The Best Colleges In America 2021 ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews from students and alumni. The best colleges in America for 2021. These rankings are based on graduation rates, class sizes, and student debt.
Even education looks completely different in 2020 due to the pandemic. The ranking compares more than 1,000 top colleges and universities in the U.S. Read more on calculating this ranking.
Here Are The Best Colleges In America 2021
10. University of Pennsylvania
The University Of Pennsylvania is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in America. U.S. News & World Report named Penn the #4 college in the nation for 2021, and it has also been ranked as the #10 university in the world by Times Higher Education. Penn offers an impressive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its faculty are among the best in their fields. In addition, the campus is located in Philadelphia, one of America’s most vibrant cities, and students have access to a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities.
SAT Range: 1420-1550
ACT Range: 32-35
Apps Fee: $75
9. Brown University
Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island. It was founded in 1764. Brown University is a private Ivy League research university. It has about 9,000 undergraduate students and about 2,000 graduate students. Brown University is ranked #14 among the best colleges in America by US News & World Report. It has also been ranked #1 for its entrepreneurship program.
SAT Range: 1420-1550
ACT Range: 32-35
Apps Fee: $75
8. California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Pasadena, California. The university is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in America and is currently ranked 3rd by U.S. News & World Report. Caltech offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including engineering, biology, mathematics, and physics. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1 and an acceptance rate of 9%.
SAT Range: 1530-1580
ACT Range: 35-36
Apps Fee: $75
7. Rice University
Rice University is one of the best colleges in America and has consistently been ranked as a top university since it was founded in 1912. Rice is known for its rigorous academics and its focus on undergraduate education. The university offers a wide range of majors and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, which means students have plenty of opportunities to get personal attention from their professors. Rice also has a beautiful campus located in Houston, Texas.
SAT Range: 1450-1560
ACT Range: 33-35
Apps Fee: $75
6. Princeton University
Princeton University is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. It consistently ranks as one of the best colleges in America and is a member of the Ivy League. Princeton offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its faculty are world-renowned experts in their fields. In addition, the university has a beautiful campus located in Princeton, New Jersey, and its students enjoy a wealth of resources, including top-notch libraries and research facilities.
SAT Range: 1440-1570
ACT Range: 32-35
Apps Fee: $70
5. Duke University
Duke University is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in America. In 2021, it was ranked #5 by U.S. News and World Report. Duke is especially well-known for its business and law programs, which are some of the best in the country. In addition, the campus is beautiful and located in Durham, North Carolina, a great city to live in.
SAT Range: 1470-1570
ACT Range: 33-35
Apps Fee: $85
4. Yale University
Yale University is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in America. The school has a long history of academic excellence, with a highly qualified faculty dedicated to teaching. In addition, Yale provides its students with many opportunities for extracurricular involvement, from student government to over 400 clubs and organizations. And with a campus located in the heart of vibrant New Haven, Connecticut, Yale students have plenty of options for enjoying their free time.
SAT Range: 1460-1570
ACT Range: 33-35
Apps Fee: $80
3. Stanford University
Stanford University is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. According to U.S. News and World Report, Stanford has been ranked the #1 university in America for 2021. Stanford offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and the faculty are experts in their fields. In addition, the campus is located in Palo Alto, California, and students have access to many cultural and recreational opportunities in the Bay Area.
SAT Range: 1420-1570
ACT Range: 32-35
Apps Fee: $90
2. Harvard University
Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1636 and is often considered one of the best colleges in America. The university has over 20,000 students and offers undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Harvard also has an extensive research program and is known for its world-class faculty.
SAT Range: 1460-1580
ACT Range: 33-35
Apps Fee: $75
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is one of the most prestigious universities globally and is often considered the best college in America. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, and students have access to some of the best resources in the world. In addition to its top-notch academics, MIT also has a strong focus on athletics and extracurricular activities.
SAT Range: 1500-1570
ACT Range: 34-36
Apps Fee: $75
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