College Compass GuideTrue north for every college search.

Every accredited U.S. college

Colleges

Every accredited four-year college, rated on Academic Excellence and Value (what families pay after aid, what graduates earn, and student debt), all from federal data.

Filters

Search & sort
Compass Score sorts by outcomes, students and cost together. The other sorts order every college by a different measure.
Ratings
Compass ScoreCompass Score: a letter grade set by rank among rated colleges from federal data: outcomes (40%), entering students (40%), cost (15%) and teaching (5%). Choose the lowest grade to show.
ValueValue: what families pay after aid, graduation rate, earnings and debt, from federal data.
Academic ExcellenceAcademic Excellence: a letter grade set by rank among rated colleges, from federal data on graduation, retention, test scores, faculty ratio, and spending. It never uses rankings or surveys.
Only Compass Recommended colleges: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score.
Only Honor Roll colleges: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score.
Only the eight Ivy League universities.
Location
Distance (miles)
A broad region of the country, as the guide groups the states. Territories are listed separately.
School
Type of college, as college guides group them (from the federal Carnegie Classification): national universities offer a full range of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs and do research; liberal arts colleges focus on undergraduates in the arts and sciences; regional universities mostly offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees; regional colleges mostly offer bachelor’s degrees in many fields; specialized schools focus on one field, such as health, art or business.
Public or privatePublic: run by a state or local government. Private: nonprofit or for-profit.
Total enrollment: small is under 2,000 students, medium 2,000 to 9,999, large 10,000 to 24,999, and very large 25,000 or more.
Net price: what a typical student pays per year after grants and scholarships, from the federal College Scorecard.
Coed: men and women together. Single-sex: all-male or all-female.
Campus life
College sports level from federal data: NCAA Division I (the biggest programs), Division II, Division III, or NAIA.
Where the campus is, from federal data: in a city, a suburb, a town, or a rural area.
The college offers Army, Navy or Air Force ROTC, on campus or with a nearby college (federal data).
The college offers study abroad (federal data).
Admissions and outcomes
How many applicants are admitted (federal data). Most: 65% or more. Selective: 25% to 64%. Highly selective: under 25%.
Your SAT or ACT, to sort colleges Target, Likely and Reach. Signed in, it is kept on your account (private to you); otherwise only in this browser.
Reach, Target or LikelyA rough guide from admitted students' scores and admission rates, not a prediction. Target: your score is in the college's middle range. Likely: above it, or the college admits most applicants. Reach: below it, or the college admits fewer than 1 in 5.
Small classes: 12 or fewer students per faculty member (federal data).
Strong outcomes: 75% or more of students graduate (federal data).
Major1
Colleges that offer a bachelor's degree in this major or field, from the federal College Scorecard.
Clear all
RecommendedOnly Compass Recommended colleges: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score.Honor RollOnly Honor Roll colleges: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score.ValueOnly colleges with a Value score of 85 or higher (grade A), from federal data.AcademicsOnly schools with an Academic Excellence grade of A or better (the top 10% of rated colleges), from federal data.Ivy LeagueOnly the eight Ivy League universities.Clear
Division I sportsCollege sports level from federal data: NCAA Division I (the biggest programs), Division II, Division III, or NAIA.ROTCThe college offers Army, Navy or Air Force ROTC, on campus or with a nearby college (federal data).Study abroadThe college offers study abroad (federal data).NursingColleges that offer a bachelor's degree in this major or field, from the federal College Scorecard.EngineeringColleges that offer a bachelor's degree in this major or field, from the federal College Scorecard.Under $20kNet price under $20,000 a year: what a typical student pays after grants and scholarships (federal data).Small classesSmall classes: 12 or fewer students per faculty member (federal data).
Major: AccountingClear all

1,184 schools · Sorted by Compass Score

  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 17%

    Truman State University

    #7 in Missouri
    Kirksville, MO · Public · 4-year · 3,636 students

    About $13,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value ExcellentAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 17%

    Susquehanna University

    Top 10% for graduation
    Selinsgrove, PA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 2,247 students

    About $29,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value FairAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 17%

    Lipscomb University

    #5 in Tennessee
    Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 5,047 students

    About $25,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 17%

    The University of Alabama

    #3 in Alabama
    Tuscaloosa, AL · Public · 4-year · 39,622 students

    About $22,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Strong
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 17%

    Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

    #10 in Florida
    Tallahassee, FL · Public · 4-year · 9,265 students

    About $14,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Strong
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 17%

    St. John Fisher University

    Top 15% for graduation
    Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 3,674 students

    About $29,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 17%

    Union University

    #6 in Tennessee
    Jackson, TN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 2,674 students

    About $27,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 17%

    CUNY Hunter College

    Top 2% for low net price
    New York, NY · Public · 4-year · 22,879 students

    About $3,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value ExcellentAcademics Strong
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 17%

    University of Scranton

    Top 11% for graduation
    Scranton, PA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 4,825 students

    About $33,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 17%

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    Top 12% for graduation
    San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 4,494 students

    About $39,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value FairAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 18%

    University of North Florida

    Top 16% for low net price
    Jacksonville, FL · Public · 4-year · 16,453 students

    About $10,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value ExcellentAcademics Strong
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 18%

    Quinnipiac University

    Top 6% for earnings
    Hamden, CT · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 8,918 students

    About $41,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value FairAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 18%

    Calvin University

    #6 in Michigan
    Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 3,364 students

    About $23,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 18%

    Ohio Northern University

    Top 8% for earnings
    Ada, OH · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 3,042 students

    About $24,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 18%

    Taylor University

    Top 16% for graduation
    Upland, IN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 2,398 students

    About $25,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 18%

    Oregon State University

    Excellent: Compass grade A-
    Corvallis, OR · Public · 4-year · 35,622 students

    About $20,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Strong
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 18%

    Duquesne University

    Top 11% for earnings
    Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 8,137 students

    About $38,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value FairAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 18%

    Saint Anselm College

    Top 11% for graduation
    Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 2,078 students

    About $35,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value FairAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 19%

    University of Cincinnati

    Top 15% for graduation
    Cincinnati, OH · Public · 4-year · 43,338 students

    About $26,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Strong
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 19%

    Hofstra University

    Top 15% for earnings
    Hempstead, NY · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 10,393 students

    About $34,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 19%

    Siena College

    Top 10% for earnings
    Loudonville, NY · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 3,623 students

    About $34,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 19%

    Drew University

    Excellent: Compass grade A-
    Madison, NJ · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 2,226 students

    About $24,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 19%

    George Mason University

    Top 10% for earnings
    Fairfax, VA · Public · 4-year · 39,527 students

    About $18,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value ExcellentAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 19%

    Salve Regina University

    Top 12% for earnings
    Newport, RI · Private nonprofit · 4-year · 2,836 students

    About $37,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value FairAcademics Excellent
  • Compass ScoreExcellent · Top 19%

    University of Iowa

    #5 in Iowa
    Iowa City, IA · Public · 4-year · 30,042 students

    About $23,000 a year after aid, on average

    RecommendedCompass Recommended: the top 35% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ to B+), from academics and value.Value StrongAcademics Excellent

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Reach, Target or Likely?

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Will you get in?

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