college comparisons

The 25 best suburban colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 3, 2026

Key takeaways: Suburban schools can offer many of the same experiences as big cities with a quieter atmosphere. Some of the best suburban colleges include Stanford University, University of Notre Dame, and Swarthmore College. Campus visits can help you decide if a school and the surrounding area is right for your college experience. Love the …

college comparisons

The 25 Best Private Colleges – 2016 University Rankings

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are many myths out there about private colleges–that they’re overpriced, or stuffy, or only for rich kids. But, those are just common misconceptions. Private colleges and universities across the country offer top-notch educations in a wide variety of subjects, and for a wide variety of students. In fact, many of the nation’s best private colleges …

college comparisons

The 25 Best Small Town Colleges – 2016 University Rankings

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re looking for the classic feel of a small town college, then this list is for you. Each of the colleges in these rankings are found in towns around the country, meaning they’re not in major metropolitan areas, but also not entirely isolated from society. Many are situated inside traditional college towns, which have …

college comparisons

Top 25 Best Urban Colleges 2016 Rankings

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

Looking to go to class amidst the urban sprawl? Here are the colleges for you. Each of these colleges and universities is located in a major metropolitan area, with some even being dispersed right among the downtown. Students seek out best urban college campuses for a number of reasons, but often it’s the campus proximity …

college comparisons

The 25 Best Rural Colleges – 2016 University Rankings

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

For many students, their ideal college campus is away from the city. Whether they feel at home in a more rural setting, or they’re looking to escape the hustle-and-bustle, there’s a certain serenity that comes with attending a college isolated from the major metropolitan areas. In this ranking, we looked at the best colleges which …

college comparisons

2016 Rankings: The 25 Best Public Colleges

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

In the U.S., we have some of the finest public universities in the world. Although the greatest public colleges can sometimes be overshadowed by the ranks of the Ivy League or other great private colleges, the nation’s best public universities offer top-caliber educations, while also often enrolling tens of thousands of students. In this ranking, we …

college comparisons

The 50 Best Colleges in The U.S. – 2016 University Rankings

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

Our Top 50 Best College award is the most-selective honor in our 2016 Best Colleges rankings. We analyzed data on each school from thousands across the country and selected the 50 best of the four-year colleges throughout the nation. This list includes schools of all sizes, with varying majors and both public and private institutions. …

college comparisons

The 25 Best Research Universities – 2016 University Rankings

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

Research universities do much of the nation’s most important research and development for a wide array of areas. From developing new pharmaceuticals and nanotechnology to helping us understand the origin of our species and our universe. Not all students at these colleges will study science–or do research–but, research universities, in general, tend to share common …

college comparisons

The 25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges – 2016 University Rankings

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

Liberal arts colleges offer some of the most unique experiences for students. These schools often emphasize well-rounded educations in a diverse range of topics (although not without direction, as most liberal arts schools offer many of the same undergraduate majors found at research universities). They’re also incredibly unique in and of themselves. Liberal arts colleges …

college comparisons

The 25 Best College Rankings 2016 in the Southeast

By Kaeli Nieves-WhitmoreLast updated on December 22, 2022

Steeped in much tradition, the Southeast is a place of diverse culture and history. And, so, too, are the colleges in this region. From the massive public universities that comprise the SEC and its storied sports sagas to new and cutting-edge liberal arts colleges with emphasis on science and discovery–there are great schools all around …