2024 Best College Locations in America

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  691 reviews

Alum: I had a great experience at Emmanuel. The reasons I chose the school were because I wanted to major in Art Therapy and I wanted a smaller school with a closed campus. I enjoyed the small class sizes and getting to know my professors. I chose to live on campus all four years because I liked that my classes, the art studio, dining hall was all close by. The dorms were fine for me and I made use of the gyms in a few of the buildings. The dining hall food was also fine for me and I enjoyed the stir-fry and salad options. The location of the school is one of the highlights. Located on the Fenway, it is close to other universities as well as the Museum of Fine Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner museum, and lots of parks. It is walking distance to the T and major grocery stores - basically anything you could need. Finally, the education I received has served me well, especially being part of student groups that focus on service focused trips and social justice. I also appreciated the art faculty!... Read 691 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $28,133

• SAT range 1150-1280

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,647 reviews

Junior: To start, living on my own in the city has been an authentic experience that has helped me grow as a young adult, taking on new responsibilities and meeting different people! Overall, college is what you make it. There are so many resources and opportunities, some clearly offered and pushed, and some just found by research or who you know (so be friendly and make connections!). Regarding classes, my professors are very inspiring, with expertise and experience. With the educational aspect, you'll learn the concrete information (rules and details of a concept) by studying and reading; you have to put in your own effort if you want to learn, either on your own time out of class, or for an assignment. Discussions and work in class with the professor are more on the abstract side of things, regarding ideals and philosophies, making you think about the world around you and how you can make a positive impact. Content and work differs by class, but your education relies on your effort!... Read 5,647 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  3,583 reviews

Sophomore: I really enjoyed my time there! There are a lot of events for different types of people, like women and non-binary rock-climbing events, Asian student get-togethers, community fast breaking for Muslim students, Questbridge scholar movie nights, and many more. One thing I would like to see change is better advertisement and outreach for extracurriculars and clubs. Other than during Splash, it is difficult to see what kinds of different groups are doing and if you can join.... Read 3,583 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $25,852

• SAT range 1360-1520

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  646 reviews

Alum: I genuinely enjoyed my time at The New School; despite the fact that the entirety of my time as a student there was affected by the global pandemic (I was a student from 2020-2023), I feel that I learned so much from my professors and peers, and I was still able to connect with likeminded people who have become dear friends. I felt there was a great environment at TNS for me as a student, where both my creative and academic work was fully supported. I can't say enough positive things about the professors-- I felt that all of the professors I had during my time at TNS genuinely cared about their students and their students' success. However, in the Fall of 2022, we experienced a historic faculty strike as the university's administration refused to pay fair wages/healthcare to their part-time faculty, who teach the majority of courses at TNS. Despite the problematic administration, the New School community really came together during this tough time and showed solidarity for our PTF.... Read 646 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $43,547

• SAT range 1150-1380

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  814 reviews

Freshman: Currently, I'm a student at Simmons University. While there's a lot wrong with the school (...Bartol), there are also some great things. All of my professors have been very dedicated to seeing me succeed, and are willing to put in extra time and effort to help me. Everyone I've met is either extremely friendly, or at least cordial, and I've made some of my best friends here. The dorms aren't great, but they also aren't awful. You can put in a work order, and usually, things get fixed. If you decorate, it will feel less like a jail cell. This school is STEM-focused, so humanities majors may find resources lacking, but the professors in humanities departments will acknowledge this. It's also great for LGBT students, as you won't be the minority. However, for POC students, there is work to be done. There are a lot of events specifically for POC students, though! Don't come if you're looking to party all the time. You have to go to MIT/BU frats, and the uber charges rack up fast!... Read 814 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $19,026

• SAT range 1140-1360

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  2,205 reviews

Alum: I only attended GW for my final year of grad school (and entirely online because of COVID), but I absolutely loved all of the professors, students, and content that I came into contact with through the university. GWU was actually a very close second in my choices for undergrad, and I sometimes still wish I had chosen GW. The location is ideal for many majors and the city environment can be especially fruitful for those seeking to adapt to or continue to enjoy the more vibrant city life (as opposed to more rural campuses). The international and political exposure are particularly exceptional here. Overall, I’m very proud to have graduated from this wonderful institution. I think their excellent Student Success Services staff and generous financial aid alone show an impressive commitment to their students. Raise High!... Read 2,205 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 50%

