College Compass GuideTrue north for every college search.

Rankings

Ranked lists of every accredited four-year college, each computed from federal data by a published formula.

Top 50 colleges in the U.S.

Sorted by Compass Score, highest first
RankSchoolCompass ScoreCompass Score: a letter grade set by rank among rated colleges from federal data on outcomes, entering students, cost and teaching. The ring shows where the college stands.AcademicsAcademic 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.ValueValue: what families pay after aid, graduation rate, earnings and debt, from federal data.
1California Institute of TechnologyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Pasadena, CAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%—Value: not yet researched. This school has not been checked against official sources yet.
2Princeton UniversityIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Princeton, NJA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
3Stanford UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Stanford, CAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
4Rice UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Houston, TXA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
5Johns Hopkins UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Baltimore, MDA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
6Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Cambridge, MAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
7TieUniversity of ChicagoHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Chicago, ILA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
7TieWilliams CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Williamstown, MAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
9Yale UniversityIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.New Haven, CTA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 8%
10TieHarvard UniversityIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Cambridge, MAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
10TieBrown UniversityIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Providence, RIA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 9%
12Wellesley CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Wellesley, MA · All-femaleA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%
13Vanderbilt UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Nashville, TNA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
14Pomona CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Claremont, CAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
15Duke UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Durham, NCA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 23%
16United States Military AcademyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.West Point, NYA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%—Value: not yet researched. This school has not been checked against official sources yet.
17TieAmherst CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Amherst, MAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 8%
17TieClaremont McKenna CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Claremont, CAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 22%
17TieUnited States Air Force AcademyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.USAF Academy, COA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%—Value: not yet researched. This school has not been checked against official sources yet.
20Cornell UniversityIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Ithaca, NYA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 22%
21University of PennsylvaniaIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Philadelphia, PAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 27%
22Northwestern UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Evanston, ILA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 27%
23United States Naval AcademyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Annapolis, MDAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%—Value: not yet researched. This school has not been checked against official sources yet.
24Hillsdale CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Hillsdale, MIA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%—Value: not yet researched. This school has not been checked against official sources yet.
25Washington University in St. LouisHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.St. Louis, MOA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 11%
26Bowdoin CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Brunswick, MEA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
27Haverford CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Haverford, PAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 13%
28TieDavidson CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Davidson, NCA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
28TieColumbia University in the City of New YorkIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.New York, NYA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 19%
30Dartmouth CollegeIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Hanover, NHA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 34%
31Washington and Lee UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Lexington, VAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 21%
32TieUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Chapel Hill, NCAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
32TieSwarthmore CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Swarthmore, PAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 15%
32TieUniversity of Notre DameHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Notre Dame, INA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 29%
35Colgate UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Hamilton, NYA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 25%
36Middlebury CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Middlebury, VTA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 32%
37University of Michigan-Ann ArborHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Ann Arbor, MIAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
38Carnegie Mellon UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Pittsburgh, PAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%BValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
39Emory UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Atlanta, GAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 15%
40Hamilton CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Clinton, NYA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 32%
41Colby CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Waterville, MEA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
42TieUniversity of California-BerkeleyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Berkeley, CAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
42TieUniversity of Southern CaliforniaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Los Angeles, CAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%BValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 46%
44Georgia Institute of TechnologyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Atlanta, GAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 9%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
45TieBarnard CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.New York, NY · All-femaleA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 33%
45TieGeorgetown UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Washington, DCA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
47Bates CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Lewiston, MEAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%B+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 33%
48Tufts UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Medford, MAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
49Grinnell CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Grinnell, IAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 14%
50Wesleyan UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Middletown, CTA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%BValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 36%

