Deciding where to go to college isn’t easy. There are endless options, and each campus offers something unique. To help make your search a little less daunting, here’s a rundown of some of the best colleges in America. We’ll break down the costs, the earning potential, and what you can expect when applying, so you can find the right fit for your next big adventure.
Georgetown University
Georgetown University has a hefty annual price tag of $56,815, but there’s a silver lining: scholarships make it more accessible, and most students graduate with an average loan of $25,432. The school boasts an impressive graduation rate of 94.9%, and new grads typically earn a starting salary of $50,000—making loan repayment less daunting. With a competitive 16.8% acceptance rate, getting in is challenging. Georgetown’s top-ranked major is general biology.
Brown University
Brown University is one of the toughest schools in the country to get into, with an ultra-low 9.3% acceptance rate. If you make the cut, you’ll join a campus where 96.1% of students graduate—a stellar success rate. Studying here will cost about $52,469 a year, and most students leave with an average of $31,179 in loans. New grads can expect to start out earning around $48,000, making repayment very doable. Brown stands out for its top-ranked applied mathematics program.
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is consistently ranked among the nation’s best. Tuition runs about $48,440 per year, but students usually graduate with just $24,956 in loans on average. The school’s graduation rate is an impressive 95.2%, and new grads see a starting salary around $48,000. With a tough 10% acceptance rate, it’s a selective spot, and its standout major is political science and government.
Yale University
Yale University has a reputation for prestige, but it also stands out for not saddling students with heavy debt. Tuition is $45,909 per year, and most students graduate with an average loan of $19,848—lower than many other top-tier schools. Yale boasts a stellar 96.2% graduation rate, and new grads can expect to start around $48,000. Admission is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of just 6.3%. If you’re interested in history, you’ll be happy to know it’s one of Yale’s best-ranked majors.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is renowned for its academic excellence, and the numbers back it up. Annual tuition comes in at $51,383, and most students graduate owing around $28,144 in loans. The school has an impressive 93.1% graduation rate, while new grads typically start their careers earning about $49,000. Admission is highly competitive, with just a 12.8% acceptance rate. While Johns Hopkins is famous for its medical programs, its best-ranked major is actually mathematics.
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis combines big opportunities with a lively college-town feel. Tuition runs $55,180 per year, but thanks to plentiful scholarships, the typical student only graduates with about $24,352 in loans. The graduation rate is a stellar 94.8%, and new grads hit the workforce making an average of $50,000 to start. Admissions are selective at 16.5%. If you’re passionate about anthropology, you’ll find one of the top programs in the country right here.
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame stands out with a high graduation rate of 95.7%, and an impressive 90% of students finish on time. Tuition is $46,960 a year, with graduates typically carrying about $26,400 in student loans. Thanks to an average starting salary of $50,000, repaying those loans is manageable. Admission is a bit less cutthroat compared to some peer schools, with an 18.7% acceptance rate. If accounting is your area of interest, Notre Dame offers a top-ranking program.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University offers a solid value at $41,576 per year. Most students graduate with about $32,204 in loans, but with an average starting salary of $44,000, paying them off is manageable. The school boasts a strong graduation rate of 92.9%, while admission remains highly competitive with a 10.7% acceptance rate. If you’re interested in psychology, Vanderbilt’s top-ranked program might catch your eye.
Amherst College
Amherst College is a standout for its value, with yearly tuition at $42,841 and average student debt at graduation just $21,840. The odds of finishing strong are high—94.1% of students earn their degree. New grads step into the workforce with a starting salary of $46,000, making loan payments less of a headache. Landing a spot at Amherst is tough, with a 13.7% acceptance rate, but if you’re passionate about mathematics, you’ll find one of the top programs in the country here.
Williams College
Williams College offers top-notch academics at a competitive price point—tuition runs $46,362 per year, and students typically graduate with just $17,760 in loans. The odds of success here are high, with 95.3% of students completing their degrees. New grads can expect a starting salary around $47,000, which helps keep loan repayment manageable. Williams is selective, accepting only 17.6% of applicants, and stands out for its highly ranked mathematics program.
