The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is the most prestigious rankings list that College Raptor releases. Updated annually, these schools have reputations of rich histories, gorgeous campuses, incredible academic programs, and amazing students.
What Does Top 50 Mean?
The 50 colleges on this list are considered the top schools in the United States for a variety of reasons. Our rankings consider factors including diversity, endowment, graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, first-year retention rates, and more. The colleges, universities, and academies on this list are known for their academic excellence and rich extracurricular programs and are “dream schools” for students around the world.
Top 50 Best Colleges in the US
A private Ivy League research university, Princeton University was founded in 1746 and originally known as the College of New Jersey. This makes it the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the country. The school receives around 39,600 applications annually and has an acceptance rate of only 5%, making it highly competitive.
Location
Princeton, NJ
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
8,842
Harvard University has turned out some amazing alumni. In fact, the school has more alumni, researchers, and faculty that have won Nobel Prizes and Field Medals than any other school in the world. Alumni also include eight U.S. presidents, 188 living billionaires, and 110 Olympic medalists. The most common majors include Social Sciences, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and Computer Science.
Location
Cambridge, MA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
30,631
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, offers up to a doctorate degree with many undergraduate students focusing on Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematics. Approximately 27,000 applications are received by the school each year. Alumni have gone on to found companies like Intel, Koch Industries, Dropbox, and Campbell Soup.
Location
Cambridge, MA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
11,858
The University of Chicago receives about 38,600 applications annually though only 5% are accepted. Most often, accepted students have test scores in the range of 34 - 35 for ACT or 1,510 - 1,560 for SAT. The school is made up of their undergraduate college and five graduate research divisions. They also have campuses all over the world from Hong Kong to Paris.
Location
Chicago, IL
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
18,339
Yale University got its start in 1701 under the name Collegiate School, getting its current name in 1718. Their motto, “lux et veritas,” means “light and truth” in Latin. The university is made up of fourteen schools including the undergraduate college, twelve professional schools, and the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Yale’s acceptance rate is just 5%.
Location
New Haven, CT
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
14,776
The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740, primarily by Benjamin Franklin who was also their first president. Franklin Field, where the Quakers play in the NCAA Division I – Ivy League, is named after the founder. With an outstanding 98% first year retention rate, 88% of students will go on to graduate in four years. 97% will graduate in six.
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
28,201
Stanford University accepts 4% of applicants, and 98% of students will stay at the school after they complete their first year. Their student-to-faculty ratio is only 5 to 1. The 31st president of the United States, Herbert Hoover, was a graduate of Stanford. Other alumni have included Fulbright Scholars, members of Congress, astronauts, and billionaires. Known as the Stanford Cardinal, their colors are cardinal and white.
Location
Stanford, CA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
18,283
Columbia has a very selective acceptance rate of 4%, accepting only 2,500 students out of 57,600 applicants. Top choices in regards to majors include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Political Science and Government. It’s the oldest institution of higher education in the state, founded before the Declaration of Independence.
Location
New York City, NY
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
34,782
Also known as Caltech, the California Institute of Technology’s motto is, “the truth shall make you free.” Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering are top majors among students, and there have been over 75 Nobel laureates associated with Caltech (including 40 alumni and faculty members). The school is classified as “Doctoral/Research Universities--Extensive.”
Location
Pasadena, CA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
2,401
Methodists and Quakers founded Duke University in 1838. The school has produced 50 Rhodes Scholars, three Turing Award winners, and 15 Noble laureates. Known as the Blue Devils, the university’s colors are Duke blue and white. The top majors among students include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and Public Policy Analysis.
Location
Durham, NC
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
18,023
A private Ivy League research university, Dartmouth was founded before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Three famous alumni include Daniel Webster, Robert Frost, and Thaddeus Stevens. The school also graduated several members of the Senate and House of Representatives in the United States, Nobel Prize laureates, and more.
Location
Hanover, NH
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
6,744
Top majors at Northwestern University are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, and Biology/Biological Sciences. A founding member of the Big Ten Conference, top sports for the Wildcats include Football, Basketball, and Swimming and Diving (combined). Willie the Wildcat cheers them on and the colors are purple and white.
Location
Evanston, IL
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
23,161
Popular majors at Brown University include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and Applied Mathematics. Founded in 1764, it was the first school in North America that accepted students regardless of their religion. Their women’s institution, Pembroke College, was merged into Brown in 1971. Alumni have gone on to create famous companies including ZipRecruiter, Cards Against Humanity, and CNN.
