2023 Best Colleges for Education in America

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,328 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 1,328 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $27,553

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,456 reviews

Freshman: Northwestern University is one of the most diverse campuses in the nation--students are involved in multiple extracurricular activities with more than 30% completing double majors. This serves as the perfect playing field for my passions in both medicine and music, as Northwestern provides me the best opportunity to fulfill both of my interests in one place.... Read 1,456 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $29,999

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,058 reviews

Niche User: I am currently enrolled as an incoming freshman at Brown University but I have been fortunate to participate in two of their pre-college programs. Overall, the academic resources and opportunities to explore STEM-based passions are incredibly diverse and accessible. The campus has amazing faculty that are engaged in the subject, both in and out of the classroom. They provide insightful feedback and support, especially as I had little experience doing lab work in high school. Outside the classroom, there were countless facilities and events that covered a wide variety of interests. These helped me foster a strong sense of community as I was able to connect with peers of similar likes during these events. I love how interconnected the university is with the larger city of Providence, which makes both professional and recreational engagement more accessible. Lastly, the Brown community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. Everyone there was proactive and engaged!... Read 1,058 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $25,028

• SAT range 1460-1570

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  4,555 reviews

Junior: An amazing school filled with wonderful people (students, faculty, residents). So many opportunities for students to explore different parts of their education and passion. Great location with a downtown that is always busy with different restaurants, shops, bars, studios, and even the cutest weekend farmers market. At this school you will never be bored- there are always people who want to play sports, go out, go to the gym, study together, etc. I have never been happier. It is such a perfect, fun, exciting, fulfilling school to go to. Not a single bad thing to say (besides maybe that the winters are not the most fun but everything else totally makes up for that). If you love Michigan, you really LOVE Michigan! Wolverine forever. Go blue!... Read 4,555 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $19,205

• SAT range 1340-1520

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,540 reviews

Freshman: I am an incoming freshman in the fall and I am extremely excited to attend! I am a recruited soccer player and have already met the entire team and coaches; everyone is so nice and supportive, and I enjoyed touring the school field and brand new athletic facilities with them. WashU also has a very strong Jewish community which is very important to me, and I plan on being an active member of the hillel and chabbad on campus. Finally, I am excited to attend Olin Business School to study finance and continue my passion for complex problem solving in the business world.... Read 1,540 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,298

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Gainesville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  7,904 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Florida is a great school. There are so many opportunities. There is truly a place for everyone. There are hundreds of clubs, great study abroad opportunities, and I have had so many great teachers in just my freshman year. I do not regret my decision to go to UF. Go gators!... Read 7,904 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $9,809

• SAT range 1300-1470

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3,545 reviews

Senior: For context I am going into my last year at BU (my 3rd year). I really think that BU's greatest strength and asset for students is the faculty that you get a chance to meet here. Whether you are looking for personal or professional guidance there is a large pool of talent and wisdom that you can pull from coming from the professors and phd students. Students are presented with the opportunity to really grow as individuals and learn more about themselves and their beliefs without the overbearing presence of hand holding through the process. However, I am nervous that this opportunity is under threat and is the most pressing challenge that the University faces in the coming years. I believe that the faculty and administration needs to wrestle control back form the student governments as their initiatives are asking for more direct administrative intervention to help ensure students have a "safe" experience. This would undermines the greatest strength of the school.... Read 3,545 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $25,852

• SAT range 1360-1520

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  2,580 reviews

Graduate Student: Studying at UNC Chapel Hill is a great privilege, still with room for growth. This review is specific to my experience as a master's student in the School of Social Work (with in-person, hybrid, and virtual classes). My pro's & con's center on 2 topics: Quality mentorship: The primary reason I came to CH is because of the quality mentorship from faculty & staff. Compared to my previous experiences, this school offered the perfect combination of expertise in what I hoped to learn along with supportive mentors. An area for growth is the lack of regular advising in the 3-year MSW Program. Diverse connections: The fact that the school is comprised of students, staff, faculty, and community members from a variety of diverse backgrounds is its greatest strength. This creates a learning experience much greater than what can be curated by any one group. Every interaction is a learning experience! An area for growth is the lack of diversity within greek life and among tenured faculty!... Read 2,580 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $11,508

• SAT range 1140-1380

• Chestnut Hill, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,561 reviews

Niche User: Boston college is a great school! I recently got admitted to Boston College. I applied them through an organization called Quest-bridge that helps students that are minorities and come from low income families. Due to that, I got full tuition from Boston College. I really appreciate that Boston College is giving an opportunity to high achieving successful students since not everyone had the same opportunities growing up. In addition, I have been on Boston College tour before. It was magical there. The campus was the prettiest. More importantly, the admissions counselors were super kind to me when I went there. They answered all of my questions, and I kept in touch with them. I think this may be one of the reasons I was admitted. I think I can best express myself in interviews, since BC doesn't do interviews, it was definitely beneficial for me to show my personality to an admissions officer. The campus environment over all looked so chill, just like a family. See you at BC!... Read 1,561 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $30,159

