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2021 Colleges with the Best Academics in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the 2021 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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Selectivity based on acceptance rate. Extremely Selective: < 15%, Very Selective: 15%-30%, Selective: 30%-60%, Average: 60%-90%, Not Selective: > 90%.

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A critical mass of the student body falls within the specified group, low and middle income students pay a reasonable net price, the school participates in tuition relief programs for veterans, and the school's overall Niche Grade is above a B-.

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26 – 50 of 3,214

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Bowdoin College
4 Year
Brunswick, ME
694 reviews
#26 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Freshman: The moment I stepped on Bowdoin's campus, I knew that it was going to be my home for the next four years. I am confident that I chose the right school for me. I feel like I'm flourishing in terms of my social and academic life; things are just happening for me here. My professors are wonderful, there's such a tight-knit community, and the people here are so nice. Bowdoin just cares about me!
Read 694 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
10% Acceptance Rate
$24,831 Net Price
1360-1510 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Harvey Mudd College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
136 reviews
#27 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 136 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
14% Acceptance Rate
$38,768 Net Price
1490-1560 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Amherst College
4 Year
Amherst, MA
286 reviews
#28 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Niche User: Our tour guide was well trained. He waited for someone to leave the dorms to have them tell the group what the best thing was about Amherst. The Dean was very intelligent and knowledgeable and gave a great information session presentation to the group. It is a small liberal arts college which is academically based and hard to get into. A mini Harvard that was scaled down. A shuttle transports you to the other 5 colleges connected with Amherst (University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Smith College, Mount-Holyoke College and Hampshire College). If accepted into any one of these colleges, you can attend classes, sports, activities at any of these colleges if they offer something that you are interested in. A nice feature to have offered because all of a sudden there is a larger area of interest, sports and activities to choose from. Making it almost impossible not to have something that you are looking for or interested in which can happen at small schools with limited choices.
Read 286 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
13% Acceptance Rate
$19,275 Net Price
1330-1530 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Wellesley College
4 Year
Wellesley, MA
576 reviews
#29 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 576 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
20% Acceptance Rate
$20,826 Net Price
1330-1520 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Haverford College
4 Year
Haverford, PA
221 reviews
#30 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Alum: I graduated from Haverford in 2019. I chose it over 6 other elite schools (including Williams and Bowdoin), and have never regretted my choice.
The academics are rigorous, and if you put in the work, you can absolutely get a very high quality education. I really loved going to a school with an honor code that is ingrained in the culture of the school, from the social to the academics. It's not a perfect system, but it makes a big difference. Writing a thesis was also incredibly rewarding.
The culture can be a little difficult at times, with an athlete-non-athlete divide and clashing of opinions (the student body ranges from extremely liberal to moderately conservative, which can result in some disagreements).
I absolutely had my problems with some things at Haverford, but the student body is committed to improving its school, and having seen other colleges post-grad, I can see that Haverford is better than just about anywhere else.
Read 221 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
19% Acceptance Rate
$25,362 Net Price
1370-1530 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Barnard College
4 Year
New York, NY
446 reviews
#31 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Freshman: The teachers are supportive and there are tons of resources to take advantage of. You can take classes at Columbia and you can also eat at Columbia's dining halls, which is fun! But I prefer Barnard's food, there's also tons of good restaurants around Barnard and Columbia. The academics are definitely challenging.
Read 446 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
14% Acceptance Rate
$26,681 Net Price
1330-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Middlebury College
4 Year
Middlebury, VT
496 reviews
#32 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 496 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
17% Acceptance Rate
$23,136 Net Price
1330-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Tufts University
4 Year
Medford, MA
1,001 reviews
#33 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Freshman: As a freshman at Tufts, I am constantly blown alway by endless opportunities available to undergraduate students at various academic departments, student-run organizations, and Tisch College of Civic Engagement. Students are here to learn from a wide range of perspectives and always listen carefully to one another to reexamine their thoughts. Even in today's political divisiveness, I find Tufts students relatively open-minded and tolerant to perspectives and thoughts that might be contrary to their own. Furthermore, as a student who plans on majoring in International Relations, I am always struck by how organized the program is here at Tufts. Professors and students are experts in their field, and I can easily see future diplomats and leading scholars in my classroom. There are conferences at the Fletcher school almost every week where leading scholars and researchers come and speak. I love Tufts!
Read 1,001 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
15% Acceptance Rate
$26,825 Net Price
1380-1530 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Emory University
4 Year
Atlanta, GA
1,507 reviews
#34 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Freshman: I'm finishing up my first year at Oxford College of Emory University, and I've loved it! There's a strong sense of community that I've never felt anywhere else, and all the people are really nice. The student body is incredibly smart, while also being down-to-earth, laidback, and cooperative rather than competitive. The education I receive is second to none, and my professors have been extremely insightful, personable, and accommodating. The campus itself is beautiful, with the tree-filled quad, the nature trail, and the new student center. The main drawback is the food, as, even though the quality is great, there are only really 2 food options on campus and they get repetitive fast. UberEats and DoorDash are lifesavers. Oxford College of Emory University has become my new home, and I can't wait to go back next year.
Read 1,507 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
19% Acceptance Rate
$26,804 Net Price
1350-1520 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Carleton College
4 Year
Northfield, MN
491 reviews
#35 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 491 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
20% Acceptance Rate
$32,336 Net Price
1350-1530 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4 Year
Ann Arbor, MI
4,227 reviews
#36 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Sophomore: The campus life is academically and socially vibrant, with trendy restaurants and cafes mingling with professors who are at the forefront of their research. The university offers a wide range of classes with many hidden gems like spending nights in the planetarium, looking at the effects of video games on education, or finding answers to resource sustainability. It can be easy to feel lost in such a large student body and campus, so it was important to find clubs and smaller communities early on, of which there is a niche for everyone. As a rising sophomore, the dorm food was amazing. Advisors are really helpful and kind; they do everything to help you plan out your path. But I've heard many times that our mental health services (CAPS) is extremely lacking. Experiences will vary for everyone, but if you are looking for a high-energy campus with a strong mix of academic vigor, some loneliness and depression, low student diversity, brilliant faculty, and big sports/parties, come here!
Read 4,227 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
23% Acceptance Rate
$16,856 Net Price
1330-1510 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Colby College
4 Year
Waterville, ME
525 reviews
#37 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Alum: The 4 years I spent at Colby were some of the best years of my life! I was challenged and pushed to become my best by teachers who went above and beyond. Through Colby's variety of programs and class offerings - in particular, the importance Colby put on studying abroad - my eyes were opened to the whole wide world that awaited me upon graduation, and I couldn't be more grateful!
Read 525 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
13% Acceptance Rate
$20,689 Net Price
1350-1510 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Williams College
4 Year
Williamstown, MA
289 reviews
#38 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Alum: TL;DR: Williams is one of the best schools out there, especially for economically underprivileged and/or international students. Apply even if you think you won’t get in!

