300 Best Colleges in the U.S. – 2024

Academic Highlights: Yale offers 80+ majors, most of which require a one- to two-semester senior capstone experience. Undergraduate research is a staple, and over 70% of classes—of which there are over 2,000 to choose from—have an enrollment of fewer than 20 students, making Yale a perfect environment for teaching and learning. Undergraduate research is a staple of the Yale academic experience; university-wide, undergraduate research fellowships are awarded to over 100 freshmen each year. The number of Bulldogs electing to study abroad is typically around 70%.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduating, 58% of the Yale Class of 2023 had entered the world of employment and 19% matriculated into graduate programs. Hundreds of Yale alums can be found at each of the world’s top companies including Google, McKinsey & Co., Goldman Sachs, Meta, and Microsoft. The mean starting salary for last year’s grads was $89,622 ($141k for CS majors). The University of Oxford, Yale, and Stanford were the top three graduate school destinations for the Class of 2023.

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates pursue one of 58 majors and 59 minors at this world-class research institution. The student-to-faculty ratio is an astonishing 3-to-1, and even with a substantial focus on graduate programs, the class sizes are intimate. Over two-fifths of all class sections have single-digit enrollments, and 66% of courses contain fewer than twenty students. MIT is known for having one of the best formalized undergraduate research programs in the country. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) operates year-round and helped connect 93%+ of students to a research experience with an MIT faculty member. Studying abroad is strongly encouraged; almost half participate.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2023 saw 49% of its members enter the world of employment and 43% continue on their educational paths. The top employers included Amazon, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Google, General Motors, the US Navy, Apple, Bain & Company, and McKinsey. The median starting salary for an MIT bachelor’s degree holder was $110,000. The most frequently attended graduate schools are a who’s who of elite institutions including MIT itself, Stanford, Cornell, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins.

Academic Highlights: A 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio means that classrooms remain very intimate, and face time with the renowned faculty is a reality. More than three-quarters of UChicago undergraduate sections have an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students. Undergraduate research opportunities are ubiquitous as 80% of students end up working in a research capacity alongside a faculty member. A solid 60% of undergrads study abroad at one of the 77 programs offered in 31 cities around the world.

Professional Outcomes: On commencement day, 99% of the Class of 2023 were employed or continuing their education. The most popular employers for UChicago grads include Google, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Meta, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. University of Chicago grads are highly sought after by elite graduate universities. The top destinations for recent graduates are Yale, Columbia, MIT, Stanford, and Harvard A fairly substantial 50% of graduates remain in the Midwest after finishing their degrees, 29% migrate to the Northeast, and 10% make the journey west.

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Academic Highlights: Across all six divisions at Caltech, there are 28 distinct majors. Possessing an absurdly favorable 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, plenty of individualized attention is up for grabs. Class sizes are not quite as tiny as the student-to-faculty ratio might suggest, but 66% of courses enroll fewer than twenty students, and 28% enroll fewer than ten. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) enjoy wide participation with 90% of undergraduates partaking, and 20% of that group going on to publish their results.

Professional Outcomes: Caltech is a rare school that sees six-figure average starting salaries for its graduates; in 2023, the median base salary range was 110k-119k. Forty-four percent of recent grads went directly into the workforce and found homes at tech giants such as Google, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta. A healthy 43% of those receiving their diplomas in 2023 continued directly on the higher education path, immediately entering graduate school. Seventy-four percent of these students were admitted to their top-choice school.

Academic Highlights: There are 50 undergraduate fields of study referred to as concentrations; many are interdisciplinary. Even with a graduate population close to 14,000 to cater to, undergraduate class sizes still tend to be breathtakingly intimate, with 43% of sections having single-digit enrollments and 73% being capped at nineteen. Graduates report an almost 90% satisfaction rate with the experience within their academic concentration. Summer research experiences are taken advantage of by over one-third of the student body. Approximately 55-60% of students study abroad at a number of locations in South America, Africa, Europe, or Asia.

Professional Outcomes: Harvard’s most recent graduating class saw 15% of students head directly into graduate/professional school, with nearly everyone else entering the world of work. Over 1,000 Harvard alumni presently work for Google and over 500 for Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. More than 250 are employed at Amazon, Meta, and Bain & Company. Post-graduation, Harvard students tend to cluster in three main states—New York, California, and Massachusetts. Those three states collectively reel in 60% of newly minted alumni. Remuneration is excellent with over two-thirds of graduates reporting starting salaries over $70k and 30% taking home $110k+ in base pay. By mid-career, grads have the second-highest median salaries in the Ivy League.

Academic Highlights: Boasting an enviable 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and with close to 80% of course sections possessing an enrollment under 20, face time with professors is a reality. That presents a phenomenal opportunity to learn directly from a group that includes four Nobel Laureates, four Medal of Science winners, and two recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Fitting for America’s first research university, 70% of JHU undergraduates complete a research experience while working closely with a faculty member. Each year, hundreds of students receive significant funding for independent projects through the Hopkins Office for Undergraduate Research.

Professional Outcomes: Ninety-four percent of recent graduates successfully land at their next destination within six months of exiting the university; 69% of graduates entered the world of employment and a robust 20% went directly to graduate/professional school. The median starting salary across all majors was $80,000 with top employers including Amazon, DCPS, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. Blue Jays pursue further education at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, NYU, Northwestern, Stanford, and JHU.

Academic Highlights: A virtually unmatched 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio sets students up for a personalized classroom experience and an incredible amount of face time with some of the leaders in their respective fields. Sixty-nine percent of classes have fewer than twenty students, and 32% have a single-digit enrollment. Stanford puts immense resources behind undergraduate research; more than $6.5 million in grant funding is allocated each year to support roughly 1,100 student research projects. Close to 900 students study abroad annually through the Bing Overseas Studies Program in 12 international cities.

Professional Outcomes: Stanford grads entering the working world flock to three major industries: business development, engineering, and education. Among the companies employing the largest number of grads are Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, NVIDIA, and OpenAI. A sizable number of newly minted Cardinals dive into the world of entrepreneurship. San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles were the top three US destinations for recent grads. Starting salaries for Stanford grads are among the highest in the country.

Academic Highlights: WashU admits students into four schools, many of which offer nationally recognized programs.The university has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students; over one-quarter have single-digit enrollments. The Office of Undergraduate Research helps students land opportunities to research alongside faculty, primarily in the summers. A solid 60% of undergraduates report participating in a research endeavor and one-third study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2023 sent 65% of grads into the workforce and 23% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Boeing, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Mastercard, Capital One, and Bayer. Of the employed members of the Class of 2023 who reported their starting salaries, the median salary was $85k. The universities welcoming the largest number of Bears included the prestigious institutions of Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, UPenn, University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, and Yale.

Academic Highlights: Class sizes are on the small side—74% are nineteen or fewer, and almost one-quarter are less than ten. A stellar 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio helps keep classes so reasonable even while catering to five figures worth of graduate students. The Undergraduate Research Support Office does great work connecting students with opportunities to conduct research, either over the summer or during the regular school year. All told, more than half of undergraduates conduct research. More Duke students pursue a semester abroad than students at any other top ten research institution—roughly half elect to venture off to one of the school’s 300 partner programs scattered around the world.

Professional Outcomes: At graduation, approximately 76% of Duke diploma-earners enter the world of work, 17% continue into graduate schools, and 7% start their own businesses. Companies employing multiple Duke grads per year include Google, Capital One, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Accenture, and a host of other top-shelf corporations in the areas of technology, finance, and consulting. Eventually, 84% of Duke undergraduates will go on to earn an advanced degree One-third of Duke alumni elect to stay in North Carolina. New York, California, DC, and Massachusetts follow in popularity.

Academic Highlights: The academic experience at Columbia is driven by the famed Core Curriculum that lays out an extensive to-do list that includes highly specified courses rather than categorical requirements. Class sizes at Columbia are reasonably small and the student-to-faculty ratio is favorable; however, in 2022, it was revealed that the university had been submitting faulty data in this area. It is presently believed that 59% of undergraduate courses enroll 19 or fewer students. More than 570 students per year participate in the Columbia Overseas Program. A little over one-quarter of the students leave Manhattan for a foreign country during their four years of study. Undergraduate research is taken seriously by the university, which offers multiple avenues through which students can work side-by-side with faculty on their projects or pursue funding for their own original research ideas.

Professional Outcomes: The companies hiring the largest number of Lions in 2023 were among the most desirable employers in the world including Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Google, Citi, McKinsey, and Microsoft. Those moving on to graduate/professional school were welcomed in large numbers into other universities of Columbia’s ilk. In addition to remaining at Columbia (the most popular choice), the top ten institutions attended were Stanford, Harvard, NYU, Yale, Carnegie Mellon, UChicago, Oxford, Princeton, and MIT.

Academic Highlights: An absurdly low 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio does, as you might expect, translate to tiny class sizes for undergraduates. Just under three-quarters of class sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer students, and 32% have fewer than ten students. Princeton is known for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, and students consistently rate professors as accessible and helpful. The Office of Undergraduate Research assists Tigers in locating faculty members with whom they can jointly conduct research in the summer or during a regular term. More than four hundred study abroad programs, internships, and experiences are available in over 140 countries; 61% of students ultimately engage in at least one international experience.

Professional Highlights: Over 93% of a typical Tiger class has found their next destination within six months of graduating. Companies presently employing hundreds of Tiger alumni include Google, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, IBM, and Meta. The average salary reported by 2023 graduates was $89k across all majors. Between 15-20% of graduating Tigers head directly to graduate/professional school. Tigers typically choose equally prestigious graduate schools to attend. Members of one recent class flocked in the largest numbers to Stanford, Penn, Princeton, Harvard, Cambridge, Columbia, and Oxford in that order.

Academic Highlights: 90 distinct degrees are available across four schools. The university boasts an exceptional 27% of courses with an enrollment under ten and 58% with an enrollment under twenty—quite an achievement for a school of Penn’s massive size. It also offers multiple ways for undergrads to conduct research, whether through independent studies or working side-by-side with faculty members. The university publishes 12 distinct journals featuring original undergraduate research. Penn ranks first among Ivies in study abroad participation rate; each year, over 1,400 students head off to earn a semester’s credit in one of 50 countries.

Professional Outcomes: 76% of Class of 2023 grads were employed within six months of graduating, and 16% were in graduate school. Employers hiring the greatest number of 2023 grads included McKinsey & Company, Penn Medicine, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Goldman Sachs. The median starting salary for all graduates is $100,000. For those continuing their educational journeys, the most popular move is to remain at Penn, followed by Harvard and Columbia.

Academic Highlights: The quarter system allows students to take four courses at a time rather than the typical five. Even so, the academic demands are intense, and Northwestern students work hard for their grades. The university has a phenomenal 6:1 student-faculty ratio, and a spectacular 39% of class sections have nine or fewer students enrolled; 76% have fewer than twenty enrollees. Faculty receive generally favorable reviews from undergraduate students and are rated as being highly accessible outside of the classroom. Fifty-eight percent of recent grads had the chance to conduct research with a faculty member at some point during their undergraduate years.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 70% of the Class of 2023 had found employment and 25% were in graduate school. Employers include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Deloitte, McKinsey & Co., and Salesforce. Across all majors, the average starting salary was $77k. The vast majority of Northwestern graduates can be found in Illinois, with the next largest concentration of alums living in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.

Academic Highlights: All freshmen enter the Undergraduate College, which offers 49 majors and 60+ minors. Sporting a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, classes are kept on the small side with 59% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. In addition to research opportunities for credit, students can pursue research fellowships through the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Center (URECA). Wake’s robust study abroad options feature 400 semester, summer, and year-long programs in 200 cities in more than eighty countries worldwide. Undergrads participate at a 60-80% rate, good enough for one of the top five figures among doctoral degree-granting US universities

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98% of the Class of 2023 had found their next destination, with 65% starting their first professional job and 32% matriculating into a graduate program. Employers landing the highest numbers of alumni included national and multinational corporations Wells Fargo, Deloitte, EY, Bank of America, PwC, and Truist. By the start of mid-career, Wake Forest alumni earn a median salary of $149,600.

Academic Highlights: Dartmouth sports 60+ majors and a stunning breadth of course selections for an institution of its size. The learning environment at Dartmouth is extraordinarily intimate. Not only do 62% of course sections have under twenty students, but 20% have single-digit enrollments. The student-to-faculty ratio is an outstanding 7:1. Undergraduate research opportunities abound with roughly 60% of students participating at some point. Further, close to 90% of those participants report having a satisfying experience working with a faculty member in that capacity. The rate of satisfaction is hardly surprising as Dartmouth’s faculty consistently rates at the top of rankings/surveys regarding quality of instruction. An extensive study abroad program offers 40+ Dartmouth faculty-led academic experiences around the world, and over 50% of all students partake.

Professional Outcomes: A great reputation, along with a passionate alumni network that is 80,000 strong, leads Dartmouth grads to successful transitions into graduate school and the world of work. Recent Dartmouth grads work for Amazon, Apple, Bain & Company, Deloitte, Epic, Google, the NIH, and the Smithsonian Institute. Right off the bat, 56% of graduates earn $90,000 or more in salary. Those pursuing graduate degrees often flock to the likes of Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton, with 32% of Big Green grads choosing to continue their education at Dartmouth.

Academic Highlights: Boasting a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, Rice offers a spectacularly intimate learning experience. Class sizes are ideally small with 66% containing fewer than 20 students and a median class size of only fifteen. Undergraduate research opportunities abound with approximately 70% of graduates participating in academic research during their four years. Those experiences are open to freshmen through the Century Scholars Program and to all underclassmen through the Rice Undergraduate Scholars Program. Study abroad options are available in over fifty countries, including collaborative programs with some of the top schools in the world including The London School of Economics, Oxford, and Cambridge.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 88% of recent Rice grads have found careers or a graduate school home. Companies that employ many recent grads include Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, Google, and Accenture. Over four hundred alumni work at Baylor College of Medicine, and over 200 work at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Across all majors, the average starting salary is $89k. Texas is among the most common destinations for recent grads, but many also flock to San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Chicago.

Academic Highlights: Students must choose one of 80+ “concentration programs,” but there are no required courses. In essence, the guiding philosophy is that students should take control of their learning, pursue knowledge in areas that they are truly passionate about, and learn to integrate and synthesize information across disciplines. Class sizes tend to be small—67% have fewer than twenty students—and 32% are comprised of nine or fewer students. Student surveys reveal an unsurpassed level of satisfaction with the quality of instruction and professor availability. Undergraduates give favorable reviews in those areas at an overwhelming 92-97% clip.

Professional Outcomes: Soon after receiving their Brown diplomas, 63% of graduates enter the world of employment. Companies employing the greatest number of Brown alums include Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Meta. 33% of recent graduates go directly into graduate/professional school. Alums tend to settle in major American cities, with most living in New York (44%) and Boston (18%).

Academic Highlights: With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, undergraduate class sizes are kept small. In the 2023-24 school year, 26% of course sections contained nine or fewer students, and 61% contained 19 or fewer. Undergraduate research opportunities can be found as part of the classroom curriculum, through capstone experiences, or through the Vanderbilt University Summer Research Program; 58% of undergrads conduct research during their four years. Half of all Commodores are adventurous enough to study abroad, and over 80% of those who do say the experience helped them build job skills. The university offers 120 programs in 40 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 95% of the Class of 2023 were employed or in graduate school. Alumni can be found in droves at Capital One, Deloitte, McKinsey & Company, VUMC, Amazon, and Bank of America. Among 2023 alumni who directly pursued advanced degrees, the majority enrolled at Vanderbilt followed by Columbia, UPenn, NYU, Harvard, Yale, Duke, and Northwestern. The greatest number of recent alumni stayed in the Greater Nashville area but large pockets also assembled in New York City, Boston, and Chicago. Mid-career median salaries for Vanderbilt graduates are number one in the state by a wide margin; the median figure is $86,000.

Academic Highlights: The school’s 26 academic departments offer 37 majors and a number of concentrations rather than minors. An unparalleled 40% of courses have fewer than ten students enrolled. Many formal opportunities to engage in undergraduate research exist in the summer, during a semester, or as part of one’s senior honors thesis; 40% of students participate in faculty-mentored projects. Over 50% of the junior class connects with the International Education and Study Away program to pinpoint the study abroad opportunity that is right for them. Included on that menu is the opportunity to study at Oxford for an entire year.

Professional Outcomes: Among the Class of 2023, 93% were employed or continuing their educational journey within six months of graduating. Top professional destinations include Google, Goldman Sachs, Bain & Co., Harvard Medical School, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. The median annual income for grads early in their career was $85,800. 14% pursue an advanced degree, with alumni attending graduate programs at Brown, Columbia, and Harvard.

Academic Highlights: 75 majors are offered across six undergraduate colleges. A solid 61% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students, and 18% have single-digit numbers. Just 9% of courses have an enrollment of more than 50 undergrads. The Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement offers hundreds of opportunities for conducting research, both individually and alongside faculty; more than one-third of graduates ultimately partake. One of the top universities for study abroad participation, 87% of Notre Dame undergrads select one of 50+ programs in 35 countries; the satisfaction rate for study abroad experiences is above 90%.

Professional Outcomes: A spectacular 98% of 2023 Notre Dame graduates were employed, continuing their educations, volunteering, or serving in the military within six months of completing their degrees. Top companies where recent alumni set up shop included Deloitte, EY, PwC, Microsoft, Amazon, Bank of America, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and McKinsey & Co. The median starting salary across all majors is $82,000, a mark that is significantly higher than the national average for college grads. The highest concentration of recent alumni can be found in Illinois followed by New York, Indiana, California, and Texas.

Academic Highlights: Small, seminar-style courses are the norm at Swat—an outstanding 33% of sections enroll fewer than ten students, and 73% contain a maximum of nineteen students. Overall, the average class size is 17. Thanks to an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and zero grad students, professors are extremely available in and outside the classroom. As a result, two-thirds of graduates complete at least one undergraduate research or independent creative project, and the college sets aside $800,000 in funding for that express purpose. Forty percent of students elect to study abroad for a semester in one of 300 programs in 60 countries.

Professional Outcomes: 58% of Class of 2023 grads entered the workforce shortly after graduation. Google is a leading employer of Swarthmore grads followed by Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and a number of top universities.  23% of 2023 grads pursued advanced degrees, with 42% pursuing a PhD and 42% entering master’s programs. Swatties can also be found at Columbia, Stanford, UPenn, Harvard, and UCBerkeley. The cities attracting the highest percentage of Swat alumni were Philadelphia, NYC, Boston, and Chicago. The average starting salary was $81,000, an excellent figure for any liberal arts school.

Academic Highlights: This midsize university offers a diverse array of majors (80+) and minors (60+), and 30% of Emory students pursue more than one area of study. Over half of Emory’s student body works directly with a faculty member on academic research and 58% of courses have class sizes of under twenty students. Studying abroad is a fairly common feature of an Emory education, with 40% of students traveling to one of 100 international destinations.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduation, 59% of 2023 grads were already employed, and 99% had arrived at their next destination. The top employers of recent Emory grads include Epic, NIH, Capital One, Fulbright US Student Program, Amazon, and Deloitte. The average starting salary was $61k.  In the last few years, multiple Emory grads/alums received acceptance letters from the following top schools – Columbia, UPenn, Yale, the University of Chicago, and Vanderbilt. While a healthy number of Emory grads found employment in Georgia, the top destinations for the Class of 2023 included non-Southern locales in New York City, DC, LA, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

Academic Highlights: The university offers 37 majors and 29 minors. With an exceptionally low 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and no graduate students to attend to, W&L undergraduates enjoy loads of attention. Over 83% of class sections contain 19 or fewer students, Instructors earn rave reviews as 98% of recent grads were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” by the quality of their professors. Students can participate in research via a number of programs, including the Summer Research Scholars Program, which allows undergrads to collaborate with faculty in the field or lab. Studying abroad is common, with 60% of grads spending a semester or summer in a foreign land.

Professional Outcomes: Last year, 69% of recent graduates found employment within six months of leaving Lexington. Companies presently employing more than two dozen Generals including Wells Fargo, EY, Williams Investment Society, PwC, Deloitte, Capital One, Bank of America, and JP Morgan. Starting salaries are solid with the majority of the cohort being paid $55,000 or more while 18% brought home in excess of $75,000.

Academic Highlights: Close to half of classrooms contain fewer than twenty Bruins, but those taking introductory courses will find themselves in a fair number of lecture halls with a hundred or more students. Professors are given impressively high marks for a research university of UCLA’s size. 93% of College of Letters and Science seniors rate their professors as being intellectually challenging. By the time they graduate, 45% of undergraduates have participated in a research experience. Every year, roughly one-quarter of the undergraduate population elects to study abroad, a sharp increase from only a few years ago. UCLA has 115 partner universities in 40+ countries around the globe.

Professional Outcomes: Thousands of alumni can be found working at Google, Amazon, and Apple. Companies that employ over 100 Bruins each include Meta, Microsoft, Netflix, TikTok, NVIDIA, and LinkedIn. Ultimately, one-third of UCLA grads go on to enroll in graduate/professional school, with many choosing to stay at their alma mater. Otherwise, the most attended grad schools are primarily other excellent California-based institutions including Stanford, USC, and Berkeley. For graduates early in their careers, the median salary is $78,600, with mid-career median earnings reaching over $149k. Many alumni remain in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area after graduating; other popular destinations include the San Francisco Bay area and New York City.

Academic Highlights: Eighteen percent of courses at Bates have a single-digit enrollment, and 60% of classrooms contain nineteen or fewer students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, and not a single graduate student is present to vacuum up professorial attention. Distinctive features include a mandatory first-year seminar, senior thesis requirement, and a Short Term at the end of the academic year that provides students the opportunity to focus exclusively on one course, field project, internship, or study abroad opportunity.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 91% of the Class of 2023 were either employed, enrolled in graduate school, or otherwise meaningfully engaged in a fellowship or internship. Popular employers included Accenture, Fidelity Investments, Google, Wayfair, and Liberty Mutual Insurance whereas common employment destinations of Bates graduates were concentrated primarily in the Northeast, namely Boston, New York, and Portland, Maine.

Academic Highlights: Classes are a bit larger at Cornell than at many other elite institutions. Still, 54% of sections have fewer than 20 students. Introductory courses sometimes take place in larger lecture halls, so 24% of courses have an enrollment of more than forty students. Undergraduates do give their professors generally high marks: 88% report being satisfied with the instruction they have received, 48% report completing a thesis/research project, and 53% conducted research with a faculty member. Members of Big Red can choose from study abroad opportunities in more than forty countries, and roughly one-third participate.

Professional Outcomes: Breaking down the graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest school at Cornell, 63% entered the workforce, 26% entered graduate school, 2% pursued other endeavors such as travel or volunteer work, and the remaining 4% were still seeking employment six months after receiving their diplomas. Graduates earned a median salary of $85,000. Of the students from A&S going on to graduate school, 13% pursued JDs, 4% MDs, and 25% PhDs. Popular destinations included staying at Cornell, other Ivies, Stanford, MIT, universities in the UC system, or abroad at Oxford, Cambridge, the University of Toronto, or the University of St. Andrews

Academic Highlights: Amherst offers a “New Curriculum” that requires no specific courses or distribution of credits. Students have the flexibility to pursue their areas of passion and interest from the very start of their collegiate experience. With no burdensome requirements, double majoring is commonplace with over 30-40% of the student body electing to study at least one additional discipline. The college encourages students to “take full responsibility for their intellectual growth, in the same way they will take responsibility for important choices later in life.”

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 78% of the Class of 2023 were employed full-time, working for employers such as Bain & Company, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and The Fulbright Program. The average starting salary for Amherst graduates is among the highest-paid liberal arts grads in the country. The schools where the highest number of Amherst grads can be found pursuing advanced degrees include Columbia University, Yale University, and Tufts University.

Academic Highlights: The school’s 198 full-time professors are dedicated to the task of undergraduate education. Pomona’s 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio leads to an average class size of only 15 students. 71% of classes contain less than 20 students, and only 13 of 440 courses that ran in 2023-24 contained more than 40 students. Small classes also lead to the forging of student-professor bonds that help over 50% of the undergraduate population conduct research alongside a faculty member, and 25% ultimately publish or formally present their work. Each summer, 200 students remain on campus for such an endeavor. Close to 50% of Pomona students travel abroad to one of 69 programs in 39 countries.

Professional Outcomes: 67% of the Class of 2023 were employed within six months of graduating. Overall, the largest number of alumni can be found at Google, Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente, Amazon, and Apple. Recently, degree-earners have landed jobs at Boston Consulting Group, Alphasights, JP Morgan Chase, and Houlihan Lokey. Majors in the hard sciences frequently landed at top research laboratories and hospitals. Of the 23% of 2023 grads who were accepted directly into graduate school, the most frequently attended institutions included Berkeley, UCLA, Columbia, and NYU.

Academic Highlights: Impressively, particularly for a school with more graduate students than undergrads, CMU boasts a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, with roughly one-third containing single digits and 68% having an enrollment of nineteen or fewer. In a given school year, 800+ undergraduates conduct research through the University Research Office, and many others participated through various outside arrangements. Between 500-600 students study abroad for a semester each year in such countries as Japan, China, and Germany.

Professional Outcomes: By the end of the calendar year in which they received their diplomas, 74% of recent grads were employed, and 17% were continuing to graduate school. The companies that have routinely scooped up CMU grads include Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, TikTok, and NVIDIA. With an average starting salary of $124,107, CMU grads outpace the average starting salary for a college grad nationally.

Academic Highlights: With 46 majors and 32 minors, Wes truly has something for everyone. The academic requirements are relatively minimal, giving undergrads a high degree of intellectual freedom. 76% of class sections have fewer than twenty students; students rave about the accessible faculty. Research opportunities with professors are plentiful. The undergraduate program for Research in the Sciences funds over one hundred students per year to conduct research over the summer. The university has increased its study abroad participation in recent years to the point that almost 50% of students now spend a semester overseas.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 66% of recent grads had entered employment. The companies employing the highest numbers of recent Wesleyan grads included JPMorgan Chase, Americorps, Citi, McKinsey, Accenture, AlphaSights, and Massachusetts General Hospital. Graduate school was the next stop for 17% of new alums. Those pursuing advanced degrees have enrolled in a wide range of schools, including elites like MIT, Stanford, Berkeley and most Ivies. New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Hartford are the most popular post-college destinations.

Academic Highlights: Close to three-quarters of course sections will contain fewer than 20 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio is a stellar 8:1. Undergraduate research can be accessed through research-focused courses, design projects, or the Trident Scholar Research Program, an independent study conducted during senior year. All in all, 117 midshipmen presented posters at last year’s Midshipman Research Poster Session. Many midshipmen have the chance to study abroad, and over 300 do each year through programs like the Semester Study Abroad Program or Language Immersion Program.

Professional Outcomes: USNA midshipmen have a mandatory five-year military commitment upon graduating, so the vast majority immediately become ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Very few are cleared to enter graduate school directly after receiving their bachelor’s. However, upon entering civilian employment/life, alumni flock to companies that include Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Microsoft, and Deloitte. They also enjoy some of the highest average salaries of any alumni group in the country.

Academic Highlights: The college boasts an average class size of eighteen, and 88% of course sections have fewer than twenty students. With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and only one graduate program offered (an MA in finance), undergrads benefit from ample professor attention. In a typical school year, an incredible three-quarters of CMC students had the chance to conduct research with a faculty member, and the school has eleven partner research institutes and centers that provide graduate-level research experiences. Studying abroad is another popular pursuit as CMC offers approved programs on each of the world’s six populated continents. Almost half of all undergrads spend time at one of 100+ approved programs in forty countries.

Professional Outcomes: Recent CMC grads work in research, business development, finance, operations, and education, with top employers including companies such as Deloitte, Microsoft, and Google. You name the prestigious graduate/professional program and, chances are, a recent CMC grad (or two or three) is presently studying there. Since 2001, more than 120 alumni have enrolled at USC and UCLA. More than 60 grads have headed to UChicago, Columbia, and Stanford.

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ departmental and interdisciplinary majors offered. Eighteen percent of course sections have single-digit enrollments while 65% have 19 or fewer students. In addition, opportunities for participation in research with faculty members abound, and Wellesley students publish their work at a rate that outshines their peers at comparable institutions. The Summer Science Research Program is cited by many graduates as the most influential part of their educational experience. The Office of International Studies facilitates the overseas study of hundreds of students each year with 45% of students spending a semester in one of 180 programs worldwide.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2023 had achieved positive outcomes. Of the 72% of grads who were employed, top employers included Microsoft, BlackRock, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase. Of the 23% of 2023 grads who directly entered an advanced degree program, common schools attended included NYU, Boston University, University of Oxford, Yale, and MIT.

Academic Highlights: Among its core beliefs, Bowdoin offers a flexible and broad liberal arts education. Polar Bears can choose from one of thirty-three academic programs or get more creative through an interdisciplinary or student-designed major. One-size-fits-all requirements are minimal. Class sizes are small—63% contain fewer than twenty students—and 19% have fewer than ten students. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1.

Professional Outcomes: An examination of three recent years’ worth of outcomes data reveals that one year after graduation, between 73 and 77% of recent grads have found full-time employment, and 15% have gone directly into graduate school. Only 2-8% are still seeking employment. Prominent corporations across all sectors love Bowdoin grads. Recent alumni have found positions at Apple, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Google, HBO, and Microsoft. The cities attracting the greatest numbers of graduates include Boston; New York City; Portland, Maine; San Francisco; DC; and Los Angeles.

Academic Highlights: Undergrads can study within one of eight colleges/schools, which all offer many small classes; 14% boast single-digit enrollment and 48% contain 19 or fewer students. Undergraduate research opportunities can be challenging to uncover at any large school where graduate students get the prime spots, yet, UVA does offer a multitude of formal opportunities as well as the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium and three undergraduate research journals. The classroom at UVA extends well beyond Charlottesville as one-fifth enjoy a semester abroad through one of fifty programs around the world.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their degree, 86% of the Class of 2023 immediately joined the workforce–with an average starting salary of $82k–or headed directly to graduate school.  Capital One (58), Amazon (45), Deloitte (41), and Accenture (34) scooped up the greatest number of 2023 grads. UVA itself was the most popular grad school destination followed by Columbia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Duke.

Academic Highlights: Class sizes are not always as tiny as the school itself. While 60% of courses have an enrollment under 20, another 33% enroll between 20 and 39 students. Regardless, Mudd prides itself on offering graduate-level research opportunities and experiential learning to all undergrads. The college backs up its philosophical stance with cold, hard cash, allocating three million dollars annually to facilitate student-faculty research. Students can participate during the school year or during the Summer Undergraduate Research Program that entails 10 weeks of full-time laboratory work. It is not uncommon for participants to end up with their names on a patent.

