The U.S. News & World Report has officially released its 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S., a crucial guide for students and families. This year’s rankings evaluate nearly 1,500 institutions, focusing on academic quality, social mobility, and post-graduate success. The rankings highlight top 50 U.S. colleges, the most expensive U.S. colleges, and schools excelling in student outcomes.
Ranking Factors and Key Changes
Over 50% of a school’s ranking is based on student outcomes, including graduation rates, debt levels, and earnings after graduation. Several universities saw significant jumps in their rankings:
- D’Youville University (NY) +61
- University of Texas – San Antonio +49
- North Carolina A&T State University +49
- Andrews University (MI) +47
- Eastern Kentucky University +41
- Dominican University New York +40
- Union University (TN) +40
- University of North Texas +40
- Winston-Salem State University (NC) +40
Several schools improved their rankings due to strong student support, higher graduation rates, and increased affordability. The U.S. News college rankings also include specialized lists, such as best value schools, most innovative colleges, and top performers in social mobility.
Forbes College Rankings: Princeton at #1 Again
According to Forbes, Princeton University retained the #1 spot for the second consecutive year. The ranking considers 14 key metrics, including financial aid, career outcomes, and student success. Notably, Rice University surged into the top 10, climbing from #22 to #9, largely due to low student debt among graduates.
In an era of rising diversity efforts, applications to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have surged. This year, six HBCUs made Forbes’ top 500 list, doubling last year’s count. The most expensive U.S. colleges remain under scrutiny for rising tuition costs, making affordability a key ranking factor.
The latest U.S. News college rankings and U.S. colleges ranked reports continue shaping students’ choices, influencing the future of higher education.