2026 Best College Rankings

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. Our rankings factor in diversity, endowment, graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and first-year retention. 

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 quality education for which average students can gain admission. 

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 in the spirit of their original missions, providing academic opportunities for ethnic minorities and underrepresented communities. 

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 a competitive level, but want to prioritize their studies and other extracurriculars, D3 colleges offer a fantastic opportunity. 

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. 

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. 

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 critically. With smaller class sizes and a vibrant campus atmosphere, the best liberal arts colleges offer a holistic, people-centered approach to education. 

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 fewer than 3,000 total students enrolled (includes undergraduates and graduate students). 

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. 

Big, beautiful campuses, large student populations, lots of clubs and sports, and countless academic opportunities are all characteristics of the best large colleges. These powerhouse schools are some of the most well-known in the US and bring tons of benefits for students and faculty alike. For this list, we count large colleges as having over 10,000 total enrolled students – undergraduates and graduate students. 

New England is home to some of the oldest colleges and universities in the United States. So, it’s no surprise that it’s also home to some of the best schools in the country. From its rich history to its amazing scenery, New England offers a unique experience to its students. The best colleges in New England include schools from: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 

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 Pennsylvania. 

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 Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. 

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. 

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. 

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 college match tool. 

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. 

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, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.