Professional Outcomes: Fifty-three percent of the Class of 2023 planned on entering a job right after receiving their bachelor’s degree. The highest number of recent Harvey Mudd graduates are scooped up by the following companies (in order of representation): Microsoft, Amazon, Caltech, Ellison Institute of Technology, Google, Second Order Effects, and SpaceX. Graduates average an impressive $117,500 starting salary, a phenomenal number even when accounting for the preponderance of STEM majors. Many Harvey Mudd grads—28% in 2023—go directly into graduate school programs.

Academic Highlights: Vassar students have the choice of 50 majors and no general education requirements, which means that there is plenty of room to explore electives and intellectual passions. An 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 17 students, and 27% of all sections have an enrollment of nine or fewer. Professors are extremely available outside the classroom. Vassar’s Undergraduate Research Summer Institute (URSI) has been operational since 1986 and offers a plethora of ten-week research experiences. Study abroad programs are taken advantage of by 45% of students.

Professional Outcomes: 93% of alums enjoy positive outcomes within six months of graduation, with 21% enrolling directly in a graduate or professional degree program. A solid number land at competitive companies like Google, Deloitte, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. Elite universities such as NYU and Harvard are also among the top employers of former students, many of whom earn advanced degrees and enter academia.

Academic Highlights: Students work closely with their professors, and the college is routinely rated atop lists of best undergraduate teaching institutions. Small classes are the norm with the average being only 16 students; in 17% of your classes, you will be surrounded by no more than nine of your peers. Faculty-mentored research is embedded into many courses, independent study opportunities abound, and full-time supervised research is available during summer and winter break. Over three-quarters of the student body elect to study abroad in one of 130 programs offered in sixty countries. Furthermore, 70% of students spend a semester studying in another part of the globe.

Professional Outcomes: Target, Epic Systems, Google, Wells Fargo, and Amazon all employ large numbers of graduates. Carleton is a breeding ground for future scholars as a ridiculously high number of graduates go on to earn PhDs. In fact, by percentage, Carleton is one of the top ten producers in the country of future PhDs. Geographically, the greatest number of students remain in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, but many also head to New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, DC, Boston, and Seattle

Academic Highlights: For a large university with a heavy presence of graduate students, Georgetown maintains a personalized and intimate learning environment. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 62% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. While some classes are a bit larger, only 6% cross the 50-student threshold. There are many ways that students can seek funding for independent research projects or become an assistant to faculty members via the Georgetown Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Summer research can lead to the completion of a senior thesis that can be presented at the College Academic Council Research Colloquium every spring. Each year, 1,000+ Hoya undergrads participate in one of the school’s 200+ study abroad programs that are spread across 50+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 72% of members of the Class of 2023 entered the workforce, 20% went directly into a graduate or professional program of study, and 5% were still seeking employment. The Class of 2023 sent graduates to a number of major corporations including Bank of America (18), JP Morgan Chase (18), Deloitte (15), Citi (13), and Morgan Stanley (13). Those attending grad school stay at Georgetown or flock to other elite schools like Columbia and NYU. By far, New York and remaining in DC are the two most popular postgraduate destinations, although a fair number also migrate to Virginia, California, Massachusetts, Texas, and Maryland. The financial picture for Georgetown graduates is rosy. Average starting salaries fall well above the national average.

Academic Highlights: Fifty-six majors are on tap at Colgate, including all of the expected liberal arts concentrations. With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 17, Colgate undergraduates work intimately withtheir instructors. Undoubtedly, the resulting connections help to explain the school’s sterling 94-95% freshman retention rate. It is commonplace for Colgate students to research alongside professors. Each summer, the school funds over 200 undergraduates who assist with research projects, and, year-round, it maintains a useful database of professors who are seeking research across all disciplines. Raiders study abroad in overwhelming numbers with a 60-70% participation rate in one hundred programs that operate in 50 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, only a small number of Colgate alumni are still looking for work; in 2023, that group represented less than 3% of the graduating class. A substantial 77% had already landed full-time jobs. Employers hiring the most Colgate grads included Barclays, EY, Goldman Sachs, Massachusetts General Hospital, NIH, and True Search. Alums pursuing further education attended Boston College, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, and NYU.

Academic Highlights: With its small size, the impressive part of the college is the exceptional quality of its offerings, not the breadth of them, as only 37 majors are available. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, which allows the college to ensure that 69% have fewer than twenty students and 29% have enrollments you can count on two hands. Overall, the average number of students per class is only 17. Study abroad is encouraged, and approximately 65% elect to study in one of 125 programs around the globe. Undergrads working side-by-side with their professors is commonplace as over 60% of faculty have published with student coauthors at some point.

Professional Outcomes: Looking at the outcomes data for recent grads, 67% landed jobs within six months of graduation, 24% were enrolled in a graduate program, and 6% were still seeking employment. Employers of the largest number of Davidson grads include Carolina Healthcare System, Teach for America, the NIH, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. Significant numbers of students pursue advanced degrees at other Southern gems including Vanderbilt, Emory, Duke, Wake Forest, and UNC. There is also a fair showing of Ivy League acceptances in all graduate disciplines among Wildcat alumni.

Academic Highlights: Middlebury offers over 50 majors and the school’s 9:1 student-faculty ratio allows 100% of courses to be taught by professors, not graduate assistants. Most classes are small; the mean class size is 16, and 15% of sections contain fewer than 10 students. The Summer Research at Middlebury program funds 130 students annually to work alongside faculty in a variety of disciplines. Each year, more than 50% of juniors take a semester abroad in one of 75 programs in 40 countries. The college’s robust international program includes Middlebury Schools Abroad in Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 74% of the Class of 2023 had landed jobs and 14% were in graduate school. Google and Meta are now two of the leading employers of alumni alongside Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Amazon, and JP Morgan. More than 100 alumni work in the US State Department and more than two dozen presently work for Apple, Microsoft, McKinsey, and Credit Suisse. New York City, Boston, Washington, DC, and San Francisco claim the greatest numbers of Panther alumni.

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, and without any pesky graduate students to get in the way, face time with professors is a regular occurrence. In fact, 27% of all classes have nine or fewer students; 70% have nineteen or fewer. Each summer, approximately 120 students engage in high-level undergraduate research with a faculty member. Approximately half of all Hamilton students study off campus for a semester, with some pursuing domestic programs in NYC, DC, or Boston while others take advantage of international opportunities like the school’s own renowned Chinese language program in Beijing or one of one hundred other approved programs around the globe.

Professional Outcomes: Examining the 498 graduates in Hamilton’s Class of 2023, an enviable 96% wasted no time landing jobs, graduate school acceptances, or fellowships. Among the employers welcoming multiple recent graduates aboard were Wayfair, Goldman Sachs, Teach for America, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Kantar Consulting, and Deutsch Bank. Other Hamilton graduates have been accepted into graduate programs at Stanford, USC, the University of Chicago, Vanderbilt, and several institutions across the Ivy League.  New York City, Boston, and DC were the most popular destinations.

Academic Highlights: Classes are small, especially when considering the school’s legitimate research university status. Seventeen percent of all courses see fewer than ten students enrolled, and 63% have sub-twenty enrollments. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. Across all colleges, 60% of students participate in a research project at some point during their collegiate experience. . A substantial segment of the student body, 40-45%, study abroad, either at Tufts’ campus in Talloires, one of nine Tufts-sponsored programs in locales such as Chile, Ghana, Hong Kong, and Madrid, or one of eighty pre-approved programs around the globe.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after earning their diplomas, 96% of 2023 graduates were employed or attending graduate school. Prolific employers of Tufts alums include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Morgan Stanley, and McKinsey & Company. Of the 20% of 2023 grads who went directly to graduate school, 82% were accepted into their first-choice institution. Most Tufts alumni remain in the Boston area, but many also head to New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, DC, and Chicago.

Academic Highlights: A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio is put to good instructional use as roughly two-thirds of courses have fewer than 19 students. The school’s “Jan Plan” tacks on a truncated semester during which students can conduct research alongside faculty, pursue internships, or take an accelerated course; 90% of undergraduates participate. An exceptionally high 70% of students study abroad at some point during their four years at Colby. The college runs three of its own off-campus study programs and allows participation in hundreds of programs in 60 total countries.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 95% of the Class of 2023 had either obtained employment or were enrolled full-time in a graduate program. Eighty percent entered the workforce, working for companies such as Amazon, Brown Brothers Harriman, Accenture, Massachusetts General Hospital, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Fifteen percent continued their studies at prestigious institutions – Dartmouth, Columbia, Duke, and Georgetown are a few of the universities where Colby alums can be found.

Academic Highlights: Barnard has a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and a sensational 70% of courses are capped at nineteen or fewer students; 18% have fewer than ten. Many get the chance to engage in research alongside a professor as 280+ undergraduates are granted such an opportunity through the Summer Research Institute each year.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 91% of recent Barnard grads had found employment or were enrolled in a graduate program. JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and Citibank all appear on the list of the top fifteen employers of Barnard alumni. Those entering graduate school flock in large numbers to Columbia, with 123 heading there over the last three years. Sixteen Barnard students and alumnae were selected as Fulbright recipients in 2024 – making Barnard a top producer of Fulbright scholars for seven years in a row.

Academic Highlights: Smith has 50 academic departments and programs. With only a small number of graduate students to worry about, 19% of undergraduate sections have single-digit enrollments, and 68% of total class sections enroll fewer than 20 students. Nearly half of all students conduct research with a professor by the time they graduate. Around 35% of juniors spend a semester abroad in one of 150 programs, including Smith-created offerings in Florence, Geneva, Hamburg, and Paris.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 72% of alumnae had found employment. More than 25 alumnae can be found at Google, Microsoft, Amazon, JP Morgan Chase, Fidelity Investments, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, and Accenture. Within 10 years of graduation, 73% of alumnae had enrolled in graduate or professional studies. Recent Smith graduates attended Columbia, Harvard, the University of Michigan, and Johns Hopkins. Massachusetts is the most popular destination for grads, with the largest number heading to Boston or staying in Northampton. New York is next in popularity, followed by California.

Academic Highlights: Aided by a favorable 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the school does an excellent job facilitating undergraduate research opportunities. Each school/college has a course entitled Directed Research 490 in which students work closely with a faculty supervisor and earn between two and eight credits, countless other opportunities exist to get one’s hands dirty in academic research. Each department has its own slate of study abroad offerings and Maymester programs, which are short-term intensive courses held stateside and abroad.

Professional Outcomes: 93% of undergrads experience positive postgraduation outcomes within six months of earning their degree. The median salary across all majors is an astounding $85k. Presently, between 500 and 2,500 alumni are employed at each of Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, NVIDIA, and Oracle. Graduate/professional schools enrolling the greatest number of 2023 USC grads include Columbia, UCLA, Pepperdine, and Harvard, with most remaining at USC for their advanced studies.

Academic Highlights: Thanks to a 9:1 student/faculty ratio and no competition from graduate students, 65% of classes have fewer than twenty students, and roughly one-fifth of sections have single-digit student enrollments. Participating in research is a normal part of an undergraduate education at Grinnell. Overall, 58% of Grinnell undergrads participate in one on- or off-campus research experience that was not simply built into their coursework. Some entered Mentored Advanced Projects, which see faculty work closely with students on scholarly or creative works while others conducted research at another location such as Duke University, Georgetown University, or Carnegie Mellon University. International study is also a fairly common part of a Grinnell education with over 50% of students studying abroad.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduation, 58% of Grinnell students head into the workforce, 27% to graduate school, 3% to postgraduate service, and 3% earned fellowships. Multiple grads accepted positions with Amazon, BOA, Deloitte, Epic, Google, and Microsoft. Grinnellians enrolled in graduate programs at prestigious universities like Brown, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, and Yale; 83% of all applicants were accepted into their first or second choice program. The mean salary of those employed was $61,683. Massachusetts and Illinois attracted the highest number of graduates, slightly more than Iowa itself. New York and Minnesota were the next most popular locations for Grinnell grads.

Academic Highlights: In total, the university offers more than 300 programs of study, 100+ of which are distinct undergraduate degrees spread across 12 schools/colleges. Many classes at BU are reasonably small—59% contain fewer than twenty students; only 20% contain more than forty. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. The Research Opportunities Program (UROP) funds 650 students per year, and many additional students participate in BU’s research for credit, volunteer, work-study, and other independent opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 94% of recent BU grads have found their way into the world of employment or full-time graduate study. Across all graduating years, companies employing more than 350 BU alums include Google, Oracle, Accenture, IBM, and Amazon Web Services. Of the one-third of grads who move directly into graduate school, many are welcomed onto the campuses of elite graduate programs, such as those at MIT, Carnegie Mellon, John Hopkins, and Columbia.

Academic Highlights: Northeastern offers 130 majors and 199 combined majors within nine colleges and programs. Nearly two-thirds of Husky classrooms contain nineteen or fewer students, and 13% have single-digit enrollments. Large lecture hall courses crammed with undergrads are rare at this school—only 7% of sections sport a student enrollment of fifty or more. Since 2006, Northeastern has added an incredible 650+ tenured and tenure-track faculty members. Undergraduate research opportunities exist in all departments, and experiential learning of some type is had by virtually all graduates, thanks to the school’s illustrious and robust co-op program. In a given year, 3,700+ students have a global experience in one of 65+ countries, and 250+ students participate in a co-op program overseas.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after leaving Northeastern, 97% of students have landed at their next employment or graduate school destination. Huskies entering the job market are quickly rounded up by the likes of Amazon, Fidelity Investments, Google, Microsoft, and Apple, all of whom employ 500+ Northeastern alums. Between 200 and 500 employees at Meta, CVS Health, Goldman Sachs, and Tesla have an NU lineage. Starting salaries are above average (70% make more than $70k), in part due to the stellar co-op program.

Academic Highlights: Perhaps the most highly-regarded school of its size in the entire United States, The Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering was founded in the early 2000s as an experimental, cutting-edge training ground for budding engineers.  Many classes are taught in a studio environment to encourage collaboration, and a number of courses are co-taught by professors from different disciplines. Classes are generally reasonably small; 49% of class sections contain fewer than twenty students. The school boasts a terrific 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Professional Outcomes: For a school exclusively graduating engineers, it isn’t a surprise that alumni tend to find good-paying jobs. The average salary for recent graduates is in excess of $100,000. Over the past decade, the companies employing the greatest number of alumni are Amazon Robotics, Ford, Apple, Microsoft, SpaceX, and Tesla. Olin College of Engineering undergrads have gone on to prestigious graduate engineering programs in impressive numbers. Boston University, Stanford, Colorado School of Mines, University of Michigan, and MIT are the top five institutions where alums can be found pursuing advanced degrees.

Academic Highlights: There are over sixty undergraduate majors at UR. The student- to-faculty ratio is 7:1, the average class size is sixteen students. Thirty-five percent of Richmond students participate in an intensive research experience with a faculty member prior to graduation, and students can have those summer opportunities funded through the Richmond Guarantee, which sees the university fund research apprenticeships as well as internships. Nearly 500 students receive such funding every summer. Going abroad is the norm at UR—65% take a semester or full year of study in one of seventy-five programs in 60 countries.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduation, 92% of Richmond grads who were seeking employment had found jobs, with an average salary range of $60,000-$64,999. Companies where you can find at least 50 Richmond alumni employed include Capital One, Deloitte, PwC, EY, Amazon, Google, and Morgan Stanley.  20% of recent alumni chose to enroll directly in a graduate or professional degree program. Large pockets of alumni can be found in New York City, DC, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Academic Highlights: The college offers roughly 60 majors across four schools that award undergraduate degrees. Approximately half of the college’s sections contain nineteen or fewer students. In their own self-assessment, 95% of graduates reported learning how to think critically at BC, and 93% said they learned how to write clearly and effectively. Fifty percent of BC grads pursued a semester abroad in one of 170+ locations around the globe, and 90% cited the experience as a source of personal growth.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 94% of the Class of 2023 had landed at their next destination, whether that was employment, graduate school, a fellowship, or a volunteer position. The median starting salary for a 2023 BC grad was $71,000. By a wide margin, the locale where the most alumni settle is the university’s home state of Massachusetts; New York City also draws a sizable number of BC grads. Seventeen percent of the Class of 2023 entered graduate schools including Brown, Columbia, Georgetown, and the University of Chicago.

Academic Highlights: The college offers over thirty traditional majors as well as additional subjects in which one can pursue a student-designed major. The average class size is a manageable 19 students, and 66% of courses have enrollments lower than that. An undergraduate-only institution, Holy Cross offers ample individualized attention and guidance from faculty. Each year, one hundred students participate in the intensive Weiss Summer Research Program that offers STEM majors the opportunity for one-on-one mentorship from a professor. Across all disciplines, research apprenticeships are available to undergrads as early as the sophomore year. Roughly one-quarter typically take advantage of study abroad opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after moving their tassels to the left, 62% of the Class of 2023 were employed, 21% were in graduate school, and only 7% were still seeking full-time employment. Organizations employing more than one recent graduate include Fidelity Investments, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Massachusetts General Hospital, Deloitte, KPMG, RSM, Oracle, and Dell. The average salary is $68k. New England is the most popular home, keeping over 50% of grads in the area with the Mid-Atlantic region soaking up an additional 30%. Boston and New York City are the two most common destinations.

Academic Highlights: Haverford offers 39 majors, 40 minors, 14 concentrations, and eleven consortium programs—areas of study that can be pursued at partner campuses. The school’s 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and exclusive emphasis on undergraduate education lead to exceptionally intimate classes, 37% of which have fewer than 10 students, and 71% have fewer than 20. Plenty of summer research opportunities exist in which students can work alongside faculty, and some STEM students conduct and present original research through the Undergraduate Science Research Symposium. The study abroad program has a 49% participation rate, and students can choose from 70+ programs in 30+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Haverford, 58% of the Class of 2024 had found employment, 29% had enrolled in graduate school, and 6% were still job hunting. Employers hiring multiple recent Haverford grads include JP Morgan, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Cornerstone Research, and NextGen America. Of the 29% of 2024 grads who elected to continue their education, 23 graduates enrolled at UPenn, with other grads attending the University of Chicago, Columbia, and Sidney Kimmel Medical College.

Academic Highlights: Rather than the typical semester schedule, Colorado College operates on the “block plan,” a series of eight three-and-half-week periods during which students take only one course. You won’t find a more intimate liberal arts college than CC. Classes have a cap of 25 students, and no more than a handful of courses exceed that figure. The average class consists of 16 students. Research opportunities are built into the academic program as 20% of CC classes involve some degree of undergraduate research. Another 6% of students receive stipends to conduct research. Tigers appear unafraid to go into the world and immerse themselves in other cultures as a healthy 74% study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: Among the Class of 2023, an impressive 96% arrived successfully at their next destination within six months of earning their diploma. Being a small school, Colorado College does not send massive numbers of graduates to any one company or organization, but there are employers that have wrangled their fair share of Tigers. That list includes Adobe, Wells Fargo, CBRE, Amazon, Google, and the Democratic National Committee. Roughly one-quarter of grads stay in the state of Colorado while the majority migrate to major cities across the United States with San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles among the most popular destinations.

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges. Michigan sports a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 18% of classes contain 50 or more students, but a solid 53% of classes offer a more intimate experience with fewer than 20 students. The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program draws in 1,300 participants each year who partner with 800+ research mentors. For students in all academic programs at Michigan, study abroad opportunities are taken advantage of at high rates. In fact, the university is second in the nation in the number of students it sends to study in foreign lands.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school. The median salary across all majors is approximately 70k. Top employers include PwC, EY, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, Citi, Bank of America, and Capital One.  Within six months, 93% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $99k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft employ the greatest number of alumni.

Academic Highlights: NYU is divided into a number of smaller (but still quite large) colleges organized by discipline; in sum, there are 270 areas of undergraduate study across nine schools and colleges. For its size, a commendable 59% of classes have an enrollment under 20 students. The school puts a great deal of money into undergraduate research, and it has been running an Undergraduate Research Conference for over forty years. Summer research opportunities are plentiful, including through the School of Engineering’s ten-week summer research program for rising juniors and seniors. With more than 4,000 students studying in foreign countries each year, NYU sends more undergrads abroad than any other US university.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of exiting, 94% of Class of 2023 grads had landed at their next destination, with 71% employed and 26% in graduate school. Large numbers of alumni can be found at Google, Amazon, JP Morgan Chase, Citi, Meta, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs. The mean starting salary is $76,011. New York is (by more than ten times) the most popular destination over number two choice California. New Jersey, Texas, and Massachusetts were next in attracting the highest numbers of recent alumni.

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates can choose from 74 bachelor’s degree programs across several schools and colleges. 87% of classes have fewer than 50 students, while 39% of classes have a student enrollment under 20. UNC sends forty percent of graduates abroad to one of 70 countries at some point in their educational career. Research is required as part of the general education curriculum, and plenty of faculty-mentored opportunities and funded formal programs are also available. In 2024, over 600 students shared their research at the annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Chapel Hill, 94% of 2023 grads had entered employment, military service, or graduate school. Among the for-profit companies that hire the most graduates are Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Amazon, Fidelity Investments, and Epic Games. In the nonprofit sector, a large number of alumni are employed by AmeriCorps, NIH, Teach for America, and the Peace Corps. The average starting salary is $74,292. Nine percent of 2023 grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school.

Academic Highlights: Tulane offers 75 majors within five colleges. The average undergraduate class size is 21 students and a solid 21% of courses have single-digit enrollments, providing a seminar-style environment. The overwhelming majority of undergraduate courses, even introductory ones, are taught by full-time professors. Exiting student surveys indicate that this focus on undergraduate education is noted; 94% rated their educational experience at Tulane as either “excellent” or “good.” 30% of students take advantage of Tulane’s expansive study abroad program, which offers more than 110 programs in 40 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Over three-fifths of Tulane grads find employment within six months of graduation. Significant numbers of alumni can be found working in the Louisiana-based Ochsner Health System or at corporations such as Deloitte, EY, Google, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs. 31% of recent grads enrolled in graduate or professional school—the most common destinations are Tulane itself, Louisiana State University, Columbia University, and New York University.

Academic Highlights: The USAFA boasts an outstanding 8:1 cadet-to-faculty ratio, and classes are accordingly modest in size with 66% of sections containing fewer than 20 students, a number that would make most traditional liberal arts schools jealous. There are plenty of opportunities to participate in research, whether at one of the 24 research centers and institutes or through the Cadet Summer Research Program, which attracts 450 cadets. Undergraduates also have the chance to participate in an international exchange program such as the Cadet Summer Language Immersion Program or Cadet Semester Study Abroad Program.

Professional Outcomes: As with any service academy, the bulk of graduates spend a good portion of their careers within the armed forces. For USAFA grads, a minimum five-year commitment to the Air Force is mandatory. Many alumni spend time later in their careers working in the commercial airline industry at Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines. Many also work for Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Lockheed Martin. The USAFA Academic Success Center helped place 27% of the recent graduating class in graduate programs.

Academic Highlights: An 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to small class sizes with 78% of sections having fewer than twenty students, and 28% of sections enrolling nine students or fewer. The median class size is just 14 students. This type of academic setting leads to close mentoring from professors. Over 500 undergraduates collaborate on research and independent projects with faculty each year. Those electing to study abroad have more than seventy programs to choose from and, in recent years, 33% of students have spent a semester in 30 countries across six continents.

Professional Outcomes: One year after receiving their diplomas, 63% of Bryn Mawr graduates had found employment and a robust 30% had already entered graduate school. Most of the organizations employing the greatest number of alumni are universities and hospital systems, although Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Vanguard do employ a fair number of Bryn Mawr graduates. Among recent grads pursuing further education, 70% were in master’s programs, 20% were already working on their PhD, and 5% were in medical school.

Academic Highlights: Lafayette offers over 50 areas of study across four academic divisions. One-on-one attention from professors is a reality at Lafayette, thanks to a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and no graduate students to compete with. A solid 63% of sections contain fewer than twenty students; 11% enroll nine or fewer. By the time senior year is nearing its completion, slightly more than half of students have completed a research experience with a faculty member. The school invests almost half a million dollars annually in funding undergraduate research. A majority of students also have studied for a semester in a foreign country as 60-65% of graduates elect to study abroad in one of 50 locations.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, a stellar 93% of the Class of 2023 had already landed full-time jobs or were enrolled in graduate/professional school. Companies employing recent Lafayette alumni include Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, PPL, Amazon, and JP Morgan Chase. Those attending graduate school frequently land at some of the top programs in the country within their respective disciplines. Johns Hopkins, Villanova, NYU, Northeastern, Carnegie Mellon, and Columbia are a few of the institutions where Leopards can be found pursuing further education.

Academic Highlights: Babson is regularly ranked at the top of any list of best business colleges. While a fair number of courses are large—84% seat between 20 and 49 students—the nature of the instruction is highly interactive with professors and with peers. One of the many unique experiences at Babson is Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship, a freshman requirement. Teams of students are loaned up to $3,000 in start-up money to launch and run an actual business

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98.6% of the Class of 2023 were already employed or in graduate school. Starting salaries averaged $75,579 for the Class of 2023. Recent graduates work at EY, PwC, Dell, Fidelity Investments, Deloitte, TikTok, and Amazon. Students who pursue further education enroll in institutions such as Boston University, Columbia University, and Yale University.

Academic Highlights: U of R’s 160 undergraduate programs offer a rigorous yet flexible educational experience at a small liberal arts college within a renowned research institution. 68% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students. An impressive 77% of students are involved in undergraduate research, a strong indicator that opportunities for intimate learning experiences are plentiful. Approximately one-quarter of students take a semester abroad through one of the 75+ programs the university has an affiliation with.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after receiving their diplomas, 96% of Class of 2023 grads had achieved positive outcomes with 60% employed and a notably high 35% already pursuing an advanced degree. Top employers of 2023 grads included Amazon, L3 Harris Technologies, ASML, and Bank of America. The average starting salary for the most recent cohort of grads was an impressive $72,184. Upstate New York, New York City, Boston, DC, San Francisco, and Philadelphia play home to the greatest number of alumni.

Academic Highlights: Being an undergraduate-only institution, Macalester students enjoy the full benefits of the school’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The average class size is only 17 students, and 16% of class sections have single-digit enrollments. That level of intimacy leads to plentiful chances to be part of faculty-led research, including through the Collaborative Summer Research Program that provides stipends for student-faculty research ventures. In total, 54% of students participate in some form of undergraduate research. Study abroad opportunities, typically twelve weeks in length, are taken advantage of by 60% of Macalester undergrads.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 95% of the Macalester Class of 2023 had found employment, graduate school, or a fellowship. Employers of recent grads include 3M, Bank of America, Bloomberg, Epic, JP Morgan Chase, Mayo Clinic, and the US Forest Service. Across all sectors, the average starting salary for recent grads was $57,000. Seventeen percent of Mac grads pursue an advanced degree, continuing their studies at Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Stanford, and Yale.

Academic Highlights: There are 36 majors at West Point, and students must conquer a minimum of 13 courses within their area of study as well as 24-27 courses in West Point’s core academic program. A 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio is also among the better figures you’ll see. This level of support and availability helps lead to an outstanding 97% first-year student retention rate. Almost 98% of class sections at West Point enroll fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: West Point graduates must honor their eight-year military commitment (five years of active duty, three in the reserves), and many continue their military careers beyond those requirements. When they do enter the workforce, large numbers of alumni land at Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Google, and Wells Fargo, enjoying a median mid-career salary of $174,100. With military duties to fulfill, only a small percentage of cadets matriculate directly into graduate programs.

Academic Highlights: Getting well-acquainted with your professors is easy with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and class sizes are reasonably small. Slightly more than half of courses at Bucknell unfold in a classroom of no more than nineteen students, and approximately 90% of all sections enroll fewer than twenty-nine students. All of Bucknell’s full-time professors spend some of their time teaching undergraduates. More than 500 take advantage of research opportunities on campus

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, 93% of Bucknell’s most recent graduating class had launched their careers or entered graduate school. Across all disciplines, the average salary for a  grad was $72,735,  which is well above average when compared to other liberal arts colleges. Geographically, most Bucknell grads remain concentrated in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and the DC metro area.

Academic Highlights: A student/faculty ratio of 9:1 translates to 70% of course sections boasting an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students, and the mean number of students in a class is seventeen. Working closely with faculty is a real possibility at this school where one hundred students conduct research each year alongside faculty through the Summer Research Program, and roughly two-thirds engage in some type of undergraduate research. Greater than 60% of Trinity students study abroad and have access to Trinity-exclusive programs in Cape Town, Rome, and Vienna as well as approved partnerships with universities in 50+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: 97% of 2023 grads had a positive outcome within six months of commencement. Those entering the world of employment landed jobs at organizations like BlackRock, Bloomberg, General Motors, and Morgan Stanley. Many alumni can also be found in the corporate offices of Citi, Fidelity Investments, Google, and Goldman Sachs. Twenty-three percent of Trinity grads pursued further education, enrolling at Columbia, UPenn, Boston University, Duke, and UC Berkeley. Doctorate programs were most popular (51%), followed by Masters (41%), and other degree types (8%).

Academic Highlights: Lehigh has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, but classes aren’t as tiny as one might expect with such favorable staffing numbers. The average class size is 28 but, on the plus side, 41% of courses have enrollments of 19 or fewer. Undergraduate research is commonplace, particularly within the engineering school. Each year, 40% of engineering students gain faculty-led research experience. Additionally, 40% of graduates engage in some type of international experience, whether it’s a semester of academic study abroad or a foreign-based internship. Roughly half of those students took courses in one of 250 study abroad programs approved by the university.

Professional Outcomes: Recent grads quickly found their way toward the next productive step in their lives with 95% landing jobs or grad school placements within six months of leaving Lehigh. The average starting salary for a recent grad is $76,000. Top employers include Amazon, Citigroup, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Morgan Stanley, ExxonMobil, GE, Google, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Merck, and Microsoft, CBS, People Magazine, and the National Institutes of Health. Twenty-four percent of recent diploma-earners head straight to graduate school and enrolled in programs at Harvard, Temple, Columbia, NYU, Johns Hopkins, Rice, and Vanderbilt.

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio at UC Santa Barbara is a decent 17:1, and the school does an excellent job of keeping undergraduate class sizes on the small side. In fact, more than half of sections contain fewer than 20 students, and 72% enroll 29 or fewer. Undergraduate research opportunities definitely exist for those willing to forge relationships with faculty outside the classroom. A solid 63% of graduates report engaging in some type of faculty-guided research. It’s not as easy to inspire Gauchos to leave their campus paradise for a semester in a foreign land—only around 20% of students participate in study abroad.