Location
Providence, RI
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
11,189
A selective school, only 8% of applicants are accepted into Rice. The school has 11 residential colleges and eight schools of academic study. Rice University was established in 1912 and named after William Marsh Rice. He had requested a free-tuition educational institute be opened after his death.
Location
Houston, TX
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
8,672
Edward Sorin founded the University of Notre Dame in 1842 as a private Catholic research University. Their motto is, “Vita Dulcedo Spes” or “Life, Sweetness, Hope” – referencing the Virgin Mary. The school’s teams are known as the Fighting Irish and wear the colors blue and gold. Their mascot is the very iconic leprechaun.
Location
Notre Dame, IN
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
13,105
Vanderbilt receives about 45,300 applications each admission cycle from prospective students. Top majors students pursue include Social Sciences, General and Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies. The university was named in honor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a shipping and rail magnate, due to his gift of $1 million.
Location
Nashville, TN
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
13,710
Cornell University is made up of seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. Some famous alumni have been Christopher Reeve, Bill Nye, E.B. White, and Anthony Fauci. 97% of students stay on after the first year, with 95% graduating within six years. Computer Science is the most popular major.
Location
Ithaca, NY
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
25,898
Washington University in St. Louis was named after George Washington and founded in 1853. A private research university, the school receives around 32,000 applications a year and accepts about 3,870 students. Commonly chosen majors are Computer Science, Experimental Psychology, and Finance. Top sports on campus include Basketball, Football, and Track and Field and Cross Country.
Location
Saint Louis, MO
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
17,012
Originally known as the Augusta Academy and established in 1749, it would later be named after George Washington and Robert E. Lee, the latter of which was the president of the school for five years. With blue and white colors, students and athletes go by the nickname The Generals. The university boasts a first year retention rate of 98% and a student to faculty ratio of 7 to 1.
Location
Lexington, VA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
2,243
Although it was originally founded as a men’s college in 1793, the school is now composed of 48% men and 52% women. It was created out of the funds of Ephraim Williams, who died in the French and Indian War. The college receives about 11,000 applications each year and accepts 10% of students.
Location
Williamstown, MA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
2,222
Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876 and named for its first benefactor. Known as the first research university in the country, its motto in Latin is, “veritas vos liberabit,” or “the truth will set you free.” The Blue Jays men’s lacrosse team plays in the Big Ten Conference and has over 40 national titles. The two most popular majors are Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology and Public Health.
Location
Baltimore, MD
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
31,275
Bowdoin College is a very selective school with an acceptance rate of 8%. 82% of students will graduate within four years, and 96% within six. The college also has first year retention rate of 96%. Bowdoin College offers 34 different majors and participates in joint Engineering programs with Columbia, Dartmouth, Caltech, and the University of Maine.
Location
Brunswick, ME
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
1,915
Swarthmore College was one of the first coeducational colleges in the country. It is associated with the University of Pennsylvania through the Quaker Consortium, which means students can take classes at the four schools within the arrangement. 53% of students receive institutional grant aid to attend, $59,421 on average.
Location
Swarthmore, PA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
1,625
Pomona College receives 12,100 applications and accepts 7% of them. The four commonly chosen majors are Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Mathematics, and Political Science and Government. The school was created when the founders wanted to recreate a “college of the New England type.” Their mascot is Cecil the Sagehen.
Location
Claremont, CA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
1,716
Claremont McKenna College, which accepts 11% of applicants, was founded as a men’s college in 1946. It became co-educational in 1976. The most commonly chosen major is Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. With a strong 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, 96% of students will stay after their freshman year.
Location
Claremont, CA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
1,389
Carnegie Mellon University is known for being an extremely selective school and receives approximately 34,000 applications every year. A merger between Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research in 1900 created the school we know today. Some popular majors include Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Business Administration and Management.
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
16,002
Thomas Jefferson founded The University of Virginia. The school had a Board of Visitors that included Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison. Well known for its secret societies, the school is also known for their sporting accomplishments. The Cavaliers, who wear orange and blue, have over 30 championship wins.
Location
Charlottesville, VA
Institution Type
Public
Student Enrollment
26,082
A private Jesuit research university, Georgetown University was founded as the Georgetown College in 1789 by Bishop John Carroll. It’s the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the country and offers over 40 different majors. Past graduates include Bill Clinton, Lyndon B. Johnson, senators, representatives, and other leading politicians.
