College Raptor’s 2016 Best Colleges Rankings

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


Top 50 – Best Colleges in the U.S.

An overall look at the 50 best colleges across the country.

 


Top 25 Research Universities


Top 25 – Best Research Universities

The 25 best research-based universities, both public and private.
25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges


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Top 25 – Best Liberal Arts Colleges

The best liberal arts colleges in the nation.


Top 25 Private Colleges


Top 25 – Best Private Colleges

The best private colleges, both large and small.
Top 25 Public Colleges


Top 25 – Best Public Colleges

The finest public institutions from east to west.


25 Best Colleges in the Northeast


Top 25 – Best Colleges in the Northeast

The best colleges in the upper east coast.
Top 25 Southeast Colleges


Top 25 – Best Colleges in the Southeast

The best colleges south of New England and east of the Missouri River.

Top 25 Midwest Colleges

Top 25 – Best Colleges in the Midwest

The best colleges right in the center of the country.
25 Best Colleges in the Southwest


Top 25 – Best Colleges in the Southwest

The best colleges west of the Missouri River and south of the Pacific Northwest.
25 Best Colleges in the West


Top 25 – Best Colleges in the West

The best colleges on the west coast and in the Pacific Northwest region.


25 Best Small Colleges


Top 25 – Best Small Colleges

The best colleges with fewer than 2,000 undergrads.
Top 25 Medium-sized Colleges


Top 25 – Best Medium-sized Colleges

The best colleges with between 2,000 and 10,000 undergrads.
25 Best Large Colleges


Top 25 – Best Large Colleges

The best colleges with more than 10,000 undergrads.


Top 25 Urban Colleges


Top 25 – Best Urban Colleges

The best colleges with campuses in major metropolitan areas.
Top 25 Suburban Colleges


Top 25 – Best Suburban Colleges

The best colleges with campuses just outside the city.
Top 25 Small Town Colleges


Top 25 – Best Small Town Colleges

The best colleges with campuses in small or college towns.
Top 25 Rural Colleges


Top 25 – Best Rural Colleges

The best colleges with campuses isolated from the city.

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