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2020 Colleges with the Best Academics in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the 2020 best college academics ranking based on admissions selectivity, professor quality, and academic resources using data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews from students and alumni. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Middlebury College

    • 4 Year
    • Middlebury, VT
    • 489 reviews
    #26 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Junior: My overall experience with Middlebury College is a positive one. Although Middlebury has pushed me in ways unimaginable through academics and socially on campus I have learned through each obstacle and hardship I have gone through. I have learned valuable knowledge about who I am as a both a person and a student. I come from New York City, so moving to move Vermont has been a huge culture shock but Middlebury’s community has made it bearable. Middlebury is a place that makes you self-aware and pushes you out of your comfort zone! I’m excited to see where my future will go from here!
    Read 489 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,841 Net Price
    • 1320-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Barnard College

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 431 reviews
    #27 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Senior: Barnard College is an amazing institution. If you want to live in New York City but still have a campus, this is the place for you. I love being able to walk a few blocks away from school and feel like I'm immersed in the bustle of NYC - while still having a quiet, beautiful campus to escape to.
    The English department has incredibly intelligent, dedicated professors.
    However - this is not the easiest school if, like me, you have a difficult time obtaining financial aid. Juggling classes, multiple jobs, and multiple extracurriculars can be difficult - but this is a high intensity school in a high intensity city.
    I love women's college though! I've learned so much from the incredible women I go to school with.
    Read 431 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,736 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Carnegie Mellon University

    • 4 Year
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 1,359 reviews
    #28 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Niche User: I attended CMU's pre-college summer program and I loved it. They have an amazing faculty whom remembered me upon admission. I took five classes that challenged me to be my very best. The skills I learned made me a better student during my senior year. It helped me buckle down when high school seemed petty knowing that college was indeed everything I thought it was. . .because, in a sense, I had already been to a fantastic one, albeit for six weeks in the summer. I highly recommend the summer programs at Carnegie Mellon. I consider it the most innovative university in the country!
    Read 1,359 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,817 Net Price
    • 1430-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Georgetown University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 1,143 reviews
    #29 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Junior: Georgetown University is an incredible university with top-notch professors and academic programs. Professors DO seem preoccupied with their research, but most genuinely care about students. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the university is connected to how pre-professional it is. This can translated to club culture. People are more focused on getting jobs after graduation than most other schools. This is connected to Georgetown's return on investment, however. Well worth coming!
    Read 1,143 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,420 Net Price
    • 1350-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Haverford College

    • 4 Year
    • Haverford, PA
    • 210 reviews
    #30 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Niche User: I absolutely loved the atmosphere of the campus. The students all looked hard-working but stress-free. I appreciated the close-knit community of the school compared to prestigious schools in the city, yet there was still movement and multiple different things to do to have "fun" off and around campus. Haverford is my dream school!
    Read 210 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 20% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,582 Net Price
    • 1390-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Emory University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,467 reviews
    #31 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Sophomore: I'm currently a sophomore at Oxford College. During my freshman year, I was very easily able to get involved on campus, and since the first day, I found it incredibly easy to make friends! That's one of the nice aspects of the small campus. My professors so far have all been so passionate, caring, and overall great. I think the dining hall is pretty good, and the dorm that I live in is really nice. As for the social/party scene, it depends on what you choose to involve yourself in; if there's a will, there's a way, so I've personally had a ton of fun during my time here.
    Read 1,467 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,867 Net Price
    • 1350-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Wellesley College

