2024 Best Value Colleges in America

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  146 reviews

Alum: My relationship with Harvey Mudd is quite messy and convoluted. No single experience will suffice to describe in its entirety; however, hopefully there is something helpful to you in my description! Let's begin. One thing I will say, Harvey Mudd is very difficult. I assume you already know this if you are looking into it, but I want to stress that you will most definitely be challenged. There are many classes to get through, and they are very rigorous. There were a lot sleepless nights, several of which spent in the engineering basement. The constant flow of problem sets, quizzes, midterms and projects will keep you busy to say the least! That being said, there is a wonderful support system at Mudd. Being in graduate school now, I really miss the accessibility to professors and student tutors. Mudd does a really amazing job of fostering collaboration with fellow peers and you guys will grow very close from all the shared struggle. I miss spending every night with them studying!... Read 146 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $33,838

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,264 reviews

Niche User: As a former student of Stanford University, I can say with confidence that it was an incredible experience. The campus is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and sprawling gardens that make for a peaceful and serene environment to study in. The professors were all experts in their fields and incredibly knowledgeable. They pushed us to think critically and creatively, challenging us to go beyond the textbook and truly understand the material. The classes were engaging and interactive, with lots of opportunities for discussion and collaboration. One thing that stood out to me about Stanford was the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. The university encourages students to explore different fields and take classes outside of their major, which I found to be incredibly valuable. It allowed me to broaden my knowledge and perspectives, and I still use the skills I learned in those classes today. This university is amazing and extremely beneficial to your future career... Read 1,264 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• 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

• Pasadena, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  132 reviews

Alum: I was in the Class of 1996. I had such a difficult time due to personal issues. I wish someone had been able to explain to me that it is okay to take a break. That would have been better than failing out and then taking a break. Also, peer support at the counseling center would have made a difference.... Read 132 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,162

• SAT range 1530-1580

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  829 reviews

Graduate Student: Studying at Harvard has been my lifelong dream, and I see it fulfilled at the moment, with the many memorable learning experiences I have had so far. From a well-organized curriculum, to impressive response time to student inquiries, and then to proper student welfare facilities, I give kudos to this noble institution of learning. I would rate Harvard an A+ so far. Thank you Harvard!... Read 829 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $13,910

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  428 reviews

Sophomore: Incredible students. They are all approachable, motivated, and conscientious. The resources presented to the students are off the charts. CMC pays you to take internships. If you need business attire, the school will cover it. If you want to travel to look at Grad Schools, the school will cover the cost. They take you on "Networking Treks" every few months, where you meet with Alumni and talk about your career paths. The food is great (you can eat from all 5 dining halls). If you take advantage of the schools resources and opportunities, you will be extremely successful. Because CMC students are confident, learning is collaborative, not competitive. Student engagement is not only encouraged, but expected. If you yearn to be in an environment of students who prioritize proactivity, CMC is the school that will put you on the path to success.... Read 428 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $21,663

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,332 reviews

Sophomore: As a University of Pennsylvania student, my experience has been transformative. The academic rigor and diverse courses allowed me to explore passions and develop critical thinking. Accessible and knowledgeable faculty shaped my journey, while the vibrant campus life fostered a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. I appreciate the emphasis on research opportunities, collaborating with renowned scholars, and Philadelphia's cultural scene, offering internships and networking. However, addressing the cost of attendance with more financial aid options and scholarships is essential for equal access. Moreover, enhancing inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups would strengthen our community further. Overall, UPenn has provided exceptional opportunities, but improvements can make it an even more accessible and inclusive institution for all students.... Read 1,332 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570