• Net price $31,240

• SAT range 1310-1490

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,685 reviews

Alum: Northeastern provides lots of amenities to make students with different backgrounds comfortable. Lots of offerings help students feel supported in their mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing (e.g. meditation/prayer room, mental wellness programs, gym incl. group fitness programs, cafes on campus incl. Starbucks). The School is in the city, however still is one big campus which is rather rare for city campuses. I've had a good experience with my classes. There is a big variety to choose from. The international students could have been better integrated into the American student body. However clubs on campus allowed to meet people from all backgrounds. The variety of clubs and initiatives on campus is vast! The school has a great connection to the industry and the co-op program allows you to graduate with practical experience. NEU also offers lots of guidance on landing a job and help with applications. Overall, as a student I felt very supported.... Read 3,685 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $38,927

• SAT range 1430-1550

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  1,008 reviews

Niche User: MCPHS from start to finish has been nothing but inclusive to myself and my family members. Before touring this school I was not looking forward to visiting it at all. Now post tour, acceptance, and accepted students day I can confidently say this is the school of my dreams. Not only is the campus beautiful, along with the medical facilities, but the people have been nothing but kind and understanding to everyone they interact with. Cannot say anything but great things about this school!... Read 1,008 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $38,390

• SAT range 1090-1390

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  1,141 reviews

Sophomore: Emerson College is a hub of students that are open-minded, hard-working, and endlessly creative. The students and professors are often friendly and accepting, and the campus being in the heart of Boston would be fun for any college student looking to explore a historical and buzzing city. The only real downside to Emerson in my experience has been the increasing cost of tuition. If you come here, make sure you're invested in a career that points toward the arts or communication to get your money's worth!... Read 1,141 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $48,842

• SAT range 1200-1400

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,644 reviews

Sophomore: The Fashion Institute of technology is very welcoming and vibrant. The campus has a palpable creative energy. So far, my journey at FIT has been an incredibly transformative one. This institution has propelled me towards personal and professional growth. The professors at FIT are not only teaching you in classes but they bring in real-world knowledge into the class. They encourage you to think creatively and critically. Since I am an international student, I believe that the campus has a rich and diverse community of students. Interacting with the students from various cultures and backgrounds and helped me broaden my perspectives. FIT offers various opportunities to develop professionally. It has abundance of resources for students even though it’s a college covered in just one block. I believe that my experience over here is extraordinary and I cannot imagine what other opportunities the college has for me ahead!... Read 1,644 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $8,637

• SAT range —

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  2,200 reviews

Niche User: I love everything about Pace, the opportunities are endless, and the environment from both staff and students make you feel welcome. The energy was radiating positive vibes. Everything is up-to-date, they teach you current news and not old so you can understand current technology and information!... Read 2,200 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $30,632

• SAT range 1120-1310

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,026 reviews

Graduate Student: Point Loma Nazarene University excels in both academics and personal connection. Not only with students be able to find like-minded people, they will also have continuous support from professors and faculty throughout their college journey. The small class sizes allow for students to become close with their professors and classmates, which helps in building their network. My professors have helped me drastically in finding jobs, connecting me with others in the field, and by giving me personal advice and guidance in life. From my time at Point Loma Nazarene University, I feel as though I have grown personally, academically, and spiritually. I contribute a great amount of being who I am today because of my experiences at Point Loma Nazarene University. I enjoyed my time so much that I chose to return for my master's degree as well!... Read 1,026 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $34,851

• SAT range 1170-1350

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  3,658 reviews

Sophomore: Getting registered can be one of the most frustrating and stressful parts of returning to school. As a non-traditional student, I have had experiences at other schools that made me weary of returning. DePaul’s registration and acceptance process was a breeze! Every person that I have encountered at DePaul University has been extremely helpful and supportive. Attending DePaul University has been the best college experience that I have ever had. The staff are knowledgeable and are genuinely interested in helping the student achieve their goals. Overall my experience has been no less than awesome!... Read 3,658 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $31,872

