MONEY’s Best Colleges

Here's how MONEY determined which of the roughly 2,000 four-year U.S. colleges and universities deliver the most value—that is, a great education, at an affordable price, that prepares students for rewarding careers.

• MONEY screened out schools with graduation rates below the median, financial difficulties, or fewer than 500 undergraduates.
• The remaining 705 colleges were ranked on 24 factors in three categories: educational quality, affordability, and alumni success.
• Plus, MONEY measured comparative value, by assessing how well students at each school did vs. what’s expected for students with similar economic and academic backgrounds, and the college’s mix of majors.

Read the full methodology here.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Peterson's, PayScale.com, MONEY/College Measures calculations.