• New Haven, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,032 reviews

Sophomore: Yale has been a fun and enjoyable experience overall. I would definitely choose Yale again if I had to re-do my college application. Academics: some departments are better taught than other departments. Yale can be weaker in CS and Math compared to other universities, but most alums are still very successful. Like most colleges, there is a lot of independent learning and there are numerous resources to help you. The environment is not competitive unless premed. Social life: Yale has an AMAZING social life compared to other universities of equal caliber. There is always something going on and you can be as social as you want. Social life is nonexistent during midterm season. There are parties, frats, concerts, woads, club formals, and many other events. Sports: Not a big sports school but many students are involved in club sports. Yale dining is delicious and healthy!... Read 1,032 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 5%

• Net price $20,605

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Princeton, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  463 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, my experience at Princeton was really amazing. There were so many opportunities to become involved on campus, especially in the many music groups (accapella, synphohnia, etc.). There are also so many opportunities to become involved in service through the Pace Center for Civic engagement. The one issue I have is that there are too many things to do and not enough time! The courses here are no joke, and they take up a huge chunk of your time, so I would definitely prepare to be spending a lot of time studying and working on assignments. The academic semesters here are also relatively short (12 weeks), which sometimes makes it difficult to keep up with work. That being said, I am spending my summer on campus and having an incredible time. Finally, I think the accessibility of professors at Princeton is really amazing. They are always willing to meet one-on-one, and they have many office hours (especially in intro-level courses) to help students prepare for exams.... Read 463 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $20,908

• SAT range 1460-1570

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  419 reviews

Alum: Pomona College was a very transformative space for me. The small class sizes and strong sense of community among professors and students really helped me thrive. I was surrounded by intellectually curious peers and inspiring professors during my four years. Beyond academics, there were an abundance of research and work opportunities to help explore my passions and potential career interests that I would not have been able to do in a larger school. I was able to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, work as a teaching research assistant, and organize community events— the opportunities were endless if you really searched for them. I also cannot forget how beautiful the campus was and how amazing the dining hall food was! Beyond the Pomona College community, you also have access to a consortium of four more top undergraduate colleges (Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer) where you can take classes at and connect with a whole new network of students and professors.... Read 419 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Williamstown, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  310 reviews

Freshman: I love Williams. People are friendly (to the point that they put down their phone and take out the AirPods if someone is approaching), they are smart, they are inclusive. My sister goes to a much, much larger university and has found few activities in which to participate. My problem is that there are so many activities, I just don't have time to participate in them all. My professors all know me by first name and care about my success. It is a supportive, collaborative environment. The academics are tough and the work load is quite heavy, but worth it if you're planning on pursuing grade school.... Read 310 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $14,487

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  1,106 reviews

Junior: I came into Rice as a transfer student this past semester. I'm happy to say I've found a place where I feel completely welcomed and appreciated. This is where I was meant to be. I am academically challenged and my curiosity is constantly mirrored in my classmates/friends. The conversations are fun and the people are genuine. Don't think that you can't apply because of how competitive it looks. They really practice the holistic approach and if you bring your unique story, passion, and perspective you have a shot. I didn't have perfect test scores, but I had a great work ethic and passion for what I do. If you want a home away from home- highly recommend!... Read 1,106 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $18,521

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,259 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Georgetown University as a Freshman has been phenomenal. The very first month has been the most memorable. Due to how open the community was, I was able to meet new people every single day and also, I was able to find my long-life friends immediately! The community was so diverse that I had never heard a single negative comment. It was purely all just having fun and sharing honest thoughts. Now, throughout the school year, as a Freshman, I went through many obstacles. One of the most common ones is sickness. However, because of the flexibility that the professors had, I was able to succeed in class. Georgetown's flexibility and resources are so great that even though I was sick some days, I still had a smile on my face. Although it's only my first year, I can definitely say that I started off with no regrets.... Read 1,259 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price $23,049

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Hanover, NH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  733 reviews

Junior: I am a transfer student athlete and am planning to attend Dartmouth in the fall. What I loved on my visit was the family atmosphere amongst the faculty and the close relationships they had with their students. I believe that it is important to put an emphasis on undergraduate education and Dartmouth does that the best in comparison to any other school in the nation. From an athletic standpoint I feel like Dartmouth has all the tools and facilities to help me achieve my athletic goals. Coming from an institution that gives athletic scholarships, Ivy leagues do not have that availability. I felt like the experiences and relationships that I would build would make it worth it to apply for scholarships online. Thank you!... Read 733 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $24,078

