2026
N
NICHE
BEST
COLLEGES

2026 Best Colleges in America

54 Universities Found

The Best Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares more than 1,000 top colleges and universities in the U.S.

1-25 of 54 results
#1 BEST COLLEGES

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave, Albany · university

Curious about University at Albany? Learn how much it costs, what you can study & how campus life feels.

Acceptance rate
54%
Tuition
$25,000
SAT Score
1100
#2 BEST COLLEGES

Clark University

950 Main St, Worcester · university

Learn why global students prefer Clark University, a university school.

Acceptance rate
45%
Tuition
$50,000
SAT Score
1200
#3 BEST COLLEGES

University of Wisconsin–Madison

500 Lincoln Dr, Madison · university

Full breakdown of University of Wisconsin–Madison — academics, expenses, aid & campus environment.

Acceptance rate
52%
Tuition
$10,000
SAT Score
1200
#4 BEST COLLEGES

Johnson C. Smith University

100 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte · university

Full breakdown of Johnson C. Smith University — academics, expenses, aid & campus environment.

Acceptance rate
45%
Tuition
$25,000
SAT Score
1000
#5 BEST COLLEGES

Fordham University

Bronx · university

Discover highly ranked programs & learning opportunities at Fordham University.

Acceptance rate
46%
Tuition
$54,000
SAT Score
1300
#6 BEST COLLEGES

Whitman College

Memorial Hall, 345 Boyer Ave, Walla Walla · university

See why Whitman College stands out — rankings, majors, aid & campus life.

Acceptance rate
50%
Tuition
$50,000
SAT Score
1200
#7 BEST COLLEGES

University of Georgia

University of Georgia Chapel, Herty Dr, Athens · university

Discover key details about University of Georgia — tuition, scholarships, admissions, campus life, academics & more.

Acceptance rate
48%
Tuition
$10,000
SAT Score
1200
#8 BEST COLLEGES

The Pennsylvania State University

201 Old Main, University Park · university

Thinking about a university? Review The Pennsylvania State University — admissions & student life.

Acceptance rate
56%
Tuition
$18,000
SAT Score
1200
#9 BEST COLLEGES

Liberty University Online

800 Graves Mill Rd, Lynchburg · point_of_interest

Your full overview of Liberty University Online — admissions, tuition, majors, student housing & more.

Acceptance rate
50%
Tuition
$20,000
SAT Score
1000
#10 BEST COLLEGES

Grand Canyon University

Arena, 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix · university

Explore admissions, scholarships, tuition details, academics, and campus life at Grand Canyon University.

Acceptance rate
60%
Tuition
$16,390
SAT Score
1105
#11 BEST COLLEGES

University of Minnesota Law School

Walter F. Mondale Hall, Willey Hall, 229 S 19th Ave, Minneapolis · point_of_interest

Find the best of campus culture, programs & aid at University of Minnesota Law School.

Acceptance rate
40%
00
#12 BEST COLLEGES

University of South Florida

4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa · university

Find the best of campus culture, programs & aid at University of South Florida.

Acceptance rate
44%
Tuition
$21,000
SAT Score
1200
#13 BEST COLLEGES

St. Olaf College

1520 St Olaf Ave, Northfield · university

Explore everything about St. Olaf College — from application steps to student life & academics.

Acceptance rate
45%
Tuition
$50,000
SAT Score
1300
#14 BEST COLLEGES

University of Tennessee Office of Undergraduate Admissions

1315-1331 Cir Park Dr, Knoxville · point_of_interest

Learn about University of Tennessee Office of Undergraduate Admissions: tuition and fees, financial aid options, admissions, programs, campus life & more.

Acceptance rate
46%
Tuition
$11,556
SAT Score
1190
#15 BEST COLLEGES

Claflin University

400 Magnolia St, Orangeburg · university

Find the best of campus culture, programs & aid at Claflin University.

Acceptance rate
55%
Tuition
$25,000
SAT Score
1000
#16 BEST COLLEGES

Biola University

13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada · university

Top university — Biola University programs & cost.

Acceptance rate
60%
Tuition
$41,976
SAT Score
1240
#17 BEST COLLEGES

University of Vermont

Burlington · university

Start planning your education at University of Vermont, a top university — academics, fees & housing.

Acceptance rate
60%
Tuition
$19,058
SAT Score
1340
#18 BEST COLLEGES

Pepperdine University

24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu · university

Discover highly ranked programs & learning opportunities at Pepperdine University.

Acceptance rate
49%
Tuition
$55,640
SAT Score
1360
#19 BEST COLLEGES

University of La Verne

Landis Academic Center, 1950 3rd St, La Verne · university

Discover highly ranked programs & learning opportunities at University of La Verne.

Overall Grade
B+
Acceptance rate
48%
Tuition
$49,470
SAT Score
1115
#20 BEST COLLEGES

Chapman University

1 University Dr, Orange · university

Discover the vibe at Chapman University — fun campus, good programs & housing.

Overall Grade
A-
Acceptance rate
58%
Tuition
$50,000
SAT Score
1200
#21 BEST COLLEGES

Grambling State University

403 Main St, Grambling · school

Discover if Grambling State University fits your goals — tuition, majors & student culture explained.

Overall Grade
B+
Acceptance rate
50%
Tuition
$8,000
SAT Score
1000
#22 BEST COLLEGES

DeVry University

Lower Level 1, 4225 Naperville Rd, Lisle · university

Start your journey at DeVry University — admissions, financial aid, campus life & more.

Overall Grade
C
Acceptance rate
60%
Tuition
$15,000
SAT Score
1000
#23 BEST COLLEGES

Elizabeth City State University

1704 Weeksville Rd, Elizabeth City · university

Explore student life at Elizabeth City State University — clubs, housing, academics & admissions.

Overall Grade
C+
Acceptance rate
50%
Tuition
$5,000
SAT Score
1000
#24 BEST COLLEGES

University of San Diego

5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego · university

Discover University of San Diego academics, cost & culture.

Overall Grade
B+
Acceptance rate
49%
Tuition
$50,000
SAT Score
1200
#25 BEST COLLEGES

University of Denver

Denver · university

Explore tuition, admissions & programs for international students at University of Denver.

Overall Grade
A-
Acceptance rate
60%
Tuition
$50,000
SAT Score
1200