Professional Outcomes:  Over 500 UC Santa Barbara alumni currently work at Google, Apple, and Amazon, while Meta, Microsoft, Salesforce, AppFolio, and NVIDIA each employ 100+. Early in their career, UCSB alumni make a median salary of $75k; by mid-career, they earn a median income of $152k. Most graduates settle in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, followed by the San Francisco Bay area, and the San Diego metropolitan area.

Academic Highlights: A 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to average introductory class sizes of 24 and average upper-level class sizes of only 14.  Faculty-mentored research is a staple of Union’s undergraduate program and is experienced by 80% of the student body in one form or another. During last year’s Steinmetz Symposium, over 400 students showcased their research and 135 students conducted research with a faculty member for an entire summer. The school also takes immense pride in its popular study abroad program, which sees more than 60% of its students from all disciplines spend a semester of study in a foreign land.

Professional Outcomes: 92% of the Class of 2022 (the most recent year that data was available) landed at their next destination quickly, with 70% entering full-time employment and 18% matriculating into graduate school. Union has the largest alumni representation at IBM, PwC, Fidelity Investments, Morgan Stanley, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Bank of America. The 18% of students who immediately pursued further education did so at institutions that included Albany Medical College, Johns Hopkins, NYU, and UPenn.

Academic Highlights: There are 140+ undergraduate majors offered at UCSD, and all students join one of eight undergraduate colleges meant to forge flourishing communities within the larger university. While 26% of course sections are held in larger lecture halls and contain 50+ students, 42% of undergraduate courses sport an enrollment under 20. Twenty percent of undergrads assist faculty with at least one research project during their time at the university; Roughly one-third of undergraduate study abroad per year, and over 400 opportunities in 40+ countries are available for those who desire a semester of study outside of the United States.

Professional Outcomes: Employers of recent graduates included Amazon, Boeing, EY, KPMG, Morgan Stanley, Oracle, Qualcomm, and Tesla. More than 1,000 current Google employees are UC San Diego alumni, and Apple, Meta, and Microsoft all employ 500+ each. The median early career salary is $70,000 across all majors, placing the university in the top 10 public universities in the country. UCSD also fares well in measures of its return-on-investment potential.

Academic Highlights: With 48 departmental and interdepartmental majors as well as the option to design your own major, MHC students are free to follow their academic passions. 74% of sections contain fewer than twenty students; 11% are single-digit seminar classes. Opportunities to research and publish alongside faculty are definitely available, and many 200- and 300-level courses have independent research baked-in as a requirement. Across all disciplines, more ambitious students can arrange summer research internships with professors. More than one hundred study abroad options are on the table.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after commencement, 61% of 2023 grads had found employment, 25% had entered graduate/professional school, and 4% had landed fellowships/internships. The top Lyon employers of recent grads included Bank of America, BlackRock, Citigroup, the National Institutes of Health, and Boston Children’s Hospital. Microsoft, IBM, Harvard University, and Amazon also employ a healthy number of Lyons. Given the number of grads entering the public sector or pursuing graduate degrees, it isn’t shocking that average salary statistics for alumni tend to be on the low side—the average starting salary in 2023 was $50k. Plenty of alumni can be found in New York, California, or international locales.

Academic Highlights: The average size of a Centre class is just 18 students, a reality made possible by a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and zero graduate students. While anecdotal, surveys of alumni have found Centre grads to be among the most pleased in the whole country with the personal attention they received from faculty. Over 40% of undergrads participate in either on-campus or off-campus research projects. Opportunities for undergraduate research areavailable as early as freshman year and take place via summer research apprenticeships, independent studies, or formalized 400-level classes. With 85% of students studying abroad at some point, Centre College ranks among the top schools for creating global citizens.

Professional Outcomes: One year after leaving Danville with their diploma, 63% of the Class of 2023 had found employment, 35% had entered graduate school, and just 2% are still seeking employment or are underemployed. The organizations that employ the greatest number of Centre grads include Humana, Merril Lynch, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, and Bank of America. Nearby Louisville and Lexington are the cities possessing the highest concentration of Centre-affiliated adults. Next in line are Cincinnati; Nashville; Atlanta; and Washington, DC.

Academic Highlights: Boasting a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, face time with your professors is never hard to come by. In fact, 70% of sections contain fewer than 20 students and all students have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research, such as through the Summer Scholar Independent Research Program, which has 130 student participants each year. Off-campus opportunities, including those in the study abroad realm, are pursued by roughly 80% of the student body at some point during their four undergraduate years.

Professional Outcomes: Denison alumni excel in the job market, with 99% employed or enrolled in graduate school, 96% within just six months of graduation. Graduates launch careers at top-tier companies like JPMorgan Chase, Google, Deloitte, Amazon, and Meta, reflecting the university’s strong preparation for professional success. An impressive 94% of alumni report satisfaction with their Denison education, and they tend to cluster in dynamic hubs such as Columbus, New York City, and Chicago, leveraging the university’s robust network in these regions.

Academic Highlights: Over forty undergraduate programs are available and William & Mary has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Class sizes are rarely tiny seminars, but 44% do enroll fewer than twenty students, and only 10% contain more than fifty. An extremely high percentage of undergrads study abroad for a semester; by graduation, roughly half of the class has done so, traveling to one of more than 60 countries. Undergraduate research opportunities are widely available.

Professional Outcomes: 53% of recent grads joined the workforce, and 35% entered graduate school within six months of graduation. Over 500 employers snatched up at least one member of the Tribe. Companies hiring at least four recent grads included Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, KPMG, and Deloitte. Many of those opting for immediate entry into graduate school stayed at their alma mater, with other alums attending Columbia, Duke, Emory, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Chicago.

Academic Highlights: Students can choose one of 55+ programs within four schools. The university sports a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 88% of faculty hold the highest degree in their fields. The Villanova Match Research Program for First Year Students allows second-semester freshmen to work as research assistants alongside distinguished faculty, and the Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellows Summer Program is taken advantage of by many upperclassmen. In total, 87% of recent grads who sought out a research experience were able to find one. Wildcats study abroad in impressive numbers; over 800 students travel to a foreign country each year

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, Class of 2023 graduates had a placement rate of 96% with 71% entering the workforce and 22% matriculating into graduate or professional school. The most popular employers are Boeing, Merck, Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase, Comcast, Amazon, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs. The average starting salary was $77,833. Recent grads went on to study at graduate institutions like Boston University, Columbia, Drexel, Duke, George Washington, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, NYU, Temple, and UPenn.

Academic Highlights: With 16 colleges and 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, educational experiences are exceptionally diverse. UF impressively offers 50% of sections with an enrollment of fewer than 20 students. The Center for Undergraduate Research offers a University Research Scholars program as well as summer opportunities, hosts its own Undergraduate Research Symposium, and publishes its own UF Journal of Undergraduate Research. Forty percent of all undergrads have such an experience. The school has connections to 1,100 study abroad programs that are taken advantage of by more than 2,900 undergrads each year.

Professional Outcomes: The University of Florida demonstrates exceptional career preparation, with 83% of the Class of 2024 securing employment by graduation day. Gator alumni have established a strong presence at leading tech giants, with 200+ graduates currently working at Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Meta, and Oracle. The class achieved an impressive average starting salary of $68,000. For those continuing their education, popular graduate destinations include the University of South Florida, Nova Southeastern University, and Georgia Tech, showcasing UF’s strong pipeline to both immediate employment and advanced academic opportunities.

Academic Highlights: Kenyon offers 50 majors, minors, and concentrations that allow students to complete their education with few non-departmental core requirements. The student-faculty ratio is 9-to-1, and the average class size is 15. Nineteen percent of classes are even more intimate, offering single-digit enrollments. Summer research programs available to students include the Kenyon Summer Scholars Program, a joint program with Ohio State, and the Summer Science Program that sees more than thirty student-professor pairs collaborate on research for an eight- to ten-week period. A stunning 100% of recent alumni state that they learned to write better while at Kenyon. Roughly half of each junior class packs up its bags and heads off to a distant land for a semester abroad.

Professional Outcomes: Top industries for Kenyon graduates include business development, education, media/communication, operations, and community/social services. Recent grads landed positions at major corporations Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase, Merrill Lynch, Oracle, and Wells Fargo. Eighteen percent of grads enroll directly in graduate school, and within five years of completing their undergraduate degree at Kenyon, 60% pursue further education. Recent grads have been welcomed into top law schools at Yale, NYU, Berkeley, Stanford, UVA, Michigan, and the University of Chicago.

Academic Highlights: There are 65+ majors available to undergrads, including some that are accessible through membership in the Consortium. An 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio breeds an intimate learning atmosphere where professors are genuinely dedicated to undergraduate education. As part of the required senior thesis, many undergraduates also have the chance to assist professors with academic/scientific research. Study abroad programs in over 40 countries are taken advantage of by nearly two-thirds of the student body, giving Scripps one of the highest participation rates of any college in the United States.

Professional Outcomes: Scripps women land jobs at some of the world’s leading companies after receiving their diplomas. Top employers include Google, Kaiser Permanente, and Amazon. Many go on to work for universities, including Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, UC San Francisco, and UCLA. Recent grads also have entered positions at Facebook, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and Pfizer. About two-thirds of alumnae complete a graduate/professional program within five years of receiving their bachelor’s degrees at institutions such as Caltech, Harvard, MIT, Vanderbilt, Oxford, Northwestern, Stanford, and Tufts.

Academic Highlights: The school offers more than 70 majors, minors, and interdisciplinary programs and a great deal of academic autonomy along the way. A 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an amazingly intimate average class size of only 15 students. Opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research projects are plentiful in every academic discipline, and the annual Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium is a chance to show off student projects; last year, over 300 projects were presented. A solid 65% of students elect to study abroad or at off-campus sites, and the school offers many Rhodes faculty-led locations around the world.

Professional Outcomes: Within one year of receiving their diplomas, 97% of recent Rhodes grads have found their way into the world of employment or are pursuing an advanced degree program. Among the companies employing the largest number of alumni are St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, FedEx, Deloitte, EY, and Raymond James. Close to 90% of those applying to graduate school get into their top-choice institution and Rhodes ultimately produces an incredible number of PhDs.

Academic Highlights: An undergraduate-only institution, there are 40+ majors to choose from. Skidmore’s average class size is only 16 students, and 97% of sections have fewer than thirty students. Eighteen percent of sections enroll only single digits. Each year, roughly 500 students—20% of the student body—engage in research with a faculty mentor, including eighty students who participate in the Summer Student-Faculty Research Program. Internships and service-learning courses are a normal part of the Skidmore experience. More than half of students study abroad at one of 120 programs in 45 countries, a rate of participation that places it at the very top in the nation.

Professional Outcomes: Ninety-one percent of the Class of 2023 were employed or pursuing further education a year after graduation. Recent alumni were hired by Blackrock, CBS, Deloitte, Fidelity Investments, Google, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo. Skidmore graduates pursuing further education enrolled in programs at Boston College, Columbia, Duke, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, and UPenn. The greatest concentration of alumni can be found in Greater New York City with Boston, Albany, and California the next most popular landing spots.

Academic Highlights: An ethos of high academic standards and intellectual curiosity permeates this Waltham, Massachusetts, campus. An awe-inspiring 50% of Brandeis undergraduates double major. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 59% of courses contain nineteen or fewer students. Invitations to assist faculty members with academic research are common, even for undergraduates. More than 200 students work each year with the school’s Office of Academic Fellowships to apply for sponsored opportunities to pursue their intellectual passions after graduation. Many have successfully landed Fulbright, Boren, and Critical Language Scholarships, among others.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98% of the Class of 2023 had found their way to employment (54%), graduate school (43%), or another full-time activity like travel or volunteer work (3%). Members of the Class of 2023 were hired by MGH, Kraft Sports, Deloitte, The Jewish Federations of North America, and Microsoft. The average starting salary for recent grads is $63k. Recent grads pursuing further education attended prestigious institutions such as Columbia, Duke, Harvard, and Yale.

Academic Highlights: Over 100 undergrad programs are offered across nine schools, A noteworthy 92% of graduates report being satisfied with their education while 82% were satisfied with their major. Fifty-two percent of all course sections contain fewer than 20 students, and only 7% of sections sport enrollments of more than 50 undergrads. Study abroad opportunities are vast and include university-run programs in sixteen locations; roughly 40% of undergrads participate each year. Undergraduate research posts are available, with many facilitated by the Office of Research and Community Outreach.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 99% of the Class of 2023 had positive outcomes, with 62% employed full-time and 36% in graduate school. Companies employing 2023 grads included Citi, Bank of America, Jackson Memorial Hospital, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, and Goldman Sachs. Across all majors, the median starting salary was an impressive $62k. 100+ Canes also can be found in the offices of Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. The most frequently attended graduate school is typically Miami itself.

Academic Highlights: As students immerse themselves in one of 46 areas of concentration, Dickinson supports them with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 17, with 75% of classes being capped at 19 students. This type of intimacy allows the school to advertise that: “Not only will you have the opportunity to conduct advanced research as an undergraduate that most wouldn’t experience until graduate school, you’ll also have the chance to work alongside faculty in the process.” The majority of students also elect to venture to other continents as part of their undergraduate experience. Offering study abroad opportunities with 16 global programs, more than 50 study abroad options, and boasts a 60% participation rate.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 95% of Dickinson grads have found jobs or full-time volunteer work, or have enrolled in graduate school. Companies employing Dickinson alumni include Deloitte, EY, Vanguard, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Merck. Most alumni are found in Pennsylvania, with the New York City Metropolitan area also proving popular with Red Devil alums.

Academic Highlights: With 50+ majors, the academic offerings at Whitman are robust. Whitman boasts a beautifully low 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and hosts zero graduate students, a recipe for individualized attention. Undergraduate research is so embedded into the foundation of a Whitman education that the college hosts an annual Undergraduate Conference for students to present their work. Nearly 40% of students study abroad in one of 80+ programs in 40 countries around the globe.

Professional Outcomes: After graduation, 64% of Whitman grads immediately begin their careers and 20% enroll directly in graduate programs. Twenty or more alumni currently work for Microsoft, Amazon, Seattle Children’s, Boeing, and Kaiser Permanente. Early career median earnings are $71,100, while Whitman grads earn a median income of $138,500 midway through their career. Ultimately, 60% of alumni go on to earn advanced degrees at some point post-graduation.

Academic Highlights: Students can pursue 45 degrees offered by three undergraduate colleges. While you won’t find many single-digit enrollment seminars, 42% of course sections do contain fewer than 20 students. Undergraduate research is built into many academic programs, particularly in the sciences, and students can partner with willing professors for credited research opportunities. In addition, study abroad ventures are available on all six continents fit for human habitation, and approximately one-third of juniors take advantage each year.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of receiving their degrees, 77% of Broncos have landed jobs. The companies presently employing the greatest number of alumni are all tech giants including Cisco, Apple, Google, NVIDIA, Meta, and Adobe. The median starting salary is $71,900, a number that skyrockets to a median of $173k by mid-career, placing SCU alums in the top 1% nationwide. For those who chose to pursue further education, 82% stated that SCU provided excellent preparation for graduate studies.

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty is a 17:1, which translates into somewhat larger class sizes. Ten percent of sections contain more than fifty students, and 4% have more than 100. However, that is balanced by the 66% of sections that contain fewer than twenty students. Undergraduate research is taken advantage of by one-quarter of students, and the school plans to greatly expand such offerings in the coming years. An abundance of study abroad choices include special summer programs in Panama, Florence, London, and Valencia, Spain. FSU has 60 academic programs available in 20 locations throughout the world; 2,500+ students per year participate.

Professional Outcomes: Eighty-three percent of job-seeking Seminole grads receive at least one offer of employment within three months of graduation. Thirty percent of seniors found employment through Career Center services at FSU. Employers hiring the greatest number of FSU alumni include Apple, Northrop Grumman, EY, General Motors, and Deloitte. Roughly one-third of recent Florida State grads elected to immediately pursue admission into an advanced degree program; 84% of those who apply receive at least one acceptance. Geographically, the greatest number of alumni remain in Florida but large numbers also relocate to Massachusetts, Georgia, Texas, New York, and California.

Academic Highlights: Franklin & Marshall’s student-faculty ratio is 9:1, and 59% of classes have fewer than 20 students enrolled; 40% are in the 20-49 range. The average classroom contains 18 students. Juniors are encouraged to spend a semester abroad, and 50% oblige, jetting off to locations from Argentina to Vietnam. Grants through the Hackman Scholars program allow approximately seventy-five students to conduct research with faculty each summer. Many more Diplomats research with faculty through other means during the academic year and, by graduation, 65% of students have engaged in a one-on-one research experience with a faculty mentor.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduation, 93% of 2023 F&M grads are either employed or continuing their educational journey. Students find work at a cornucopia of interesting companies and organizations from HBO to the Selective Mutism Research Institute to Sotheby’s. Across all graduating years, the companies with the greatest number of Diplomats on staff are Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Vanguard, EY, Merrill Lynch, IBM, Wells Fargo, and Citi.Sixty-two percent of graduates stay in the Northeast and 20% head down South. There are more alumni living in New York City than in Philadelphia. The median salary for Class of 2023 grads was $55,000.

Academic Highlights: 45 majors, minors, and programs are on tap, but all students must first make their way through the Oxy Core Program. Oxy offers an enviable 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 19 students. Only one class contained over 40 students, and 94% enrolled fewer than thirty. The Undergraduate Research Center facilitates a plethora of hands-on experiences including a ten-week mentored summer program and limitless chances to pursue independent and course-based academic research during the regular school year. At the end of the summer, 125+ students present their research findings. Over two-thirds of Oxy undergrads typically become global citizens through international internships and fellowships or study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: Within nine months of graduation, 91% of Occidental alumni are employed, pursuing graduate studies, or volunteering. Among the largest employers of Oxy alumni are the Los Angeles Unified School District, Microsoft, Netflix, Mattel, Skydance Animation, Amazon, Deloitte, and the California Department of Public Health. Most Tigers remain on the prowl in California—mainly LA or San Fran, although there are large alumni clusters on the East Coast, especially in New York City and DC. Starting salaries for recent Occidental grads were $53k.

Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers over 170 majors. Sn encouraging 36% of course sections enroll nineteen or fewer students. Opportunities for undergraduate research vary by school, and many student must compete for slots in programs such as Summer Research Scholars or use the Eureka database to find individual professors offering research assistantships. A robust study abroad program boasts 400 offerings in 100+ foreign countries; 4,600+ students participate each year, the third-largest number in the country.

Professional Outcomes:  Over 1000 alumni work in the offices of Dell, Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Deloitte; IBM, Meta, Oracle, and AMD employ over 500 each. Graduates early in their careers earn a median salary of $77,400, with median mid-career pay reaching $141,100. Roughly one-quarter of University of Texas at Austin undergraduates go on to pursue advanced degrees after completing their bachelor’s. Many pursue advanced study at UT Austin itself, which offers more than one hundred graduate programs. Many alumni stay in Texas after graduation, settling in Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Academic Highlights: Pitzer manages to offer 39 majors and 23 minors and, as a bonus, students are free to take more than 2,000 courses across the consortium. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and no graduate student presence lead to an average class size of 15 students, and 75% of sections enroll 19 or fewer students. In 2023-24, only one course section was larger than 39 students. Finding mentorship is doable in this atmosphere and can lead to undergraduate research opportunities such as those at the Keck Science Department, which also services CMC and Scripps students. Those opportunities can occur in the summer or during senior year while completing a required thesis. With 53% of students studying abroad, Pitzer runs eight foreign programs and offers access to 57 international exchange programs in over 30 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their degrees, 57% of 2023 graduates had already found full-time employers, 15% were headed to graduate school, and 10% were entering fellowship, internship, or service programs. Employers presently issuing paychecks to recent Pitzer alumni include Apple, Deloitte, Boston Children’s Hospital, Dior, Epic, and Fisher Investments. Graduates tend to be a globetrotting bunch, and the 11,000 living alumni can be found all over the map, although roughly half settle in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Median salaries, even ten years after graduation, are on the lower end of selective colleges, which is perhaps attributable to the fact that many Pitzer grads go on to earn a PhD.

Academic Highlights: The United States Coast Guard Academy offers a distinctive military education through 10 specialized majors, all built on a rigorous liberal arts core curriculum. With an exceptional 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 16, cadets receive personalized instruction to develop both leadership acumen and technical expertise for maritime service. This intensive program brings together future officers from all 50 states and 19 foreign nations, preparing them to excel in the Coast Guard’s diverse mission set.

Professional Outcomes: Every graduate is commissioned as a Coast Guard officer, beginning with five years of mandatory service, where 90% start as Deck Watch Officers or Engineers in Training, while 10% enter flight training. The Academy’s 100% employment rate extends beyond military service—alumni transition successfully to elite employers, including Booz Allen Hamilton, Delta, and federal agencies like DHS and NOAA. With 80% of graduates ultimately earning advanced degrees, the Academy proves its dual success in developing both immediate operational leaders and long-term strategic thinkers for national service.

Academic Highlights: Close faculty relationships are a true possibility at a school with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 69% of course sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Only 1% of sections enroll more than 40 students. The average class size is just 16 students. An exceptional 82% of students participate in an undergraduate research experience. 31 study abroad programs in over 20 countries were taken advantage of by 61% of students.

Professional Outcomes: A solid 96% of the Class of 2023 found their way to the world of employment or a graduate/professional program within 7-9 months of leaving the university. More than 20 alumni can be found in the offices of Fidelity Investments, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Northwestern Mutual, and UBS. 21% of recent grads immediately entered graduate school, enrolling in programs at Clarkson University, Boston University, Northeastern University, and the University of Vermont.

Academic Highlights: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) offers a hands-on and innovative project-based curriculum; all students complete a minimum of two long-term research projects that are focused on solving real-world problems. A staggering 53% of its classes enroll fewer than ten students. All students complete a minimum of two long-term research projects focused on solving real-world problems. Many undergrads travel to one of 50+ project centers situated on six continents where they can engage in solving real-life problems. Beginning with the Class of 2022, the school began awarding every single student $5,000 in study abroad funding; 84% of students took advantage last year.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 89% of 2023 grads landed jobs or enrolled full-time in graduate school. Recent grads found jobs at top companies including RTX, The MITRE Corporation, Collins Aerospace, and National Grid. Hundreds of WPI alumni are employed at Pratt & Whitney, National Grid, Dell, Google, Microsoft, Boston Scientific, and Fidelity Investments. The average starting salary is over $81k and is one of the highest in the country. Almost one-quarter of grads elect to pursue an advanced degree immediately after graduation, enrolling at institutions that recently included Northeastern University, Boston University, and Brandeis.

Academic Highlights: Trinity offers 56 majors and a demanding, carefully crafted liberal arts core curriculum. You won’t encounter any adjuncts or teaching assistants at Trinity, and 98% of the 270 full-time faculty members hold terminal degrees in their fields. Sixty-eight percent of courses enroll fewer than 20 students and less than 1% contain more than 50.. Overall, 21% of students participate in undergraduate research at some point during their four years. Study abroad programs are taken advantage of by 35% of graduates, most of whom participate in affiliated (but not Trinity-run) offerings.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after receiving their diplomas, 98% of 2023 Trinity grads were either employed full-time or matriculated into graduate school; only 2% were still seeking employment. The companies employing the largest number of alumni include USAA (a San Antonio-based financial firm), EY, Deloitte, PwC, Dell Technologies, Baylor Scott & White Health, and Amazon. Trinity ranks second in the state of Texas for students accepted to PhD programs, and 90% of eligible students were accepted to medical school.

Academic Highlights: The school’s 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio translates to a mix of small, medium, and large undergraduate sections. Seven percent of courses have single-digit enrollments, 11% have over 50 students, and the majority fall in the 10 to 29 range. In recent years, the university has invested in increasing the number of undergraduate research experiences available to its students through the GW Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. The efforts are paying off as 400 undergrads now present at the GW Research Days, a two-day event held in April. Close to half of Revolutionaries study abroad for one semester in Europe (65%), Asia (10%), Latin America (8%), Africa (7%), or Australia (6%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of leaving GW, 93% of the Class of 2023 had found their way to gainful employment or graduate school while 6% were still job hunting. Of the 64% of grads already in the workplace, 64% were in a for-profit industry, 26% had entered a nonprofit position, and 10% were working in government. A healthy 26% of those earning their diplomas in 2023 immediately turned their attention to earning an advanced degree. Fifty-three percent of grads earned a starting salary in excess of $60k, while an additional 30% earned between $40k and $60k Just under three-quarters of recent grads remained in the Mid-Atlantic region with the West and Mountain regions a distant second.

Academic Highlights: Eight of UIUC’s fifteen schools cater to undergraduate students. Illinois’ student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 is high even for a public institution, but the school still manages to keep 39% of sections capped at 19 students. Further, 40% of undergraduates participate in research; over 800 students each year present at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Unique opportunities for experiential learning abound at Research Park, an on-campus technology hub and business incubator that hosts more than 120 major corporations and 800 student interns.

Professional Outcomes: 91% of recent UIUC grads landed at their next destination within six months of graduation, with 35% matriculating directly into an advanced degree program. 56% were employed full-time. Corporations landing the most recent Illinois grads were Amazon, Deloitte, Epic, KPMG, and PwC. The average salary across all majors was an extremely solid $76,000. Two-thirds of graduates remained in the Land of Lincoln; California and New York commandeer the next greatest percentages of migrating alumni.

Academic Highlights: Gettysburg College offers 40+ academic programs. A student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 allows for incredibly small class sizes; the average is 18. Undergraduate research opportunities are accessible to students in all academic departments. Overall, more than 50% of students get a chance to work on academic/laboratory research with one of their professors and nearly 60% of Gettysburgians elect to study abroad for a semester or longer. The school has formal partnerships in countries like China, Tanzania, and Senegal.

Professional Outcomes: One year after receiving their diplomas, 98% of recent grads landed their first job or had enrolled in graduate/professional school. Large numbers of Gettysburg alumni are employed by Deloitte, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Bank of America, Lockton, Betterment, Ernst & Young, and Fidelity Investments. Nineteen percent enrolled in graduate programs, attending elite institutions like Penn State, George Washington, NYU, UPenn, and Emory. According to PayScale, the school ranks 17th among all liberal arts colleges for early-career and mid-career salaries.

Academic Highlights: The student-faculty ratio is an inviting 9:1, and 67% of classes contain fewer than 20 students; 16% contain fewer than ten. Conn College’s faculty has a reputation for being wholly committed to teaching and forging meaningful relationships with students. Evidence of a personalized experience can be found in the numbers—91% of last year’s grads completed a capstone project, 34% engaged in an individual study with a professor’s guidance, and 36% reported giving a public presentation or performance during their undergraduate career. Slightly less than half of students elect to study abroad in 40 countries, with Denmark, Italy, and the United Kingdom being the most common destinations.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 95% of alumni are employed or in graduate school. Companies employing twenty or more alumni include Pfizer, Massachusetts General Hospital, Deloitte, and UBS. Camels end up working predominately in New York (33%) and Massachusetts (22%), but New London/Norwich, Connecticut; DC; San Francisco; and Hartford claim sizable numbers of alumni as well. Conn College is also a top producer of Fulbright Scholars and many students continue their studies at prestigious schools – Brown, Columbia, Duke, Georgetown, Princeton, and Yale, to name a few.

Academic Highlights: UConn is home to fourteen schools and colleges as well as 115+ undergraduate majors. Overall, the school does a nice job creating a balance of classroom experiences with 51% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students and only 18% containing more than fifty. To help forge even deeper connections with faculty, the Office of Undergraduate Research encourages students to schedule advising sessions to apply for both internal and external research posts. Hundreds of study abroad options are on the table, and the university has taken steps to increase the rate of participation, which currently sits around 18%.

Professional Outcomes: 91% of the Class of 2023 experienced a positive outcome (job, grad school, military, volunteer position) within six months of earning their degrees. Among the 58% who found employment, the largest numbers landed at Travelers, Hartford Healthcare, The Hartford, General Dynamics, PwC, and Lockheed Martin; the median starting salary was $60,000. Massive numbers of alumni are employed by Pfizer, CVS Health, Deloitte, and Amazon. 33% of 2023 graduates immediately entered a graduate or professional program, with many choosing to stay at UConn.

Academic Highlights: Forty percent of sections have an enrollment of under twenty students while 18% enroll more than 50. Plenty of personal connection with professors is available to those who seek it. Structured undergraduate research opportunities are available within every single school at UPitt; the bi-annual Research & Creative Expression Fair features 100+ projects. There are 350 study abroad programs in 75 countries, and many take advantage.

Professional Outcomes: Within a few months of graduating, 98% of 2023 grads entered full-time employment or full-time graduate or professional school. Employers scooping up the highest number of grads in one recent year included the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (208), PNC (67), BNY Mellon (37), and Deloitte (21). The median salary across all majors was $62,127. Pittsburgh, Philly, New York, and DC host the most alumni.

Academic Highlights: With an exceptional 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of just 15 students, Muhlenberg College offers one of the most personalized undergraduate experiences among national universities. This intimate learning environment shines in the classroom—81% of courses enroll 19 or fewer students—while global perspectives flourish through study abroad programs that attract over half of the student body. Students choose from 40 majors and 37 minors within this supportive academic community that emphasizes close mentorship and intellectual exploration.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates launch successful careers with leading employers like Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke’s, Deloitte, ADP, Merck, and Air Products. Alumni networks thrive in key Northeast metropolitan areas, including Philadelphia, New York, and Washington DC-Baltimore, demonstrating the university’s strong regional connections and the mobility of its degrees. These outcomes reflect the powerful combination of personalized education and professional preparation that defines the Muhlenberg experience.

Academic Highlights: At PC, there are 47 majors on tap. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll find yourself surrounded by 50+ peers in more than a single course during your time at Providence—just 3% of undergraduate courses meet this criteria while 96% of classes enroll 29 students or fewer; the average class size is 19. The student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 is low enough to make individual connections possible, including undergraduate research experiences that 36% of recent grads reported having the chance to engage in. With more than 300 study abroad programs, the opportunity to spend a semester in over 40 countries is on the table.

Professional Outcomes: Ninety-seven percent of Class of 2023 graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating. Among the employed, 88% were working in their field of interest. More than 50 alumni are presently employed by Fidelity Investments, PwC, Citizens, CVS Health, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, EY, and Dell Technologies. Sixteen percent of graduates immediately enroll in full-time graduate or professional degree programs, attending universities such as Brown, Columbia, Duke, Emory, and Tulane.