    • 4 Year
    • Wellesley, MA
    • 560 reviews
    #32 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Sophomore: I have had the best two years of my life at Wellesley College and I'm excited about what comes in the remaining two as well. It has a great environment that is both encouraging and supportive in every aspect. The size of the school is perfect. I really like the small classrooms and the ability to get to know my professors and classmates well. It also allows for detailed and fruitful discussions during the lectures and seminars. I have been in a class of eight people in my first year! Apart from academic excellence, Wellesley also offers a wide range of clubs and sports where a student can easily find a group of friends like family. I also really like the lush green beautiful campus and Lake Waban.
    Read 560 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 28% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,189 Net Price
    • 1360-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. Claremont McKenna College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 414 reviews
    #33 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Freshman: Where do I begin, I have so much to say about how much I love this school. When I first came to Claremont McKenna, I feared that it would be difficult to make friends as it is such a small school. However, the first day shocked me completely. Everyone was so freaking nice, like unbelievably nice. In the last 3 months of being here, I know about 250/360 kids in my class, and of course a lot of upperclassmen. The party scene here is exactly what I want from a school ,inclusivity, but everyone definitely shares a work hard, play hard mentality. We know how to party, but we also know how to be the scholarly students we got in here for being. The party scene truly is spectacular. The dining hall food is amazing. Sports teams are great as 1/3 of the student body participates in sports There are pretty much a million ways to get involved on campus. I want to continue rambling about how much I love it here, but I also have an econ quiz tomorrow, but I hope that helps. S'GO STAGTHENAS!
    Read 414 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,712 Net Price
    • 1340-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 481 reviews
    #34 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Sophomore: Carleton has wonderful faculty and their selling point would definitely be the academics. Carleton is also very generous with giving financial aid to students, which has helped me tremendously. Although it is secluded in a small town, I find this to be very good for my safety (honestly, you'll probably be too busy being on campus to even want to go to the cities). I think the dorms are above average for a lot of colleges in America. I've visited many, and Carleton's "worst dorm" (which I lived in) was very nice. Overall, great school! Can't wait to finish my degree.
    Read 481 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 21% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,148 Net Price
    • 1360-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. Harvey Mudd College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 131 reviews
    #35 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Alum: Attending Harvey Mudd College was a humbling experience. I was able to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics with peers who were similarly passionate. There are boundless opportunities to take courses both on campus or at any of the four other undergraduate Claremont Colleges that are all within a 1-mile radius, just a short walk or quick bike-ride away. I had the opportunity to pursue summer research projects and engage in a thesis project during my senior year. The campus encourages students to present their research across the nation at various conferences. It’s not uncommon for the department sponsoring your research project to also sponsor your attendance at research conferences including paying for hotel, airfare, and a food stipend! Last but most definitely not least, the advisors are passionate about your success and meet with students frequently. I personally met with my advisor on a weekly basis. I am grateful for this amazing undergraduate institution!
    Read 131 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,135 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,071 reviews
    #36 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Freshman: From amazing academics to contagious school spirit, I have loved my first year at Michigan. The universe exceeded all of my expectations. Everyone student is motivated to do their best. This is not only in a classroom setting, but it is in every aspect of their lives. I am pushed by all my peers to try my hardest. Although a large school, the administration truly cares about every student, and there are countless numbers of resources available to help with anything one may need. The social aspect of school is amazing. There are so many different types of people, clubs, and parties, so everyone can find something they like. GO BLUE!
    Read 4,071 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,408 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Colby College

    • 4 Year
    • Waterville, ME
    • 502 reviews
    #37 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Niche User: I'm a parent of a rising sophomore who had an extremely positive first year at Colby. I've been really impressed by Colby's commitment to excellence in everything they do. The faculty and staff my son has interacted with so far have all been professional, supportive and highly accessible, more so than one would likely find at a larger university. The campus itself is stunning with Portland, the coast and ski slopes all just an hour away. The college is deep into a record-setting fundraising campaign that is allowing it to offer generous resources to its students including financial aid, paid experiences abroad and a best-in-class athletic center due to open in 2020. There's a dynamism at Colby that's palpable. It may or may not be the best fit for your son or daughter, but I can say without hesitation that it's been a great fit for mine.
    Read 502 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,361 Net Price
    • 1340-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Davidson College

