Every year, U.S. News & World Report releases its definitive rankings of the best colleges in the United States. Analyzing 1,500 colleges and universities throughout the country, the rankings consider an array of factors, including outcomes for graduating students, social mobility, and graduation rates, to name a few. However, this year marks a noted change in some of the study’s determining factors. Most notably, class size, alumni giving, faculty with terminal degrees, high school standing and the proportion of graduates who take out federal loans have been removed from determining college rankings. “The significant changes in this year’s methodology are part of the ongoing evolution to make sure our rankings capture what is most important for students as they compare colleges and select the school that is right for them,” explained executive chairman and CEO of U.S. News, Eric Gertler.
So, what schools fared the best in this year’s new ranking system?
Best National Universities
- Princeton University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University and Stanford University (tie)
Top Public Schools
- University of California, Berkeley and University of California, Los Angeles (tie)
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Best National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Williams College
- Amherst College
- United States Naval Academy
For the full list of rankings and a database of advice on college applications and admissions, head to USNews.com.