. The best colleges in the far west include schools from: Alaska, California, …

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Good Transition Words to Help You Write an Outstanding Essay

By College Raptor StaffPublished on August 14, 2025

Key Takeaways Transition words help connect ideas and make essays easier to read. Different transitions show addition, contrast, cause and effect, or order. Using the right transitions makes your essay clear and organized. Don’t use the same transition words too much. Mix them up! Transition words also demonstrate good structure and flow in your essay. …