Financials: I am a recent alumnus from a foreign country who had to pay less than 3K per year(!) towards my education at Williams; the rest was covered by non-repayable Williams grants. The College also pays for your medical insurance, ALL book expenditures, yearly round-trip to your home country (with all expenses). Other one-off expenses they covered: getting a visa, passport renewal, dental expenditures (over $10K). For someone who comes from a poor family whose total earnings are less than $30K/year, all this was an enormous benefit!

Academics: Williams is very strong because its professors take time to teach you the material. 1-1 teaching sessions, research work with professors is easily attainable because professors care about their students.

Exit opportunities: plentiful, prosperous, and very accessible!
Read 289 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
13% Acceptance Rate
$18,979 Net Price
1410-1550 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
University of California - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
5,130 reviews
#39 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Niche User: I enjoyed the campus life., I felt very welcomed onto the college campus! There are hundreds of student organizations for students to find their community and their passions in. There are many possibilities to get involved and they have tons of on-campus resources, such as the learning assistant program, peer learning facilitator program, and more, to help students with their academic needs, as well as for student employment opportunities. The area surrounding the school is also great for students, and very lively! There are local bars, restaurants, Halloween stores, and even weekly farmers markets down the street.
Read 5,130 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
14% Acceptance Rate
$15,002 Net Price
1290-1520 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
4,073 reviews
#40 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Freshman: I am currently an out of state freshman at Berkeley over halfway through my second semester. I was wary of having high expectations of Berkeley and buying into the cultivated image of perfect inclusion, challenging and inspiring intellectualism, and care for social justice/activism. Even though I tried to manage my expectations, they were disappointed. THAT BEING SAID, I'm glad I am a student at Berkeley. It is the best and the worst, wonderful and terrible, and for me, that feels like a fairly accurate representation of how the world is today. If you would describe yourself as an idealistic person, yes, come to Berkeley! But be prepared to hold onto your values tightly.
Read 4,073 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
15% Acceptance Rate
$17,862 Net Price
1320-1530 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
New York University
4 Year
New York, NY
5,277 reviews
#41 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Junior: I'm currently a rising junior and I can't express how much I love this school! NYU is definitely not where you'll find the typical college experience. You are mostly on your own after freshman year, but I find that most of the students here prefer it that way; it gives us a sense of independence that other colleges don't offer. Classes are quite difficult but they are manageable if you apply yourself! I've unfortunately had to be sent home last semester because of COVID-19, but the professors were very understanding while we were taking online classes, which only supports the fact that the professors at NYU are excellent. The location of the school is amazing and the dorms are probably better than most other colleges in the country, and the dining halls are pretty good too!
Read 5,277 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
20% Acceptance Rate
$39,935 Net Price
1310-1510 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Washington & Lee University
4 Year
Lexington, VA
416 reviews
#42 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Junior: I know it's been a hot topic recently, but I would like to set the record straight. This school is by no means perfect, like all other colleges there are plenty of flaws, but it is truly one of the best options for an undergrad university that you could choose. Despite what rumors may have indicated, most of the students are incredibly friendly, academics are superb, the town of Lexington is adorable, extracurriculars are treasured by nearly every student. Unlike some of the schools I have previously attended, W&L is an incredibly close-knit community full of passionate and hardworking students. It is considered "cool" to be smart, and students at W&L work and play hard. Also, If you are considering playing a sport here- DO IT! As a student athlete I have had an incredibly valuable experience and the woman on my team will likely be close friends for the rest of my life. I simply love this school- of course it is not perfect, but no school is.
Read 416 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
21% Acceptance Rate
$21,918 Net Price
1350-1490 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Georgia Institute of Technology
4 Year
Atlanta, GA
2,033 reviews
#43 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Graduate Student: I would like to recommend Georgia Tech(GT) to prospective student due to several attractive experiences. As its name showed, the school is to focused on enhancing disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics so that many students can have numerous chances to be involved in intensive education and professional researches. In addition, the GT has offered one of the largest career fair which bridges between academia and industry. Thus, GT students easily experience to apply for co-op, internship and full-time positions every semester from hundreds of companies. In fact, most of GT alumni have been offered by employer before they graduate. Lastly, GT students can experience many club activities in terms of cultural diversity, athletics, and professional leadership. On campus, I have been involved in diverse student organizations such as Student Government Association (SGA), Korean American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) and Archery club.
Read 2,033 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
22% Acceptance Rate
$16,950 Net Price
1390-1540 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Grinnell College
4 Year
Grinnell, IA
411 reviews
#44 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Freshman: Great so far. Very good institution, even greater academics, amazing faculty too! Mental health resources are lacking, however, I've personally struggled to keep up the academics due to this. Besides that, wonderful open curriculum allows for plenty of exploration unless you are pre med and want to major in the humanities. In that case you will be a bit more restricted but still have enough room to explore some new interests. The town is very wonderful and charming. There is lots of diversity and if you are very liberal and respect others you will love it here. It really is home away from home and the best experience I could ever ask for!
