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EDsmart College Profiles

Explore in-depth rankings, outcomes, costs, and admissions data for 1,700+ accredited U.S. colleges. Start with the top-ranked picks or search for any school to jump into its full EDsmart profile.

Top-Ranked Schools

A quick look at the highest-ranked campuses in the EDsmart 2026 list.

Rank #1 · Grade A+
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Rank #2 · Grade A+
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA
Rank #3 · Grade A+
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Rank #4 · Grade A+
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Rank #5 · Grade A+
Rice University
Houston, TX
Rank #6 · Grade A+
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA
Rank #7 · Grade A+
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Rank #8 · Grade A+
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Rank #9 · Grade A+
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
Rank #10 · Grade A+
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Rank #11 · Grade A
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Rank #12 · Grade A
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

How EDsmart Rankings Work

Every profile is built from U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. We evaluate 1,755 four-year institutions and blend four weighted pillars to surface schools that balance student success, affordability, support, and outcomes.

Completion & Retention
Six-year graduation, first-year retention, and equity gaps for Pell recipients.
Affordability & Net Price
Net price by income bracket, loan usage, and long-term borrowing risk.
Student Support
Student-faculty ratios, engagement metrics, and persistence indicators.
ROI & Career Outcomes
Median earnings six to ten years out, employment rates, and payback period.
View full methodology →