Sorted by Compass Score, highest first

  1. 1
    California Institute of TechnologyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Pasadena, CA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • Value—Value: not yet researched. This school has not been checked against official sources yet.
  2. 2
    Princeton UniversityIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Princeton, NJ
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
  3. 3
    Stanford UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Stanford, CA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
  4. 4
    Rice UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Houston, TX
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
  5. 5
    Johns Hopkins UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Baltimore, MD
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
  6. 6
    Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Cambridge, MA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
  7. 7Tie
    University of ChicagoHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Chicago, IL
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
  8. 7Tie
    Williams CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Williamstown, MA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
  9. 9
    Yale UniversityIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.New Haven, CT
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 8%
  10. 10Tie
    Harvard UniversityIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Cambridge, MA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
  11. 10Tie
    Brown UniversityIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Providence, RI
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 9%
  12. 12
    Wellesley CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Wellesley, MA · All-female
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%
  13. 13
    Vanderbilt UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Nashville, TN
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
  14. 14
    Pomona CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Claremont, CA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
  15. 15
    Duke UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Durham, NC
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 23%
  16. 16
    United States Military AcademyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.West Point, NY
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • Value—Value: not yet researched. This school has not been checked against official sources yet.
  17. 17Tie
    Amherst CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Amherst, MA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 8%
  18. 17Tie
    Claremont McKenna CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Claremont, CA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 22%
  19. 17Tie
    United States Air Force AcademyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.USAF Academy, CO
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • Value—Value: not yet researched. This school has not been checked against official sources yet.
  20. 20
    Cornell UniversityIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Ithaca, NY
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 22%
  21. 21
    University of PennsylvaniaIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Philadelphia, PA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 27%
  22. 22
    Northwestern UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Evanston, IL
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 27%
  23. 23
    United States Naval AcademyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Annapolis, MD
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • Value—Value: not yet researched. This school has not been checked against official sources yet.
  24. 24
    Hillsdale CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Hillsdale, MI
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
    • Value—Value: not yet researched. This school has not been checked against official sources yet.
  25. 25
    Washington University in St. LouisHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.St. Louis, MO
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueA-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 11%
  26. 26
    Bowdoin CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Brunswick, ME
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
  27. 27
    Haverford CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Haverford, PA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
    • ValueA-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 13%
  28. 28Tie
    Davidson CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Davidson, NC
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
  29. 28Tie
    Columbia University in the City of New YorkIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.New York, NY
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueA-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 19%
  30. 30
    Dartmouth CollegeIvy LeagueHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Hanover, NH
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 34%
  31. 31
    Washington and Lee UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Lexington, VA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 21%
  32. 32Tie
    University of North Carolina at Chapel HillHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Chapel Hill, NC
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
  33. 32Tie
    Swarthmore CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Swarthmore, PA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
    • ValueA-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 15%
  34. 32Tie
    University of Notre DameHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Notre Dame, IN
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 29%
  35. 35
    Colgate UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Hamilton, NY
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 25%
  36. 36
    Middlebury CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Middlebury, VT
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 32%
  37. 37
    University of Michigan-Ann ArborHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Ann Arbor, MI
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
  38. 38
    Carnegie Mellon UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Pittsburgh, PA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueBValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  39. 39
    Emory UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Atlanta, GA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • ValueA-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 15%
  40. 40
    Hamilton CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Clinton, NY
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 32%
  41. 41
    Colby CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Waterville, ME
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
  42. 42Tie
    University of California-BerkeleyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Berkeley, CA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
  43. 42Tie
    University of Southern CaliforniaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Los Angeles, CA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
    • ValueBValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 46%
  44. 44
    Georgia Institute of TechnologyHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Atlanta, GA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 9%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
  45. 45Tie
    Barnard CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.New York, NY · All-female
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 33%
  46. 45Tie
    Georgetown UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Washington, DC
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  47. 47
    Bates CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Lewiston, ME
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueB+Value: Very good (grade B+): the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 33%
  48. 48
    Tufts UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Medford, MA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  49. 49
    Grinnell CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Grinnell, IA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • ValueA-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 14%
  50. 50
    Wesleyan UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Middletown, CT
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueBValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 36%

See all 1,597 ranked How the Compass Score works

Rated so far: 1,829 of 2,310 colleges have a Compass Score.

