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2019 Colleges with the Best Academics in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the 2019 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
    • 484
    26 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Sophomore: Attending Middlebury College, which attracts students from all over the world, has allowed me to interact with students and professors of numerous nationalities and ethnicities. I have met students that represent six continents. The opportunity to connect with students from around the globe has fostered my understanding of different cultural viewpoints and encouraged my curiosity in learning about unique perspectives through respectful discourse. However, I would love to see more socioeconomic diversity represented at Middlebury; many students come from wealthy backgrounds, so the student body does not represent true economic diversity.
    Read 484 Reviews

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

  2. Georgetown University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 1,112
    27 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Junior: My experience as an undergraduate at Georgetown University has been amazing! I love the university's commitment to investing in each individual student and enriching their academic experience. Georgetown is also intentional about increasing the diversity of the student body and faculty. There is a club or organization for everyone on campus.
    Read 1,112 Reviews

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

  3. Carnegie Mellon University

    • 4 Year
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 1,341
    28 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Senior: Carnegie Mellon fosters the most diverse collegiate environment where you can pursue anything you want to, academically and extracurricular-wise. It is home to 7 distinct colleges undergraduates can choose from including engineering, science, CS, business, fine arts, humanities, and information systems. I belong with the Mellon College of Science (MCS). The cool thing is that I am majoring in Neuroscience through MCS but am also minoring in biomedical engineering through the Carnegie Institute of Technology (CIT - engineering school), so I am experiencing the best of both colleges. This is only one example of the many interdisciplinary paths you can take here at CMU. Finally, CMU provides its students numerous opportunities to make an impact outside the classroom whether that is through travel-abroad service organizations, athletics, and so much more. The main takeaway is the CMU-experience is yours to design and there are endless possibilities.
    Read 1,341 Reviews

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

  5. Barnard College

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 423
    29 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 423 Reviews

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

  6. Emory University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,440
    30 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Senior: Because of the campus, people, and opportunities, Emory is truly an incredible university! The campus is definitely one of the most beautiful and safest campuses I have seen. New buildings are constantly being built and old buildings are being remolded. The people are truly the heart of the institution. Students and faculty provide a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment.
    Read 1,440 Reviews

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

  7. Haverford College

    • 4 Year
    • Haverford, PA
    • 207
    31 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Senior: Haverford is an incredibly liberal arts-oriented college. With that in mind, the academics is highly focused on students, professors are caring and among the most approachable you'll ever meet, and students respect and care for each other. Campus is scenic, quiet, and has an excellent location in the suburb. There are many restaurants and shops within walkable distance to campus. However, in terms of the social aspect, Haverford parties are somewhat lame in nature, but it is also an extremely safe and accepting environment. Despite that athletics is not commendable, either, the majority of students are more or less involved in varsity sports and seem to enjoy what they do. Overall, Haverford is a nurturing environment for both intellectual growth and maturing personality-wise, and is ideal for those who seek a non-distressing transition into college.
    Read 207 Reviews

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

    • 4 Year
    • Wellesley, MA
    • 549
    32 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Sophomore: Wellesley is a wonderful place to complete an undergraduate education! Not only is the education top-notch, with professional, caring professors, but so is the atmosphere. Students here are truly passionate about what they do, whether it be in academics or extracurricular activities. If you're looking to be surrounded by an awesome group of people while taking fascinating classes, Wellesley is the place for you.
    Read 549 Reviews

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

  10. Claremont McKenna College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 412
    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 412 Reviews

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

  11. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,987
    34 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Junior: I've had the best college experience here at the University of Michigan. The people, the attractions, the study spots, the food, just everything makes it feel like you're home. It's a very diverse campus with so many friendly faces and there is always something to do. And I think the fact that I am enrolled in the number one dental school in the nation makes it much more motivating for me. The instructors will do whatever they can to help students succeed and if you put your mind to it, you will succeed. There's never a bad place to study and that's the other advantage of going to Umich. The only downside is housing can be difficult to find but that's because everybody wants to be a part of the Michigan difference!
    Read 3,987 Reviews