    • 4 Year
    • Davidson, NC
    • 284 reviews
    #38 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Alum: The hype is true. Amazing place. School built on Christian values, but with an actual commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. D-1 status makes a big difference in terms of quality of athletic facilities for a school of this size (particularly post Steph Curry). Most compelling reason by far to attend though is the faculty-- classes are amazing. I still reference my undergrad coursework many years later. Beautiful campus. Good luck getting in!
    Read 284 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 20% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,339 Net Price
    • 1310-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,924 reviews
    #39 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Senior: For context, I am a transfer student who transferred at thirty years old to finish my undergraduate degree in Media Studies. Their orientation week is amazing if you do it. The alumni and career center are amazing resources for networking and internships. It is very possible to achieve what it is that you're setting out to achieve. Beware that the South Side of campus is slightly dodgy, but you are told the best ways to stay safe. In-state tuition is great if you're from California, if not, I highly recommend attempting to gain residency. Save utility bills and a lease agreement from your Freshman apartment (if you come as a Freshman. You'll save yourself or your parents thousands of dollars. Get involved though. You get out what you put in!
    Read 3,924 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,178 Net Price
    • 1260-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Williams College

    • 4 Year
    • Williamstown, MA
    • 277 reviews
    #40 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Senior: Williams is an excellent school- you just have to know what you're getting into and what's great about it.
    Exceptional attention from world renowned faculty (6:1 student faculty really shows-- I have a lab with 3 other students and a professor). Also faculty go out of their way to make themselves available to students outside of classes.
    The other big advantage of Williams is the alumni relations. Williams beats out Harvard/Yale/etc in how committed alumni are to helping students out.
    Williams has a strong athletic community and a strong artsy community. Almost everyone engages in outdoor activities in one form or another (varsity sports, hiking in the Berkshires, skiing, tennis...). Small school, so you know the names of almost everyone on campus, and enriches the experience.
    Williams is definitely a different type of academic experience, and it's def not a huge party school.
    The school is incredibly supportive and will support you in any interests.
    Read 277 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,380 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Middletown, CT
    • 693 reviews
    #41 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Junior: I LOVE this school! Couldn't be happier with my choice to come here. The students are incredible - everyone is interested in such a wide range of subjects and activities and they're all so passionate about what they're doing! I have friends who are chem majors who also star in plays, film majors who are also varsity athletes, bio majors who are in mock trial, etc. Everyone feels free to be themselves and do what they love and it's such an awesome environment to be a part of.
    Read 693 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,251 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Grinnell College

    • 4 Year
    • Grinnell, IA
    • 397 reviews
    #42 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Sophomore: Wonderful school. All of the students here are sincere and intelligent people. I'm continuously impressed by my peers everytime I go to class. Everyone is hard-working and curious, and no one would struggle to find a like-minded intellectual here.

    The professors are notable people who are well known within their respective studies, and they genuinely care about your growth and experience at the school. I used to go to a high school where I felt I learned nothing new day after day. Here, I learn both in and outside of the classroom thanks to all the amazing resources Grinnell offers.

    Kids who didn't get into Harvard but got into Grinnell are lucky. This is the school that truly will define you and make you into the well-rounded and intelligent person you may wish to be.
    Read 397 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,492 Net Price
    • 1310-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Washington & Lee University

    • 4 Year
    • Lexington, VA
    • 401 reviews
    #43 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Freshman: W&L offers endless opportunities to its students (grants, fellowships, study abroad, extracurriculars, classes, etc.). The culture is social; people are friendly and energetic. Greek life and parties are popular, but learning to navigate this environment strengthens your sense of self and knowledge of your own needs. There are other people and alternative activities - a student just needs to be willing to explore beyond what is the most visible option.

    There is work to do and changes still to be made here, but that's why W&L's motto is "not unmindful of the future." If you are willing to fully challenge yourself to take action in and out of the classroom, you will truly find a home here among the quaint city of Lexington, the beauty of the nature, and the enthusiasm of the professors. Reaching adulthood and personal growth isn't meant to be easy, but at W&L, you will build relationships that remind you what it's all for.
    Read 401 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,029 Net Price
    • 1350-1490 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Vassar College