Harvard University
Harvard University is famous for its prestige—and for being tough to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 5.4%. But if you’re accepted, the odds are in your favor: 96.8% of students graduate, and you’ll likely land a great job, starting out at around $48,000. Tuition runs $50,262 a year, and most students finish with about $29,488 in loans—manageable, given the earning potential. If you’re drawn to history, Harvard’s top-ranked major is well worth considering.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT routinely tops national rankings—and for good reason. Tuition is $39,263 a year, and most students graduate with about $30,120 in loans. The graduation rate sits at 91.3%, and with an acceptance rate of just 7.9%, it’s highly selective. Where MIT really shines is earning potential: new grads command the highest average starting salary on this list at $67,000. If general biology is your passion, you’re in luck—that’s MIT’s best-ranked program.
Princeton University
Princeton University is as exclusive as it gets, with an acceptance rate of just 6.5%. The good news? It’s one of the most affordable options among elite schools, with an annual price of $38,650 and remarkably low average student debt at $17,804. Graduating is practically a given—96.8% of students earn their degree—and new grads typically start out making $53,000. If you’re interested in political science or government, Princeton boasts some of the best programs in the country.
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan Ann Arbor combines stellar academics with real value. Tuition is just $21,001 per year, making it one of the more affordable choices among top schools. Graduates leave with an average of $27,860 in student loans, but a typical starting salary of $46,000 helps make repayment realistic. With a solid 91% graduation rate and a more accessible 28.6% acceptance rate, Michigan stands out for both opportunity and achievement. If you're interested in health and physical education, you'll find highly ranked programs here.
Duke University
Duke University is another top-tier choice, with an annual net price of $48,258. Most students graduate with about $24,456 in loans, which isn’t bad considering the average starting salary is $48,000. The school posts a strong 94.8% graduation rate, and with a competitive 10.8% acceptance rate, getting in takes some effort. If economics is your field of interest, Duke’s best-ranked major is sure to impress.
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
UNC–Chapel Hill stands out as the most budget-friendly option on this list, with tuition coming in at just $17,164 per year. Students typically graduate with about $25,808 in loans, but a solid starting salary of $39,000 helps make repayment less intimidating. The school has a strong 90.3% graduation rate, and with a 26.9% acceptance rate, it’s a bit more accessible than many other top-tier colleges. If chemistry is your chosen path, you’ll find Chapel Hill’s program among the best.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology, better known as Georgia Tech, is a top pick for students looking for a strong return on investment. The annual cost is an affordable $22,597, but be prepared for higher-than-average student loans—most grads finish with about $59,512 in debt. The graduation rate is a bit lower than some peers at 81.5%, but starting salaries make up for it, averaging a solid $55,000 for new grads. Georgia Tech admits about 25.8% of applicants, making it a little more accessible. If mechanical engineering is your dream, you’ll find one of the nation’s best programs right here.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is one of the pricier choices, with tuition set at $52,213 per year. Graduates often carry higher student loans, averaging $51,524, but the payoff comes with a respectable starting salary of $44,000. The school maintains a strong graduation rate of 92.9%, though getting in can be a challenge, with just a 7.9% acceptance rate. If economics is your area of interest, you'll be glad to know it’s Chicago’s top-ranked major.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a standout Illinois school with an annual tuition of $52,475. Students tend to graduate with a moderate loan burden—about $28,096 on average—and can look forward to a solid starting salary of $47,000. The graduation rate is a strong 93.3%. While the competition is stiff, with only a 10.7% acceptance rate, Northwestern’s top-ranked program in sociology makes it a great pick for those interested in the social sciences.
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is a compelling option with a net price just under $44,000 per year. Its graduation rate is an impressive 94.1%, and graduates typically carry about $35,372 in student loans. Starting salaries average $44,000 for new grads, helping with manageable repayment. Admission is highly competitive at a 12.8% acceptance rate, and if mathematics is your passion, Swarthmore’s top-ranked program sets it apart.