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

  14. Harvey Mudd College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 129
    35 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Junior: Academics at Harvey Mudd are exceptional. It is rigorous and not always rewarding, but at the end of the day, you learn a lot. Plenty of exciting classes to take, both at Mudd and at the other 5Cs. Mudders are easy to get along with. Only major issue with Mudd is the lack of grade inflation which can hurt your chances of getting into a top Grad school program. Getting a job after graduating from Mudd is easier and very rewarding.
    Read 129 Reviews

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

  15. Grinnell College

    • 4 Year
    • Grinnell, IA
    • 390
    36 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Sophomore: Grinnell offers a great breadth of academic courses, thus allowing students to explore different majors that they may be contemplating. The campus is stunningly beautiful. Student life is improved by creating bonds with the advisers, deans, and peers. Interest groups also keep one inspired while attaining academic goals. Lastly, dorm life, in general, is good including gym, laundry facilities, etc.
    Read 390 Reviews

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

  16. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,850
    37 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Freshman: There are many amazing things about my school such as fun campus life, vigorous academics, numerous opportunities for extracurriculars and social groups, as well as the diversity! However, some things Id like changed are horrible housing that is way too expensive for the prices students pay, tuition for international students, availability and accessibility of financial aid, grants, and scholarships for international students.
    Read 3,850 Reviews

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

  18. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 475
    38 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Senior: Absolutely amazing school. World class professors and an uncompetitive academic environment mean you engage with your classmates and focus on real learning. The town is small, so there aren't many bars, but there are always good parties happening on campus that everyone is welcome to attend. Some of the athletics teams are really good, like national competitors. Other teams aren't but students still go to the games to cheer on their friends and socialize with each other. Carleton is a very challenging place, but at the same time everyone is willing to help you.
    Read 475 Reviews

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

  19. Davidson College

    • 4 Year
    • Davidson, NC
    • 279
    39 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 279 Reviews

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

  20. Williams College

    • 4 Year
    • Williamstown, MA
    • 267
    40 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Alum: Overall, I had a great experience at Williams. I felt that I was able to approach my professors and get the help that I needed if I needed it. Both of those factors made the academic experience less daunting. Socially, I was able to create my own niche by having multiple on-campus jobs and joining different clubs. It exposed me to a group of people that I felt comfortable being around.

    Other than that, I wish Williams could change its policies toward what is tolerated within the campus community. It seems that certain issues are addressed in a way that makes the issue look resolved at surface level, but the problem still persists in different forms.
    Read 267 Reviews

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

  21. Washington & Lee University

    • 4 Year
    • Lexington, VA
    • 397
    41 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Alum: Washington and Lee offers a wonderful liberal arts education at a premier southern institution. Although the campus environment is not for everyone, I enjoyed my time there.

    Prospective students should know that Greek Life, while not mandatory in any sense, is deep-rooted in our campus culture. That being said, there are plenty of groups and organizations for everyone to feel involved and welcomed somewhere.

    Professors genuinely care about students as individuals and many will make efforts to get to know you. Office hours are abundant and the professors are always willing to go over difficult material with students. Class sizes vary from 5 -20 students with few exceptions.

    There are 5 dining areas on campus: one main dining hall and four smaller "cafes". The food is alright.
    Read 397 Reviews

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

  22. Colby College

    • 4 Year
    • Waterville, ME
    • 498
    42 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Alum: When I reflect on my time at Colby, I am grateful for the small liberal arts experience; the feeling of community, small class sizes with professors who knew your name, and free printing. I am now pursuing post-graduate studies at a big University and the resources available to students, professor expertise, and quality of coursework is inferior to Colby in almost every way. Colby students are friendly, extremely intelligent, and well-rounded. Most of my friends volunteered, had an on-campus job or worked in a lab, and actively participated in campus clubs. The Colby bubble can become a little suffocating, as it is easy to not leave campus for weeks, but I am honestly sad I will never be in such a tight-knit community of similar-minded peers again. Colby is not perfect by all means, but it's a damn good school. If you choose to go to Colby, go in with an open mind, positive attitude, and readiness to introduce yourself to a million people.
    Read 498 Reviews