Location
Washington, DC
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
20,984
Emory University received 32,000 applications last year and had an acceptance rate of just 11%. It has a strong 95% first year retention rate, 83% four year graduation rate, and 9 to 1 student to faculty ratio. There are nine academic divisions in this school including Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Rollins School of Public Health, and others.
Location
Atlanta, GA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
14,841
A public undergraduate school, the United States Naval Academy’s motto, in Latin, is “Ex Scientia Tridens,” or “From Knowledge, Seapower.” It was established in 1845 and saw disruption and riots during the Civil War that almost caused the government to move the school. Today, it has student to faculty ratio of 8 to 1.
Location
Annapolis, MD
Institution Type
Public
Student Enrollment
4,450
Wellesley College is a private women’s liberal arts college going back to 1870. It is the largest of all-women colleges and has seen famous alumni including Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and Katharine Lee Bates. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics is the most commonly chosen major, but other popular choices include Computer and Information Sciences, Neuroscience, and Political Science and Government.
Location
Wellesley, MA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
2,447
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering was established fairly recently in 1997. Half of a student’s tuition is actually covered by the Olin Scholarship. The three majors offered are Engineering, General, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. With a first year retention rate of 99%, the college also has a low 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Location
Needham, MA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
386
Tufts University receives around 34,000 applications a year and accepts 10% of students. It got its start as Tufts College and was a small liberal arts college. In the 1970s, it became a research university. The university offers over 70 undergraduate programs; Econometrics and Quantitative Economics and Computer Science are the most popular.
Location
Medford, MA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
13,431
Harvey Mudd College offers programs only related to Science and Engineering. It has a low 13% acceptance rate, 97% first year retention rate, and 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Part of the Claremont Colleges, their colors are black and gold. The men’s teams are known as the Stags and the women are known as the Athenas.
Location
Claremont, CA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
922
With an acceptance rate of 10%, Amherst College is a extremely selective school. A majority of their first-year students come from New York. The third oldest institution of higher education in the state, it was originally a men’s college. It became coeducational in 1975. Amherst College’s motto is “terras Irradient,” which means “let them enlighten the lands.”
Location
Amherst, MA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
1,898
Barnard College is a private women’s liberal arts college located on the banks of the Hudson River. The school was actually founded in response to Columbia University not admitting women. Today, it’s part of the Seven Sisters, an association of women’s liberal arts colleges in the country. Their motto, which is Greek, is “hepomene toi logismoi” or “following the way of reason.”
Location
New York City, NY
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
3,442
Boston College is a private Jesuit research university. Αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν, or “Ever to Excel,” is the school’s motto. Its athletic teams are known as the Eagles, with a mascot known as Baldwin the Eagle. Student-athletes wear maroon and gold. Past students have included John F. Kerry, Leonard Nimoy, Chris O’Donnell, and Amy Poehler.
Location
Chestnut Hill, MA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
15,287
The University of Southern California is an extremely large school with more graduates than undergraduates. The most popular major by far for undergraduates is Business Administration and Management, General. Some notable alumni include LeVar Burton, Neil Armstrong, Will Ferrell, and George Lucas.
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
48,945
Davidson College was founded in 1837 and already started trying to reduce the cost of college for students by the 1850’s. Today, the school meets the financial needs of students through grants, student employment, and other aid. In fact, 65% of students receive institutional grant aid. 15% of applicants are accepted to Davidson and 94% decide to stay on after the first year.
Location
Davidson, NC
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
1,927
Hillsdale’s motto is “Virtus Tentamine Gaudet” or “Strength Rejoices in the Challenge.” The school has a high 96% first year retention rate and a low 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. All students who attend are required to take courses on the “Great Books,” the United States Constitution, and Science courses. 72% of students will graduate within 4 years.
Location
Hillsdale, MI
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
1,678
Soka University of America has an acceptance rate of 70%. A fairly new school (founded in 2001), the private university focuses on pacifism, human rights, and the creative coexistence of nature and humanity. It was created by the founder of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist movement, Daisaku Ikeda.
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
455
Commonly called NYU, you can find this university in the heart of Manhattan. They have a relatively low acceptance rate of 9%. Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies is the top major, but Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Research and Experimental Psychology, and Registered Nursing are not far behind. The school has produced a number of famous alumni including Martin Scorsese, Jack Dorsey, Robert Muller III, and Alec Baldwin.