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  997 reviews

Freshman: A little expensive for the quality of education and resources there. Plenty of ADHD and special needs accommodations but services are hard to waitlist/access and the staff isn’t always helpful. Most professors are nice but the quality of education isn’t challenging with well thought out organized lectures to cohesively teach. Dining hall is better compared to most schools but expensive per meal. The students at the school are pretty odd but a good diverse student population. I find that a lot of people have issues with the housing office throughout the year. However, the gym is very nice with decent hours. Big weight room, basketball courts, and cardio equipment. Work study is hard to get a job at this school and the hours are inconvenient. The job extends your hours without pay sometimes. Lots of events from the many clubs and involvement fairs throughout the year though! Really enjoyed the assortment from cultural, extramural sports, games, sporting events and school spirits events.... Read 997 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $36,671

• SAT range 1120-1330

• Denver, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,859 reviews

Graduate Student: The University of Colorado Denver has a uniquely diverse and community-oriented campus that is made up of many cultures, backgrounds and orientations with a dedicated drive to engage everyone with one another for a satisfying college journey. There are various fields and areas of studies to choose from and passionate professors and advisors that will excel at guiding you towards the right direction of your education and fundamentally, career path. I got my undergrad degree and now pursuing my graduate degree from the same campus. I feel like I have emotionally, physically, critically and most importantly, professionally grown with the university and utilized the many resources that come with the experience. It is one of the best investments I've made and recommend anybody that is considering this university to go for it! You will not regret it.... Read 1,859 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $14,630

• SAT range 1030-1250

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,319 reviews

Freshman: I am actually an incoming Freshman, so my review is of the family/student meet and greet weekend. The University of San Francisco pulled out all the stops. The students, staff, tours, mock classes, clubs - everything was amazing and informative. The speeches given were inspiring. The food and opportunities to meet other students were fantastic. There were tours of all the buildings by students who actually live in the dorms. The walkways were filled with clubs to join and prizes to win. And everyone I encountered was extremely knowledgable and supper friendly. They even had therapy dogs, which apparently they bring out during finals week - so cool. After sitting in on a few mock classes and speaking to the professors, I knew that University of San Francisco was where I wanted to spend my next four years studying. Any doubts I had about leaving my home state of Washington to become a USF student vanished - I commited to USF that day!... Read 2,319 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $39,825

• SAT range 1190-1390

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  222 reviews

Junior: I really enjoy Fisher College because it is a small school with an engaging classroom experience. The whole school is feels like a community that helps each other out and is always supportive. The location of Fisher College is also great, located in the beautiful Back Bay of Boston with lots to do to keep students engaged not only in the classroom but also outside of the classroom. One thing I would like to see Fisher College improve at is the marketing surrounding our athletics and esports teams. I believe that they are more marketable compared to how they are being marketed now. Our students are our most valuable resource we should use them.... Read 222 reviews

• grade C

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $26,130

• SAT range 800-1070

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  544 reviews

Niche User: I recently visited Moody Bible Institute on campus in the center of Chicago IL. I must inform you if you are considering Moody for application. Moody Bible Institute has an amazing faith-grounded community. Students will have lunch with professors from time to time. Moody is a place that offers likeminded people that work together as the hands and feet of Jesus. With that said, Moody has a weekly ministry requirement of 3 hours of service per week for enrollment. Moody also requires a pastoral reference from your home church pastor directly. With that being said, Moody is an choice if you are looking for top tier ministry driven community where God transforms the world through you! Thank you.... Read 544 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $21,399

• SAT range 990-1200

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  386 reviews

Freshman: Berkeley College is located in Midtown, in the center of Manhattan, about a 5-minute walk from Grand Central Station. It is very convenient for transportation. Near the school, there is also a famous park, Bryant Park where many students can spend their class breaks with friends. The school is very cleaned and the classrooms, library and computer room are very comfortable. It is also attractive that I can graduate earlier than other universities with a flexible schedule and a system of three semesters. Especially, staffs of the international student office are all kind to students. They help us anytime and sometimes invite us to some events the college or other organizations held. We can enjoy both studying and activities in the city. Berkeley College is the ideal place to study abroad in New York City.... Read 386 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,023