Academic Highlights: Sporting a 9:1 faculty-to-student ratio, the university does a nice job keeping classes on the small side, with 48% of course sections capped at nineteen and only 14% of courses having fifty students or more. An exceptional 86% of students have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research as the school places heavy emphasis on experiential learning. The same goes for international experiences. Case Western has a high rate of undergraduates who elect to study abroad; 38% spend a semester in a foreign land. Unlike many schools of its ilk, CWRU has a single-door admission policy. Those accepted into the broader university are free to pursue any of the nearly one hundred areas of concentration.

Professional Outcomes: Fifty-five percent of 2023 CWRU graduates head into the world of professional employment upon receiving their diplomas; only 4% were still looking for work six months after leaving the university. More than half of the Class of 2023 enjoyed a starting salary of at least $75,000. The employers of the greatest number of graduates included Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, and Raytheon. In 2023, grads were accepted to continue their studies at the likes of NYU, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, WashU, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Academic Highlights: St. Olaf offers 45+ majors, as well as a number of teaching majors and teaching certification programs. 40% of all course sections contain fewer than twenty students, and there are multiple avenues through which students can pursue research experiences. Graduation surveys reveal students who are immensely satisfied with the St. Olaf academic experience; 94% agreed that the faculty made them better critical thinkers. Studying abroad is a staple of life for Oles; 62% spend a semester studying off campus, the vast majority at an international locale.

Professional Outcomes: In 2023, 95% of graduates had entered the workforce or graduate school within six months of receiving their diplomas. The great majority of alumni remain in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area, which impacts what companies hire the most Oles. Alumni have the largest representation at Target, Mayo Clinic, US Bank, Optum, Wells Fargo, Medtronic, UnitedHealth Group, and Best Buy. Twenty-five percent of recent grads pursued further education, attending institutions such as Yale Divinity School, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Cornell University, and the University of Chicago.

Academic Highlights: At Furman, undergrads have the choice of 70+ academic programs, all in the liberal arts and sciences realm. The vast majority of courses at Furman take place in an intimate classroom environment. A 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and very few graduate students lead to an average class size of just 14 students. Over three-quarters of sections have an enrollment of less than 20 students, and 100% of courses enroll fewer than 50; giant lecture halls don’t even exist at this university. The school is consistently rated highly for professor accessibility and undergraduate teaching. Eighty-five percent of the recent grads participated in at least one of what the university calls a “high impact practice,” which includes a research experience, an internship, or a term studying abroad.

Professional Outcomes: 98% of grads quickly achieved positive outcomes with 41% employed, 39% continuing their education, 10% working and attending graduate school, 3% engaged in volunteer work or joining the military, and only 2% still seeking employment. Companies that employ a large number of Paladin alums include Wells Fargo, EY, Deloitte, Bank of America, Michelin, and PwC. Recent grads have also found their way to SpaceX, the PGA Tour, and the US Department of Commerce. Furman alumni can be found in large numbers in the Greenville, South Carolina, area, as well as Atlanta; Charlotte; Washington, DC; and New York City.

Academic Highlights: All undergrads are exposed to a recently adopted core curriculum that focuses on enhancing students’ metacognitive abilities. Requirements include more than thirty credits of study in courses such as Complex Problems, Quantitative Literacy, Ethical Reasoning, Creative-Aesthetic Inquiry, and Written Communication Undergraduate research opportunities are taken advantage of by nearly half of all AU students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 91% of AU grads have found employment, are enrolled in grad school, or both. Employers include the U.S. House of Representatives, City Teaching Alliance, the U.S. Department of State, and the District of Columbia Public Schools, with graduates earning an average salary of $65,909 within six months. Many of the most popular grad school destinations are only a Metro stop away. George Washington, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and American itself head the list.

Academic Highlights: Of all the courses at the college, 76% had 19 or fewer students enrolled, and professors are generous with their time in an academic environment conducive to the formation of mentorships. Undergraduate research opportunities are not hard to locate. In fact, according to the school, “Many students coauthor articles with faculty, which are published in scholarly journals and presented at national meetings.” The Office of Study Away helps arrange for over 300 students per year to study in a foreign land. School-run opportunities such as Oberlin-in-London are on the table as are 100+ affiliated programs.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months, 74% of recent grads found employment, 17% enrolled in graduate school, and just 5% were still seeking employment. Multiple recent grads were hired by Google, Netflix, and Sony Pictures. Over the last few years, multiple students have gone on to pursue advanced degrees at Harvard, MIT, Yale, NYU, Columbia, Purdue, and the University of Michigan. Oberlin also has a reputation for churning out future PhDs and is the number one liberal arts college (per capita) across all disciplines in producing graduates who go on to earn their doctoral degrees.

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates can select from 100+ majors across twelve colleges and schools. 47% of class sections enroll fewer than twenty students. Undergraduate research opportunities are within reach as 21% of recent graduates completed one. The Office of Undergraduate Research facilitates numerous opportunities throughout the year, and hosts an annual Undergraduate Research Day and Summer Undergraduate Research Conference at which 550+ students make presentations. Fourteen percent of students also pursue a study abroad experience at one of 300+ destinations in 60 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 94% of Class of 2023 grads had positive outcomes. 71% found employment; the companies/organizations that hired the greatest number of grads included Northrop Grumman, Deloitte, Capital One, and Montgomery County Public Schools. Amazon, Google, and Microsoft employ more than 900 alumni each.  The salary range for 2023 grads was between $60k and $86k. 21% of the Class of 2023 headed directly to graduate and professional school.

Academic Highlights: Forty-two percent of course sections contain fewer than 20 students. Undergraduate research possibilities are plentiful and varied. Roughly 10% of each freshman class is invited to become Pinnacle Scholars, which guarantees three paid summer research and/or international experiences.  Co-op experiences are embarked upon by slightly less than one-third of students. A number of study abroad programs are available with some of the most popular destinations being the United Kingdom, Belgium, Jamaica, China, Spain, Thailand, and Greece.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 96% of the Class of 2023 found employment or graduate school homes. Recent grads landed at Amazon, AT&T, Boeing, Cigna, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, PwC, and Wells Fargo. Massive numbers of alumni can also be found at Verizon, JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Pfizer, Merck, and Google. The average starting salary was $85,200. Of the 33% who immediately enrolled in graduate school, the vast majority were pursuing master’s degrees (94%).

Academic Highlights: Pepperdine offers 46 majors and 47 minors. A 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio is solid, and faculty are fully deployed with the aim of creating an intimate liberal arts classroom setting. The average class contains 18 students, and 23% of courses will contain fewer than ten students. There are three formal programs for undergraduate research: the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, the Cross-disciplinary/Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Program, and the Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative. Close to 80% of Seaver students study abroad and build global experience in locations such as Buenos Aires, Florence, London, and Shanghai.

Professional Outcomes: 92% of the Class of 2023 landed at their next destination within six months, with 65% employed full-time, 26% admitted to graduate school, and 1% in a full-time service or military role. Of those employed, 81% were in the for-profit sector, 19% were with nonprofit/government entities, and less than 1% were pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Amazon, Deloitte, Fulbright, JP Morgan, and NBC Universal have hired the most recent grads. Other companies employing fifty or more alumni include The Walt Disney Company, Apple, and Google.

Academic Highlights: Bentley offers a business-focused curriculum with 32 majors and 35+ minors, nearly all with a commerce-oriented approach. The rigorous academic environment features an average class size of 26 students, with the majority (77%) falling in the mid-range of 20-49 students, creating dynamic classroom discussions while maintaining accessibility to faculty. Students benefit from an innovative educational model that blends traditional business training with arts and sciences perspectives. Global learning opportunities abound, with study abroad programs spanning 80+ options across more than 25 countries, allowing students to gain international business perspectives.

Professional Outcomes: A superb 98% of 2023 Bentley grads were employed or in graduate school six months after receiving their diplomas. The financial services and technology sectors each account for almost one-quarter of new hires. Internships play an important role in career opportunities at Bentley, with 40% of students finding employment through internships. While many alumni do not attend graduate school immediately after graduating, 19% of the Class of 2023 pursued further education.

Academic Highlights: The offerings at Hobart & William Smith are wide with 47 majors and 62 minors. The average class size is just 16 students, and 100% of courses are taught by full-time faculty; the student-to-faculty ratio is an excellent 10:1. That ratio has a tremendous impact on faculty accessibility, as evidenced by the fact that 96% of students report having a discussion with a professor outside the classroom. Every student participates in at least one of the following: community service, service learning, or community-based research. Possessing one of the strongest study abroad programs you’ll find at any American college, 60% of HWS undergraduates take a semester of study in one of nearly 50 locations around the globe.

Professional Outcomes: In a typical year, approximately two-thirds of HWS grads immediately enter the world of full-time employment while 15% jump right into pursuing a graduate or professional degree. Looking at all living alumni, companies employing the greatest number of grads include Morgan Stanley, Fidelity Investments, Merrill Lynch, Bozzuto, JP Morgan, Google, UBS, JPMorgan Chase, and Citi. The greatest concentration of alumni can be found in New York City; Boston; Rochester; Washington, DC; Philadelphia; and San Francisco.

Academic Highlights: In total, SMU offers 120+ majors and 85 minors. Thanks in part to an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, 55% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. Opportunities for personal connection and guidance extend beyond the classroom as 1,000 current SMU students have participated in undergraduate research or apprenticeships. The 150 study abroad programs in 50 countries attract about one-quarter of Mustangs at some point during their four years of study.

Professional Highlights: On graduation day, over 88% of recent grads already had their first jobs or graduate school destinations in hand. Major corporations employing the greatest number of Mustangs are Lockheed Martin, JP Morgan Chase, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Deloitte, Raytheon, Amazon, AT&T, and Goldman Sachs. In 2023, the average starting salary was $90k across all majors ($99k for Cox School of Business grads). Ten percent of seniors elected to immediately pursue an advanced degree, matriculating at prestigious institutions such as the University of Notre Dame, NYU, Vanderbilt, Columbia, and Boston University.

Academic Highlights: Fordham’s 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 23 students. Some classes will be on the smaller side as 50% of sections contain nineteen or fewer students. Rarely will an undergrad end up in a classroom of more than forty students. A substantial 36% of the student body spends a semester abroad at one of the school’s 125 programs in 50+ countries. The undergraduate research program has awarded 1.5 million dollars to students over the last decade and recently saw thirty-eight undergrads obtain coauthor status on professor-published work in a single year.

Professional Outcomes: Class of 2023 graduates found employment, graduate school, or other meaningful activities at an 89% clip within six months of receiving their degrees. Over half of this group landed employment and enjoyed an average salary of $68,375. Significant numbers of 2023 grads found homes at major companies including PwC (27), EY (24), JP Morgan Chase (16), Deloitte (14), KPMG (12), and Morgan Stanley (12). The greatest number of recent graduates pursuing an advanced degree landed at Fordham, Columbia, NYU, and St. John’s University.

Academic Highlights: No matter which of the 75+ majors, minors, or pathways you pursue at DePauw, you will enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and face time with faculty. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and the fact that only eight class sections in the whole university enroll more than 29 students assures that. Even more impressive, 12% of courses enroll single-digit numbers of students, and 69% enroll fewer than 19.

Professional Outcomes: The university’s “Gold Commitment” guarantees that all grads will land at their next destination within six months or that they will be provided with an entry-level professional opportunity or an additional tuition-free semester. Ninety-two percent of the Class of 2023 reported enrolling in grad school or securing employment, with an average starting salary of $61,242. Top employers of recent DePauw grads include Eli Lilly and Company, IU Health, Teach for America, JP Morgan Chase, and the Indiana Department of Health.

Academic Highlights: Students will encounter various class sizes over the course of their four years of study. A solid 43% of sections contain fewer than 20 students; 21% will have 50 or more students. Being a research institution, RPI attracts $103 million in research funding each year, meaning that the school’s 470+ faculty members are constantly in the middle of projects that require student assistance. Students can participate during the academic year for credit or pay, or during the summer when select individuals receive $5,000 to work full-time in a lab. International study is also encouraged at one of 20+ school-affiliated or exchange programs in multiple countries, including Italy, Finland, and Singapore.

Professional Outcomes: As they receive their diplomas, 56% of RPI grads have already landed a job and 33% have committed to a graduate school. The largest numbers of grads were hired by companies that included Boeing, Amazon, Regeneron, Lockheed Martin, Epic, and Cigna. Information technology alumni had the highest salary range, earning between $80k – $130k. Grad school destinations included Columbia, the University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon, and Cornell, with most Engineers choosing to continue their studies at RPI.

Academic Highlights: Offering 37 majors and 42 minors, Sewanee exposes undergrads to a wide scope of liberal arts study. Undergraduate teaching is the primary focus; the average class size is 16 students, and 66% of course sections have an enrollment under 20. Nearly one-quarter of undergrads were involved in research last year, and over 200 research projects in disciplines from physics to English were presented at 2024’s Scholarship Sewanee. Study abroad options that are a summer, a semester, or a full year in length are embarked upon by roughly half of all Sewanee students. 100+ programs are available on all seven continents.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 95% of last year’s grads found some form of employment or begun their graduate studies. The largest number of total alumni can be found at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Raymond James, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Deloitte, and Wells Fargo. Sewanee graduates pursuing further education had stellar acceptance rates, attending institutions such as Oxford, the University of Edinburgh, Yale, Georgetown, and the University of Chicago.

Academic Highlights: Grades at the college are, paradoxically, both (a) difficult to earn and (b) completely unknown to the students themselves. The average GPA earned is 3.36, and only 13 students have graduated with a perfect 4.0 in the last four decades. The educational experience is highly personalized, and students work directly with their professors. Class sizes average 15 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1. Study abroad opportunities exist at 80+ partner university programs in 30+ countries. The college funds a number of undergraduate research opportunities for students to work alongside faculty, and all students are required to complete their own senior thesis, which is essentially a mini-dissertation under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

Professional Outcomes: An examination of Reed’s alumni database reveals 90% of recent grads experienced positive outcomes, with 71% employed or volunteering and 19% heading to graduate or professional school. Included among the most frequent current employers are Google, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, Intel Corporation, the US Department of State, Apple, and Nike. An incredible amount of Reedies continue their education; Reed was the No. 4 producer of future PhD holders across all academic disciplines.

Academic Highlights: UGA boasts seventeen distinct colleges and schools that offer 125+ majors. 49% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students compared with 12% of sections that enroll 50 or more. No matter your major, UGA encourages you to conduct research with a member of the school’s faculty. The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) awards grants to 500 students per year, and in 2024, a robust 620+ students presented at the CURO Symposium. Meanwhile, the Office of Global Engagement helps 3,000 students annually find which of the 100+ study abroad programs (many of which are led by UGA faculty) is right for them

Professional Outcomes: 95% of the Class of 2023 was employed or continuing their education six months after graduation. Popular employers include Accenture, the CDC, Deloitte, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, PwC, and Bank of America. Salaries vary between colleges; however, the median hovers around 60k. In 2023, 23% of graduates enrolled directly into a graduate/professional degree program, with the most commonly attended schools including Duke, Emory, Georgetown, UNC Chapel Hill, and Vanderbilt.

Academic Highlights: Rose-Hulman offers 22 undergraduate degree programs. A student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 and a minimal presence of graduate students bodes well for both class sizesand the number of introductory classes that are taught by full-time faculty members, 96% of whom hold PhDs. The average class size is twenty, and 97% of sections are smaller than 29 students. Undergraduate research can be arranged through the Independent Project/Research Opportunities Program, which connects you to faculty mentors and sets you on the path toward presenting your work at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of exiting, an enviable 99% of 2023 grads had landed at their next destination, whether employment or graduate school. Top employers of recent graduates included Caterpillar, Texas Instruments, Amazon, Milwaukee Tool, and Epic. Raytheon, Microsoft, and Eli Lilly also have a strong alumni representation. The average first-year salary across all majors was $79k. 2023 grads immediately enrolled in graduate school at universities like Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, and Duke.

Academic Highlights: There are 230+ undergraduate majors offered across eight schools and colleges, Undergrads can expect a mix of large and small classes, with 43% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Undergraduate research opportunities exist, but the onus is on the student to show initiative and procure the placement. Still, 44% of recent grads engaged in research, and the school hosts an annual Undergraduate Symposium where 600 students presented in 2024. Participation is much higher when it comes to study abroad programs; 25% of students take advantage each year and there are 325 programs in 80 countries to choose from.

Professional Outcomes: In 2023, 72% of job-seeking grads graduated with an offer.  Top employers included UW-Madison, Epic, UW Health, the State of Wisconsin, Kohl’s, and Deloitte. Across all graduating years, companies employing 250+ alumni include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Target, Apple, Meta, and Salesforce. Class of 2023 grads enrolled in graduate/professional programs at a rate of 28%; volunteering is also a popular path post-graduation for UW-Madison alumni as the university is the #1 producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

Academic Highlights: Rollins College offers students exceptional academic flexibility with 60+ majors and minors, all supported by an intimate 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows 62% of classes to maintain fewer than 20 students. The innovative Rollins Gateway program redefines liberal arts education by combining interdisciplinary coursework with real-world experiential learning and pairing it with dedicated faculty mentorship to create truly personalized academic journeys. This global perspective comes to life through extraordinary study abroad participation—over 70% of students gain international experience, one of the highest rates among U.S. colleges.

Professional Outcomes: Rollins delivers exceptional career preparation, with 89% of graduates employed or in graduate school—and an impressive 93% affirming the college effectively prepared them for professional success. Alumni excel at top-tier companies, including Disney, Deloitte, and Morgan Stanley, while 23% continue their education at elite institutions like Brown, Dartmouth, and the University of Cambridge. These outcomes showcase Rollins’ powerful blend of liberal arts critical thinking with practical career readiness, producing graduates who thrive in both corporate environments and advanced academic pursuits.

Academic Highlights: Class sizes are fairly small with 21% containing fewer than 10 students and 61% having an enrollment of under 20. The average undergraduate class size is exactly 20 students. As a result, strong working relationships with faculty routinely develop. An impressive 67% of students participate in undergraduate research at some point in their four years of study. Opportunities exist to publish in the Scholarly Undergraduate Research Journal (SURJ). Fifty study abroad programs are available in 20+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 97% of Cougars have clawed their way into gainful employment or full-time graduate programs. Sixty-three percent enter private industry, 32% enter the nonprofit/education world, and 5% are employed by government entities. Of the 44% of freshly minted alumni who enrolled in graduate school, a good number continued their education at nearby universities such as Boston College and Boston University. Others attended Brown University, NYU, Penn, and USC.

Academic Highlights: St. John’s College offers a truly distinctive liberal arts education where all students pursue an interdisciplinary degree through engagement with foundational Western texts. The college’s seminar-based curriculum features intense discussion-based classes capped at 20 students, supported by an exceptional 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Every student’s journey culminates in a senior essay—a deep, faculty-mentored exploration of a chosen text, developing unparalleled critical thinking and analytical skills.

Professional Outcomes: St. John’s graduates achieve remarkable career success, with 74% employed at organizations ranging from the U.S. Department of State to leading educational institutions. An impressive 70% of alumni hold mid-level or executive positions, while others advance to elite graduate programs at Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. Many choose to build their lives in the Washington DC-Baltimore corridor, demonstrating how the college’s rigorous Great Books curriculum develops adaptable thinkers who excel in diverse professional fields and leadership roles.

Academic Highlights: Over 100 majors are offered across eight undergraduate colleges. You will encounter a number of smaller sections during your time at UMass as 47% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students; a stunning 96% of graduates report being satisfied with their academic experience. Further, a substantial and encouraging 30% report engaging in some type of undergraduate research. For a large university, UMass also enjoys fairly wide participation in its study abroad program. Every year, 1,200 students spend a semester in one of 56 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 62% of newly minted 2023 grads were employed full-time and 24% were attending graduate school part-time. Companies presently employing 100+ Minutemen and Minutewomen include Fidelity, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Meta, and Salesforce. Boston is the most popular landing spot for graduates. Boston is the most popular landing spot for graduates; it’s followed by Springfield, Massachusetts, and New York City.

Academic Highlights: Gustavus Adolphus College offers students a comprehensive liberal arts education through 73 majors, all supported by an excellent 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This personalized learning environment shines in the classroom—67% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students—while the innovative Gustavus Signature Experience (SigX) ensures every student completes meaningful experiential learning through internships, research, study away, or community engagement. The college’s global perspective is enriched by students from 40 states and 34 countries, with 83% of the Class of 2023 participating in internships, research, or study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: Gustavus graduates achieve impressive career success, with 71% employed and 19% enrolled in graduate programs shortly after graduation. Alumni lead at top employers, including the Mayo Clinic, 3M, and Deloitte, while others pursue advanced degrees at elite institutions like Northwestern, Duke, and Yale. These outstanding outcomes demonstrate the power of Gustavus’s combination of rigorous academics, hands-on learning through SigX, and global engagement in preparing graduates for both immediate career impact and long-term professional growth.

Academic Highlights: Despite a high number of graduate students also studying at SU, class sizes are kept reasonably low; 61% contain 20 students or fewer. The Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Engagement (The SOURCE) supports student participation in faculty-guided research via a number of short- and long-term opportunities, many of which are funded. As a result, 250 students engaged in research last summer alone. The university’s office of study abroad programs arranges for 46% of undergrads to spend a semester in a foreign land.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after exiting the Carrier Dome for the final time in 2023, 63% of Orangemen and women found employment (93% related to their career goals) and 26% continued to graduate school. The companies employing the most ‘Cuse grads include major companies like ESPN, Bloomberg, and Creative Artists Agency as well as big-name corporations like GE, KPMG, EY, Lockheed Martin, and Morgan Stanley. The average starting salary for 2023 grads was a solid $63k.

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio is on the high side at 18:1, but class sizes are reasonably small with 48% of sections containing fewer than twenty students. Research opportunities abound, with the Freshman Research Immersion program being one shining example. This program welcomes students to college with a year-long authentic research experience in the sciences and engineering.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2023 saw 84% of job-seeking graduates land their first professional job and 92% of grad school applicants accepted within six months of commencement. The average starting salary procured was $76,523, well above the national average for college grads. Graduates were successful in finding employment at firms like Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Citi. Binghamton grads pursued further education at institutions including American University, Boston University, Columbia University, and Johns Hopkins University.

Academic Highlights: No matter your area of study at CU, students report receiving a high degree of attention and mentorship from faculty. With 65% of class sections containing fewer than 20 students, learning is an intimate endeavor. Roughly 20% elect to study abroad through one of the school’s six- to eight-week summer offerings. All undergraduates must pursue a core curriculum consistent with founder Peter Cooper’s insistence on not ignoring the humanities and social sciences in the pursuit of a practical education.

Professional Outcomes: Due to the exceptionally low numbers of graduates from Cooper Union each year, it is hard to say that large numbers of alumni cluster in any particular company. However, it is fair to state that CU graduates regularly find their way into the most desirable firms within their respective disciplines. Sixteen percent of the Class of 2023 were accepted into grad school. In the last few years, Cooper Union diploma-holders have gone on to advanced study at Columbia, Harvard, NYU, Princeton, Purdue, and Stanford.

Academic Highlights: The Labor Program at Berea has existed, in some form, since 1859, and it continues to be a core feature of the school today. Students work between 10 and 15 hours per week and are evaluated on their performance. The student-to-faculty ratio in 2023-24 was only 9:1, and the average class size is just 14. There are 30+ fields of study at Berea, and students are spread fairly evenly across the disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: After graduation, many students remain in Kentucky in the Lexington and Louisville areas. Many others cluster in Knoxville; Cincinnati; Atlanta; and Washington, DC. Recent graduates work for companies such as Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, the University of Kentucky, and Wells Fargo.

Academic Highlights: There are 250+ undergraduate majors and 18 schools and colleges housed within OSU. A 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to fairly large classes as only 40% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, so expect a fair number of courses in a large lecture hall setting. Still, aggressive students can find opportunities to work closely with faculty. The Office of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry helps approximately 600 students per year participate in undergraduate research forums. All told, approximately 20% of students gain research experience. Last year, nearly 1,800 undergraduates elected to study abroad in one of 350+ short- and long-term programs spread across 70 countries; OSU has the third-highest study abroad enrollment numbers in the Big 10.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their diplomas, 64% of Class of 2023 graduates entered the world of employment while 14% were already accepted into graduate or professional school.  Hordes of Buckeyes can be found at many of the nation’s leading companies. More than 2,000 alumni work for JPMorgan Chase, and more than 500 work for Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Of the grads who directly matriculate into graduate or professional school, many continue in one of OSU’s own programs.

Academic Highlights: The University of Delaware offers over 90 bachelor’s degree programs. Its student-to-faculty ratio is only 12:1, an excellent figure for a public institution. Blue Hens do find themselves in an occasional larger lecture hall as 18% of sections enroll 50+ students, but 60% of all courses enroll fewer than 30 students. Those who are ambitious and aggressive can unearth research opportunities at U of D; 700 students are actively involved in faculty-mentored research. The university has the oldest study abroad program in the nation. At over 100 years old, the program entices more than 30% of undergraduates to spend a semester in one of 40 foreign countries.

Professional Outcomes: 94% of Class of 2023 grads quickly found their next destination. 65% were employed, with 71% taking jobs at for-profit companies, 16% at nonprofits, 8% in K-12 education, and 5% with a government entity. The greatest number of newly minted alums were hired by JPMorgan Chase & Co., KPMG, EY, ChristianaCare, and PwC. The median starting salary for this cohort was $62,520. 29% immediately pursued an advanced degree, with 68% entering master’s programs, 19% entering a professional program, and 6% beginning a PhD.

Academic Highlights: More than 150 undergraduate majors and minors are available across six schools. Undergrads will encounter a mix of large lectures (20% of sections contain more than 50 students) and tiny, single-digit enrollments in seminar-style courses (21% of sections contain nine or fewer students). Plenty of undergraduate research opportunities exist, with many facilitated by the Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarships; 48% of students participate in research during their time at Berkeley. Over 200 study abroad opportunities are available for those who desire them, and approximately 1,800 undergrads take advantage each year.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 53% of Cal’s Class of 2023 had already secured employment, and 17% were headed to graduate school. The median starting salary was $94,000 across all majors. Thousands of alumni can be found in the offices of Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft, and 500+ Golden Bears are currently employed by NVIDIA and LinkedIn. The school is the number one all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers. For those continuing their education, most chose to stay at UC Berkeley, with Stanford, the University of Southern California, Columbia, and Harvard rounding out the top five grad school destinations.

Academic Highlights: Soka University delivers a truly distinctive liberal arts education where 100% of undergraduates study abroad, supported by an exceptional 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an intimate 12-student average class size. The university’s innovative BA in Liberal Arts offers five interdisciplinary concentrations, blending global perspectives with personalized mentorship in a diverse community committed to peace and human rights. This immersive academic model fosters deep intellectual engagement and cross-cultural fluency.

Professional Outcomes: Soka graduates achieve meaningful careers with global impact, securing positions at Deloitte, UNICEF, and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while others contribute to Soka’s educational mission. Most alumni build their careers in the Los Angeles area, with median earnings of $55,000 after ten years. These outcomes demonstrate Soka’s unique ability to prepare globally conscious leaders through its “education for global citizenship” philosophy.

Academic Highlights: A 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio is fully felt in the classroom as courses average only 20 students per section. While 42% come in under that marker and only a smattering of sections contain 40+ students, the greatest number of courses have enrollments in the 20-29 range. Each year, 300+ faculty-directed undergraduate research projects are completed and shown off at the university’s Annual Research and Creative Accomplishments Symposium. Study abroad programs have a 30% participation rate, and opportunities are available to travel to 60+ programs across 40 countries on five continents.

Professional Outcomes: Fairfield’s Class of 2023 found its next destination within six months of graduating at a hard-to-beat 99% clip. Major employers include PwC, Deloitte, EY, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Fidelity Investments, with 25% of grads working in the finance industry. Thus, it’s no wonder that the average starting salary is a healthy $68,733. Twenty-nine percent of 2023 grads enrolled directly in graduate or professional school.

Academic Highlights: An enviable 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 21 students, and the school rates well in surveys of undergraduate instructional quality. Less than 1% of course sections enroll more than 50 students. The Center for Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry was launched last decade to facilitate an increased number of student-faculty collaborations. Opportunities for research exist not only in the natural sciences but also in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Sixty-three percent of Zags choose to study abroad during their college experience, including at the university’s flagship program in Florence, Italy.

Professional Outcomes: The 2023 cohort enjoyed a 94% success rate. Seventy-seven percent of those surveyed found full-time employment within six months, with a large number of grads getting hired by Providence Health & Services (40), Deloitte (16), and Boeing (9). The average starting salary for 2023 grads was $65,140. Of the 16% of 2023 grads who entered a graduate/professional degree program, the most popular institutions were Gonzaga (93), the University of Washington (14), Eastern Washington University (5), and Seattle University (3).

Academic Highlights: Agnes Scott has one of the more uniquely tailored sets of general education requirements you’ll find. Consisting of 25-45 credits that focus on global learning, leadership development, and intellectual breadth, the school’s primary mission is to mold its students into global leaders who are proficient in five leadership-related areas: critical thinking, digital literacy, public speaking, teamwork, and writing. In addition, all students need to demonstrate proficiency in a non-English language and may need up to four courses to do so. There are 30+ majors to choose from.

Professional Outcomes: 64% of job-seekers quickly found their first employment opportunity. Exiting seniors were hired by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Clarkston Consulting, Delta Airlines, Oracle, and The Coca-Cola Company. 33% of the Class of 2023 enrolled in graduate and professional school, attending institutions such as Brown University, Cornell University, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Vanderbilt University.

Academic Highlights: The College of Wooster receives high marks across the board in undergraduate teaching, senior capstone, undergraduate research, innovation, and value. With no graduate students, the faculty is wholly committed to undergraduate education and has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students can easily from mentoring relationships via the Independent Study Program. A solid 64% of course sections enroll fewer than students, and only 9% contain more than 30 students. Wooster is one of the few schools that can genuinely state that every graduate is afforded a supervised research experience. In addition, 35% of Scots participate in an international experience.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of leaving Wooster, 78% of job-seeking individuals had landed a job. Organizations hiring at least one recent grad include Apple, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, and the NIH. Nineteen percent of the Class of 2023 enrolled in grad school, with alums attending universities such as Brown, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Duke, and Yale. Most alums settle in the Greater Cleveland area, with the Washington DC-Baltimore area proving popular amongst the Fighting Scots.