Read 411 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
24% Acceptance Rate
$30,808 Net Price
1370-1530 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
University of Virginia
4 Year
Charlottesville, VA
2,216 reviews
#45 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Junior: I've got nothing but good things to say about the professors and people I've met here at UVA. My nursing professors are extremely accommodating and understanding, and they really take feedback to heart. I've had so many experiences at the hospital that I know I wouldn't be able to get elsewhere. The social life is great, too (aside from COVID), and I've met so many people who are genuine and share the same values and I do. Go Hoos!
Read 2,216 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
26% Acceptance Rate
$17,845 Net Price
1330-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Wesleyan University
4 Year
Middletown, CT
704 reviews
#46 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 704 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
17% Acceptance Rate
$21,236 Net Price
1300-1480 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
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Davidson College
4 Year
Davidson, NC
305 reviews
#47 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Alum: It is hard to write a review of a college, let alone Davidson, that takes into account all of the information and auras one wants to convey. And plenty have yet to settle for most alums, for whom Davidson remains a lifelong quest to define. That alone speaks to the effect the school has. A good place to start is alum involvement. Davidson has one of the most committed collection of alumni in the world. For those like me 2 years or so out, I think relaying that statistic is huge. Odds are we will follow suite.
Career services are better, but the 2020 economy, especially if you want to do finance, is tough. Davidson pulls no punches about continued severe grading, so while the academics are remarkable, you may leave smarter yet less "qualified" than weaker peers who went to worse schools and learned less. No interviewer wants to hear or will believe excuses about a school he/she might not know. Alums do amazing things beyond that. I'm in that annoying in between phase!
Read 305 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
19% Acceptance Rate
$26,565 Net Price
1290-1450 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Hamilton College
4 Year
Clinton, NY
463 reviews
#48 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Senior: Hamilton is the best thing that ever happened to me. The cost of attendance ended up being comparable to the highest rated state school I was considering and the quality of education has been incredible. Every class I am amazed by how much professors can accomplish, challenging students to consider questions about their understanding and tailoring work to their learning. There's always parties on the weekend ranging from house concerts to greek life mixers, though if you're looking for a traditional party school Hamilton likely isn't the place for you. I sometimes wish the administration was a bit more responsive to concerns of the student body, especially when it comes to issue of access and race. Unfortunately it's also not easy to be physically handicapped at Hamilton, as few dorms and academic spaces are tailored for disabled students.
Read 463 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
21% Acceptance Rate
$27,809 Net Price
1350-1510 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Vassar College
4 Year
Poughkeepsie, NY
623 reviews
#49 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Freshman: Vassar College has an abundance of amazing partner programs for students coming to build up their careers in their specific fields of study. Some range from STEM-related studies while also focusing on international studies and Education. The courses are extremely challenging but there is so much support outside of class to help students with their assignments. A majority of the professors are very understanding of students situation and there is on-campus financial support for first-generation students. While Vassar is good for their partnerships programs and school- work tutoring and support, it seems that support for other necessities is lacking. It is extremely difficult to transfer credits over to Vassar and there is almost no help in the process. The system for registering for courses also needs improvement as it puts a majority of upperclassmen at a disadvantage and finally, there is a lack of social programs for students interested in STEM fields.
Read 623 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
25% Acceptance Rate
$25,211 Net Price
1370-1510 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
4 Year
Chapel Hill, NC
2,388 reviews
#50 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Sophomore: Going to UNC Chapel Hill was one of the best decisions I have ever made. For the first time in years, I felt comfortable being myself because I did not feel judged by others. The students are extremely welcoming and it did not take long for me to find friends. Although I did not know all of my suite mates upon moving in, we all quickly became best friends. There are countless resources available to the students, whether you need tutoring for certain classes, finding a job, community service opportunities, etc. Along with resources, there are many clubs for every hobby. In the fall, I joined a dance team called Kamikazi. I was ecstatic to have made the team because I had not had the chance to dance on a team for four years. Starting from the first practice, I felt right at home. No matter your interests, there is always a place for you at UNC Chapel Hill. The tight-knit community is positive, motivational, and, most of all, uplifting!
Read 2,388 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
23% Acceptance Rate
$11,649 Net Price
1270-1480 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
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Sweet Briar College
4 Year
Sweet Briar, VA
381 reviews
Alum: As an alum, Sweet Briar sisterhood is something I cherish the most. The school has a unique history and the ability to connect driven, confident women from all over the world. As a student at SBC, I was able to dip my toes into a variety of things... DIII student athlete, student life programs coordinator, Junior Year in France study abroad opportunity, and various science internships coordinated by our helpful alumna network!