• SAT range —

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,181 reviews

Freshman: I love Berklee. It's definitely not for everybody, though. The classes are hard, and if you have the right combination of professors it's a LOT of work. It's extremely, EXTREMELY expensive. It doesn't offer a lot of financial resources for international students even though it's probably 40% international. A large amount of people who go here are just children of rich parents who got accepted and don't have anything better to do. But when it's great, it's great. You could go to amazing free performances every night of the week. If you have the right professors, there is everything to learn in your niche and then some. There is a team of career advisors that have endless resources for you. I have made the best and most like minded friends of my life, and I would trade my one semester here so far for nothing. I was already excited for my future, but this school has completely flipped my life upside down in terms of what I thought possible. If you're lucky enough to have the money, GO!... Read 1,181 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $48,055

• SAT range —

• Denver, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  3,046 reviews

Junior: As a student at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, my experience has been nothing short of exceptional. The university offers a diverse and inclusive community, fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and growth. The knowledgeable professors are passionate about their subjects and provide valuable insights, while the supportive staff ensures that students have the resources they need to succeed. The range of academic programs and opportunities for hands-on learning has enriched my education and prepared me for the real world. Additionally, the campus is vibrant and conveniently located in the heart of Denver, offering countless extracurricular activities and networking opportunities. Overall, MSU Denver has provided me with a well-rounded and fulfilling college experience.... Read 3,046 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $14,195

• SAT range 910-1140

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  659 reviews

Freshman: Studying at the MIT has been an enlightening and enriching journey. The opportunity to learn from some of the most distinguished professors and work with bright, ambitious peers is unparalleled. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging, which I appreciate as it pushes students to their intellectual limits. MIT's focus on combining theory with practical application is particularly engaging. For example, not only did I learn the theory behind machine learning algorithms, but I also got to implement these algorithms to solve real-world problems. This hands-on approach is what sets MIT apart from many other institutions. Furthermore, MIT's culture of innovation and entrepreneurship is highly motivating. The environment encourages students to think outside the box, fostering an innovative mindset. It's also commonplace for undergraduates to work in research labs, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in various fields.... Read 659 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,958

• SAT range 1510-1580

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  314 reviews

Senior: I visited New York one day & fell in love. I quickly began getting fueled for the idea to go back to school. Transfering my credits from community college to LIM College was extremely easy because the school counselors & administrators were very helpful. Taking online classes while living in California due to the pandemic making it costly to live in New York, was actually a breeze! I enjoyed meeting my classmates online & learning in the field I have always wanted to be in. I am close to finishing my Bachelor's degree & I am so happy I chose LIM COLLEGE.... Read 314 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $38,301

• SAT range 940-1130

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,339 reviews

Alum: I graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience. I primarily chose to attend Vandy for its academic prowess, and it definitely lived up to that reputation. In retrospect, I loved the majority of my STEM classes, and I find that my education was well-rounded because of my required liberal arts classes. The campus is beautiful, the food is relatively good, and on-campus housing is average. Admittedly, I was excited to live off-campus for my last two years (but beware - living in Nashville is not cheap). Socially, I had a great time at Vandy, especially thanks to the liveliness of Nashville, but sadly not due to Vanderbilt sports - this is not their strong suit. I met lifelong friends at this school! Realistically, however, many students do come from wealthy backgrounds, which can be off-putting at times. Ultimately, while undeniably expensive, Vanderbilt is a great school that will certainly work to your advantage after graduation.... Read 1,339 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $27,553

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  1,001 reviews

Junior: But what can I say everything at Roosevelt University seems to be everything I've been looking for I was a prior student at Robert Morris University graduated with my associates and felt like I had everything figured out. After doing some soul searching and finding the experiences I needed in my life to continue with college I came across Roosevelt University and read everything about what they offer and what they stand for and I felt like it was the place to be. This may be the first review but I would write another one once I'm done with my classes and my degree. As for now I say go Roosevelt University!... Read 1,001 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $23,964

• SAT range 860-1120