Academic Highlights: Purdue offers over 200 majors at ten discipline-specific colleges, and 37% of course sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer. Undergraduates conduct more than 2,000 research projects per year; they can connect with professors during the academic year or apply to participate in a Summer Research Fellowship. Discipline-specific research programs, a research pitch competition, research conferences & symposiums, and publishing opportunities abound. 1,300 students per year elect to study abroad at one of 400 programs in 50 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after receiving their diplomas, 65% of 2023 grads headed to the world of employment while 25% headed to graduate/professional school. Companies employing the greatest number of recent alumni were Eli Lilly & Company, Amazon, Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase, PepsiCo, and Cummins, Inc. The average starting salary was $71k across all degree programs. The majority of alumni remain in Indiana with Illinois, California, Texas, New York, and Wisconsin rounding out the five next most common destinations.

Academic Highlights: Elon’s 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 20 students; 49% of sections contain fewer than 20 students. A whopping 88% of students elect to study abroad, the highest participation rate in the country among master’s-granting institutions. There are limitless options for overseas study including official Elon Centers Abroad in Shanghai, Dunedin, London, and Florence. Chances for working closely with faculty on research projects are also plentiful; 23% of students participate in faculty-mentored research.

Professional Outcomes: Results of a survey administered nine months after graduation found that 96% of the Class of 2023 had found employment, a graduate school, or an internship. Top employers of recent Elon graduates include Bloomberg, Deloitte, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Oracle, and Wells Fargo. Fourteen percent of recent grads attended prestigious grad schools, including Boston University, Columbia, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and Vanderbilt.

Academic Highlights: For more than half a century, the “K-Plan” has maintained the same core components: career service internships, foreign study, and an individualized senior project. The student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 is solid and is down from 13:1 three years prior. Regardless, plenty of opportunities exist for conducting undergraduate research in addition to the aforementioned senior project requirement, and the Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Psychology departments all provide a wealth of resources toward that aim. This institution places enormous value on international experience, and 70% of undergrads engage in an immersive experience overseas, one of the highest figures of any school in the United States.

Professional Outcomes: The employers nabbing the greatest number of Hornets included Pfizer, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Charles River Laboratories, Deloitte, and Henry Ford Health. Most grads gravitated toward the industries of business development, education, operations, healthcare, and community/social services. Alumni can be found across America, with most concentrated in the Detroit metropolitan area.

Academic Highlights: Saint Anselm College delivers a transformative Catholic, Benedictine education through 100+ academic programs that integrate intellectual, spiritual, and personal development. With an exceptional 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 18, students benefit from close mentorship. The college’s distinctive New Hampshire Institute of Politics provides unparalleled access to political leaders and real-world civic engagement, creating graduates who think critically and lead ethically.

Professional Outcomes: Saint Anselm graduates achieve remarkable success, with 99% of the Class of 2024 employed or in graduate school within nine months. Alumni excel at top-tier employers, including Fidelity Investments, Boston Children’s Hospital, and USA Today, while 18% advance to prestigious graduate programs at Notre Dame, the University of Michigan, and the University of Syracuse. Most build their careers in the Greater Boston area, demonstrating how Saint Anselm’s unique blend of liberal arts rigor, Benedictine values, and professional preparation develops leaders who make immediate impacts.

Academic Highlights: 180+ undergraduate majors are offered across twelve colleges/schools. Twenty-six percent of sections contain 50 or more students compared to 29% of sections that contain fewer than 20. Still, there are opportunities for personal connections with professors as evidenced by the fact that 80% of graduates complete research during their four years at UW. The study abroad rate of participation has climbed steadily since the turn of the millennium; 3,000 students each year spend a semester in a foreign locale.

Professional Outcomes: Within months of graduation, 62% of Class of 2023 grads were employed and 24% were continuing their education. The most popular employers of the Class of 2023 included Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Seattle Children’s, and Deloitte. Across all living alumni, 6,000+ work for Microsoft, and 4000+ work for each of Boeing and Amazon. Of those headed to graduate/professional school, most remain at UW itself. Large numbers of 2023 grads also headed to Columbia, UPenn, USC, and Johns Hopkins.

Academic Highlights: Rutgers is divided into 19 schools and colleges, collectively offering 120+ undergraduate majors. Forty percent of class sections have an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students compared to only 19% of sections that contain more than 50 undergrads. The Aresty Research Center facilitates several programs that match 300+ undergraduates per year with faculty members conducting research in an area of interest. An annual Undergraduate Research Symposium—one of the largest in the country—has showcased thousands of student projects in its 20 years of existence.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduation, 89% of Class of 2023 grads had secured a first job or were heading to an advanced degree program. 71% headed directly to the world of employment, where the companies hiring the largest number of grads included RWJBarnabas Health, Amazon, and Lockheed Martin. Investment banks like JP Morgan Chase employ hundreds of alumni, as do companies like Bristol-Meyers Squibb, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and CVS Pharmacy. The median starting salary across all majors was $70,000.

Academic Highlights: 33 distinct majors are offered at Willamette. Aided by an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Willamette classes are exceptionally small with 75% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students; 20% of sections enroll fewer than 10. Undergraduate research is taken seriously, and Willamette offers more than 75 undergraduate research grants annually across all disciplines. A typical year also sees 40% of undergrads earn credit through study abroad opportunities in one of more than 40 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates of the College of Arts & Sciences entered the workforce at a rate of 63%. Currently, two dozen or more alumni work for the likes of Nike, Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente, Intel, and Amazon. Grads work at various institutions of higher learning, including Oregon State University, the University of Washington, and Portland State University. Alumni enjoy an average mid-career salary of $129k. Portland has the highest concentration of Bearcats followed by Salem, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

Academic Highlights: Penn State offers 275 majors and a number of top-ranked programs in a host of disciplines. Unlike some public research universities that can have student-to-faculty ratios greater than 20:1, PSU boasts a solid 15:1 ratio. That level of support allows 61% of classes to have an enrollment below thirty students.  Even at such a large institution, it is possible to get involved in undergraduate research. Eberly College of Science professors are running upwards of 3,000 research projects per year, and the school has a well-maintained and up-to-date database of undergraduate research positions. All told, 16% of graduates report having engaged in undergraduate research. 22% of a recent graduating class availed themselves of study abroad opportunities in one of 300+ programs in 50+ countries each year.

Professional Outcomes: By graduation, 79% of Nittany Lions have found their next employment or graduate school home. Over a hundred alumni work at Tesla; Deloitte, Amazon, Google, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, and Accenture each employ over 500 alumni. Three-quarters of recent graduates employed full-time earned starting salaries of greater than $50k. Penn State graduates mostly settle in the Greater Philadelphia area, with New York City and the Washington DC-Baltimore area also proving popular with alumni.

Academic Highlights: There are 150 majors available across eight freshman-admitting undergraduate colleges. A 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio is deployed effectively so that 65% of sections enroll 29 or fewer students. No matter your field of study, you can utilize UM’s well-maintained database of upcoming faculty research projects as a way to connect directly with the professor of your choice; more than 2,000 undergraduates participate in a research or creative project every year. An outstanding 30% of UMTC students study abroad during their academic career with the most popular destinations being Spain, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Professional Outcomes: Over 1000 alumni work at Target, Medtronic, 3M, and U.S. Bank; Amazon, Google, Cargill, and Microsoft employ 500+ UMN graduates each. The average starting salary across all majors is approximately 60k and recent employers include Boeing, Honeywell, Northrop Grumman, Abbott, IBM, EcoLab, Boston Scientific, Wells Fargo, Google, Apple, and Microsoft and Epic. With 130 graduate programs, the University of Minnesota retains many of its graduates as they pursue their next degrees.

Academic Highlights: NC State offers more than 100 majors and 120 minors. Thanks to a reasonable 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you won’t exclusively have classes in enormous lecture halls. Rather, NC State offers its undergraduates a mix of experiences with 63% of sections enrolling 29 or fewer students and 18% enrolling 50 or more. The Office of Undergraduate Research works diligently to connect star students to faculty research projects, which leads to nearly 500 student presentations at the spring poster sessions alone. In 2024, 28 students received invitations to present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Professional Outcomes: Forty-four percent of students graduating in 2023 had already accepted full-time jobs before exiting; 30% were heading to graduate/professional school. Members of that class reported an average starting salary of $65,589 (with a slightly higher median). Including all graduating years, the companies employing the largest number of alumni are Cisco, SAS, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Lenovo, Apple, Meta, and NVIDIA. Many recent grads also work for the university itself.

Academic Highlights: LMU’s 55 majors and 58 minors are taught by faculty heralded for their warmth and accessibility, a sentiment backed by an 11:1 faculty-to-student ratio. Fifty-six percent of courses enroll 19 or fewer students, and 99% enroll fewer than 39 individuals. There are four programs through which students can access on-campus research opportunities, including the Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Each year, a healthy number of undergrads (usually 500+) elect to study abroad in more than 20 different countries including Ghana, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

Professional Outcomes: Just 2% of LMU graduates in 2023 were still looking for work six months after completing their degrees. Seventy-five percent had procured employment, 22% were in graduate school, and 1% were engaged in some type of service program. Companies employing graduates include the Los Angeles Lakers, Oracle, Microsoft, NASA, PWC, RCA, NBC Universal, and the Smithsonian. Recent alumni have gone on to further their education in a range of disciplines at Georgetown, GWU, NYU, Stanford, Northwestern, and Notre Dame.

Academic Highlights: There are over 100 undergraduate majors to choose from at Drexel.  The university offers a reasonable 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio with commensurately reasonable class sizes. Fifty-one percent of sections contain 19 or fewer students, and just 9% of sections contain 50 or more. Drexel students are encouraged to begin seeking undergraduate research opportunities “as early as the freshman year.” An array of research-oriented co-ops exist at local hospitals, museums, and pharmaceutical companies as well. With the emphasis on co-op education, it can be difficult to carve out time to study abroad while at Drexel. In a typical year, roughly 900 students manage to study internationally at one of 60 locations. Co-ops in foreign countries are another way to access the benefits of this type of experience.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 97% of Dragons have arrived at their next destination; 94% of full-time graduates were satisfied with their position and 87% were working in professions related to their field of study. The largest employers of Drexel alumni are Children’s Hospital of Philadephia, Penn Medicine, Comcast, Lockheed Martin, and Vanguard. The average salary for Drexel grads with a full-time job was $68,650.

Academic Highlights: Eight undergraduate colleges that offer 150+ distinct majors are housed within Virginia Tech. 34% of sections contain fewer than 20 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. Overall, 19% of recent graduates report participating in some type of undergraduate research experience, but landing such opportunities is much easier for members of the Honors College. Each year, more than 1,200 students avail themselves of the chance to study abroad in locations such as Switzerland, New Zealand, France, and Scotland.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 37% of the Class of 2023 were employed and 14% were in graduate school. Graduates work at major corporations including Deloitte, EY, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Kimley-Horn, Northrop Grumman, and Accenture. The median salary for 2023 graduates was $70,000. Among recent grads who decided to pursue an advanced degree, the greatest number stayed at VT, while others enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, George Washington University, UVA, UNC Chapel Hill, and Johns Hopkins.

Academic Highlights: Southwestern University stands among Texas’s premier liberal arts institutions, offering 37 majors and 41 minors within an innovative three-part curriculum that balances foundational courses, specialized study, and exploratory electives. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, average class size of 17, and 68% of courses enrolling fewer than 20 students, Southwestern creates an intimate learning environment for its diverse student body representing 36 states and 16 countries. This flexible academic structure encourages intellectual curiosity while ensuring close faculty mentorship.

Professional Outcomes: Southwestern’s Class of 2024 achieved remarkable success, with 97% securing positive outcomes—70% employed at leading organizations like Lockheed Martin, JPMorgan Chase, and Tesla, while 27% pursued advanced degrees at institutions including UT system schools and Texas Christian University. The university’s strong Texas roots are evident, with 85% of graduates building their careers within the state, contributing to local industries while demonstrating the enduring value of a Southwestern liberal arts education in today’s professional landscape.

Academic Highlights: UCI offers over eighty undergrad programs as well as many opportunities for personal connection; 54% of all sections enroll 19 or fewer students and over 70% of students participate in undergraduate research. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program helps students with proposal writing, developing research plans, and presenting their results at the annual spring UCI Undergraduate Research Symposium and/or publishing their results in the UCI Undergraduate Research Journal.

Professional Outcomes: Companies employing large numbers of recent grads include Amazon, Deloitte, Northrop Grumman, Ernst & Young, and PwC. Hundreds of alumni are also found at Google, Microsoft, and Meta. The median salary is $70,000, with School of Information and Computer Sciences grads earning $117k right off the bat. 38% of graduates enroll in graduate school, with many choosing to remain at UC Irvine. The majority pursue master’s degrees (89%), with the remainder enrolling in doctorate programs.

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates can choose from a variety of majors and minors across four schools. 99% of courses at USD contain 39 or fewer students. If you desire to participate in undergraduate research, there is a faculty member willing to work with you, “regardless of major or class standing.” Students can participate through a number of formal on-campus programs like the Beginning Undergraduate Research Summer Training (BURST) program or the McNair Scholars Program, which provides faculty mentors and stipends as support. The 80 available study abroad programs attract an exceptional 70% of Toreros.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after being handed their diplomas, 89% of recent USD graduates had found their next destination. 63% were employed at a diverse range of employers such as EY, General Atomics, PwC, Deloitte, Northrop Grumman, NBC Universal, and Boeing. The median starting salary was a healthy $72k. Approximately 23% of recent grads immediately pursued an advanced degree.

Academic Highlights: Lake Forest College offers an exceptional liberal arts education through its 32 majors and features an intimate learning environment with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 19. The college’s global character shines through its diverse student body representing 43 states and 120 countries, complemented by 200+ study abroad programs in 70 nations. Lake Forest distinguishes itself through robust undergraduate research opportunities, with faculty regularly involving students in primary research projects, creating an ideal environment for intellectual growth and professional preparation.

Professional Outcomes: Lake Forest graduates achieve outstanding results, with 97% of the Class of 2024 employed, in graduate school, or pursuing other meaningful endeavors. Alumni launch careers at prestigious organizations like Citigroup, EY, and the U.S. Department of State, while 21% continue their education at top-tier institutions, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern. Most build their careers in Chicago, demonstrating how Lake Forest’s combination of global perspectives, hands-on research experience, and personalized mentorship produces graduates who thrive in competitive professional environments.

Academic Highlights: TCU offers 117 undergraduate majors. With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes at TCU are not all tiny, but the school manages to keep enrollment below 20 students in 41% of its class sections, and only 5% of courses seat more than 50. Of equal importance, 98% of faculty members teach undergraduate students, so you will have access to the best and brightest professors the school has to offer. The study abroad program makes international study readily accessible, and two-fifths of undergrads enjoy a semester overseas.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 81% of recent diploma-earners were employed or had their graduate school placement lined up. Deloitte, American Airlines, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs employ the greatest number of alumni. Other companies hiring recent TCU grads include Microsoft, IBM, Fidelity Investments, Bank of America, Cerner, PWC, and AT&T. The most recent median starting salary was $65,000.

Academic Highlights: Beloit College offers students an intimate, globally engaged liberal arts experience with over 40 majors across five career-focused schools, all supported by an exceptional 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The academic environment emphasizes personalized learning, with 99% of classes enrolling fewer than 30 students; one-third of students pursue double majors. This close-knit academic community extends worldwide, with 35% of students studying abroad through 100+ programs in 60 countries, blending rigorous classroom learning with transformative global experiences.

Professional Outcomes: Beloit graduates achieve remarkable success, with 93% employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The Class of 2023 exemplifies this trajectory, with 77% entering the workforce at top employers like Microsoft, Deloitte, and Epic Systems, while 40% pursued advanced degrees immediately. The long-term impact is even more impressive—63% of alumni eventually earn graduate degrees. These academic and professional investments pay dividends, with graduates commanding median salaries of $60,400 early in their careers, growing to $107,300 at mid-career, demonstrating the enduring value of Beloit’s liberal arts foundation in an evolving job market.

Academic Highlights: Bryant University delivers a nationally distinctive education through its integrated curriculum that pairs business and liberal arts majors/minors, creating agile thinkers for today’s economy. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 25, students receive personalized mentorship while engaging in hands-on learning;  100% complete service projects and 150+ students conduct funded research annually. This career-focused liberal arts approach spans 70+ programs across 30 majors, blending quantitative rigor with human-centered problem-solving.

Professional Outcomes: Bryant’s Class of 2024 achieved near-perfect outcomes (99% employed/grad school) with a median starting salary of $76,000. Graduates launch careers at elite firms like Goldman Sachs, Raytheon, and PwC, while others pursue advanced degrees at Dartmouth, Northwestern, and Boston University. The university’s $122,000 mid-career salary benchmark and 99% career readiness rating validate Bryant’s unique formula: business-academic integration, applied learning, and leadership development that yields exceptional ROI.

Academic Highlights: With the 9th highest four-year graduation rate among the nation’s traditional four-year institutions, TCNJ stands in esteemed company alongside schools like UVA, Michigan, and UNC-Chapel Hill. TCNJ sports a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of twenty-one; 41% of sections contain fewer than 20 students. While you won’t find many seminar-style courses with single-digit enrollments, there are plenty of ways to personally connect with faculty thanks to the school’s serious commitment to facilitating undergraduate research. In fact, the Council on Undergraduate Research awarded TCNJ its signature honor, the Campus-Wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishment.

Professional Outcomes: Checking in with TCNJ grads one year after receiving their degrees, 98% of recent grads had entered the working world or started an advanced degree. The list of companies employing significant numbers of recent alumni includes Johnson and Johnson, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Amazon,  Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, EY, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The most frequently attended graduate schools by recent grads included Rutgers, Columbia, and NYU.

Academic Highlights: As one of only 28 Jesuit universities in the nation, Creighton University offers students more than 60 distinct majors across 22 fields of study within a values-driven learning environment. The university’s exceptional 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention, with half of all class sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Creighton’s commitment to hands-on learning shines through its robust experiential programs; an impressive 83% of undergraduates participate in internships, research projects, or other applied learning opportunities. This combination of intimate classroom settings and practical experience prepares students to think critically and engage meaningfully with complex real-world challenges.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2023 achieved outstanding post-graduation success, with 68% securing employment, 27% enrolling in graduate programs, and just 1% still seeking opportunities six months after commencement. Graduates reported a strong median starting salary of $61,000, with many joining prestigious organizations including CHI Health, KPMG, Deloitte, Mayo Clinic, and Nebraska Medicine. These outcomes reflect both the quality of Creighton’s academic programs and the strong professional network cultivated by the university’s career services and engaged alumni community.

Academic Highlights: Chapman offers 50+ majors in STEM, humanities, communication, the arts, and business. Overall, 43% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. Students can engage in faculty-mentored projects, apply for funding via programs like the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), and present their work at the annual Student Scholar Symposium. The school regularly receives acclaim for its innovation and the quality of undergraduate teaching.

Professional Outcomes: The Walt Disney Company, Amazon, Deloitte, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, Netflix, and Circle Advertising are the most common employers of Chapman graduates. In 2023. 62% of that cohort had already secured employment by graduation day. Most graduates remain in the state of California, with Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Irvine attracting particularly high numbers of alumni.

Academic Highlights: Saint Louis University stands as one of America’s most distinguished Catholic universities, offering students 97 bachelor’s programs within a nearly 200-year tradition of academic excellence. SLU’s global mission comes alive through its diverse community representing all 50 states and 87 countries, with 600+ students annually engaging in transformative international experiences that blend intellectual growth with Jesuit values of service and leadership.

Professional Outcomes: SLU graduates achieve remarkable career success, with 48% entering the workforce at leading employers like BJC HealthCare, Boeing, and Mercy, earning strong median salaries of $64,480. Another 39% continue their education, predominantly at SLU’s own highly-ranked graduate programs, demonstrating the university’s dual strength in launching careers and advancing scholarship. These outcomes reflect SLU’s unique ability to prepare graduates who combine professional excellence with ethical leadership in their communities.

Academic Highlights: There are 65 majors and minors at LU. A 7:1 student/faculty ratio allows for extremely small class sizes—the majority of sections contain only two to nineteen students, and many independent study/1:1 instruction courses are also available. The Lawrence University Research Fellows (LURF) program offers a stipend during ten-week, research-focused terms. All told, close to two-thirds of LU students gain hands-on research experience at some point during their four years of study. The college strongly encourages students to study abroad, and roughly 40% take the plunge.

Professional Outcomes: Of the 312 graduates in one recent graduating class, an impressive 99% had already reached their next employment or postsecondary destination. Among the 75% of that group who had landed their first jobs, employers include Bloomberg LP, Epic, Facebook, PayPal, Boeing, and the Walt Disney Company. Over the last few years, graduates have gone on to master’s and doctoral programs at schools such as Boston University, Harvard, Dartmouth, Johns Hopkins, MIT, and Yale.

Academic Highlights: This distinguished Christian liberal arts college, affiliated with the Reformed Church in America, offers students 91 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs within an intentionally intimate learning environment. With an exceptional 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 53% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, the college fosters close mentorship and intellectual exploration. The campus community brings together students from 35 states and 36 countries, while global perspectives are deepened through study abroad opportunities in 60+ nations.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2023 achieved outstanding results, with 77% employed (86% in their field of study) and 24% enrolled in graduate programs within six months of graduation. An impressive 92% of graduate school applicants gained admission to their top-choice institutions, while alumni contribute significantly to regional industry leaders, including Corewell Health, Stryker, and Steelcase. These exceptional outcomes are fueled by the college’s emphasis on experiential learning, with 93% of students completing hands-on professional experiences – a testament to the powerful integration of faith, academics, and career preparation.

Academic Highlights: Stony Brook offers 60+ majors and 80+ minors across three undergraduate colleges. A 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 8,300 graduate students isn’t exactly a recipe for small classes, but undergrads will find themselves in some first-name basis classes with 37% of all sections containing nineteen or fewer students. More than 2,000 students have the chance to engage in undergraduate research each year. The rate of study abroad participation is low, but exciting opportunities exist for those who choose to take advantage; the school features a winter program that whisks students to Ecuador and the Galapagos.

Professional Outcomes: After graduation, 61% of recent Stony Brook graduates are employed, and 34% have entered graduate/professional school. The organizations and companies employing the greatest number of Seawolves are Northwell Health, Google, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Meta, Morgan Stanley, Bloomberg, and Apple. Among those pursuing further education, common choices include Stony Brook itself, other SUNY or CUNY institutions, and NYC-based powerhouses like Columbia, Fordham, and NYU.

Academic Highlights: Class sizes at Baylor generally range from small to medium, with 52% of sections containing fewer than 20 students and 77% enrolling fewer than 29. The Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Achievement (URSA) office does a superb job connecting students with a research opportunity in their field of interest. The school also pushes overseas experiences in the form of an internship, academic semester, or mission trip. Baylor offers signature programs in Scotland, the Netherlands, and Ireland.

Professional Outcomes: At the 180-day post-graduation point, those who earned their diplomas from Baylor had entered the world of full-time employment at a 49% clip, and 28% had entered a graduate or professional degree program. Large numbers of recent grads were scooped up by many of the most desirable employers in the country including KPMG (25), Deloitte (24), and PricewaterhouseCoopers (24). The average starting salary was $62k. Among recent grads, the most commonly attended graduate school was Baylor itself (249), followed by Texas A&M (24).

Academic Highlights: There are over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations offered at the University of Denver, with small class sizes being the norm as 54% of sections contain no more than 19 students, and 79% enroll a maximum of 29 individuals. The Undergraduate Research Center helps facilitate connections between intellectually curious undergrads and faculty mentors, and 85% of students participate in research or complete an internship during their time at the university. You won’t find many schools more committed to encouraging their undergraduates to study abroad. An astonishing 70% of DU students spend a semester or summer in a foreign country.

Professional Outcomes: 91% of Pioneer grads successfully entered the world of employment or graduate school within six months of earning their bachelor’s degree. 72% were employed full-time with a mean starting salary of $62k. Top employers included Deloitte, KPMG, The Walt Disney Company, Comcast, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and RMHS. Other corporations employing 50 or more DU alums include Amazon, EY, Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce. 14% of recent graduates elected to continue their education in a graduate program.

Academic Highlights: Class sizes are mixed, and many sections are smaller than you would expect for such a large university where the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. Fourteen percent of classes have single-digit enrollments, and 57% contain fewer than 30 students; 17% of courses are larger, playing host to fifty or more undergraduates. More than half of Clemson students participate in some type of undergraduate research, a strong percentage given the size of the school. Each year over 1,400 students elect to study abroad in one of Clemson’s own programs or one offered by a third party.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 93% of 2023 grads had already entered the working world or were pursuing a graduate degree. The top employers of newly-minted diploma holders include Prisma Health, Boeing, Bank of America, and Epic Systems. Computing and Applied Sciences reported a median starting salary of $75,000. College of Business graduates enjoyed median earnings of $61,000. Of the 18% of recent graduates directly entering grad school, the largest number retained their Tiger stripes by continuing their studies at Clemson.

Academic Highlights: Being a large research university, the student-to-faculty ratio is a less-than-ideal 18:1, leading to some larger undergraduate class sections. In fact, 51% of courses had enrollments of more than thirty students in 2023. On the other end of the spectrum, 9% of sections had single-digit enrollments. While not all of your professors will know you by name, there are plenty of ways that motivated students can strike up meaningful faculty-student relationships, with nearly 50% collaborating on research with professors at some point during their undergraduate career. Fifty-two percent of Tech students have gone abroad by the time they graduate, with a growing number electing to complete internships in a foreign land rather than academic coursework. In a given year, 130+ undergraduate students participate in a global internship.

Professional Outcomes: More than three-quarters of recent grads had already procured employment by the time they were handed their diplomas. You will find graduates at every major technology company in the world. Recent employers include Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Capital One, and Apple. The median salary of the Class of 2023 was $84,000, with recent grads settling mostly in the Atlanta metro area. The next three most popular destinations are San Francisco, New York City, and Washington, DC.

Academic Highlights: Stonehill College fosters intellectual growth through its commitment to critical thinking, free inquiry, and vibrant academic discourse. The college offers students 55 majors and 50 minors within a dynamic learning environment featuring an average class size of 17 and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Stonehill’s innovative Skyhawk Core Curriculum builds toward a culminating capstone project or experience, while global study opportunities span five continents. The Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience provides exceptional opportunities for students to conduct meaningful, publishable research under faculty mentorship, preparing them for advanced study and professional success.

Program Outcomes: Stonehill graduates achieve outstanding career outcomes, with 95% attaining employment or graduate school placement within one year of graduation. The college’s strong industry connections lead to positions with premier employers such as Fidelity Investments, Boston Children’s Hospital, State Street, W.B. Mason, PwC, and Stonehill College itself. With 80% of students completing at least one internship, graduates enter the workforce well-prepared, commanding median earnings of $77,745. The college maintains deep regional ties, as most alumni choose to build their careers in Massachusetts, particularly in the thriving Greater Boston area, where they contribute to the region’s professional landscape.

Academic Highlights: Drake University offers students an exceptional private university experience with 150+ undergraduate programs across seven colleges and schools, all supported by an elite 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The Drake Undergraduate Science Collaborative Institute (DUSCI) exemplifies Drake’s research commitment, providing year-round opportunities that culminate in the annual DUCURS conference, where students present publishable work. This intensive mentorship model serves a diverse community from 45 states and 40 countries, blending liberal arts rigor with professional preparation.

Professional Outcomes: Drake achieves extraordinary outcomes, with 97% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months—69% launching careers at Iowa powerhouses like Principal Financial Group, John Deere, and Hy-Vee—while 25% pursue advanced degrees. The university’s 93% internship rate and 50% Iowa retention demonstrate Drake’s dual success in developing both local workforce leaders and globally competitive professionals, with alumni commanding strong salaries across multiple sectors.

Academic Highlights: IU offers 200+ majors The university’s 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio is strong for a school of Indiana’s size, and it does make an effort to keep undergraduate classes on the small side. While there are a number of introductory courses that transpire in giant lecture halls, 35% of all sections contain no more than 19 students. Experiential learning opportunities are available to those who seize them; over one-quarter of arts and sciences students completed research with a faculty member. On the study abroad front, roughly the same percentage of A&S graduates spent a semester in a foreign country. In total, the school offers 380 programs in 70 countries and 20 languages.

Professional Outcomes: Class of 2023 grads reached their next employment or graduate school destination at a 92% rate within six months of receiving their degrees. The median starting salary for IU grads ranged between $54,000 and $60,000. Among the largest employers of Hoosier alumni are local pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, EY, Amazon, PwC, Salesforce, Deloitte, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, Accenture, and Google. Indianapolis, Chicago, Bloomington, and New York City are the locales where you can find the greatest concentration of Indiana graduates.

Academic Highlights: As Florida’s prestigious public honors college, New College of Florida pioneers an innovative student-centered model featuring 50+ majors built around independent research, professional internships, and community engagement. With an exceptional 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 13, students enjoy unparalleled mentorship while completing signature senior thesis projects. This distinctive approach to honors education combines rigorous academics with real-world application, cultivating the intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills that make New College the nation’s top public college for producing future PhD recipients.

Professional Outcomes: New College graduates achieve remarkable success, with 83% employed or in graduate school within four months of graduation. Alumni launch careers at leading organizations like Mayo Clinic, Epic, and UnitedHealthcare, while others advance to elite institutions including Duke and Northwestern. The college’s long-term outcomes are particularly impressive— graduates reach median salaries of $55,000 within five years and $106,300 within a decade, demonstrating how New College’s unique educational model develops both immediate career readiness and sustained professional growth. These outstanding results validate the power of combining honors-level academics with hands-on learning experiences.

Academic Highlights: As the nation’s oldest Catholic research university, Catholic University offers students 90 undergraduate programs within a faith-based intellectual community. With an exceptional 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and access to 40+ research centers, students benefit from both personalized mentorship and substantial research opportunities. The university’s global presence includes study abroad programs in 25+ countries and its own Rome campus, serving a diverse student body from all 50 states and 84 countries while maintaining its distinctive Catholic identity.

Professional Outcomes: Catholic University graduates achieve outstanding results, with 93% of the Class of 2024 employed or in graduate school, with 74% earning starting salaries above $50,000. The university’s strong emphasis on experiential learning shows in its internship success: nearly 75% of graduates complete at least one internship, with 29% securing multiple opportunities. Alumni launch careers at prestigious organizations, including Children’s National Hospital, Deloitte, and Booz Allen Hamilton, while many choose to continue their academic journeys at Catholic University itself, demonstrating the institution’s dual strength in career preparation and academic excellence.