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University combines strong earning potential with a vibrant academic environment. Annual tuition is on the higher end at $53,850, but students usually graduate with a manageable average loan of $24,620. The graduation rate is 88%, which is a bit lower than some competitors', but still impressive. New grads typically start their careers earning $54,000, helping to make their investment worthwhile. With a 21.7% acceptance rate, it’s a bit more accessible than some other elite schools. If you’re interested in mathematics, Carnegie Mellon boasts a top-ranked program.
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is a favorite for students who appreciate a beautiful campus and a world-class education. Tuition sits at $51,256 per year, and most graduates finish with about $30,932 in student loans. The good news? New grads step into the workforce earning a solid $54,000 to start, making loan payments less of a burden. UPenn’s graduation rate is impressive at 95.6%, but getting in takes effort—only 9.4% of applicants are accepted. If business administration and management is your focus, you’ll find one of the country’s best programs here.
Cornell University
Cornell University is another Ivy League heavyweight offering strong academics and promising outcomes. Tuition is $51,784 per year, and students typically graduate with about $32,428 in loans. The graduation rate is an impressive 93.2%, and new grads usually start out earning around $53,000. With a 14.1% acceptance rate, Cornell is just as selective as other top universities. If liberal arts general studies is your focus, you'll find it’s Cornell’s best-ranked program.
Columbia University
Columbia University stands out for its selectivity, with just 6.8% of applicants being admitted. Tuition is set at $45,708 per year, which is a fair value for such a renowned school. Students typically finish with about $42,960 in loans, but a high graduation rate of 94.8% means most see it through. New grads enter the workforce earning an average starting salary of $53,000, making repayment easier. If fine and studio arts spark your interest, Columbia’s top-ranked program makes it a top pick.
Rice University
Rice University stands out as one of Texas’s premier institutions, offering a blend of affordability and strong academic outcomes. The annual tuition is just over $43,000, and while graduates usually carry a slightly higher average loan of $33,456, the investment pays off: Rice boasts a solid 91.5% graduation rate and a starting salary of $47,000 for new grads. With a competitive 15.3% acceptance rate, admission isn’t easy. If you’re interested in biochemistry, biophysics, or molecular biology, Rice’s top-ranked program is hard to beat.
Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College makes a strong case for return on investment. Annual tuition is $51,595, and graduates typically leave with about $28,944 in student loans. While the graduation rate is the lowest on this list at 90.1%, new grads enjoy one of the highest starting salaries—$60,000. Admission is competitive with a 13% acceptance rate. If physics is your passion, you’ll find Harvey Mudd’s program among the very best.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a renowned option for ambitious students seeking big rewards. Tuition is set at $47,398 per year, but most students graduate with about $23,952 in student loans—lower than many other top schools. The graduation rate is a solid 91.5%, and new grads enjoy one of the highest starting salaries at $60,000. Caltech is selective, with an 8.1% acceptance rate, and is especially well-known for its top-ranked chemistry program.
Stanford University
Stanford University is known for its prestige and selectivity, with the lowest acceptance rate on this list at just 4.8%. Tuition is $42,428 per year, and graduates typically leave with about $32,620 in student loans. Still, new grads earn an impressive average starting salary of $54,000, making repayment more manageable. With a stellar graduation rate of 94.6%, most students see their investment pay off. If you’re drawn to psychology, Stanford’s top-ranked program stands out as one of the best.
University of California – Berkeley
The University of California Berkeley is a top choice for students seeking high-quality education at a reasonable cost. Tuition comes in at $26,856 per year, making it one of the more affordable elite universities in the country. Graduates typically leave with about $24,948 in student loans. The graduation rate is a solid 90.7%, and new grads start their careers earning an average of $49,000—helping to make loan repayment a manageable task. With a 16.9% acceptance rate, Berkeley is selective but accessible for dedicated applicants. If you’re drawn to business administration and management, you’ll find one of the nation’s best programs right here.
University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is another standout for affordability within the renowned UC system, with tuition set at just $23,180 per year. Graduates typically leave with about $23,648 in student loans, keeping debt manageable. UCLA boasts a strong 91% graduation rate, and new grads earn an average starting salary of $46,000—great news for paying off loans. With an accessible 18% acceptance rate, it’s a top pick for many students. If you’re passionate about history, you’ll find UCLA’s program ranked among the best.
