What are the ten best colleges in the US?

I'm starting to make my college list and I want to know what the top ten colleges are in the US. Any insights or recent rankings would be super helpful for my search!

The "best" colleges can vary greatly depending on the criteria you're considering. However, if we're referring to academic prestige and selectivity, many often look to rankings from reputable publications, such as the U.S. News and World Report or the Times Higher Education.

According to the 2025 U.S. News and World Report, the top ten colleges in the U.S. are:

1. Princeton University

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

3. Harvard University

4. Stanford University

5. Yale University

6 (tie). California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

6 (tie). Duke University

6 (tie). Johns Hopkins University

6 (tie). Northwestern University

10. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

These rankings take into account factors such as faculty resources, graduation and retention rates, peer assessment, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving.

Do keep in mind, however, that while these schools are highly distinguished, the best college for you really depends on your specific needs, like your intended major, financial situation, campus culture, locations, etc. For example, if you're interested in engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) or Caltech might be great fits. If you're looking for a liberal arts education experience, you might consider top liberal arts colleges, such as Amherst or Williams College.

So while these rankings can provide a starting point, it's essential to consider your individual interests and goals when determining your "best" schools.