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  1,181 reviews

Junior: I think Duke is the perfect balance of academics and leisure. The school spirit is unmatched and something I appreciate. A lot of professors are truly dedicated to their craft and care deeply about the students' and our education. Some professors can be challenging to deal with and not as organized, but there are a lot of resources on campus that are available for students. The food is also amazing compared to other schools, many options.... Read 1,181 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $27,297

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  3,372 reviews

Junior: University of Wisconsin - Madison is a big school with over 40,000 students, but the campus provides a lot a ways for students to find their niche. In particular, the political science and gender and women's studies programs - as I am sure with others - provide ample opportunities for students to get involved in research, internships, and professional development outside of the classroom. The vast majority of professors I have encountered are genuinely invested ins student success, especially once you get o higher level small discussion courses. While a large school also means large 100 and 200 level course lecture halls most professors in the social sciences are open to meet regularly with students. The university also has a longstanding history of student activism work, that dates back to the Vietnam War, this student activism have paved the way for a wealth of student resources on campus, and an active and engaged student body.... Read 3,372 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $13,484

• SAT range 1320-1500

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  5,434 reviews

Senior: If you can attend in-person classes, UCLA is a great school! The student dorms are on the expensive side, but well worth the price. There are several dining halls right next to the dorms that each cater to a different style (ie dine-in, to-go, vegan specialties), as well as a few restaurants on campus and the nearby Westwood Village. The campus itself is gorgeous (I love taking evening walks around sunset), and you can learn about the history of it from guided tours if you want. If you're looking for a rad party scene, just cross the street into frat row, and you'll find parties every week. In terms of academics, I will simply say that UCLA is a top school. You will have to work your butt off, sometimes in less-than-ideal circumstances, but the returns will be more than worth it. Most professors are great, but some are only there to do research and are forced to grudgingly teach a class or two, so look them up on Bruinwalk before enrolling in their classes. All-in-all, a great school!... Read 5,434 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Athens, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  5,655 reviews

Freshman: The University of Georgia offers a vibrant college experience with ample social opportunities, diverse career prospects, and unwavering student support. Through a wide range of clubs, organizations, and events, students can easily make friends and build lasting connections. The institution's emphasis on career development includes career fairs, networking events, and internship services, equipping students with the necessary skills for success. The innovative double dawgs program allows students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in just five years, saving time and money. Faculty, staff, and administrators prioritize student support, providing mentorship, counseling services, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The University of Georgia truly fosters an environment that promotes personal growth and prepares students for a bright future.... Read 5,655 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 40%

• Net price $16,902

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7,489 reviews

Alum: Florida State University encompasses what a community should be. Attending FSU gives a student or educator a sense of pride that does not come with every school. Everyone genuinely finds their niche and develops it into greatness with the support of their peers and professors. Walking around campus, garnet and gold is present everywhere, on buildings, backpacks, clothing. Every Florida State University student is genuinely proud to be an FSU Seminole.... Read 7,489 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $12,684

• SAT range 1180-1340

• Provo, UT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  8,427 reviews

Sophomore: I truly have loved my time here at BYU. I have found real people with real stories and have made genuine connections. I understand BYU to have a stereotype of only accepting a certain mold but I have found my people that go above that. It has given me a real sense of community and allowed me to fully encompass my identity; in faith, in love, in kinship, in belonging, and in becoming. Brigham Young University does have rules and honor codes that I understand the reason they are in place, however, I think that these rules can be extremely targeting to groups such as the LGBTQ+ community- making them feel like they cannot fully be themselves. As LDS members we have a calling to love and accept all our brothers and sisters and this school, as a representative of the church, should be modeling that but sometimes I think they fail to do so. I am thankful for the people breaking stereotypes and making everyone feel welcomed and loved, because everyone deserves to feel that.... Read 8,427 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $13,432

• SAT range 1220-1440

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,598 reviews

Freshman: I’m a dance major at NYU tisch and although this school is very expensive I’ve been loving the experience I’ve had so far. I can’t speak for other majors but being in the dance department it’s very easy to build community and make friends that will definitely last a life time. I will say one of the major flaws I have noticed with nyu (besides the tuition lol) is communication specifically within the financial department. As someone who genuinely cannot afford this school and is going to be in thousands of dollars in debt, I’ve been trying to reach out and appeal my financial aid in hopes to get more but they never answer any of my questions or respond to previous appeals I have sent. Also the campus is very spread out lol. Other than that, living here in NYC and going to my dream school has been nothing but surreal! My GE classes are super fun and I definitely recommended taking CAMS classes!... Read 5,598 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• Williamsburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,567 reviews

