Welcome to the Washington Monthly’s annual College Guide and Rankings, where we rate schools based on what they do for the country. It’s our answer to U.S. News & World Report, which relies on crude and easily manipulated measures of wealth, exclusivity, and prestige.

We rank four-year schools (national universities, liberal arts colleges, baccalaureate colleges, and master’s universities) based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and providing opportunities for public service. We also rank Best Bang for the Buck colleges, which help non-wealthy students obtain marketable degrees at affordable prices. Click here to read our methodology. Click here to read our 2024 College Guide magazine issue.

Four-Year Colleges

National Universities

Institutions that award a significant number of doctoral degrees.

Liberal Arts Colleges

Baccalaureate colleges that focus on arts and sciences rather than professional programs.

Master’s Universities

Institutions that award a significant number of master’s degrees but few or no doctoral degrees.

Bachelor’s Colleges

Institutions that award almost exclusively bachelor’s degrees.

Best Bang for the Buck Colleges

The schools where students of modest means get the most for their money. 

Northeast

Southeast

South

Midwest

West

America’s Best and Worst Colleges for Women in STEM

America needs more scientists and engineers. Some colleges are closing the gap by helping more women earn STEM degrees. Others have no excuse for failing.

America’s Best and Worst Colleges for Master’s Degrees

Some programs help graduates earn a good living without saddling them with crushing debt. Others do the opposite. Our new rankings will help you tell the difference.

For even more information, be sure to check out our books, The Other College Guide and Never Too Late: The Adult Student’s Guide to College.

We are deeply grateful to the Lumina Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Foundation for Civic Leadership for their support.

Please contact David Greene at 202-413-4736 or D.greene1@comcast.net to inquire about advertising and marketing opportunities with the Washington Monthly, including print/online combos.