The Best Colleges

The Best Colleges in America for 2025

These are the top ranked public and private four-year colleges in the United States as ranked by CollegeSimply. Leading the list for 2025 as the best overall college in America is Princeton University. The top rated public state college is University of Michigan. Learn how the Best Colleges rankings are calculated on our ranking methodology page.
Public Private 4 year

1,049 results nationwide

Fort Hays State University
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F
Hays, KS
 

Fort Hays State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#4 Best Public Universities in Kansas

  • 12,843enrollment
  • $13,774net price
  • 92%acceptance rate
  • 970-1200SAT range
  • 19-25ACT range
  • 3.45Avg GPA

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Faulkner University
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F
Montgomery, AL

Faulkner University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#3 Best Private Colleges in Alabama

  • 2,933enrollment
  • $19,908net price
  • 66%acceptance rate
  • 886-1135SAT range
  • 17-23ACT range
  • 3.36Avg GPA

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Chicago State University
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C
Chicago, IL

Chicago State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#11 Best Public Universities in Illinois

  • 2,324enrollment
  • $9,852net price
  • 41%acceptance rate
  • 750-963SAT range
  • 15-19ACT range
  • 3.18Avg GPA

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Indiana University Northwest
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I
Gary, IN

Indiana University Northwest

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#7 Best Public Universities in Indiana

  • 3,045enrollment
  • $5,553net price
  • 77%acceptance rate
  • 940-1170SAT range
  • 21-27ACT range
  • 3.14Avg GPA

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Eastern University
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E
Saint Davids, PA
 

Eastern University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#57 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

  • 6,981enrollment
  • $21,900net price
  • 94%acceptance rate
  • 1010-1190SAT range
  • 20-24ACT range
  • 3.58Avg GPA

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Liberty University
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L
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University

Private 4 Year

3 reviews

#13 Best Private Colleges in Virginia

  • 103,068enrollment
  • $29,692net price
  • 99%acceptance rate
  • 1040-1250SAT range
  • 21-29ACT range
  • 3.56Avg GPA

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West Liberty University
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W
West Liberty, WV

West Liberty University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#4 Best Public Universities in West Virginia

  • 2,348enrollment
  • $14,203net price
  • 72%acceptance rate
  • 890-1125SAT range
  • 18-24ACT range
  • 3.53Avg GPA

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University of Wisconsin Green Bay
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W
Green Bay, WI

University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#10 Best Public Universities in Wisconsin

  • 10,326enrollment
  • $10,289net price
  • 88%acceptance rate
  • -SAT range
  • 18-24ACT range
  • 3.16Avg GPA

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Southern Utah University
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S
Cedar City, UT

Southern Utah University

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

#3 Best Public Universities in Utah

  • 15,033enrollment
  • $12,375net price
  • 80%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1240SAT range
  • 20-26ACT range
  • 3.58Avg GPA

Applications Due Sep 8

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Colorado Mesa University
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C
Grand Junction, CO

Colorado Mesa University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#9 Best Public Universities in Colorado

  • 8,995enrollment
  • $15,076net price
  • 81%acceptance rate
  • 930-1180SAT range
  • 19-26ACT range
  • 3.28Avg GPA

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Avila University
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A
Kansas City, MO
 

Avila University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#9 Best Private Colleges in Missouri

  • 1,733enrollment
  • $17,482net price
  • 60%acceptance rate
  • 800-1000SAT range
  • 15-21ACT range
  • 3.24Avg GPA

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University of Akron Main Campus
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A
Akron, OH

University of Akron Main Campus

Public 4 Year

4 reviews

#10 Best Public Universities in Ohio

  • 13,518enrollment
  • $15,292net price
  • 71%acceptance rate
  • 950-1190SAT range
  • 18-25ACT range
  • 3.47Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 1

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Cornerstone University
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C
Grand Rapids, MI

Cornerstone University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#16 Best Private Colleges in Michigan

  • 1,735enrollment
  • $23,147net price
  • 73%acceptance rate
  • 970-1220SAT range
  • 20-25ACT range
  • 3.28Estimated Avg GPA

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Georgetown College
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G
Georgetown, KY

Georgetown College

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#7 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky

  • 1,463enrollment
  • $14,878net price
  • 74%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1230SAT range
  • 21-26ACT range
  • 3.54Avg GPA

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Franklin Pierce University
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F
Rindge, NH

Franklin Pierce University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#3 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire

  • 1,637enrollment
  • $25,557net price
  • 90%acceptance rate
  • 945-1140SAT range
  • -ACT range
  • 2.97Avg GPA

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Rochester College
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R
Rochester Hills, MI
 

Rochester College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#17 Best Private Colleges in Michigan

  • 1,173enrollment
  • $19,660net price
  • 65%acceptance rate
  • 840-1060SAT range
  • 17-23ACT range
  • 3.13Estimated Avg GPA

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Arkansas State University Main Campus
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A
Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#4 Best Public Universities in Arkansas

  • 14,032enrollment
  • $13,002net price
  • 70%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1180SAT range
  • 19-25ACT range
  • 3.66Avg GPA

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Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
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I
Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#8 Best Public Universities in Indiana

  • 8,874enrollment
  • $12,619net price
  • 86%acceptance rate
  • 960-1190SAT range
  • 19-26ACT range
  • 3.37Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 1

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