Sophomore: I sincerely enjoyed the experience, most teachers were incredibly understanding as long as you made sure to communicate. The social scene was a little small but you always find your group.... Read 1,567 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $18,399

• SAT range 1360-1520

• Coral Gables, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  2,993 reviews

Senior: Miami has been a great place the past few years for me. As a transfer student, coming in not knowing anyone, I have met many types of different students from hard working backgrounds. The professors are very much committed to getting to know everyone in their class, and not just going through the motions as a mundane robot you see at some larger schools. In my experience the average class size outside of your one or two 100 level class is between 5-30 students. The campus is beautiful. Everywhere you look is palm trees and clear skies (with the exception of your occasional rain shower) the university does a nice job maintaining the buildings and surrounding vegetation. Food wise the options aren’t the greatest. In the past few years there has been an attempt to bring in healthier options, but for the most part the dinning hall and food court include your average Starbucks, subway, panda, so on and forth. Safety campus is very safe Never had any issues. Overall a great school!... Read 2,993 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $34,492

• SAT range 1300-1460

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,582 reviews

Graduate Student: I loved my experience as a graduate student! I attended the public health program and received a Master's degree from this esteemed school. I learned from professors enmeshed in relevant research and current events. The school's community partnerships and proximity to the CDC allowed its students easy access to many professional opportunities, especially for those interested in infectious disease. Emory provides a beautiful campus and a variety of study spaces for its students. This university may want to work on developing a more distinct student culture -- this is one of the few areas where the school may be lacking.... Read 1,582 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,367

• SAT range 1420-1540

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,554 reviews

Freshman: My overall experience at the University of Washington was highly rewarding. I appreciated the personalized learning environment created by smaller class sizes, allowing for more interaction with professors and fostering strong connections with peers. The campus was vibrant and inclusive, and the emphasis on research opportunities enhanced my education. While the cost of education and crowded courses could be areas for improvement, I would still highly recommend UW for its academic excellence and enriching experience.... Read 4,554 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $8,701

• SAT range 1200-1470

• New Ulm, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  169 reviews

Junior: Martin Luther College is a smaller university located in the small town New Ulm, MN. I have always pictured myself going to a big city and enjoying the big city life, but Martin Luther surprised me with its' small family charm. I love the atmosphere here and all of the professors and faculty genuinely care about each student and build close relationships with everyone. The courses offered are also quite interesting because most students are on an education track so every course is demonstrating how to best teach. Overall an amazing experience and great education.... Read 169 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $21,988

• SAT range 1080-1250

• Medford, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,050 reviews

Sophomore: Tufts University is a great school and let me tell you why. The amount of financial resources and community resources available for low-income first-generation students is shocking. Although the school's diversity is not as great as it makes it seems on its website they do support the widespread minority racial groups. As a first-generation low-income student, there has not been a moment of experience where I felt unwelcomed or made less due to my ethnic and racial identity. Aside from the resources and the diverse community, the students at Tufts University surprisingly come to this college being who they want to be but as well in a collaborative mindset rather than a competitive one. What does it mean to be who you want to be? That's the best part. Anyone you want to be! If you want to have some strange outfit or follow a certain fashion trend you don't get hate for it (you will be acknowledged for it). A lot of individuals on this campus represent where they come from. Beautiful!... Read 1,050 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $31,630

• SAT range 1440-1550

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  5,716 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, my first year was very successful. I met amazing people, joined exciting clubs, and was excited about some of my classes. Even though the atmosphere is big and sometimes overwhelming; I quickly found it comfortable when I found my niche of people and activities. I would like to see actions following Ohio State's diversity claim. I remember there was white supremacist incident were inappropriate language was painted somewhere and Ohio State emailed everyone saying how wrong this was. In addition to how diverse and caring Ohio State is, but I didn't see the actions following up on that. There is cultural events, but I feel either sending out information or holding events related to current racism would be beneficial. I believe feeling comfortable and seen by your school is important academically and socially.... Read 5,716 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $19,474

• SAT range 1250-1440

• Urbana, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  4,868 reviews

Freshman: My experience at UIUC so far has truly been amazing. The professors there are passionate, the students are welcoming, and the overall atmosphere is so great! I would like to see changes made to the universities involvement in making campus more sustainable. There is a lot that can and should be updated to conserve natural resources.... Read 4,868 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $14,272

• SAT range 1320-1510

• Minneapolis, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,734 reviews

Senior: University of Minnesota Twin Cities is one of the highest regarded schools in the country. It has prestigious faculty, cutting-edge research, and top tier teaching the next generation of academics. Preparing the students well for industry.... Read 4,734 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $17,468

• SAT range 1310-1490