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

  25. Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Middletown, CT
    • 684
    43 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Alum: Wesleyan University is known for being a weird place, but in the best way possible. It is full of original people who are able to be fully themselves and still find their niche. The campus is beautiful and the students are deeply engaged in extracurriculars. There is not night life around campus, so our campus is the night life -- filled with house parties! Also the food is actually really good.
    Read 684 Reviews

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

  26. Bates College

    • 4 Year
    • Lewiston, ME
    • 339
    44 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Alum: I had the best experience at Bates. The student body is intellectually curious yet super down to earth, professors are always accessible (many of whom I am still close with over a decade later), coursework/the pre-med committee is challenging but prepared me well for medical school, Maine is beautiful with great skiing and hiking nearby, and there are a bunch of really good restaurants in Lewiston with Portland only a 1/2 hour away. I met some of my best friends at Bates and had an absolute blast!
    Read 339 Reviews

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

  27. Hamilton College

    • 4 Year
    • Clinton, NY
    • 433
    45 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Freshman: I am happier than I ever thought I could be at this school. The people here are amazing it is a wonderful community and it is very easy to make meaningful relationships quickly. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable and understanding in most cases, and there are many in the administration you can reach out to. I have made the best friends I’ve ever had, met the love of my life, and became truly passionate in so many subjects. I feel very prepared for the world and very supported by this college. PLEASE visit if you’re interested. This school was such a hidden gem for me.
    Read 433 Reviews

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

  28. University of Virginia

    • 4 Year
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • 2,091
    46 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Freshman: I absolutely love everything about the University of Virginia. I visited several colleges before making my decision and knew that UVA was the place for me. It has a great reputation, the grounds are beautiful, and being part of a sports team is an added plus and has many rewards. My team is like family. Also, the area around the university, is very inviting. There is so much to do with lots of dining and shopping. I know that having a UVA degree will help me in the future in finding a good job. I can't picture myself to be anywhere else! This University has it all!
    Read 2,091 Reviews

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

  29. Vassar College

    • 4 Year
    • Poughkeepsie, NY
    • 595
    47 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Freshman: Coming to Vassar was the best decision I ever made. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was welcomed and supported. The professors are AMAZING and are very approachable and easy to talk to, and will do everything they can to help you be successful. The students are very intelligent and hard-working, but never competitive. Students are serious about their academics, but at the same know when to take breaks and make room for having fun.
    Read 595 Reviews

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

  32. United States Naval Academy

    • 4 Year
    • Annapolis, MD
    • 203
    48 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Freshman: The United States Naval Academy is a one of a kind opportunity. It provides a young adult with a top notch education, key leadership skills that translate into the civilian sector, and character building experiences.

    The Academy as a whole makes you a better person. You're surrounded by like minded patriots who hold each other to a higher standard. This translates into later life by ensuring you have the tools to be successful and great life long friends you can rely on.

    It was a dream of mine to come to the Academy and above is what I was told it was going to be. Now that I am living my dream I can say that all of the rumors are true and if someone has any doubt about attending the United States Naval Academy I say apply and never look back.
    Read 203 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • — Net Price
    • 1150-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,754
    49 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Junior: Overall, I've had a great experience here at UCLA. The academics are incredible with very supportive professors and the campus food is top tier. My general consensus is that while most people are campus keep to themselves and are very shy, once that barrier is broken the potential to make lifelong friends is staggering. The campus is a little hilly though, so a good pair of walking shoes is an absolute necessity for happy feet. Your calves will be sculpted in no time! All in all, I am absolutely enjoying my experience here and I want to prolong it as long as possible. No regrets in deciding to get my degree here. Go Bruins!
    Read 4,754 Reviews

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

  34. Colorado College

    • 4 Year
    • Colorado Springs, CO
    • 728
    50 Colleges with the Best Academics in America

    Alum: CC is an excellent place to study and challenge yourself! We're intellectual, physically active, passionate and mostly left of center ... but we're welcoming to everybody. The administration is great and so are the profs. I had one bad experience with a Psychology professor, but other than that, it's been awesome! I also studied Music while at CC and was really impressed with this program and all it offers. The Music Dept is definitely strong and a hidden gem!
    Read 728 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,528 Net Price
    • 1220-1430 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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