Almost everyone has the ability to find their niche at Sweet Briar and create opportunities for academic and personal growth!
Read 381 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
76% Acceptance Rate
$26,045 Net Price
990-1210 SAT Range
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Washington & Lee University
4 Year
Lexington, VA
416 reviews
Junior: I know it's been a hot topic recently, but I would like to set the record straight. This school is by no means perfect, like all other colleges there are plenty of flaws, but it is truly one of the best options for an undergrad university that you could choose. Despite what rumors may have indicated, most of the students are incredibly friendly, academics are superb, the town of Lexington is adorable, extracurriculars are treasured by nearly every student. Unlike some of the schools I have previously attended, W&L is an incredibly close-knit community full of passionate and hardworking students. It is considered "cool" to be smart, and students at W&L work and play hard. Also, If you are considering playing a sport here- DO IT! As a student athlete I have had an incredibly valuable experience and the woman on my team will likely be close friends for the rest of my life. I simply love this school- of course it is not perfect, but no school is.
Read 416 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
21% Acceptance Rate
$21,918 Net Price
1350-1490 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
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Roanoke College
4 Year
Salem, VA
723 reviews
Sophomore: I love Roanoke College! I didn't ever expect to go here and it sort of just happened. It was originally my backup school, but I loved it so much and everything fell into place. The size of the college is wonderful-- you'll never have a professor who doesn't know who you are. It's big enough that you see new people every day, and small enough that you'll wave hi to at least one person you know walking across campus. The environment is welcoming, and campus safety does a great job in their dealings with students and with the more serious issues that occur on all college campuses. Academics at Roanoke are no joke! Don't expect to come here and not do any work... the low retention rate is because of freshman who either drop out mid-year or they don't come back for sophomore year. But don't let that scare you-- if you find something that you love to do, that studying and work all ties together and the payoff is amazing!
Read 723 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
72% Acceptance Rate
$28,155 Net Price
1040-1230 SAT Range
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