For the second consecutive year, Princeton University has claimed the top position on Forbes' list of America's leading colleges and universities.
Princeton aced all 14 metrics used by Forbes to determine which 500 American colleges offer the best educational, financial, and career outcomes for all students.
Among its notable achievements is a 97% six-year graduation rate for low-income students. Additionally, there has been significant movement on the list, with Rice University in Houston making its debut in the top ten, rising to 9th spot from 22th last year, partly due to its graduates' low student debt, says the Forbes report.
America’s top 10 colleges in 2024:
Princeton University
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Princeton University, located in Princeton, NJ, is a private institution with an undergraduate population of 5,444 and a total student body of 8,631. The average grant aid offered is $59,792, while the total annual cost amounts to $80,415. Princeton alumni earn an impressive average salary of $189,400.
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Acceptance Rate: 6%
SAT Composite Range: 1490-1580
ACT Composite Range: 35-35
Stanford University
With an undergraduate population of 9,144 and a total student body of 20,490, Stanford provides a robust and dynamic learning environment. The average grant aid offered to students is $60,619, while the total annual cost of attendance is $82,162. Stanford alumni enjoy a high earning potential, with an average salary of $177,500.
Acceptance Rate: 4%
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SAT Composite Range: 1500-1580
ACT Composite Range: 33-35
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Located in Cambridge, MA, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has an undergraduate population of 4,702 and a total student body of 12,923. MIT offers a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment. Students benefit from an average grant aid of $45,591. MIT alumni achieve impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $189,400.
Acceptance Rate: 4%
SAT Composite Range: 1530-1580
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ACT Composite Range: 35-36
Yale University
Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a distinguished private institution known for its rich academic heritage and influential research. The university caters to an undergraduate population of 7,475 and a total student body of 15,828, offering a diverse and comprehensive educational experience. Yale provides substantial financial support, with an average grant aid of $63,523, although the total annual cost of attendance is $85,120. Graduates of Yale enjoy impressive career outcomes, with alumni earning an average salary of $168,300.
Acceptance Rate: 5%
SAT Composite Range: 1500-1580
ACT Composite Range: 33-35
University of California, Berkeley
Located in Berkeley, CA, the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a renowned public research university celebrated for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life. With a substantial undergraduate population of 33,715 and a total student body of 47,911, UC Berkeley offers a dynamic and diverse educational environment. The university provides an average grant aid of $21,669 to help offset the costs of attendance, which total $73,115 annually.
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Columbia University
Situated in the heart of New York, NY, New York University (NYU) has an undergraduate population of 9,640 and a total student body of 37,368. The university provides financial support, with an average grant aid of $61,061, though the total annual cost of attendance is $86,097. NYU graduates benefit from strong earning potential, with an impressive average salary of $156,000.
Acceptance Rate: 4%
SAT Composite Range: 1490-1580
ACT Composite Range: 34-35
University of Pennsylvania
Located in Philadelphia, PA, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is a prestigious private university renowned for its rigorous academics and influential research. With an undergraduate population of 13,519 and a total student body of 32,618, Penn provides a comprehensive and engaging educational experience. The university offers significant financial assistance, with an average grant aid of $57,175. Graduates of Penn enjoy impressive career prospects, with an average salary of $171,800.
Acceptance Rate: 7%
SAT Composite Range: 1500-1570
ACT Composite Range: 34-35
Harvard University
Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States with a history that dates back to 1636. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Ivy League university has been considered the gold standard of higher education throughout its 387-year history. The university is committed to supporting its students financially, providing an average grant aid of $61,801. Harvard alumni benefit from substantial earning potential, with an impressive average salary of $171,400.
Acceptance Rate: 3%
SAT Composite Range: 1490-1580
ACT Composite Range: 34-36
Rice University
Established within the heart of Houston, Rice University’s private research institution is home to over eight-thousand students. Rice offers more than 50 undergraduate majors where students can take full advantage of small class sizes, thanks to the university’s 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university offers financial support, with an average grant aid of $51,955, helping to ease the total annual cost of attendance, which is $74,110. Rice alumni achieve notable success in their careers, with an average salary of $152,100.
Acceptance Rate: 9%
SAT Composite Range:1490-1570
ACT Composite Range: 34-36
Cornell University
Cornell University is a private, Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York. With more than 15,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 faculty members, the institution strives to provide research and public engagement opportunities. Graduates of Cornell University enjoy strong career outcomes, with an impressive average salary of $155,400, reflecting the high value of a Cornell degree in the job market.
Acceptance Rate: 7%
SAT Composite Range:1470-1570
ACT Composite Range: 33-35