Academic Highlights: Hendrix College provides a distinctive liberal arts education through 30 majors, 33 minors, and 15 pre-professional programs, all delivered in an intimate learning environment with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 17. The college’s signature Odyssey Program exemplifies its commitment to engaged learning, offering grants for undergraduate research, creative projects, and experiential opportunities that extend education beyond traditional classrooms. This innovative approach combines rigorous academics with hands-on application, preparing students for both immediate career success and lifelong intellectual growth.

Professional Outcomes: Hendrix graduates achieve exceptional career outcomes, with 100% employment rates among recent alumni and median salaries ranging from $$50,000-\$$75,000, including over one-third earning above $75,000. About 25% pursue graduate degrees, while others launch careers with leading Arkansas employers like the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Walmart, and Arkansas Children’s. Most alumni choose to build their lives in the thriving Little Rock metropolitan area, demonstrating Hendrix’s vital role in developing the state’s professional workforce across various sectors. These outstanding results validate the college’s unique integration of liberal arts education with practical, career-ready preparation.

Academic Highlights: 74 undergraduate majors are available at UCSC. An identical percentage of classes contain 50+ students (27%) as under 20 students (27%). Fortunately, thanks in part to a relatively small number of graduate students (roughly 2,000), there are still opportunities to work side-by-side with faculty. In fact, a commendable 52% of undergraduates conduct some type of faculty-guided research during their four years at Santa Cruz, and the school has pledged to raise that number to 75%. Roughly 15% of students elect to study abroad, and the school encourages all students to take advantage of the well established UC programs situated all around the globe.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of earning their degree, 28% of UCSC grads had found employment and 17% started graduate programs. Proximity to Silicon Valley helps open doors to companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Cisco, which all employ over 200 alumni. More than 100 alumni can also be found in the offices of NVIDIA, Salesforce, Adobe, and LinkedIn. Among graduates, the median salary for those in the first five years of their career was $75,600.

Academic Highlights: Loyola Maryland offers 45+ undergraduate programs through its three schools. A 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to average class sizes of only twenty students. The vast majority of courses enroll between ten and twenty-nine students, 13% have a single-digit enrollment, and of 889 total sections, only 14 contained 40 or more undergraduates. Students are encouraged to apply for undergraduate research opportunities such as the Hauber Summer Research Fellowship Program which, in one recent year, gave 12 students in the natural and applied sciences fields a chance to conduct ten weeks of independent research. There are 20 countries that students can choose from as study abroad options, and the participation rate exceeds 60%, one of the highest figures of any master’s-granting school in the nation.

Professional Outcomes: Members of the Class of 2023 found their way to their next employment, volunteer, or grad school home within six months of receiving their diplomas at a stellar 99% clip. Major companies and organizations employing members of this cohort include Accenture, Bloomberg, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, NBC Universal, and Viacom. Thirty-three percent of the Class of 2023 immediately enrolled in graduate or professional school after completing their undergraduate work at Loyola Maryland, enrolling at prestigious institutions like Duke, Emory, Georgetown, Northwestern, and Yale.

Academic Highlights: A strong 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for generally small class sizes, even with over 3,000 graduate students also in attendance. Forty-four percent of undergraduate course sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and just 10% enroll more than 50 students. Undergraduate opportunities are available in all disciplines, both internally and externally.

Professional Outcomes: If you name a desirable company in the tech, banking, or consulting industries, chances are it will employ more than a handful of Bison. In fact, over 100 alumni presently work for Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Accenture, Deloitte, Wells Fargo, and Apple. Large numbers of Bison also roam the corporate offices of JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, Facebook, and Goldman Sachs. It is similarly easy to locate Howard grads in just about any major American city. The heaviest concentrations can be found in Washington, DC; New York City; Atlanta; Los Angeles; Baltimore; Philadelphia; Chicago; San Francisco; and Houston. Howard graduates also typically earn fantastic results when applying to graduate and professional schools. Emory, Tulane, Harvard, Penn, and NYU are some of the most common destinations.

Academic Highlights: SUNY ESF offers an intensely focused environmental education through 27 undergraduate programs, all supported by an exceptional 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The crown jewel of ESF’s hands-on learning is its renowned Ranger School, where students immerse themselves in the college’s 2,800-acre Adirondack classroom, working alongside faculty on real forestry and conservation projects. This “living laboratory” approach extends across all programs, blending rigorous academics with unparalleled field experience that prepares students to tackle pressing environmental challenges.

Professional Outcomes: ESF’s career outcomes are as impressive as its natural surroundings—90% of the Class of 2023 secured positions in their field, with 86% working in roles directly related to their major. Graduates are in high demand at environmental leaders like the USDA Forest Service and the Wildlife Conservation Society, as well as cutting-edge firms like Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Constellation Energy. Those continuing their education ascend to top programs at Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania, and Ohio State, though many choose to remain at ESF for advanced study—a testament to the college’s respected graduate offerings and lifelong learning community.

Academic Highlights: A freshman retention rate of 90% is excellent for a public university, and the strength of undergraduate teaching gets high marks. In part, this is made possible by a reasonable 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Each year, more than 2,800 undergrads work with professors on research, and some become coauthors of academic papers and/or find themselves presenting at academic conferences. The school also ranks in the top five among public institutions for the percent of students who elect to study abroad; a phenomenal 55% of undergrads elect to study away from Oxford.

Professional Outcomes: The overall success rate for the Class of 2023 was 99%, roughly the same as for the previous two cohorts. Fifty-five percent of recent Miami grads were employed and by mid-career, alumni enjoy a median salary of $132k. Staying in Ohio is a common postgraduate choice with 46% of grads doing so, but Chicago; New York City; Washington, DC; and Denver are also popular landing spots. The companies attracting the greatest number of RedHawk alumni are Procter & Gamble, EY, Fifth Third Bank, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, PNC, PwC, and Amazon.

Academic Highlights: Only 41% of course sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and 19% of courses contain fifty or more students. The Experiential Learning Network can help make a huge university feel a bit smaller by connecting students with faculty mentors for research endeavors; their newly launched Project Portal enables students to find and join projects while earning skill-based “digital badges.” For those interested in spending a semester at a foreign university, UB offers 700 study abroad programs across all seven continents (Antarctica, anyone?).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 95% of Class of 2023 School of Management degree-holders had found employment or were enrolled in a graduate program. The median base salary for those who found jobs was $61,000 (business grads only). UB graduates are well-represented in the corporate offices of many top companies, with more than one hundred alumni currently employed at the likes of M&T Bank, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Meta, Tesla, Goldman Sachs, and Salesforce.

Academic Highlights: Ursinus College delivers a distinctive liberal arts experience through 60+ areas of study, blending structured intellectual foundations with remarkable flexibility. Beyond the innovative Quest Core Curriculum, students enjoy significant curricular freedom while all complete at least one Experiential Learning Project (XLP)—ensuring hands-on application of knowledge. With an exceptional 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and representation from 32 states and 8 countries, Ursinus fosters close mentorship within a vibrant intellectual community.

Professional Outcomes: Ursinus graduates achieve outstanding success, with 97% securing positive outcomes. Eighty percent are employed at leading organizations like Penguin Random House, Vanguard, and Adidas, at an average starting salary of $52,721. The remaining 20% advance to elite graduate programs, including Ivy League institutions like Princeton and professional powerhouses like Georgetown. These results showcase Ursinus’s powerful combination of intellectual rigor and real-world readiness, which prepares its graduates to excel across diverse professional fields and advanced academic pursuits.

Academic Highlights: UofSC is a massive enterprise, with 15 colleges/schools within the larger university. Even so, 70% of all sections contain 29 or fewer students  The South Carolina Honors College is extremely hard to get into and is one of the finest in the entire country. The Office of Undergraduate Research will help ambitious students locate a mentor professor in their discipline, pursue funding sources, and compete for school-based undergraduate research awards; roughly one-third of students work with a faculty member on research. Study abroad opportunities are also there for all who seek them; close to 2,000 students study abroad in 65+ countries each year.

Professional Outcomes: More than 1000 UofSC alumni work at Prisma Health; hundreds are employed at Wells Fargo, Amazon, and Microsoft. Within the School of Business, the average salary was $93k and recent employers include Wells Fargo, Bank of America, PwC, EY, and Deloitte. College of Arts and Sciences graduates secured employment at Greenville Health Systems, BlueCross BlueShield SC, the State of South Carolina, and Amazon, earning an average salary of $86,046.

Academic Highlights: Temple offers 160+ undergraduate programs. Forty-four percent of classes have an enrollment of 19 or fewer students, and 72% of courses contain no more than 29 undergraduates. Undergraduate research positions are available across all 12 undergraduate schools and colleges, including a seven-month-long funded research experience called the Diamond Research Scholars program. The school offers plenty of study abroad opportunities, including its own programs in Spain, Japan, and Italy. A touch over 10% of undergrads take a semester in a foreign country.

Professional Outcomes: Fifty-one percent of recent grads quickly secured employment and another 18% were enrolled in graduate school. Top employers included the School District of Philadelphia, Vanguard, SEI, Amazon, and Lockheed Martin. Hundreds of Owl alumni can be found at Merck, Comcast, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase, and Bristol Myers Squibb. The highest percentage of grads reside in Philadelphia, with New York City and Washington, DC, next in popularity.

Academic Highlights: Truman State University offers students a robust liberal arts foundation with 50+ undergraduate majors and 71 minors, all supported by an excellent 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This personalized learning environment (featuring an average class size of 25) serves a diverse community representing 49 countries, creating dynamic classroom discussions with global perspectives. The university’s commitment to undergraduate-focused education ensures every student receives individual attention while developing critical thinking skills.

Professional Outcomes: Truman graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 41% entering the workforce (including positions at Boeing, Oracle, and Wells Fargo) and 31% pursuing advanced degrees immediately after graduation. An impressive 82% of alumni report satisfaction with their Truman experience, with many building careers in Missouri’s key metro areas—particularly St. Louis and Kansas City. The university’s emphasis on lifelong learning is reflected in graduates’ median earnings of $56,000 after ten years, demonstrating the enduring value of Truman’s liberal arts education in today’s evolving job market.

Academic Highlights: Siena offers 43 majors and more than 80 minors to undergraduate students. A 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures that no classes are larger than 50 students and 36% contain 20 or fewer. The college offers robust undergraduate research opportunities through its Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA), enabling students from all majors to engage in faculty-mentored projects.

Professional Outcomes: 30% of alumni say that they landed their first job directly through university connections and 86% stated that their job allows them to make a positive contribution to society. Ten years after graduating, alumni earn around $100,000 per year, and many work for Regeneron, Goldman Sachs, Albany Medical Center, the New York State Department of Health, and KPMG. Recent students have continued their education at Stanford University, Harvard, Georgetown, Yale, and Tufts.

Academic Highlights: At Butler, undergrads can select from over 90 academic majors. An excellent 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio translates to very few large lecture halls; just 3% of class sections contain more than 50 students. Known for the quality of its undergraduate teaching, Butler delivers a quality education without a harrowing admissions process.

Professional Outcomes: Butler grads enjoyed a 98% placement rate in 2023. The median starting salary is a solid $65,497 and prominent employers of last year’s grads include NBCUniversal, Eli Lilly, USA Today, Cleveland Clinic, Pfizer,  Ascension Health, and The Walt Disney Company. Butler alumni enter all types of graduate institutions including the likes of Purdue, NYU, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Northwestern.

Academic Highlights: UC Riverside offers 80+ majors across five colleges. Twenty-seven percent of sections enroll fewer than 20 undergrads compared to 34% that enroll 50 or more students. Faculty-mentored research opportunities are available for everyone, and the school has made expanding research participation to at least one-third of the undergraduate population an institutional goal. Students can pursue mentorships with professors through the uResearch Portal and present their work at the annual Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Symposium.

Professional Outcomes: Within one year of graduation, 47% of 2022 grads (most recent data available) were employed, 18% were pursuing an advanced degree, and 33% were still seeking their next opportunity. Less than 20% of recent grads left the state, with most remaining in Southern California. The median starting salary was $52k. More than 100 alumni work for major corporations like Amazon, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and Deloitte. Graduates tend to remain in California, with most settling in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area.

Academic Highlights: There are 152 degree plans across seven schools at UT Dallas which sports a 27:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Classes are on the large side – 29% of course sections contain 50 or more students. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and the Short-Term Working Group (SWG) provide hands-on research experiences and professional development. Students can also explore available research positions through the university’s Undergraduate Research Portal.

Professional Outcomes: The most commonly entered industries are internet/software, healthcare, accounting, IT, and higher education. Recent employers include Accenture, Amazon, American Airlines, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and Raytheon Technologies. Graduates early in their career earn a median salary of $74,400, with median income increasing to $120,700 mid-career. Most Comets remain in Texas after graduation, settling in Dallas, Richardson, and Plano.

Academic Highlights: Drew University offers an innovative career-focused liberal arts education through 61 undergraduate programs across three schools, featuring its distinctive Launch program that equips every student with transferable skills, professional mentors, and experience-based résumés. With an exceptional 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a diverse community representing 35 states and 54 countries, Drew combines intimate learning with global perspectives. The university further enhances professional preparation through mentored research opportunities like the RISE and DSSI programs, particularly in STEM fields, creating a powerful blend of academic rigor and career readiness.

Professional Outcomes: Drew graduates achieve outstanding results, with 90% employed or enrolled in graduate programs within six months of commencement. Alumni secure positions at prestigious organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Merrill Lynch, and AT&T, earning an average starting salary of $52,073. Those continuing their education (30% of graduates) gain admission to top-tier institutions such as Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and Georgetown. These impressive outcomes demonstrate how Drew’s unique integration of liberal arts education with professional development produces graduates who excel in both immediate career placement and long-term professional growth.

Academic Highlights: This highly regarded state institution boasts over 400 areas of study—undergraduate, graduate, and professional—across 17 degree-granting colleges. A 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio rates in the average range for public universities of MSU’s size and scope. Class sizes are a genuine mix of small seminars and giant lecture halls. In one recent year, 55% percent of undergraduate course sections contain fewer than 30 students; just 23% enrolled more than 50. Undergraduate research opportunities do exist for those bold enough to pursue them; 36% of recent grads completed one such experience. Around 25% of undergrads study abroad at one of 260 programs located in 60+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: Within months of strutting across the graduation stage, 63% of Class of 2023 members had landed full-time employment, 25% were pursuing advanced degrees, and 4% were still looking for a job. The top employers of this group included big names like the State of Michigan, General Motors, the US Federal Government, Ford Motor Company, and PepsiCo. The median starting salary earned was $64,149. Among the grad schools favored by recent alumni are the University of Michigan, New York University, Columbia University, and Northwestern University.

Academic Highlights: Class sizes at Bard are wonderfully small. A student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 allows the school to offer close to 85% of classes with an enrollment of fewer than 20 students. A Senior Project that begins in the junior year involves working closely with a panel of faculty members. There are 35 areas of academic concentration across six divisions.

Professional Outcomes: Seventy-five percent of recent grads found a home in the workforce six months after graduating while 17% directly entered graduate school. Popular employers of Bard graduates include many museums, publishing houses, and charitable organizations. Within a decade of leaving Bard, approximately one-third of alumni have completed an advanced degree. Graduate schools attended by recent alums include everything from the Ivies to close-by members of the CUNY and SUNY systems.

Academic Highlights: Eckerd College provides a distinctive liberal arts education through its 42 majors and 57 minors, distinguished as the #1 global producer of NOAA Hollings undergraduate scholars. With an intimate 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 19, students benefit from personalized mentorship while engaging with peers from all 50 states and 40 countries. The college’s exceptional global emphasis includes study abroad opportunities at 300+ destinations, complemented by robust internship programming, offering students over 200 academic credit-bearing internships to connect classroom learning with real-world experience.

Professional Outcomes: Eckerd graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 75% employed within one year and 40% pursuing graduate degrees within five years. Alumni build careers with prominent employers, including Raymond James, NOAA, and BayCare Health System, while many contribute to Florida’s thriving Gulf Coast communities in Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg. These impressive results reflect Eckerd’s successful integration of its marine science leadership, global curriculum, and professional preparation.

Academic Highlights: Twenty-three percent of sections enroll fewer than 10 students, a reality made possible by an enviable 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students consistently rate professors as being of high quality and committed to undergraduate instruction and Ithaca rates very well nationally according to these qualities. The college is committed to facilitating undergraduate research in all disciplines, and hosts the National Conference on Undergraduate Research which is attended by 3,000 students and their mentors from around the country.

Professional Outcomes: Within nine months of graduating, 52% of one recent graduating cohort had already found their first post-college job and 22% were still seeking employment. Media companies like NBCUniversal Media and Netflix are among the largest employers of Ithaca alumni along with corporations like Fidelity Investments, Deloitte, Amazon, and Apple. More than five recent grads enrolled at nearby Cornell University and multiple grads traveled to Syracuse University, Columbia University, and Northwestern University. The Greater New York City Area houses the highest number of Ithaca diploma-holders followed by Boston, Ithaca itself, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.

Academic Highlights: A student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 translates to reasonable undergraduate class sizes. Fifty-seven percent of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, but there are also 50-100+ students in some introductory courses. Undergraduate research is embedded in the Honors Program, which admits 40 to 50 students each year. Everyone else can apply to programs like the Research Experience for Undergrads (REU), which offers a ten-week apprenticeship funded by the National Science Foundation.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, the Class of 2023 enjoyed a job/grad school placement rate of 98% and an average starting salary of $71,735. Annually, 170+ employers snatch up Clarkson seniors. Top employers include General Dynamics Electric Boat, Kiewit, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Lockheed Martin, and National Grid.  Most recent alumni settle in the New York City Metro area, followed by Albany, NY, the Greater Boston area, and the Greater Syracuse-Auburn area.

Academic Highlights: A stunning 95% of graduates report engaging in some form of hands-on learning in their time at the college. The 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio may lag slightly behind some other small liberal arts schools featured in this guide, but professors are deployed with enhancing the undergraduate experience in mind. As a result, there are only a handful of classes that enroll 40+ students, and 68% enroll fewer than 20. One marker of Juniata’s success in providing personalized attention to undergrads is the fact that a stunning 95% of those who ultimately graduate do so in four years or less. Study abroad placements are available in 24 countries spread across six continents, and roughly 40% of students take advantage.

Professional Outcomes: Ninety-six percent of Juniata students are employed or attending graduate school six months after diplomas are awarded. More than ten alumni work for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Merck, Geisinger, WellSpan Health, and the US Army. In the last few years, grads have landed positions at the Walt Disney Company, the National Football League, Boeing, Google, Showtime, and The Wall Street Journal. Recent graduate school acceptances include Columbia, Wake Forest, Johns Hopkins, and MIT; clearly, top-shelf graduate and professional schools are on the table for Juniata grads The majority of Juniata alumni stay in the Keystone State with heavy concentrations in State College, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, but sizable pockets also can be found in Washington, DC, and New York City.

Academic Highlights: A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio is almost beyond comprehension for a public school. As a result, 94% of course sections enroll fewer than 29 students, and 72% of classes enroll fewer than 20. Undergrads can access research opportunities through multiple avenues that include St. Mary’s Projects (senior year projects that 60% of students complete) and St. Mary’s Undergraduate Research Fellowships (eight-week summer program that culminates with a symposium). In a typical year, one of the 25 study abroad programs is taken advantage of by almost half of the undergraduate population.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of earning their bachelor’s degrees, 96% of recent St. Mary’s grads have landed a job or started an advanced degree.  Top employers of Osprey alumni include JPMorgan Chase, the Centers for Disease Control, BNY Mellon, Booz Allen Hamilton, the Smithsonian, and the US Department of Defense. 28% of alumni begin work on their next degree within six months of graduation, earning acceptances from the likes of Harvard, Yale, Rice, Penn, and the University of Chicago.

Academic Highlights: 200+ undergraduate majors, minors, and certificate programs are available across eight colleges. The 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio is not suggestive of an intimate learning environment, yet the University of Iowa still manages to keep over half of its undergraduate sections at an enrollment of 19 or fewer students. Just 13% of sections enroll 50 or more undergrads. Increasing the number of undergraduate research opportunities available is part of the university’s strategic plan. At present, about one-third of UI undergrads conduct or assist research. In a given year, more than 1,000 University of Iowa students study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of recent grads found their first job or advanced degree program within six months of receiving their diploma. Companies that employ hundreds of alumni include John Deere, Collins Aerospace, Amazon, Deloitte, AbbVie, Microsoft, and Google. Five years after graduating, alumni report a salary increase of 55% and 95% are satisfied with their job. The median salary for recent grads was $50,000. 21% went directly into graduate school; 75% remained at the University of Iowa.

Academic Highlights: Bennington College revolutionizes liberal arts education by empowering students to completely design their own academic journey, transcending traditional majors through close faculty collaboration. With an enviable 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 71% of classes under 20 students, this highly personalized approach creates a dynamic classroom. The signature Field Work Term ensures every student gains real-world experience, spending seven intensive winter weeks every year pursuing internships, research, or entrepreneurial ventures that directly inform their evolving academic path.

Professional Outcomes: Bennington’s radical approach yields extraordinary results: 100% of graduates complete at least four professional experiences before graduation, and 100% secure employment within 2-5 years, with 84% working in fields directly connected to their Bennington studies. The program’s emphasis on self-directed learning produces both successful entrepreneurs and sought-after professionals, with alumni making an impact everywhere from Apple and the Met to Columbia University. With an average early-career salary of $61,000—remarkable for arts-heavy curricula—Bennington proves that educational innovation translates to career success in the creative economy.

Academic Highlights: Saint Michael’s College transforms students through its innovative Purposeful Learning program, providing four years of individualized mentorship that bridges classroom learning with personal growth. With 40+ majors, a remarkable 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and average classes of 16, the college fosters deep intellectual engagement. Students from 21 states and 15 countries enhance their education through 100+ study abroad programs, while 31% of seniors conduct faculty-mentored research, creating graduates who connect knowledge with real-world purpose.

Professional Outcomes: Saint Michael’s graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 83% employed at organizations like Boston Children’s Hospital and PwC, and 16% pursuing advanced degrees at institutions including Notre Dame and Emory. Alumni predominantly build their careers in the knowledge hubs of Greater Boston and Burlington, demonstrating how the college’s unique combination of personalized mentorship, undergraduate research, and global perspectives prepares graduates to excel in competitive professional environments while maintaining meaningful community connections.

Academic Highlights: Quinnipiac University provides a dynamic, career-focused education through 100+ academic programs, blending rigorous coursework with hands-on learning experiences. With an impressive 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 20, students enjoy personalized attention while 25% engage in faculty-mentored research projects. The university’s global perspective is enhanced by study abroad participation (31% of students) and a diverse community representing 31 states and 19 countries, creating well-rounded graduates prepared for professional success.

Professional Outcomes: Quinnipiac graduates achieve outstanding results, with a 97% success rate (47% employed, 49% in graduate programs). The university’s strong emphasis on experiential learning shows in its internship participation (73% of students complete at least one internship), leading to positions at top healthcare employers like Yale New Haven Health and Hartford HealthCare. Many alumni continue their education at Quinnipiac or prestigious institutions like Boston University, demonstrating how the university’s blend of academic rigor and practical preparation equips graduates for both immediate career impact and advanced study.

Academic Highlights: The University of New Hampshire provides students with exceptional academic breadth through 200+ degree programs across 11 schools and colleges, all supported by an excellent 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UNH maintains a strong commitment to engaged learning, with 84% of classes enrolling fewer than 50 students and unique opportunities like the Shoals Marine Laboratory’s SURG program for undergraduate research. As a top-20% research university nationally, UNH backs its academic programs with 50+ research centers and global perspectives through 250+ study abroad options, serving a diverse community from all 50 states and 43 countries.

Professional Outcomes: UNH’s Class of 2023 achieved outstanding results, with 94% securing positive outcomes—73% employed at leading organizations like Fidelity Investments, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Liberty Mutual, earning strong median starting salaries of $57,000. An impressive 87% of working graduates apply their majors directly in their careers, while 21% continue their education, predominantly at UNH’s own highly regarded graduate programs. These outcomes demonstrate UNH’s powerful combination of academic rigor, hands-on research, and professional preparation that serves both New England’s workforce needs and national employers.

Academic Highlights: At Elizabethtown, 91% of students report that their professors care about them as a person and 76% had a mentor help them pursue their goals. A 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio makes all of this individualized attention available and 55% of courses enroll 19 or fewer students.

Professional Outcomes: Recent grads have gone on to land jobs at the likes of PwC, Hershey, Amazon, PepsiCo, Vanguard, and Lockheed Martin. Graduate schools attended include state institutions like Penn State and the University of Delaware, as well as elite universities like UPenn, Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon, and William & Mary. Only 9% of recent alumni were still looking for their next step six months after earning their undergraduate degree.

Academic Highlights: Classes are rarely small as Mines possesses a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. The average class has 34 students, and only 18% of sections have an enrollment under twenty. Yet, that does not translate into a lack of hands-on opportunities. All Mines students must take a two-semester sequence of courses called EPICS (Engineering Practices Introductory Course Sequence) in which they tackle an open-ended design problem as part of a small team. Freshmen also take Cornerstone Design, in which teams of students must solve real-world design problems. In a given year, roughly 125 students are awarded Mines Undergraduate Research Fellowships and work as research assistants on faculty-led projects.

Professional Outcomes: Recent grads landed industry jobs or full-time graduate school positions at a clip of 94%. Companies employing massive numbers of Mines’ grads include Lockheed Martin, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Northrop Grumman, United Launch Alliance, Chevron, and Xcel Energy. Those finding employment enjoyed an average starting salary of $76,400. While alums pursuing further education were accepted into Stanford, Columbia, and Northwestern, 56% of grad students chose to continue their studies at Mines.

Academic Highlights: Offering programs in 50 disciplines, the college does not seek to confine its program of study. Instead, it encourages students to follow their own intellectual curiosity. 87% of sections contain 19 or fewer students. Undergraduate research is a staple of the SLC experience as every student engages in some level of academic research directly with a faculty member. There are no majors that shine above the others—in fact, 100% of degrees conferred fall under the umbrella of liberal arts.

Professional Outcomes: Many of the largest employers of alumni are institutions of higher learning, including the college itself, NYU, Columbia University, the New School, and Yale. Other leading employers include public sector entities like the NYC Department of Education and healthcare facilities like Columbia University Irving Medical Center. 70% of Sarah Lawrence alumni go on to earn advanced degrees – Columbia, NYU, UC Berkeley, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and Yale are a few of the prestigious institutions where Sarah Lawrence grads can be found earning advanced degrees.

Academic Highlights: Twenty-nine majors and thirty-three minors are offered in a setting that is widely praised for the strength of its undergraduate teaching. Seventeen percent of courses unfold in small, seminar-style environments of no more than nine students, and 54% of classes seat no more than 19. Only 14% of all sections enroll more than 29 students.Studying abroad is the norm at this school with 60% of Pioneers studying overseas in one of more than 30 programs.

Professional Outcomes: Half a year after receiving their diplomas, 98% of 2023 grads had arrived at their next destination with 84% obtaining employment, 11% entering graduate or professional school, and 3% engaged in service work Companies where L&C grads can be found in large numbers include Nike, Kaiser Permanente, Intel, Microsoft, Amazon, Legacy Health, and Google. Many settle in the Portland, Oregon metro area. The San Francisco Bay area and the Greater Seattle area are also popular with alumni.

Academic Highlights: With sixteen schools and colleges and 140+ undergraduate degree programs, Texas A&M is a massive operation. Class sizes trend large, but 25% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students and personal connections with professors are entirely possible, particularly through the research-oriented LAUNCH program. A&M excels in facilitating study abroad experiences, sending over 5,600 students to 110+ countries in a typical year, the most of any public university in the United States.

Professional Outcomes: On graduation day, 79% of students had already received at least one job offer or were heading to graduate/professional school. Many Aggies go on to work at major oil, tech, and consulting firms; Amazon, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, Apple, Halliburton, and Google each employ more than 500 alumni. Starting salaries were strong—on average grads netted around $65k. The vast majority of graduates remain in Texas with Houston, Dallas, College Station, Austin, and San Antonio top in popularity.

Academic Highlights: As Minnesota’s largest private university, St. Thomas offers students 150+ undergraduate majors and minors across eight distinguished colleges and schools. The university guarantees 100% faculty-taught classes and delivers exceptional global engagement—47% of Tommies study abroad across 50+ countries, supported by a diverse community representing 46 states and 81 nations. This commitment to personalized, experiential learning prepares graduates to lead in an interconnected world.

Professional Outcomes: St. Thomas achieves outstanding career outcomes, with 97% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months. The university’s emphasis on professional preparation shines through its 67% internship participation rate, leading to full-time positions at Fortune 500 leaders like UnitedHealth Group, 3M, and Target, with 73% earning $40,000+ salaries. Most alumni strengthen Minnesota’s economy in the Twin Cities metro, demonstrating St. Thomas’ vital role as the state’s premier talent developer for multiple sectors.

Academic Highlights: The University of Vermont offers nearly 100 undergraduate majors and 90 advanced degree programs, ensuring students can pursue virtually any academic interest. With 37% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students and 63% under 30, UVM prioritizes an intimate learning environment—only 18% of courses take place in large lecture halls. Hands-on learning is a hallmark: 40% of undergraduates participate in faculty-mentored research, many presenting at the annual Student Research Conference. Global engagement is equally robust, with hundreds of students studying abroad through UVM’s direct partnerships with 20 international institutions.

Professional Outcomes: UVM graduates thrive post-commencement, with 93% achieving career or graduate school success within six months. Nearly half enter the workforce immediately, earning an average starting salary of $54,892, and securing roles at top employers like UVM Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess, and the State of Vermont. Meanwhile, 23% continue their education, enrolling at prestigious institutions such as Boston University, NYU, and Northeastern, or furthering their studies at UVM itself.

Academic Highlights: All undergraduates must complete Auburn’s core curriculum, the purpose of which is to “foster the knowledge, skills, and perspectives that are the hallmarks of an Auburn graduate.” This extensive undertaking includes English composition, humanities (including mandatory literature and fine arts), science (including lab), mathematics, and social sciences. Motivated students take advantage of the Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program. About 20% of Auburn students study abroad, and over 130 programs are offered on every continent

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 58% of the Class of 2023 were employed full-time and 22% had entered graduate programs. 57% were pursuing master’s degrees, 28% professional degrees, and 5% doctorates. In 2023, the average starting salary was $59,216. Alumni pursuing further education can be found at institutions such as Samford University, Belmont University, and the University of Georgia.