CollegesTop listsBy state

Colleges

Every accredited four-year college. Each ranking below sorts them by the Compass Score, by academics, or by value.

Best colleges

Every accredited four-year college (specialized schools aside) ranked by the Compass Score: outcomes, entering students, cost and teaching, from federal data.

1,597 colleges ranked

Best national universities

Doctoral and research universities, ranked by the Compass Score: outcomes, entering students, cost and teaching, from federal data.

443 colleges ranked

Best liberal arts colleges

Colleges that focus on undergraduates in the arts and sciences, ranked by the Compass Score: outcomes, entering students, cost and teaching, from federal data.

209 colleges ranked

Colleges with the strongest academics

Every four-year college ranked by Academic Excellence from federal data: graduation, retention, entering students’ preparation, faculty attention, and instructional investment.

2,055 colleges ranked

Best value colleges

Colleges with an Academic Excellence grade of B+ or better, ranked by Value: what families pay after aid, what graduates earn, and student debt, from federal data.

682 colleges ranked

Honor Roll

Colleges in the top 10% by Compass Score (grades A+ and A).

Who makes the Honor Roll

Top lists

Shorter lists on a single theme, built from the same grades and federal data. A list appears once at least five schools qualify.

By major

Cost and value

Outcomes and size

By place

By state

Every ranked school is a dot. Hover or tap a state to see its No. 1, then open its rankings. Switch to the street map to zoom in to cities and highways.

Alabama · 26 ranked schoolsAlaska · 5 ranked schoolsArizona · 29 ranked schoolsArkansas · 23 ranked schoolsCalifornia · 147 ranked schoolsColorado · 33 ranked schoolsConnecticut · 26 ranked schoolsDelaware · 5 ranked schoolsDistrict of Columbia · 9 ranked schoolsFlorida · 95 ranked schoolsGeorgia · 59 ranked schoolsHawaii · 7 ranked schoolsIdaho · 10 ranked schoolsIllinois · 56 ranked schoolsIndiana · 48 ranked schoolsIowa · 31 ranked schoolsKansas · 27 ranked schoolsKentucky · 30 ranked schoolsLouisiana · 25 ranked schoolsMaine · 19 ranked schoolsMaryland · 25 ranked schoolsMassachusetts · 66 ranked schoolsMichigan · 47 ranked schoolsMinnesota · 42 ranked schoolsMississippi · 15 ranked schoolsMissouri · 51 ranked schoolsMontana · 10 ranked schoolsNebraska · 19 ranked schoolsNevada · 11 ranked schoolsNew Hampshire · 13 ranked schoolsNew Jersey · 33 ranked schoolsNew Mexico · 9 ranked schoolsNew York · 129 ranked schoolsNorth Carolina · 55 ranked schoolsNorth Dakota · 9 ranked schoolsOhio · 110 ranked schoolsOklahoma · 28 ranked schoolsOregon · 23 ranked schoolsPennsylvania · 117 ranked schoolsRhode Island · 11 ranked schoolsSouth Carolina · 35 ranked schoolsSouth Dakota · 11 ranked schoolsTennessee · 46 ranked schoolsTexas · 110 ranked schoolsUtah · 16 ranked schoolsVermont · 9 ranked schoolsVirginia · 51 ranked schoolsWashington · 53 ranked schoolsWest Virginia · 21 ranked schoolsWisconsin · 37 ranked schoolsWyoming · 5 ranked schools

Hover or tap a state to see its top school.

Fewer … MoreShaded by how many schools are ranked.

All states

By region

Northeast · Midwest · South · West · Territories

0 school selectedCompare

What would it cost your family?

Pick your family’s yearly income. Each college then shows what families like yours paid on average after grants and scholarships (federal data).

Reach, Target or Likely?

Enter an SAT or ACT to sort every college in this search.

Will you get in?

Enter your SAT or ACT. We compare it with the middle range of students the college admitted.