• SAT range 1440-1560

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,465 reviews

Alum: I went to CMU for undergraduate and graduate school. As an undergraduate science major, I often had trouble completing my assignments despite being the valedictorian of my high school. Many years later I realized the school was trying to teach us how to problem solve, learn things on our own, and get used to the feeling of being lost. In another word, they were training us to be leaders and pioneers. In hindsight, I wish we had career and academic counselors assigned to each student at CMU so we could talk to someone when we were struggling. Tepper was an entirely difference experience. It was hard work, but I got excellent career support and I didn't feel as lost as I did at Mellon College of Science. My Tepper education went a long way in helping me to pass all three levels of CFA exams on my first try. Thank Goodness! After six years at CMU, I was completely prepared to tackle any projects that came my way. I guess all that hard work was worth it.... Read 1,465 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $37,450

• SAT range 1480-1560

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  1,153 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Narional has been good overall! The classes are set at a really good pace. The professors are super helpful and invested in the students. The only feedback for change that I have is the administration/financial aid side of things is kind of tricky once you are a student. I’ve been at National for 7 months now and still haven’t received my financial aid. Granted the school hasn’t been demanding I pay for my classes right now, I just have Large bill. And advisors don’t know much about that. They did just recently do something where they cross trained the admin team so that they are able to help with everything so that should be really helpful. I love Narional university and I would recommend them to anyone!... Read 1,153 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $9,966

• SAT range 750-1170

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  2,166 reviews

Sophomore: I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Georgia Tech. The campus is beautiful, there are plenty of community engagements, and the environment is friendly. Of course, let this not distract from the fact that Georgia Tech is a school that requires a lot of discipline. The library will be your deep friend as you get assignments complete. All in all, however, this school is far from impossible; there were some days I had enough time to play basketball for four hours after class! If you manage your time, stay focused, and find a community, you'll have an absolute blast at Georgia Tech.... Read 2,166 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $17,360

• SAT range 1310-1500

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  1,189 reviews

Sophomore: Duke offers me an enriching and transformative experience. What stands out to me the most is the invaluable network and the exceptional people I've encountered here. The community at Duke is filled with goal-oriented, friendly, and intelligent individuals, all of whom have inspired and motivated me to strive for excellence. Moreover, Duke's commitment to providing outstanding academic resources has been a game-changer for me. I'm especially thankful for the innovative and entrepreneurship resources, as they have open my career path to startups. Lastly, the buildings and nature are beautiful!... Read 1,189 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $27,297

• SAT range 1470-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,327 reviews

Junior: As a Columbia University student, I am proud of myself and I feel very lucky. The school's name alone boasts prestige and prominence, as so many Nobel Prize winners, presidents, and successful businesspeople hail from the university. To be a part of this community, one that fosters community support as well as a push to strive for self improvement and global impact, has been incredibly motivating and exhilarating for me. I am very satisfied by the quality of my teachers and peers. The only things I would change are the tuition price and the humidity of NYC in the summer!... Read 1,327 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $12,411

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Socorro, NM•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  549 reviews

Junior: Personally I love higher education, now does that mean that higher education is not a ruse and is more in line with as very expensive day care for young adults, I sure think that most institutes and colleges actually make employees rather than free thinkers, but hey that's another topic. New Mexico Tech among others might be an exception, I am currently studying to become a chemical engineer, regular bachelors, nothing crazy, I will leave here working for Sandia National laboratories making $118,000 annually starting pay. This is pretty astonishing when you consider this is starting and with only a bachelors. They really care at NMT (New Mexico Tech) they have some of the greatest minds, teachers that care, genuinely care, I believe the teacher to student ratio is 1 to 9, that's pretty good. Wonderful school, wonderful teachers, wonderful experience. Also Return on Investment is 11/5 stars by the way.... Read 549 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $12,471