    • 4 Year
    • Poughkeepsie, NY
    • 602 reviews
    #44 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Senior: Vassar has been the right choice for me. The small class and laboratory sizes make for a very intimate learning environment. Vassar is a very diverse environment in every sense except for politically. Vassar is a very open place, however, it is so liberally leaning politically that sometimes people have a hard time expressing their opinions if they aren't the same as the majority of Vassar. However, Vassar has a variety of different people there so everyone can find their niche there. Vassar is in no way a party school, as the night life is very much a "what you make of it" situation. Vassar has no Greek Life, which makes for a highly inclusive campus.
    Read 602 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,763 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. New York University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 5,055 reviews
    #45 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Freshman: Excited for the future. This school is great! This is a brief summary:

     New York University (NYU) is a private research university originally founded in New York City but now with campuses and locations throughout the world. Founded in 1831, NYU's historical campus is in Greenwich Village, New York City.[12][13] As a global university, students can graduate from its degree-granting campuses in NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai, as well as study at its 12 academic centers in Accra, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Sydney, Tel Aviv, and Washington, D.C.[14][15][16]
    Read 5,055 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 28% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,256 Net Price
    • 1290-1490 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,923 reviews
    #46 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Junior: Campus couldn't be more beautiful. Many spots to study, relax, enjoy the sights, etc. Dorms are pretty standard. Fairly easy to transfer rooms if a problem arises with your roommate(s). Professors are generally helpful and generous with their knowledge. Department heads tend to be very considerate and work with you to complete your educational plans. Honors Program counselors are encouraging and friendly. Many different resources available for things like study abroad and academic planning. So many clubs to join. Very likely to find things that satisfy your interests. Plenty of things to do in Westwood. Strong campus safety department. Social scene is lively. Division I sports rarely disappoint. All in all, amazing experience!
    Read 4,923 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,760 Net Price
    • 1220-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Bates College

    • 4 Year
    • Lewiston, ME
    • 350 reviews
    #47 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Junior: Everyone will tell you this but it's true- the people make Bates a special place! The students, professors, and faculty give the school a unique quality that makes your time here truly invaluable. Whenever I am away from Bates for too long, I find myself yearning to be back on campus, back home. The thirst for change and the passion for diversity, community engagement, and social justice create a vibrant atmosphere that is exciting to be a part of. There's never a shortage of things to be involved in! Even with little to no idea about what I want to do with my life, I am confident that when I leave Bates I will be able to draw on what I've learned to craft a meaningful career. Yeah, there may not be much to do in Lewiston, but make sure to get out and explore the rest of Maine! Skiing, hiking, surfing, biking, running, canoeing, .... all can be found within an hour of Bates.
    Read 350 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,312 Net Price
    • 1385-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Hamilton College

    • 4 Year
    • Clinton, NY
    • 445 reviews
    #48 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Sophomore: Hamilton College places a heavy emphasis on developing writing and communication skills, which definitely helps prepare us for applications/ careers in the future. There are very friendly and pleasant interactions on campus amongst the student body and staff. Theft isn't really an issue on campus; most people leave their belongings unattended and return to them later with nothing missing. Great school and beautiful campus!
    Read 445 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,139 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. University of Virginia

    • 4 Year
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • 2,139 reviews
    #49 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Junior: It has been an amazing home away from home! Everyone is focused not only on academics but growing as invididuals. My only critique is housing— as a first year you are not promised AC, and hopefully that will change. Also some professors are too focused on their research rather than their classrooms. The local food scene is great, and Dinning makes sure to support local farmers and promote sustainability!
    Read 2,139 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,594 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Wake Forest University

    • 4 Year
    • Winston-Salem, NC
    • 782 reviews
    #50 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Sophomore: Wake Forest University has a beautiful campus and passionate, talented professors. The workload is definitely sizable but with time management and hard work you can definitely succeed. The professors are always eager to assist you if you need extra help. All teachers have office hours, where they are in their offices solely to answer your questions. Wake Forest is definitely has the motto work hard, play hard. Though going out is fun, the library is always packed come Sunday morning. The new gymnasium is amazing and the university is starting to renovate the dorms. I love attending Wake Forest!
    Read 782 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 28% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,986 Net Price
    • 1270-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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