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 national universities

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%
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%
7University 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%
8Yale 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%
9TieHarvard 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%
9TieBrown 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%
11Vanderbilt 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%
12Duke 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%
13Cornell 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%
14University 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%
15Northwestern 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%
16Washington 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%
17Columbia 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%
18Dartmouth 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%
19TieUniversity 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%
19TieUniversity 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%
21University 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%
22Carnegie 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.
23Emory 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%
24TieUniversity 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%
24TieUniversity 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%
26Georgia 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%
27Georgetown 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.
28Tufts 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.
29TieUniversity of California-Los AngelesHonor 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 8%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
29TieUniversity of VirginiaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Charlottesville, VAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 10%
31Boston UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Boston, MAA+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 32%
32Boston CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Chestnut Hill, 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.
33New York UniversityHonor 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%B-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
34Northeastern UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Boston, MAAAcademics: 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.
35Tulane University of LouisianaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.New Orleans, LAA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%C+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
36University of FloridaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Gainesville, FLAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
37Wake Forest UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Winston-Salem, NCAAcademics: 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 42%
38University of MiamiHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Coral Gables, FLAAcademics: 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.
39Lehigh UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Bethlehem, PAAAcademics: 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.
40William & MaryHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Williamsburg, VAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 8%
41Villanova UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Villanova, 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.
42The University of Texas at AustinHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Austin, TXAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 8%A-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 12%
43Florida State UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Tallahassee, FLAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 9%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
44University of California-San DiegoHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.La Jolla, CAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 8%A+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
45University of California-IrvineHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Irvine, 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 2%
46University of GeorgiaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Athens, GAAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 9%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
47University of Maryland-College ParkHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.College Park, MDAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
48TieUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Madison, WIAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%AValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%
48TieCase Western Reserve UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Cleveland, OHA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%C+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
50University of RochesterHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Rochester, NYA+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 43%

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%
  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. 7
    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. 8
    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%
  9. 9Tie
    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%
  10. 9Tie
    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%
  11. 11
    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%
  12. 12
    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%
  13. 13
    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%
  14. 14
    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%
  15. 15
    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%
  16. 16
    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%
  17. 17
    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%
  18. 18
    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%
  19. 19Tie
    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%
  20. 19Tie
    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%
  21. 21
    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%
  22. 22
    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.
  23. 23
    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%
  24. 24Tie
    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%
  25. 24Tie
    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%
  26. 26
    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%
  27. 27
    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.
  28. 28
    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.
  29. 29Tie
    University of California-Los AngelesHonor 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 8%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
  30. 29Tie
    University of VirginiaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Charlottesville, VA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 10%
  31. 31
    Boston UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Boston, MA
    • 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 32%
  32. 32
    Boston CollegeHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Chestnut Hill, 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.
  33. 33
    New York UniversityHonor 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%
    • ValueB-Value: Good (grade B-): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  34. 34
    Northeastern UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Boston, MA
    • 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.
  35. 35
    Tulane University of LouisianaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.New Orleans, LA
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 2%
    • ValueC+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  36. 36
    University of FloridaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Gainesville, FL
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
  37. 37
    Wake Forest UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Winston-Salem, NC
    • 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 42%
  38. 38
    University of MiamiHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Coral Gables, FL
    • 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
    Lehigh UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Bethlehem, PA
    • 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
    William & MaryHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Williamsburg, VA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 8%
  41. 41
    Villanova UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Villanova, 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.
  42. 42
    The University of Texas at AustinHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Austin, TX
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 8%
    • ValueA-Value: Excellent (grade A-): the top 20% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 12%
  43. 43
    Florida State UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Tallahassee, FL
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 9%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
  44. 44
    University of California-San DiegoHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.La Jolla, CA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 8%
    • ValueA+Value: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 1%
  45. 45
    University of California-IrvineHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Irvine, 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 2%
  46. 46
    University of GeorgiaHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Athens, GA
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 9%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 5%
  47. 47
    University of Maryland-College ParkHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.College Park, MD
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 6%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 4%
  48. 48Tie
    University of Wisconsin-MadisonHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Madison, WI
    • AcademicsAAcademics: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%
    • ValueAValue: Exceptional (grade A): the top 10% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 7%
  49. 48Tie
    Case Western Reserve UniversityHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Cleveland, OH
    • AcademicsA+Academics: Exceptional (grade A+): the top 3% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.Top 3%
    • ValueC+Value: Solid (grade C+): below the top 35% of rated colleges. Letters are set by rank among rated colleges.
  50. 50
    University of RochesterHonor RollCollege Compass Guide Honor Roll: the top 10% of rated colleges by Compass Score (grades A+ and A), from academics and value.Rochester, NY
    • 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 43%

See all 443 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 0

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.