EDUCATION
The 20 best colleges in the US in 2025
The Wall Street Journal has released its highly anticipated 2025 Best Colleges in the US rankings, revealing some surprising changes.
The Wall Street Journal has released its highly anticipated 2025 Best Colleges in the US rankings, revealing some surprising shifts in the higher education landscape.
Princeton University maintains its reign at the top for the second consecutive year, solidifying its position as the premier institution in American higher education.
Top 20 Best Colleges in the US for 2025
- Princeton University
- Babson College
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- Claremont McKenna College
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Harvard University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Davidson College
- Bentley University
- University of California, Davis
- University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia University
- Lehigh University
- San Jose State University
- University of Notre Dame
- University of California, Merced
- Virginia Tech
- Harvey Mudd College
This year’s rankings showcase a significant shake-up, with 25 new colleges entering the top 50. The list reflects a diverse mix of institutions, including large public universities, small private colleges, and specialized technical schools.
One of the most striking changes is Babson College’s rise to the second position, outranking prestigious Ivy League institutions. Aspects like the Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship class has students create their own startup with a loan from the school.
“It is not a simulation,” says Ethan Ide, a junior undertaking the project at Babson. “You’re working with international suppliers, and you have a website, and you’re selling to people across the globe. Getting that hands-on experience from day one was kind of insane.”
Methodology of the study
The ranking employs a comprehensive methodology that prioritises student outcomes and experiences.
This approach aims to provide a holistic view of each institution’s value proposition, considering both academic excellence and real-world success factors.
The criteria are weighted as follows:
- Student Outcomes: 70%
- Salary Impact: 33%
- Years to Pay Off Net Price: 17%
- Graduation Rate Impact: 20%
- Learning Environment: 20%
- Diversity: 10%
Implications for higher education
The 2025 rankings reflect evolving priorities in higher education and the job market. The strong performance of specialised institutions like Babson College and Georgia Institute of Technology underscores the growing demand for practical, career-oriented education.
Additionally, the presence of multiple University of California campuses in the top 20 demonstrates the strength of the public university system in providing high-quality education at a more accessible price point.