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 liberal arts colleges

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.
1Williams 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%
2Wellesley 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%
3Pomona 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%
4United 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%
5TieAmherst 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%
5TieClaremont 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%
7United 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%
8Hillsdale 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%
9Bowdoin 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%
10Haverford 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%
11Davidson 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%
12Washington 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%
13Swarthmore 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%
14Colgate 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%
15Middlebury 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%
16Hamilton 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%
17Colby 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%
18Barnard 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%
19Bates 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%
20Grinnell 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%
21Wesleyan 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%
22Harvey Mudd 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%C+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
23Carleton CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Northfield, MNA+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 20%
24Vassar CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Poughkeepsie, NYA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%C+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
25Smith CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Northampton, MA · All-femaleA+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 43%
26Colorado CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Colorado Springs, COA+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.
27University of RichmondHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.University of Richmond, VAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%BValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 50%
28College of the Holy CrossHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Worcester, MAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%C+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
29Skidmore CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Saratoga Springs, NYAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
30Lafayette CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Easton, PAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%BValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 47%
31Trinity UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.San Antonio, TXAAcademics: 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 32%
32Soka University of AmericaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Aliso Viejo, CAA+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 22%
33Macalester CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Saint Paul, MNAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
34Scripps 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 · All-femaleAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%BValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 47%
35TieBucknell UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Lewisburg, PAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%C+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
35TieDenison UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Granville, OHAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%C+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
37Franklin and Marshall CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Lancaster, PAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
38Trinity CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Hartford, CTAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
39Pitzer CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Claremont, CAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
40Kenyon CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Gambier, OHAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
41Bryn Mawr CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Bryn Mawr, PA · All-femaleAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
42Mount Holyoke CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.South Hadley, MA · All-femaleAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
43Connecticut CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.New London, CTAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
44Reed CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Portland, ORAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
45Oberlin CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Oberlin, OHAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%C+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
46Whitman CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Walla Walla, WAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
47Occidental CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Los Angeles, CAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%C+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
48Gettysburg CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Gettysburg, PAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
49Dickinson CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Carlisle, PAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
50Rhodes CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Memphis, TNAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%BValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.

Sorted by Compass Score, highest first

  1. 1
    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%
  2. 2
    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%
  3. 3
    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%
  4. 4
    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%
  5. 5Tie
    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%
  6. 5Tie
    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%
  7. 7
    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%
  8. 8
    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%
  9. 9
    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%
  10. 10
    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%
  11. 11
    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%
  12. 12
    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%
  13. 13
    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%
  14. 14
    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%
  15. 15
    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%
  16. 16
    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%
  17. 17
    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%
  18. 18
    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%
  19. 19
    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%
  20. 20
    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%
  21. 21
    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%
  22. 22
    Harvey Mudd 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%
    • ValueC+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  23. 23
    Carleton CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Northfield, MN
    • 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 20%
  24. 24
    Vassar CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Poughkeepsie, NY
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
    • ValueC+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  25. 25
    Smith CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Northampton, MA · All-female
    • 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 43%
  26. 26
    Colorado CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Colorado Springs, CO
    • 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.
  27. 27
    University of RichmondHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.University of Richmond, VA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • ValueBValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 50%
  28. 28
    College of the Holy CrossHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Worcester, MA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
    • ValueC+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  29. 29
    Skidmore CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Saratoga Springs, NY
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  30. 30
    Lafayette CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Easton, PA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
    • ValueBValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 47%
  31. 31
    Trinity UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.San Antonio, TX
    • 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 32%
  32. 32
    Soka University of AmericaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Aliso Viejo, CA
    • 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 22%
  33. 33
    Macalester CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Saint Paul, MN
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  34. 34
    Scripps 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 · All-female
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueBValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 47%
  35. 35Tie
    Bucknell UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Lewisburg, PA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueC+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  36. 35Tie
    Denison UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Granville, OH
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
    • ValueC+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  37. 37
    Franklin and Marshall CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Lancaster, PA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  38. 38
    Trinity CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Hartford, CT
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  39. 39
    Pitzer 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
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  40. 40
    Kenyon CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Gambier, OH
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  41. 41
    Bryn Mawr CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Bryn Mawr, PA · All-female
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  42. 42
    Mount Holyoke CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.South Hadley, MA · All-female
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  43. 43
    Connecticut CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.New London, CT
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  44. 44
    Reed CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Portland, OR
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  45. 45
    Oberlin CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Oberlin, OH
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
    • ValueC+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  46. 46
    Whitman CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Walla Walla, WA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  47. 47
    Occidental CollegeHonor 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
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
    • ValueC+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  48. 48
    Gettysburg CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Gettysburg, PA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  49. 49
    Dickinson CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Carlisle, PA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  50. 50
    Rhodes CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Memphis, TN
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%
    • ValueBValue: Good (grade B): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.

See all 209 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.

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