• SAT range 1110-1320

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,434 reviews

Alum: My overall experience at Baruch College was exceptional. I had experienced professors from corporations and media who educated me on the fundamentals of communications and interpersonal selling. In addition to this, I was educated on the importance of literature and how it applies to social interaction. According to the Greek philosopher Socrates, “To know, is to know that you know nothing.” One who claims to be always right is someone who is afraid to be corrected. Conversational intelligence can dictate the direction of the next emotion or instill a memory; hence, why communication should be taken seriously and used as an instrument to guarantee a profitable outcome. The importance of communication is not only allowing information to be exchanged but ensuring the information is received.... Read 1,434 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $3,793

• SAT range 1170-1360

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,391 reviews

Sophomore: Hopkins is great! There's always something to do - lots of student organisations, interesting classes, events, parties and places to go to in Baltimore. Labs are very open to taking on undergraduate research assistants. It is more of a struggle narrowing down potential activities to what I can manage than to find things to fill my time. Classes are interesting and a wide range is available. However, some of them are definitely challenging and take up quite a lot of time! It is also difficult to get and maintain a high GPA in most classes because everyone is super smart. Food options are not bad, it varies from time to time and depends on which dining hall but I'm mostly happy with it, and Baltimore has great food options. Dorms are also relatively clean and have good facilities. A disadvantage about Hopkins is the safety around campus, it is mostly safe but sometimes there are robberies or burglaries near campus.... Read 1,391 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 8%

• Net price $20,680

• SAT range 1470-1560

• Terre Haute, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  422 reviews

Sophomore: I completed my first year at Rose-Hulman during the 2022-2023 academic year. Overall, it was a great experience. Rose is a smaller college with a tight-knit community. The academics are engineering-focused and challenging. There are three 10-week quarters each year with an additional 11th week of final exams at the end of each one, as well as an online-only summer quarter. This means the classes are fast-paced, but resources like professor office hours and the Learning Center tutoring program make it doable. If you are interested in getting a degree in a STEM field and are up for the challenge, Rose is the place for you and will be very rewarding.... Read 422 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $39,294

• SAT range 1270-1480

• Vallejo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.08 out of 5  160 reviews

Freshman: Going into college with the expectation of a significant transition from high school was indeed a major adjustment. During the first week of moving into the dorms, I disliked the experience. However, I received a basketball scholarship and accepted the opportunity. Unfortunately, I did not meet the academic requirements during my first semester, and when I discovered that I was no longer eligible to play basketball, it devastated me. However, in the following spring semester, I underwent a complete transformation, and my grades improved significantly. One aspect of Cal Maritime that I found dissatisfying was the limited food options, particularly considering the high prices we paid. Nevertheless, I recognize that each college has its own unique characteristics, and it's unlikely to find one that is perfect in every aspect. The food selection was one of the most prominent aspects that could potentially be improved.... Read 160 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $16,924

• SAT range 960-1190

• Notre Dame, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  1,410 reviews

Alum: Best decision I ever made. Extraordinary undergraduate engagement through inspired teaching and mentoring. Lifelong friendships with faculty and peers. A commitment to reasoned discourse. Study abroad encouraged and facilitated even if pre med. Gorgeous campus. Inclusive residential life. Brilliant yet helpful classmates from every state and over 100 countries. I still regularly talk to my roommates 34 years later. Unparalleled sports with far reaching esprit de corps. As an undergraduate English Philosophy Pre Med Major whose now a Pediatric Psychiatrist, I would love to do it all again. When I occasionally go back to campus I love perusing the bookstore stacks to see what kids are reading these days in the disciplines. I remain grateful they have not abandoned their mission to form young people to be a force for good in the world. When I talk to current students, they give me hope.... Read 1,410 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 15%

• Net price $30,513

• SAT range 1410-1550