The 2016 College Raptor Best Colleges rankings are intended to be just that—a ranking of the best colleges in the nation.
Beyond that, we’ve divided this recognition into many segments, allowing prospective students and parents to more easily find schools that fit with what they’re looking for—whether it’s a top-notch college with a lot of students (large college, 10,000+ undergrads), or the nation’s best liberal arts college.
Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, academic rigor, and student success. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.
Top 50 – Best Colleges in the U.S.
An overall look at the 50 best colleges across the country.
Top 25 – Best Research Universities
The 25 best research-based universities, both public and private.
Top 25 – Best Liberal Arts Colleges
The best liberal arts colleges in the nation.
Top 25 – Best Private Colleges
The best private colleges, both large and small.
Top 25 – Best Public Colleges
The finest public institutions from east to west.
Top 25 – Best Colleges in the Northeast
The best colleges in the upper east coast.
Top 25 – Best Colleges in the Southeast
The best colleges south of New England and east of the Missouri River.
Top 25 – Best Colleges in the Midwest
The best colleges right in the center of the country.
Top 25 – Best Colleges in the Southwest
The best colleges west of the Missouri River and south of the Pacific Northwest.
Top 25 – Best Colleges in the West
The best colleges on the west coast and in the Pacific Northwest region.
Top 25 – Best Small Colleges
The best colleges with fewer than 2,000 undergrads.
Top 25 – Best Medium-sized Colleges
The best colleges with between 2,000 and 10,000 undergrads.
Top 25 – Best Large Colleges
The best colleges with more than 10,000 undergrads.
Top 25 – Best Urban Colleges
The best colleges with campuses in major metropolitan areas.
Top 25 – Best Suburban Colleges
The best colleges with campuses just outside the city.
Top 25 – Best Small Town Colleges
The best colleges with campuses in small or college towns.
Top 25 – Best Rural Colleges
The best colleges with campuses isolated from the city.