Location
New York City, NY
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
59,144
Babson College began as an all-male school in 1919, originally known as Babson Institute. It would become coeducational in 1969. The school has an astounding 95% first year retention rate and 88% four year graduation rate. The only major available is Business Administration and Management, General. Athletes compete in the NCAA Division III and are known as the Beavers.
Location
Wellesley, MA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
3,989
With 57 areas of study, the most popular major for Hamilton students is Economics, but Biology/Biological Sciences, Political Science and Government, and Research and Experimental Psychology are also popular choices. Their motto is in Ancient Greek: Γνῶθι Σεαυτόν, which translates to “know thyself.” The school has been coeducational since 1978 after merging with its sister school, Kirkland College.
Location
Clinton, NY
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
2,072
A smaller school, Colby College is very selective with only a 7% acceptance rate, boasts a strong student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 and 93% first year retention rate. 82% of students will go on to graduate within 4 years, and 90% within six. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics and Political Science and Government are the two most popular majors.
Location
Waterville, ME
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
2,299
Also known simply as JTS, the seminary accepts 45% of students who apply. Its main building is located along the Hudson River. There are more graduate students at JTS than undergraduates. Though many alumni have gone onto careers in theology, many have also had notable careers in music, academia, and politics.
Location
New York, NY
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
318
Wesleyan University’s top majors include Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Psychology, and Political Science and Government. The school was founded as a men’s college and became fully co-educational in 1970. The campus is located on the bends of the Connecticut River. Cardinal and black are the official school colors of Wesleyan’s sports teams.
Location
Middletown, CT
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
3,253
Accepting just 18% of applicants, 47% of students accepted to decide to attend the University of Michigan. Computer and Information Sciences, Business Administration and Management, and Economics are the most pursued majors. U of M Ann Arbor is home of the “Big House” – the biggest college football stadium in the US.
Location
Ann Arbor, MI
Institution Type
Public
Student Enrollment
51,225
Haverford College is a liberal arts school founded in 1833 by the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers. It’s part of the Tri-College Consortium which means students can attend classes at nearby schools Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore. “Non doctior, sed meliore doctrina imbutus,” or "not more learned, but steeped in a higher learning," is the school’s motto.
Location
Haveford, PA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
1,421
Villanova University is the oldest Catholic university in Pennsylvania. It’s also the only Augustinian university in the country. The school still has deep religious roots and the administration is led by priests. Their motto is “Veritas, Unitas, Caritas” or “Truth, Unity, Charity.” Jill Biden and Howie Long are two famous alumni who have attended Villanova.
Location
Villanova, PA
Institution Type
Private
Student Enrollment
10,383
When reading this list of the top 50 best colleges in the United States, students should keep in mind their own goals, interests, passions, needs, and wants in a school. Although Princeton University is the #1 college in the country this year, it does not mean it is the right college for every student.
This list gives students, parents, guardians, and high school counselors valuable and insightful information when it comes to comparing options and can be key to uncovering the right college for the student in question.
Is a Top 50 Best College Right for You?
The top 50 best colleges cover a wide range of states, class sizes, campus sizes, program and major offerings, and more. And it’s highly likely you will find a school that interests you on this list! However, your interest in a school should look further than its placement as a best-ranked college in the country.
Top schools tend to have low acceptance rates and are some of the toughest colleges and universities to get into. Some, such as military academies, also require students to have recommendations from top government officials to be accepted.
There are numerous factors to consider when searching for the best school for you. While reputation does matter, you also should give thought to:
- the area you’d like to live in
- class and campus size preference
- urban vs rural
- program availability
- and your goals after graduation.
Students should also consider their chances of getting into one of these top 50 best colleges. For many, these universities and colleges land in the “reach” category of safety, target, and reach school lists. These schools are looking for outstanding students in the classroom and in their community.
See if one of these top 50 best colleges is the right choice for your education and future career. Register to use our free College Match tool that takes your wants, needs, achievements, and goals into account to find the best college or university for you.
Methodology
Colleges are ranked based on a combination of factors, including graduation rates, campus diversity, endowment per student, and other data as reported via the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for the most recently available enrollment year. Some colleges may have been excluded from rankings based on certain criteria, including specialization and classification. Learn about our full methodology.