Academic Highlights: The University of San Francisco provides a personalized education through 40+ majors and 70+ minors, all supported by an excellent 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This close-knit academic environment shines in the classroom—43% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students—while global perspectives come alive through 100+ study abroad programs across 45 countries. True to its Jesuit mission, USF integrates community-engaged learning (CEL) throughout the curriculum, requiring every student to complete at least one CEL course that combines academic study with meaningful service.

Professional Outcomes: USF graduates achieve exceptional career success, with 95% of the Class of 2023 employed (79%) or continuing their education (13%). The university’s emphasis on experiential learning pays dividends—76% of students complete multiple internships before graduation, contributing to strong median starting salaries of $71,000. Alumni excel at leading organizations across sectors, including healthcare innovators Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care, and technology pioneers Google and Apple, demonstrating the versatility of a USF education in today’s evolving job market.

Academic Highlights: JMU offers 75+ undergraduate degrees to a very happy student population; surveyed undergrads report a stunning 96% satisfaction rate. A 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio does not fully capture how generally modest class sizes tend to be at the university. Thirty-six percent of sections enroll fewer than 19 students and the average class size is 25 students. JMU has also been a leader in study abroad participation, with some of the highest numbers of participants of any college in the country. In fact, it presently ranks first among all master’s-granting institutions with almost 1,500 participants annually.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 75% of 2023 grads had obtained full-time employment, 21% were continuing their education, and 4% were still figuring out their next step. KPMG and Deloitte each hired at least 17 JMU grads. Dukes found employment at 1,481 organizations around the world and the average starting salary was $59,686. Among the almost one-quarter of recent grads who matriculated directly into a graduate school program, the most popular location was JMU itself.

Academic Highlights: Emerson College offers 27 distinctive majors, each infused with performance or artistic elements that foster creative expression across disciplines. With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 70% of classes seating fewer than 20 students, the college ensures personalized attention in its collaborative learning environment. Emerson extends its creative education beyond campus through innovative global programs, including the Global Pathways Program that transforms academic breaks into immersive travel experiences, and partnership programs with Paris College of Art and Franklin University Switzerland that provide international study opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: Emerson graduates quickly establish themselves in creative fields, with 58% securing employment and 9% entering graduate programs within six months of graduation. Alumni frequently join prominent organizations such as WHDH-TV, Nexstar Media Group, The Walt Disney Company, and United Talent Agency. While the majority build their careers in Massachusetts, significant numbers of graduates also migrate to creative hubs in California, New York, and Washington, D.C., leveraging Emerson’s strong industry connections and reputation in media and performing arts.

Academic Highlights: With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the university keeps 47% of class sections at 19 or fewer students. Marquette offers more than 75 majors and 80+ minors across seven colleges.  Opportunities for hands-on training are available via the Office of Research and Innovation or via other discipline-specific postings available each semester. With 80+ partnerships throughout the world, 30% of Golden Eagles study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: Fifty-six percent of recent grads enjoyed full-time employment within six months of graduation, although that figure varied widely by discipline. The largest employers of Golden Eagle alumni include GE Healthcare, Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation, Baird, Johnson Controls, and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Other Midwestern powerhouses, including Kohl’s Medtronic and Milwaukee Tool, also employ hundreds of Marquette graduates. Slightly over half of 2023 grads stayed put in the state of Wisconsin while 24% went south to Illinois, and 6% settled in another Midwestern state.

Academic Highlights: The University of Oklahoma offers students a robust selection of 170+ academic programs with the ideal balance of a large research university’s resources and personalized attention (17:1 student-faculty ratio). OU excels in undergraduate research through its innovative Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA), established in 2022 as a centralized hub that awards 50 competitive summer fellowships annually and hosts the UReCA Showcase. This commitment to hands-on learning is complemented by global perspectives, with 25% of Sooners participating in international experiences.

Professional Outcomes: OU graduates launch successful careers quickly, with 79% of the Class of 2024 entering the workforce directly at top employers like Boeing, Paycom, and the U.S. Air Force, earning an average starting salary of $59,000. Other Sooners continue their education at prestigious institutions, including OU’s Health Sciences Center, SMU, and Oklahoma State’s Center for Health Sciences. These outcomes demonstrate OU’s dual strength in preparing students for immediate career success and advanced academic pursuits, particularly in Oklahoma’s key industries.

Academic Highlights: NJIT offers students 51 undergraduate majors with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, supported by a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and optimally sized classes—68% with fewer than 30 students and only 3% exceeding 50. The university’s research ecosystem is exceptionally robust, featuring 140+ specialized institutes, centers, and labs where undergraduates can engage in meaningful projects. Through initiatives like the Student Seed Program, students receive up to $500 for preliminary research and can secure additional funding up to $3,000 to advance their work. NJIT’s faculty are leaders in their fields, with 99% holding terminal degrees, ensuring cutting-edge mentorship.

Professional Outcomes: NJIT graduates achieve outstanding career outcomes, with 85% employed within six months of graduation and another 10% pursuing advanced degrees at elite institutions like MIT, Columbia, and Yale School of Medicine. The university’s strong industry connections place alumni at top employers such as Lockheed Martin, Johnson & Johnson, and Amazon, with graduates commanding an impressive average starting salary of $76,249. These results underscore NJIT’s success in preparing students for high-impact careers in fields where its rigorous, research-driven education delivers exceptional value.

Academic Highlights: Whittier College offers students an intimate liberal arts experience with 32 majors, all supported by an exceptional 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The innovative Whittier Scholars Program allows motivated students to design their own interdisciplinary curriculum, combining academic rigor with personalized mentorship. This flexible approach fosters intellectual curiosity while maintaining the college’s commitment to close faculty-student engagement.

Professional Outcomes: Whittier graduates build successful careers with prominent employers, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, Kaiser Permanente, and The Walt Disney Company, while many others establish thriving independent ventures. Most alumni contribute to the vibrant Southern California economy, with strong concentrations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The college’s emphasis on critical thinking and adaptability is reflected in alumni median earnings of $59,000 after ten years, demonstrating the enduring value of a Whittier education in today’s evolving professional landscape.

Academic Highlights: The University of Kansas offers students exceptional academic breadth with 190+ undergraduate majors across 14 schools, combining large, research university resources with surprising accessibility. KU’s 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports a learning environment where 41% of classes maintain fewer than 20 students, far outpacing the 16% that exceed 50. Undergraduate research thrives through the Center for Undergraduate Research, while global engagement shines with students participating in 165+ study abroad programs across 70 countries.

Professional Outcomes: KU graduates achieve strong career momentum, with 54% employed full-time and 33% pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation. The university serves as both Kansas’s premier educator and top employer, with many graduates contributing to KU Medical Center, Hallmark Cards, and other regional leaders, earning an average salary of $60,000. While hundreds build careers in the Lawrence/Kansas City area, alumni networks flourish in major hubs like Chicago, Denver, and Dallas, demonstrating KU’s dual impact as both a state anchor and national talent source.

Academic Highlights: The University of Tennessee offers an expansive academic experience with 360+ undergraduate programs across 14 colleges and schools, supported by 1,900+ faculty members. While the university’s scale is impressive, its class sizes remain manageable—62% of courses enroll fewer than 30 students, including 28% with under 19 students, all supported by an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Research opportunities abound through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, while global engagement is strengthened by 500+ study abroad programs. UT’s academic excellence is further demonstrated by its consistent recognition as a top producer of Fulbright scholars.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 91% of Vols alumni achieve career success—61% entering employment and 30% continuing to graduate studies. Leading employers include UT Medical Center, Axle Logistics, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, with graduates earning a strong median starting salary of $62,000. Those pursuing advanced degrees predominantly stay within Tennessee’s strong academic network, favoring institutions like UT’s own campuses, Lincoln Memorial University, and Belmont University.

Academic Highlights: Marist offers 47 distinct bachelor’s programs but is ultimately a true liberal arts institution that requires its undergrads to complete a core curriculum. Marist has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio—few sections are single-digit seminars or large lectures but 53% of sections are under 20 students. On the less-than-ideal side, the majority of Marist’s professors are adjuncts. On the plus side, undergrads enjoy the real-world knowledge brought by those non-tenure-track professors, and few complain about availability outside the classroom. Marist is supportive of undergraduate research, particularly in the hard sciences where completion of a research project is often a graduation requirement. Marist sees 50% of its students study abroad as part of the college’s robust international program that is rated among the best in the country.

Professional Outcomes: Red Foxes strutting across the graduation stage from 2018-2022 went on to find employment or a graduate school home at a terrific 95% rate by the time they filled out their first-destination survey. Major employers of Marist alums include IBM, which presently employs over 500 individuals, as well as JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Amazon, Citi, Deloitte, Google, Goldman Sachs, and NBC Universal Media. Turning to grad school results, recent students attended a wide range of institutions including GA Tech, the University of Notre Dame, Boston College, MIT, and Wake Forest.

Academic Highlights: SUNY Geneseo stands among America’s premier public liberal arts colleges, offering 61 undergraduate programs and 67 minors within a rigorous environment. The college maintains an ideal 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with 54% of classes fostering dynamic mid-sized discussions (20-49 students). This academically vibrant community brings together students from 20 states and 19 countries, while global perspectives are enriched through study abroad programs spanning 18 nations.

Professional Outcomes: Geneseo’s Class of 2023 achieved impressive results, with 80% securing positive outcomes within six months at an average salary of $54,500. Alumni demonstrate remarkable loyalty to New York (97% remain in-state), contributing to leading employers including Wegmans, M&T Bank, and Disney. The college’s academic excellence shines through strong career alignment—87% of graduates work in fields related to their majors, validating Geneseo’s powerful blend of liberal arts depth and career preparation.

Academic Highlights: Over 300 degree programs are offered at UO. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1, which leads to a mix of class sizes. The median class size is 20 students. 28% of a recent graduating class engaged in research, and the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program excels at connecting students to mentor professors on campus as well as external research opportunities. Over 500 students present at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ducks study abroad in 60 countries, and roughly one-fifth of students do so at some point during their undergraduate years.

Professional Outcomes: Members of the Class of 2023 already had their next destination lined up at graduation with 85% already employed or entering graduate school. Nike, KPMG, Deloitte, Amazon, and Thermo Fisher Scientific employed recent grads. Hundreds of others occupy offices at Intel, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Adidas, and Salesforce. Of the 19% that pursued further education, 93% of the Class of 2023 remained at the University of Oregon.

Academic Highlights: Across all divisions, there are 60+ majors and 80+ minors offered. The majority of courses–71%–fall between twenty and forty students. Cal Poly’s student-to-faculty ratio is a high 18:1, but such is the cost of an uber-affordable STEM degree from an excellent institution. One-quarter of students take advantage of the school’s robust study abroad program that offers learning opportunities in over seventy-five countries.

Professional Outcomes: Within nine months of graduating, 89% of graduates are “positively engaged” in their next life activity. Top employers of Cal Poly grads include many of the country’s top firms, such as SpaceX, Deloitte, PwC, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, EY, and Apple. Overall, grads enjoy a terrific median starting salary of $78,000. Of the 10% of alumni who directly enter graduate school, the most commonly attended schools are all in California.

Academic Highlights: Ohio Wesleyan University delivers a transformative liberal arts education through its innovative OWU Connection program, where students blend cross-disciplinary learning with global perspectives and real-world application. With 70+ majors, an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and an average class size of 18, OWU fosters intense intellectual engagement, evidenced by 27% of students pursuing double majors. The university’s diverse community, representing 40 states and 33 countries, creates a vibrant learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.

Professional Outcomes: OWU graduates achieve exceptional career success, with 97% employed, in graduate school, or pursuing meaningful gap year experiences shortly after graduation. An impressive 81% of employed alumni secured positions in their chosen fields with top employers like the Cleveland Clinic, JP Morgan Chase, and Nike. Others advance to prestigious graduate programs at Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, and Ohio State, demonstrating how OWU’s unique integration of interdisciplinary learning, global awareness, and practical application prepares graduates to excel in both immediate careers and long-term professional growth.

Academic Highlights: Simmons University offers Boston’s only women-centered undergraduate program within a nationally recognized private university. As part of the Colleges of the Fenway consortium, Simmons students enjoy access to five institutions’ academic and social resources while benefiting from an exceptionally supportive 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 16. The university’s six schools offer 35+ majors, complemented by 90+ global study opportunities. Simmons guarantees every student completes hands-on learning through internships, clinical placements, or research, creating graduates with both academic depth and practical experience.

Professional Outcomes: Simmons graduates achieve outstanding career outcomes, with 99% employed or in graduate school within six months (85% in their field of study) and earning an average salary of $61,053. Alumni excel at premier Boston institutions like Mass General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, while others launch careers at major corporations, including Apple. The 13% pursuing advanced degrees attend top-tier schools such as Tufts and Northeastern, demonstrating how Simmons’s unique combination of women-centered education, experiential learning, and Boston’s academic resources prepares graduates for leadership across numerous sectors.

Academic Highlights: Stetson University delivers an immersive, experiential education through its 95+ majors and minors, featuring a distinctive 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio that fosters close mentorship. The curriculum combines rigorous academics with hands-on research, global study opportunities, and professional internships, culminating in a required Senior Project for all undergraduates. This approach serves a diverse student body from 53 countries while maintaining Stetson’s commitment to transformative learning that connects classroom theory with real-world application.

Professional Outcomes: Stetson graduates achieve outstanding results, with a 93% success rate in employment or further education. Alumni launch careers with premier employers, including The Walt Disney Company, Lockheed Martin, and AdventHealth, while many contribute to Florida’s education sector through positions with Volusia County Schools. Most build their professional lives in the dynamic Greater Orlando region, demonstrating how Stetson’s combination of personalized attention, required capstone projects, and professional preparation creates graduates who excel in competitive job markets.

Academic Highlights: As New Jersey’s premier public liberal arts institution, Ramapo College delivers an exceptional student-centered education through 40+ programs across five schools. The college’s commitment to personalized learning shines through its 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 21, fostering close faculty mentorship. Ramapo enhances traditional academics with its signature hands-on approach, offering students over 500 internship opportunities and comprehensive career preparation through its Pathways Program, blending classroom theory with real-world professional experience.

Professional Outcomes: Ramapo graduates achieve an impressive career launch, with 87% employed or in graduate school within one year. Alumni secure positions at major corporations, including JP Morgan Chase, Deloitte, and NBC Universal, earning a strong median salary of $54,540. While 70% enter the workforce immediately, 16% continue their education at top institutions like Rutgers and Villanova. Most build their careers in the dynamic New York City metropolitan area, with others contributing to New Jersey’s professional sectors, demonstrating how Ramapo’s combination of liberal arts foundations and career-focused preparation creates graduates who thrive in competitive markets.

Academic Highlights: As the nation’s only Spiritan institution of higher education, Duquesne University offers students 85+ undergraduate majors across 10 schools within a personalized learning environment featuring a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university distinguishes itself through research opportunities spanning all academic disciplines and unique global study options at its own Rome and Dublin campuses. This combination of intimate classroom experiences, hands-on research, and international perspectives prepares students to become ethical leaders in their fields while maintaining Duquesne’s Catholic mission.

Professional Outcomes: Duquesne graduates achieve exceptional career outcomes, with 92% employed, in graduate school, or serving in volunteer/military positions within six months of graduation. An impressive 92% of employed alumni work in positions directly related to their majors, commanding an average starting salary of $70,810. They launch careers at prestigious organizations, including PwC, Deloitte, and the Cleveland Clinic, while others continue their education at leading institutions like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh. These outstanding results demonstrate how Duquesne’s values-centered education combines academic excellence with professional preparation to create highly sought-after graduates.

Academic Highlights: UArizona undergrads can choose from over 150 majors. A 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to a mix of smaller and larger course sections with 32% of classes having an enrollment of under 20 and 16% possessing 50 or more students. Through the Undergraduate Research & Inquiry Collaborative, students can access dozens of research-related resources and opportunities. Over ninety opportunities to study abroad during the year or in the summer are available, including 14 Arizona Abroad program at locations as varied as Madrid, Tokyo, and Bangkok.

Professional Outcomes: In recent years, some of the top employers hiring Arizona grads have been Raytheon, Banner Health, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Northrop Grumman, Deloitte, and ADP. An astonishing 92% of employers rate Wildcats as coming to their first job with the skills needed to succeed; One in three students stay in Tuscon post-graduation, with Phoenix and Los Angeles also proving popular with Wildcat alumni.

Academic Highlights: There are 175 programs for undergraduates spread across several colleges. The average undergraduate class size is 21, and the student-faculty ratio is a favorable 13-to-1. The great bulk of courses enroll between 10 and 29 students; 11% are single-digit enrollment courses, and only 2% of sections contain more than 50 students. Full-length study abroad opportunities are offered in locations that include Amsterdam, China, Florence, Rome, and Ireland.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of exiting with their diplomas, 92% of recent grads had found employment or a graduate school destination; 77% were employed. Companies employing more than one hundred alums include Northwell Health, Citi, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, EY, and Wells Fargo. The average starting salary was $72,000. Recent grads have matriculated into a wide array of graduate and professional schools including every SUNY/CUNY institution as well as many elite universities like Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, NYU, and Princeton.

Academic Highlights: Rutgers University-Camden provides a distinctive blend of personalized education and research excellence, offering 38 undergraduate majors across four schools with an intimate 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 24. As home to New Jersey’s most extensive research laboratory network, Rutgers-Camden engages 100+ undergraduates in meaningful research annually. The university enhances its curriculum with innovative global learning options, including 15-20 faculty-led Learning Abroad courses each year alongside traditional study abroad programs, creating accessible international experiences for all students.

Professional Outcomes: Rutgers-Camden graduates achieve exceptional outcomes, with 95% employed or in graduate school within six months, earning an impressive average salary of $66,471. Alumni secure positions at elite employers like Apple, Lockheed Martin, and KPMG, while 23% continue their education at top institutions, including Johns Hopkins and Villanova. Most build their careers in the thriving Greater Philadelphia region or throughout New Jersey, demonstrating how Rutgers-Camden’s combination of research opportunities, global perspectives, and personalized attention creates graduates who excel in competitive professional markets.

Academic Highlights: Thomas Jefferson University provides a career-focused education through its 10 colleges and 3 schools, supported by an excellent 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio that ensures 55% of classes maintain fewer than 20 students. With access to 32 hospital campuses and multiple research centers, students gain unparalleled hands-on experience in various fields. Global perspectives are cultivated through 45+ study abroad programs across 35 countries, preparing graduates to lead in an interconnected professional landscape.

Professional Outcomes: Jefferson’s Class of 2024 achieved impressive early outcomes, with 52% securing employment and 43% continuing to graduate programs immediately after commencement. Alumni launch careers at premier healthcare institutions, including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Jefferson Health, while others contribute to leading architecture/engineering firms like HDR and CRB Group. Those pursuing advanced degrees frequently choose top-tier institutions, including Northwestern University and Villanova, with many returning to Jefferson’s own renowned graduate programs, demonstrating the strong foundation provided by the university’s integrated undergraduate experience.

Academic Highlights: College of the Atlantic offers an entirely self-designed curriculum where every student creates their own major in human ecology, supported by an exceptional 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of just 12. This innovative academic model attracts a globally diverse student body from 40 states and 45 countries, with over half studying abroad while at COA. The program culminates in a capstone senior project completed by all students, ensuring deep engagement with their chosen field. COA’s hands-on approach extends beyond the classroom, with 100% of students completing a 440-hour internship as part of their degree requirements.

Professional Outcomes: COA graduates achieve remarkable success, with 74% employed or 23 % in graduate school shortly after graduation. Alumni pursue advanced degrees at elite institutions including Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, with over 60% continuing to graduate studies within five years. They make meaningful impacts at organizations like UNICEF, National Geographic, and the National Park Service, demonstrating how COA’s unique human ecology focus prepares graduates to address complex global challenges. These outcomes validate the college’s distinctive educational model that combines academic freedom with rigorous practical experience.

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ majors and minors to select from at Cornell College (not to be confused with Cornell University). Cornell implements a distinctive block plan where students only take one class at a time for 18 days, allowing for in-depth exploration. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1 and 88% of recent graduates completed undergraduate research.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of students have found their workplace or postsecondary home within one year of earning their degree. Employers of the most alumni include Wells Fargo, University of Iowa Health Care, Collins Aerospace, Walmart, and Microsoft. The median salary for graduates early in their careers was $65,100.

Academic Highlights: Mizzou offers students one of the most comprehensive public university experiences with 97 undergraduate majors and 300+ total degree programs across 10 schools and colleges. The university combines large-research-university resources with surprising intimacy—43% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students (12% with single-digit sections)—supported by a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Early research thrives through initiatives like the Summer Research Exposure Program for underclassmen, while global perspectives expand via study abroad programs in 50+ countries. This dynamic learning environment serves a diverse community representing all 50 states and 100+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: Mizzou graduates achieve strong career momentum, with 64% employed and 19% pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation. The university serves as Missouri’s leading educator and employer, with alumni contributing significantly to University of Missouri Health Care (the state’s largest hospital system), Columbia Public Schools, and global enterprises like Boeing and PwC. Most graduates continuing their education choose Mizzou’s own highly-ranked graduate programs or other Missouri institutions, demonstrating the university’s dual role as both the state’s premier talent pipeline and a springboard to national career opportunities.

Academic Highlights: The University of Mary Washington offers students a robust liberal arts education through 51 majors and 48 minors, all supported by an excellent 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This personalized learning environment shines in the classroom—58% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students—while fostering strong undergraduate research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences. The university attracts a geographically diverse student body from 33 states and 15 countries, creating dynamic academic exchanges on campus.

Professional Outcomes: Mary Washington graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 66% employed and 20% pursuing advanced degrees shortly after graduation. Alumni contribute to prominent organizations, including Northrop Grumman, KPMG, and The Walt Disney Company. Most alumni build their careers in the Washington DC-Baltimore corridor, with median earnings of $61,000 after ten years, demonstrating the lasting value of UMW’s blend of liberal arts foundation and professional preparation.

Academic Highlights: Alabama manages to keep classes on the smaller side, with 48% enrolling under 20 students and 64% enrolling under 30. Each year, more UA students choose to pursue research opportunities; participation in the annual Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity conference has increased by over 30% since 2022. Historically, only a small percentage of undergrads study abroad—about 5% each year—but hundreds of options are available, and the university directly partners with nearly 30 programs in 13 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 92% of alumni have already achieved a positive result; 58% go into the working world and one-third enter graduate/professional school. Top employers include Amazon, AT&T, Capital One, Dell Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing. The average salary for a Class of 2023 grad was $61,738. For grad school, the highest number of students stay at Alabama while many others enroll at Vanderbilt, LSU, and the University of Mississippi.

Academic Highlights: Forty percent of classes actually have fewer than 20 students, while 19% of courses enroll 50 or more students. Opportunities to connect with faculty for research opportunities span all majors and fields of study. The school also offers the Discovery Learning Apprenticeship Program, which enables engineering students to conduct paid faculty-mentored research. Over 2,200 students per year participate in the credit- bearing Education Abroad program that offers hundreds of destinations within 60 countries around the world.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of leaving CU Boulder, 83% of recent grads were working or in graduate school. 47% of graduates earned between $50k and $75k, with the greatest number working at Lockheed Martin, Charles Schwab, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, and RS&H. More than 100 alumni can also be found at Google, Amazon, Apple, Oracle, and Microsoft. 25% of new grads immediately jumped into an advanced degree program, and 93% were accepted into their first-choice school.

Academic Highlights: The New School delivers an exceptionally personalized education through its 45 undergraduate majors across five distinguished colleges, all supported by an outstanding 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This intimate learning environment fosters close mentorship and intellectual collaboration, amplified by 34 specialized research centers that connect academia with real-world challenges. The university’s academic excellence is further demonstrated by an impressive 30-year streak of Fulbright Awards, showcasing its commitment to producing globally engaged scholars and creative thinkers.

Professional Outcomes: New School graduates achieve remarkable career momentum, with 81% securing employment or entering graduate programs within their first post-graduation year. While many leverage their education into successful freelance careers, others launch at premier organizations, including the United Nations, NBC Universal, and JP Morgan Chase. The university’s emphasis on critical thinking and innovation yields strong financial returns – alumni earn median salaries of $70,400 early in their careers, nearly doubling to $134,500 at mid-career. These outcomes reflect The New School’s unique ability to prepare graduates for leadership across creative industries, global organizations, and the knowledge economy.

Academic Highlights: All students must complete a minimum of twenty-nine credits in General Studies courses.  They must also meet requirements in three “awareness areas”: Cultural Diversity in the United States, Global Awareness, and Historical Awareness. There are plenty of opportunities for experiential learning as close to half of undergrads engage in research, land an internship, or have a practicum experience as part of their academic program.

Professional Outcomes: A healthy 89% percent of ASU graduates looking for work are employed within six months of earning their degrees. The median salary for an ASU grad is roughly $55,000. Among the school’s top fifty employers are Starbucks, the U.S. Air Force, Amazon, and the Intel Corporation. Most graduates settle in the Greater Phoenix area, with Tempe, Phoenix, and Los Angeles rounding out the list of the top three cities where recent alumni can be found.

Academic Highlights: The University of Rhode Island attracts students from 47 states and 68 countries with its 100+ majors and minors and a favorable 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. More than one-third (37%) of undergraduate classes maintain an intimate learning environment with 19 or fewer students. URI strongly emphasizes hands-on learning through its Office of Undergraduate Research and Innovation, which provides competitive grants ($1,000-$4,000) for student-led research, creative, and artistic projects across all disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: URI graduates quickly launch successful careers, with 67% entering the workforce and 15% continuing to graduate school immediately after commencement. Alumni frequently join prominent organizations like Lifespan, Fidelity Investments, and General Dynamics, while healthcare graduates often find positions at Yale New Haven Health and Massachusetts General Hospital. For those pursuing advanced degrees, 39% remain at URI, with others attending well-regarded institutions such as Boston University, Northeastern University, and Johnson & Wales University.

Academic Highlights:
The University of Mississippi offers more than 190 undergraduate programs across 12 colleges and schools, providing students with a wide range of academic paths. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, students benefit from personalized attention and support. The university also houses the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which helps students transform ideas into real-world ventures through mentorship, funding, and experiential learning. Global learning is a significant part of the academic experience, with access to 1,136 study abroad programs in 80 countries.

Professional Outcomes:
Within six months of graduation, 81% of University of Mississippi graduates are employed, enrolled in graduate school, or both, with 45% employed and 37% pursuing further education. More than half of graduates choose to remain in Mississippi. The median salary for recent graduates is $48,000. Top employers hiring Ole Miss alumni include DeSoto County Public Schools, South Panola School District, Amazon Web Services, FedEx, and Baptist Memorial Hospital. Among those pursuing advanced degrees, most continue their studies at the University of Mississippi.

Academic Highlights: Loyola University Chicago offers students a comprehensive liberal arts foundation through 80+ majors and minors across 13 distinguished schools and colleges. With 42% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, Loyola ensures personalized mentorship within its rigorous Core Curriculum while providing global learning opportunities through 50+ study abroad programs—including its historic John Felice Rome Center, the oldest continuously operated American university program in Italy. The university’s commitment to discovery is further demonstrated through 45 specialized research institutes that engage undergraduates in meaningful scholarship.

Professional Outcomes: Loyola graduates achieve exceptional career success, with 96% securing positive outcomes, 82% employed at industry leaders like Apple, NBCUniversal, and PwC, with median salaries of $53,284, while 14% pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions including Northwestern and Marquette. These outcomes reflect Loyola’s powerful integration of liberal arts critical thinking with professional preparation, preparing graduates to excel in Chicago’s dynamic economy and beyond while maintaining the university’s strong tradition of educating leaders.

Academic Highlights: SUNY New Paltz offers students expansive academic opportunities with 100+ undergraduate degrees across six specialized schools. A 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports a learning environment where 79% of classes maintain fewer than 30 students, fostering meaningful engagement and mentorship. Global perspectives are cultivated through study abroad programs spanning six continents, preparing graduates to thrive in an interconnected world.

Professional Outcomes: SUNY New Paltz’s graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 57% employed and 26% enrolled in graduate programs within six months of graduation. Alumni are building successful careers with leading employers, including the NYC Department of Education, IBM, Northwell Health, and JPMorgan Chase, with most contributing to the vibrant New York metropolitan area. These professional achievements, combined with median earnings of $58,000 after ten years, demonstrate the enduring value of the university’s career-focused education and global perspective.

Academic Highlights: UMass Lowell offers students an expansive academic experience with 120+ undergraduate majors across five colleges, serving a diverse community representing all 50 states and 118 countries. The university maintains an ideal balance of resources and personal attention through its 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with 46% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students. Global perspectives flourish through 300+ study abroad programs, preparing graduates to thrive in an interconnected world.

Professional Outcomes: UMass Lowell delivers exceptional career preparation, guaranteeing every undergraduate at least one paid career-connected experience. Graduates build successful careers with industry leaders, including Raytheon, Pfizer, and Microsoft, while many contribute to the university itself as faculty and staff. Most alumni establish roots in the Greater Boston area, with median earnings of $65,000 after ten years, demonstrating the strong return on investment of a UMass Lowell education in New England’s innovation economy.

Academic Highlights: SUNY Purchase delivers a distinctive public liberal arts education, offering 48 majors and 38 minors within an intentionally intimate learning environment. True to its liberal arts mission, 72% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, supported by an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 18. While 81% of students hail from New York, the campus community represents 41 states and 35 countries, creating dynamic exchanges between local perspectives and global viewpoints.

Professional Outcomes: Purchase graduates thrive in diverse fields, with 90% achieving success through employment (87%) or graduate study (12%). The college’s emphasis on experiential learning proves transformative, with 92% of students completing hands-on opportunities, preparing them for impactful careers. Alumni contribute significantly to the New York economy with organizations like the NYC Department of Education, while others excel at global innovators like Apple and Amazon. Many build rewarding independent practices, demonstrating the versatility of a Purchase education in today’s evolving professional landscape.

Academic Highlights: Undergrads pursue one of 94 bachelor’s programs offered through the 11 (of 16) colleges that grant undergraduate degrees. While 19% of classes at UIC do, indeed, enroll more than 50 students, two-thirds enroll fewer than 29. Ten percent of courses are taught by teaching assistants, but 90% of full-time faculty here have a PhD. Opportunities to engage in undergraduate research will not be handed to you, as at some liberal arts colleges, but the Undergraduate Research Experience, a university-wide program, does connect motivated students with 400+ faculty researchers in dozens of departments. Those interested in studying abroad have access to 175+ programs in 48 countries.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2023 had a 98% success rate six months after graduation, with 20% enrolling directly in graduate school. By volume, the largest employer of UIC grads is Chicago Public Schools. More than 100 alumni can also be found employed by Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Google, Discover, Apple, and McDonald’s. The average salary for a 2023 grad was a solid $69k. Over 90% of recent grads began their careers within the state of Illinois; locations in California, Wisconsin, and Texas were next on the list.

Academic Highlights: There are more than 130 undergraduate majors at the nation’s largest Catholic research university. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1 and 38% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students. Special study abroad initiatives like FY@broad cater to first-year students, while Identities Abroad programs focus on diversity and inclusion, providing scholarships to support underrepresented students. The university rates well in the areas of overall value and facilitating social mobility.

Professional Outcomes: 90% of recent graduates found their next positive step in life within six months of being awarded their diploma. 78% were employed earning a modest median salary of $45,000. Sample employers included JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, Discover, AbbVie, Amazon, and United Airways, as well as a number of nonprofit entities. Less than 10% of DePaul graduates directly enter graduate or professional school right after completing their undergraduate education.

Academic Highlights: With a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio and more part-time than full-time faculty, one-on-one bonding time with your professors is at a premium. Single-digit classes are a rarity, and only 29% of courses have 19 or fewer enrolled students. All students at Baruch have to complete a 45-credit sequence of required courses, but there is some choice within the broad boxes that need to be checked.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 81% of the Class of 2023 were already employed. The average salary for Arts & Sciences grads was $61,163 while Zicklin School of Business grads earned $73,566. The top employers of 2023 grads were JP Morgan (32), PwC (31), KPMG (26), Citi (19), and Bank of America (19).  28% of recent graduates chose to pursue further education.

Academic Highlights: Florida International University provides students with comprehensive academic opportunities through 116 undergraduate programs across 11 colleges and schools. While maintaining an accessible 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio, FIU ensures personalized learning experiences with 34% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students. The university’s robust research ecosystem, featuring 40+ specialized centers and institutes, offers undergraduates exceptional opportunities for hands-on discovery and innovation.

Professional Outcomes: FIU graduates form the backbone of South Florida’s professional workforce, with strong representation at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Baptist Health, and Miami-Dade County government. Alumni also excel at global corporations like Microsoft and Royal Caribbean Group, while maintaining deep roots in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale region. With median earnings of $60,000 after ten years, FIU demonstrates its powerful role in developing talent for Florida’s growing economy and beyond.

Academic Highlights: With more than 100 majors available across six undergraduate colleges, Iowa State has no shortage of academic pathways to explore. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, yet courses are a mix of large and small. 31% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students and 23% enroll more than 50. Iowa State University offers extensive undergraduate research opportunities across all disciplines, coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression. For example, students can participate in programs such as the Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA), which provides paid positions for juniors and seniors to engage in faculty-mentored research projects.

Professional Outcomes: Ninety-four percent of the Class of 2023 enjoyed positive career outcomes, with 79% employed and 15% continuing their education. Popular employers include John Deere, Principal Financial Group, Amazon, Collins Aerospace, Corteva Agriscience, Bayer, Cargill, and Microsoft. Most remain in Iowa after graduation but many also move to Minnesota, Chicago, California, or Texas. The average starting salary for the most recent engineering cohort was $77,260.

Academic Highlights: Students can select from 150+ bachelor’s degrees at App State. A reasonable 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to 39% of all course sections having fewer than 20 students and just 8% enrolling 50 or more. Students can engage in faculty-mentored projects through programs like the Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA), which provides paid positions to support faculty research. Additionally, students are encouraged to present their work at events such as the annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors.

Professional Outcomes: Within one year of graduating, 86% of those surveyed have arrived at their next destination. Alumni go on to work in large numbers for Wells Fargo, Lowe’s, Bank of America, Atrium Health, Novant Health, and Duke Energy Corporation. For the 28% of grads pursuing further education, alumni enrolled in programs at UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and East Carolina University.

Academic Highlights: Maine Maritime Academy delivers unparalleled career-focused education through 11 majors and 16 minors designed to develop practical maritime skills. With an exceptional 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students gain hands-on experience aboard training ships, commercial vessels, and research platforms, transforming classroom theory into real-world competence. This immersive approach to maritime education combines rigorous academics with intensive practical training, preparing graduates to immediately contribute to global maritime industries.

Professional Outcomes: MMA graduates achieve extraordinary career success, with over 90% securing industry positions within 90 days of graduation. Alumni command key roles at leading maritime employers, including General Dynamics, Crowley Maritime, and Transocean, while many choose to strengthen Maine’s vital maritime sector in the Portland metropolitan area. These outstanding outcomes demonstrate how MMA’s unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on training produces highly skilled professionals.

Academic Highlights: Emmanuel College delivers a values-based Catholic education through 80+ majors, minors, and concentrations across five schools, combining academic rigor with exceptional professional preparation. The college’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters close mentorship in an intimate learning environment that attracts students from 37 states and 38 countries. Emmanuel stands out for requiring all students to complete at least one internship, while also offering global perspectives through study abroad programs in 65+ countries via 15 program providers. This powerful blend of classroom learning, hands-on experience, and cultural engagement prepares graduates to excel in their careers and communities.

Professional Outcomes: Emmanuel graduates achieve outstanding results, with 93% employed, in graduate school, or serving in volunteer/military positions shortly after commencement. An impressive 97% of graduates applying to graduate school gain acceptance, while others launch careers at Boston’s premier healthcare institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. These exceptional outcomes demonstrate how Emmanuel’s unique integration of liberal arts education with guaranteed experiential learning produces graduates who are immediately competitive in Boston’s world-class job market and beyond.

Academic Highlights: The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers students a dynamic academic experience with 90+ undergraduate programs across five colleges, blending rigorous coursework with hands-on learning. With an average class size of 27 and 38% of courses enrolling fewer than 20 students, UNCW fosters close faculty mentorship while emphasizing real-world application through internships, research, study abroad, and community projects. Undergraduate research opportunities span all disciplines, allowing students to engage in meaningful scholarship.

Professional Outcomes: UNCW graduates thrive in North Carolina’s key industries, with 200+ alumni contributing to major employers like PPD, Novant Health, and nCino. Most build careers in the Greater Wilmington region, while others strengthen professional networks in the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) and Charlotte metro areas. These outcomes reflect UNCW’s success in preparing graduates for high-demand fields through its coastal location, partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, and focus on applied skills.

Academics: While class sizes aren’t small, 31% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and 67% of classes are kept under fifty students. There are numerous opportunities for undergraduate research through programs like the McNair Scholars Program, the Biology Undergraduate Research Program, and the Provost’s Undergraduate Fellowship. All in all, 50% of Aggies engage in some type of research/creative project outside the classroom, and over 700 present at the annual undergraduate research conference.

Professional Outcomes: Many recent grads found homes in Silicon Valley or other California-based employers. Corporations employing 200 or more Aggies include Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Salesforce, LinkedIn, and Tesla. Graduates earn a median salary of $79,000 at the beginning of their careers, but ten years out of school, median earnings rise to $147k. Most Aggies reside in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Sacramento, Davis, and Los Angeles proving popular with graduates as well.

Academic Highlights: Illinois Tech has 50+ undergraduate majors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1, but with so many graduate students to serve, undergraduate course sections are not small across the board; rather, they vary from single-digit enrollment in 22% of sections to 40+ students in 16% of courses. An Illinois Tech education provides many opportunities for students to have close contact with faculty. For example, the Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) Program features “teams of students from a variety of majors that develop solutions to real-world problems using design-centered methodology and innovative thinking.” Completing two IPROs is a graduation requirement. The Elevate program connects students with undergraduate research and other experiential learning opportunities as early as freshman year.

Professional Outcomes: Eighty-seven percent of Illinois Tech grads in 2023 enjoyed a positive career/grad school outcome within six months of earning their degree. Major corporations that hired recent graduates include Northrup Grumman Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Navistar, Amazon, Accenture, and JP Morgan Chase. The median starting salary is $75,921. Class of 2023 grads pursued further education at institutions such as Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern, UI Chicago, and NYU.

Academic Highlights: The College of Charleston offers students expansive academic opportunities with 67 majors, 81 minors, and 3 certificates across nine distinct schools. While maintaining an accessible 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the college ensures personalized attention with 36% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students. This vibrant academic community brings together students from all 50 states and 72 countries. The annual College of Charleston Expo serves as the culminating showcase for undergraduate research across disciplines, highlighting the institution’s commitment to scholarly inquiry.

Professional Outcomes: College of Charleston graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 78% employed and 18% enrolled in graduate programs within six months of graduation. Alumni frequently join leading employers, including the Medical University of South Carolina, Blackbaud, Wells Fargo, and Google, with most building their careers in the Charleston area. These professional achievements, combined with median earnings of $56,000 after ten years, demonstrate the lasting value of the college’s blend of liberal arts foundation and career preparation in a historic, economically vibrant city.

Academic Highlights: The University of Kentucky stands as one of only eight U.S. universities to combine a full spectrum of liberal arts, engineering, professional, agricultural, and medical programs on a single contiguous campus. With 200+ academic programs across 16 colleges and schools, UK offers unparalleled academic breadth while maintaining an accessible 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students benefit from personalized attention in 38% of classes that enroll fewer than 20 students, alongside opportunities at 70+ research centers that drive innovation across disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: UK’s Class of 2023 achieved strong career outcomes, with 46% entering the workforce at leading employers like UK Healthcare, Fidelity Investments, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, earning median salaries of $55,890. Another 35% pursued advanced degrees, predominantly within Kentucky’s academic network, choosing UK, University of Louisville, and Northern Kentucky University, demonstrating the university’s dual role as both the state’s premier educator and its most significant talent pipeline for professional and graduate education.

Academic Highlights: With a very high 29:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes at UCF are fairly large as 23% contain 50 or more students. There are 100+ undergraduate majors at this institution. Those interested in research can kickstart such relationships through the Office of Undergraduate Research’s one-credit Introduction to Research & Creative Scholarship Opportunities. Ultimately, 26% of all undergraduates engage in research during their time at the university. For those set on an international experience, 71 exchange programs are available in 28 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Popular industries for UCF grads include operations, business, education, healthcare, and engineering. Over 1000 alumni work at Lockheed Martin, AdventHealth, Orlando Health, Universal Orlando, and The Walt Disney Company. The median salary for grads across all majors early in their careers is $63,700. Florida is the most popular destination of choice followed by California, Georgia, New York, and Texas.

Academic Highlights: Mason aims to make every one of its graduates an “engaged citizen and well-rounded scholar who is prepared to act.” Toward that goal, it requires a journey through the “Mason Core,” a forty-three-credit collection of foundation, exploration, and integration requirements. Thirty-two percent of sections enroll nineteen or fewer students, 14% have fifty or more students, and the remaining sections lie in between. More intimate educational experiences can be sought in the form of undergraduate research, which roughly half of all students ultimately engage in some form. There are plenty of summer research opportunities, but you can also take courses designated as Discovery of Scholarship, Scholarly Inquiry, or Research & Scholarship Intensive that offer built-in supervised research.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after receiving their degrees, 87% of the class of 2023 had accepted a job offer or started work in a graduate program. GMU grads flow into major consulting firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and Accenture, as well as Capital One, Goldman Sachs, General Dynamics, IBM, and Microsoft. Mason graduates earn a median salary of $74,000, with 83% of grads employed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.

Academic Highlights: Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) delivers a rigorous, hands-on education through 24 undergraduate majors and nine graduate programs, all supported by an exceptional 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. With an average class size of 19 and over one-third of courses enrolling fewer than 20 students, MSOE ensures personalized mentorship from day one—no large lecture halls required. The university’s distinctive “applied learning” model prioritizes real-world skills, offering more lab spaces than traditional classrooms to provide unparalleled technical training.

Professional Outcomes: This school has a lot to brag about in terms of postgraduation outcomes, starting with a 98% placement rate and an average starting salary of $75,532. Students regularly take advantage of the Career Connections Center and connect with the school’s corporate partners, which include Cognex, Miller Electric, HED, Associated Bank, Milwaukee Tool, Badger Meter, Generac, Hydrite, Nordco, and ULINE.

Academic Highlights: Florida Institute of Technology offers students an exceptional STEM-focused education through 200+ degree programs across four colleges, all supported by an intimate 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This personalized approach shines in the classroom, where nearly half of all courses maintain fewer than 19 students, creating ideal conditions for mentorship and hands-on learning. Florida Tech’s elite status as one of only 46 Astronaut Scholarship Foundation partner universities underscores its strength in aerospace and engineering education, providing unique opportunities for students to connect with space industry leaders.

Professional Outcomes: Florida Tech graduates achieve outstanding career trajectories, with 94% securing employment or graduate school placement (62% enter the workforce and 32% continue their education). The university serves as a top talent pipeline for aerospace and defense leaders, including NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, as well as tech innovators like L3Harris. These industry connections yield impressive financial returns: alumni command median salaries of $74,500 early in their careers, growing to $126,400 by mid-career—proof of Florida Tech’s ability to launch high-value STEM careers in today’s competitive technological landscape.

Academic Highlights: Thanks to the almost exclusive emphasis on undergraduate instruction as well as those favorable numbers, 95% of courses enroll 29 or fewer students. The average class size is just 15 students. One area where this college flat-out excels is in connecting students to hands-on undergraduate research opportunities; a stunning 65% of students complete original research in their field of study. The majority of students do not study abroad during their four years, but 20% do take a semester in an international location.

Professional Outcomes: Asheville rates well when it comes to generating a high degree of social mobility. Employers snagging the greatest number of Bulldog alumni include Mission Health, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and a number of local school districts. UNC Asheville alumni stay in the Greater Asheville area after graduation, with the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area and the Charlotte metro area also proving popular.

Academic Highlights: Louisiana State University provides one of the nation’s most comprehensive academic catalogs with 330 fields of study spanning virtually every discipline. While maintaining an accessible 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, LSU delivers surprisingly personalized attention—43% of classes enroll 19 or fewer students. The university excels in early research engagement through programs like LSU Freshman Explorers, where first-year students receive paid research training and faculty mentorship. Global learning thrives with 110+ study abroad locations, ensuring students can complement their Baton Rouge education with international perspectives.

Professional Outcomes: Tigers roar into successful careers, with 60% of graduates entering the workforce at top employers like Chevron, Deloitte, and Ochsner Health, while 19% pursue advanced degrees. Alumni command strong average starting salaries of $69,446—particularly impressive for the Gulf South region. While many continue their education within the LSU system, others ascend to prestigious programs at Tulane, Loyola New Orleans, and the University of Houston, demonstrating the portability of an LSU degree across competitive professional and academic markets.

Academic Highlights: There are more than 100 majors at the University of Nebraska and students enjoy a mix of smaller classes (47% have fewer than 20 students) and larger ones (20% have more than 50). The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers robust undergraduate research opportunities across all majors through programs like UCARE, which funds student-led projects under faculty mentorship, and FYRE, designed to introduce first-year students to research

Professional Outcomes: Businesses employing more than 100 graduates each include Mutual of Omaha, Kiewit, Fiserv, Union Pacific Railroad, Olsson, and Hudl. Median pay for graduates early in their career is $64,900 and most Cornhuskers remain in Nebraska post-graduation, settling in Lincoln and Omaha.

Academic Highlights: Michigan Tech stands as the Great Lakes State’s premier STEM institution, offering 120 degree programs and 86 minors across cutting-edge technological fields. With an excellent 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, nearly half (46%) of all classes maintain an intimate sub-20 student enrollment, ensuring meaningful faculty interaction. The university’s research enterprise spans 15 specialized centers tackling critical challenges across 13 focus areas, while global opportunities abound—including the transformative Semester at Sea program that takes Huskies on a 100-day voyage to up to 12 emerging nations.

Professional Outcomes: Michigan Tech’s industry connections yield exceptional results, with 93% of alumni successfully placed and commanding a strong median starting salary of $71,516. The university’s career fairs attract 400+ companies annually, creating pipelines to automotive leaders like GM, Ford, and Stellantis; heavy industry titans Caterpillar and Cummins; and healthcare technology developers like Medtronic. These outcomes validate Michigan Tech’s hands-on approach to technological education, producing graduates who immediately contribute to America’s industrial and energy sectors.

Academic Highlights: Kansas State University offers 250+ majors, minors, and certificates across a broad range of disciplines, combining the breadth of a large public university with a surprisingly intimate classroom experience—46% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio stands at 18:1. Through the Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry, Wildcats can dive into mentored projects, present at symposia, and secure grants to fund their work, ensuring hands-on learning complements rigorous academics.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 96% of K-State alumni are employed or enrolled in further education. Top employers for recent grads include industry leaders like Burns & McDonnell, Cargill, Garmin, and Koch Industries, with 30% earning starting salaries above $70,000. For those pursuing advanced degrees, popular destinations include K-State itself, the University of Kansas, and the University of Missouri, reflecting the university’s strong regional and professional networks.

Academic Highlights: SDSU has nearly 160 undergraduate majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. Classes tend to be on the large side—27% of course sections enroll more than 40 students, and only 28% of sections contain fewer than 20 students. The Undergraduate Research Program pairs students with faculty mentors to work on research, scholarship, or creative projects. In total, 1,740 undergrads are involved in research every year. An incredible 700 study abroad programs can be accessed and the school ranks third in the country in terms of the sheer number of students taking a semester in a foreign country.

Professional Outcomes: At the time of receiving their degrees, roughly 75% of newly minted SDSU graduates already have their next phase of life planned. Thirty-four percent of recent grads had secured full-time employment, 21% were engaged in military service/volunteer work/part-time employment, and 17% were entering graduate or professional school. Recent employers of SDSU grads include Marriott, Vanguard, Google, Sherwin Williams, Disney, Deloitte, Chase, and the City of San Diego. San Diego keeps 65% of grads while Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County also have fairly strong representation.

Academic Highlights: Virginia Commonwealth University combines the resources of a major public research institution (200+ academic programs) with surprising accessibility, maintaining a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows 35% of classes to cap at just 19 students. This balance of scale and personal attention serves a remarkably diverse community representing 46 states and 138 countries, creating dynamic learning environments where global perspectives thrive.

Professional Outcomes: VCU graduates find strong career success, with 41% securing employment and 22% entering graduate programs immediately after commencement. An impressive 87% express satisfaction with their outcomes, and 78% choose to build their careers within Virginia—including 34% in Richmond itself. The university serves as a vital talent pipeline for the state’s leading institutions, with alumni making significant contributions to VCU Health, Capital One, Sentara Health, and Dominion Energy, earning median salaries of $50,000. These outcomes demonstrate VCU’s dual impact as both an economic engine for Virginia and a launchpad for professional achievement.

Academic Highlights: Colorado State University provides students with a dynamic academic environment offering 74 undergraduate degree programs supported by a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. While 33% of courses maintain an intimate setting with fewer than 20 students, another 22% feature larger lecture-style classes, creating diverse learning experiences. CSU shines in hands-on learning, with 5,000+ undergraduates engaging in research annually and one in four students gaining global perspectives through study abroad or international programs—demonstrating the university’s commitment to experiential education at scale.

Professional Outcomes: CSU graduates achieve remarkable career success, with 90% of the Class of 2023 securing employment or graduate school placement within six months. An impressive 72% completed internships, contributing to strong outcomes where 87% landed jobs aligned with their career goals, and 69% overall were employed. Alumni thrive at industry leaders like Lockheed Martin, Deloitte, and Fidelity Investments, while those continuing their education frequently choose top public research universities, including the University of Colorado system, Arizona State, and the University of Washington. With an average starting salary of $57,461, CSU proves the value of its academic programs.

Academic Highlights: Mississippi State University delivers a comprehensive academic experience with 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs across nine colleges. The university maintains an ideal balance of resources and personal attention—its 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports classroom environments where 45% of sections have fewer than 20 students, while only 14% exceed 50 enrollees. This thoughtful approach ensures students benefit from both close faculty interaction and the dynamic energy of larger lectures when appropriate.

Professional Outcomes: MSU graduates hit the ground running—95% of the Class of 2024 secured employment or graduate school placement immediately after commencement. The majority (69%) launched careers with top employers like International Paper, Paccar, and federal agencies like the U.S. Air Force and the USDA, while 27% pursued advanced degrees. Bulldogs enjoy strong financial returns, with median earnings equaling $64,600 early in careers and nearly doubling to $113,900 by mid-career, demonstrating the lasting value of an MSU education in today’s competitive job market.

Academic Highlights: Washington State University offers students exceptional academic flexibility with 103 majors and 71 minors, all supported by an outstanding 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This commitment to personalized education is reflected in class sizes, where 35% of courses maintain an intimate learning environment with 19 or fewer students, nearly double the number of large lectures (19% with 50+ students). Undergraduates can engage in meaningful research through the Research Scholars program starting as early as freshman year, while global opportunities abound with study abroad programs in 70 countries. WSU’s academic excellence is further validated by its faculty, which includes some of the world’s most influential researchers (top 1% of most-cited scholars).

Professional Outcomes: WSU graduates launch impressive careers with leading employers, including Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, along with regional powerhouses like Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Starbucks. The university’s career outcomes shine particularly bright in the long term, with alumni reaching an average mid-career salary of $124,000—a testament to the strong return on investment from a WSU degree.

Academic Highlights: Hunter College offers more than 100 undergraduate programs across five schools, combining breadth with accessibility. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, over one-third of classes maintain an intimate enrollment of fewer than 20 students. Undergraduates engage in hands-on research through the college’s numerous centers and institutes, spanning fields from urban policy to biomedical sciences. The campus’s global character is underscored by its diverse student body, representing 108 countries, while its Manhattan location provides unparalleled access to cultural and academic resources.

Professional Outcomes: Hunter graduates launch careers at leading New York institutions, including the NYC Board of Education, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, NYU Langone Health, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Northwell Health. Early-career alumni report a median salary of $67,400, reflecting the strong demand for their skills. The majority choose to build their lives in New York City, leveraging Hunter’s deep local networks.

Academic Highlights: There are eleven undergraduate colleges and schools at RIT, and the co-op program is the fourth oldest in the country; most students complete a one- or two-semester paid learning experience. RIT’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a genuine commitment to undergraduate teaching lead to a respectable 46% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students, and only 5% of courses contain more than 50 students. Additionally, RIT provides an array of undergraduate research opportunities including the the 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates program, and the Undergraduate Research Symposium that sees 150+ students give presentations in a given academic year. 600+ opportunities exist to study, work, or research abroad, and RIT has four campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 93% of grads had found employment or a full-time graduate program. Major companies presently employing more than 500 RIT alums include Microsoft and Paychex. Between 200 and 500 employees of Amazon, Apple, Google, IBM, and Intel were educated at RIT. The average starting salary was $75,600, which is $12,ooo more than the national average. Class of 2023 grads pursued further education at universities including Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.

Academic Highlights: Towson University provides students with exceptional academic choices through 110+ majors, concentrations, and tracks across diverse disciplines. The university maintains an ideal 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, creating a balanced learning environment where 36% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students (average class size: 24) and only 2% exceed 50 students. This thoughtful approach ensures students benefit from both personalized attention and the dynamic energy of medium-sized classes.

Professional Outcomes: Towson’s Class of 2024 achieved outstanding results, with 90% securing positive outcomes within six months—79% employed in Maryland and 17% enrolled in graduate programs at institutions like Georgetown and Johns Hopkins. Graduates command strong average starting salaries of $60,840 while contributing to top employers, including Northrop Grumman, Morgan Stanley, and Booz Allen Hamilton. These outcomes demonstrate TU’s dual strength as both Maryland’s workforce engine and a springboard to elite graduate programs.

Academic Highlights: Oregon State University spans 11 colleges and graduate schools, including an Honors College, offering students over 300 academic programs to explore. While 28% of classes maintain an intimate setting with fewer than 20 students, another 21% are larger sections with over 50 students, providing diverse learning environments. The university fosters hands-on research through initiatives like URSA Engage, administered by the Office of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and the Arts (URSA), which connects first- and second-year students with faculty mentors for early research opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 71% of recent OSU alumni were either employed or pursuing graduate studies, with 59% entering the workforce and 10% continuing their education. College of Business graduates frequently land positions at top-tier companies such as Nike, Boeing, and Deloitte, while alumni across all majors secure roles at tech giants like Amazon, Google, and NVIDIA, showcasing the university’s strong industry connections.

Academic Highlights: Texas Tech University offers a comprehensive academic experience with 150+ degree programs across 10 colleges, supported by 1,900 faculty members. While the 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio reflects the university’s large size, students still benefit from personalized attention in smaller classes—31% of course sections enroll fewer than 20 students. Undergraduate research is strongly supported through the Center for Transformative Undergraduate Experiences (TrUE), which provides research funding, professional development workshops, and an annual showcase at the Undergraduate Research Conference.

Professional Outcomes: Texas Tech graduates launch successful careers at top-tier companies, including Dell Technologies, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, and Oracle. The university’s career preparation delivers exceptional financial returns, with alumni earning median salaries of $70,400 in early career roles, climbing to $128,900 at mid-career. These strong outcomes reflect Texas Tech’s strategic alignment with high-growth sectors, with many graduates securing positions in Texas’s booming economy and national industry leaders.

Academic Highlights: The University of Houston provides students with expansive academic opportunities through nearly 117 degree programs across 16 colleges, serving a globally diverse community from 137 nations. While maintaining an accessible 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, UH ensures personalized learning experiences with one-third of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students and 70% enrolling fewer than 40 students. The university’s research excellence is demonstrated through 12 national research centers, while global perspectives are cultivated via study abroad programs in 39 countries.

Professional Outcomes: UH graduates demonstrate impressive early career momentum, with 19% securing full-time positions and 9% entering graduate programs by commencement day. Alumni are transforming Houston’s professional landscape at leading employers, including Houston Methodist, Baylor College of Medicine, and Spring Branch ISD, while others launch careers with global firms like JPMorgan Chase. Those pursuing advanced degrees predominantly choose top Texas institutions, with the highest percentages continuing at UH itself, followed by Baylor College of Medicine, Rice, UT Austin, and Texas A&M – a testament to the strong reputation of a UH education within the state’s academic and professional networks.

Academic Highlights: The University of Idaho provides students with a comprehensive selection of over 105 undergraduate majors in a personalized learning environment. With a favorable 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, roughly two-thirds of undergraduate courses maintain intimate class sizes of 19 or fewer students. The university emphasizes hands-on learning, offering research opportunities to all majors and fostering close faculty mentorship, evidenced by two-thirds of undergraduates collaborating with professors on projects beyond regular coursework. This commitment to experiential education prepares students for both professional success and advanced academic pursuits.

Professional Outcomes: University of Idaho graduates achieve strong post-graduation outcomes, with 67% employed and 15% continuing their education. Alumni are making an impact at leading organizations such as Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Micron, and the USDA Forest Service, as well as local institutions like the Idaho National Laboratory and West Ada School District. Those pursuing advanced degrees frequently choose Washington State University, Boise State University, or continue at the University of Idaho itself. Most graduates establish careers in the thriving Boise metropolitan area, contributing to Idaho’s growing economy and workforce.

Academic Highlights: UNC Charlotte provides a comprehensive public university experience with 170+ undergraduate majors across eight colleges, serving a diverse student body from 47 states and 100+ countries. While maintaining an accessible 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the university ensures personalized opportunities—28% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students—alongside the dynamic energy of its average 35-student classes. Global learning thrives through hundreds of study abroad programs spanning 70+ countries, preparing students for an interconnected world.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2024 achieved strong career outcomes, with 71% employed full-time within six months at competitive average starting salaries of $67,000. Graduates contribute significantly to North Carolina’s workforce, with many joining Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Atrium Health, and Bank of America. Of the 22% pursuing advanced degrees, most remain within the UNC system (particularly at UNC Charlotte and Chapel Hill), while others choose top regional institutions like NC State, demonstrating the value placed on a UNC Charlotte education within the state’s professional and academic networks.

Academic Highlights: Champlain College revolutionizes traditional education with its innovative upside-down curriculum, enabling first-year students to dive immediately into major coursework. This career-focused approach combines with an exceptionally personalized learning environment featuring a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, 100% faculty-taught classes, and an intimate average class size of just 13 students. The college’s emphasis on hands-on preparation shines through its experiential learning program, with 92% of students completing career-relevant opportunities before graduation across 100+ unique areas of study.

Professional Outcomes: Champlain graduates achieve outstanding career readiness, with 90% employed or in graduate school shortly after commencement. An impressive 83% secure positions directly related to their field of study, with 31% locking in jobs before graduation. Alumni launch careers at industry leaders like Microsoft, Ubisoft, and Ernst & Young, commanding an average starting salary of $56,600. These exceptional outcomes validate Champlain’s distinctive model of combining early specialization with real-world experience.

Academic Highlights: Florida Atlantic University provides students with a diverse academic portfolio of over 170 programs across ten colleges, including the prestigious Wilkes Honors Program for high-achieving students. With a 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio, FAU maintains an engaging learning environment where 39% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering close mentorship and collaborative research opportunities. The university emphasizes hands-on learning, encouraging undergraduates to participate in meaningful research projects across disciplines while benefiting from its strategic South Florida location near industry hubs and global enterprises.

Professional Outcomes: FAU graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 71% securing employment shortly after graduation. The university serves as a major regional employer, with nearly 3,000 alumni working at FAU itself, while others contribute to key Florida institutions like Palm Beach County Schools, Broward County Public Schools, and Memorial Healthcare System. Many graduates launch careers at leading corporations such as NextEra Energy, Amazon, and Deloitte, earning competitive median wages of $46,500. These results highlight FAU’s role as a vital talent pipeline for Florida’s growing industries, blending academic rigor with real-world professional preparation.

Academic Highlights: Hampshire College revolutionizes traditional education through its student-designed academic concentrations, empowering learners to craft personalized programs of study. With an intimate 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 15, students receive exceptional mentorship while engaging with peers from 35 states and 10 countries. The college’s hands-on approach shines through its experiential learning program—78% of students complete internships or research assistantships, creating graduates uniquely prepared for 21st-century careers and advanced study.

Professional Outcomes: Hampshire graduates achieve remarkable success, with 78% employed or in graduate school within six months and an exceptional 23% launching their own ventures. Alumni excel at innovative organizations like Google and Apple, while the college ranks in the top 2% nationally for producing future PhD recipients. Many establish careers in knowledge hubs like Greater Boston and NYC, with others contributing to the creative economy in Western Massachusetts, demonstrating how Hampshire’s distinctive education cultivates both intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit.