50 Best Colleges for B Students – 2024

June 26, 2024

best colleges for B students

Much is made of the minuscule acceptance rates at some of the most prestigious colleges in the United States. For example, Harvard admitted only 3.59% of applicants in 2024 and Columbia admitted 3.85%. Fortunately, for all of you B students with strong but nowhere near 鈥減erfect鈥 credentials, there are a number of fine institutions that would be more than happy to provide you with a wonderful education. Many Ivy and Ivy equivalent schools require a 3.9+ unweighted GPA for serious consideration. However, the 50 schools that made our Best Colleges for B Students list have more human average GPA figures and take a good number of high schoolers who did not land in the top 10% or even the top 25% of their graduating classes.

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Click here to read our methodology in ranking the academic quality at each school.

Best Colleges for B students

Here鈥檚 a quick preview of the first 10 institutions that made our list of the 25 Best Colleges for B students. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Centre College

2) Gettysburg College

3) Muhlenberg College

4) Providence College

5) Furman University

6) Hobart & William Smith Colleges

7) DePauw University

8) Rollins College

9) Clark University

10) Gustavus Adolphus College

Best Colleges for B Students – Data Included

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in an array of academic disciplines and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. They are also accessible for students lacking perfect credentials. For each of the best colleges for B students, 国产第一福利影院草草 will provide you with鈥攚hen available鈥攖he university鈥檚:

  • Enrollment
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Acceptance Rate
  • 惭别诲颈补苍听
  • 惭别诲颈补苍听
  • Retention Rate
  • Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college鈥檚:

  • Academic Highlights 鈥 Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
  • Professional Outcomes 鈥 Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.
#1 Best College for B Students
Centre College

Centre College

  • Danville, KY

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.

  • Enrollment: 1,356
  • Cost of Attendance: $68,035
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

#2
Gettysburg College

Gettysburg College

  • Gettysburg, PA

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.

  • Enrollment: 2,216
  • Cost of Attendance: $81,960
  • Average SAT: 1350
  • Average ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%

#3
Muhlenberg College

Muhlenberg College

  • Allentown, PA

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鈥81% of courses enroll 19 or fewer students鈥攚hile 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.

  • Enrollment: 1,788
  • Cost of Attendance: $77,845
  • Median SAT: 1310
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 80%

#4
Providence College

Providence College

  • Providence, RI

Academic Highlights: At PC, there are 47 majors on tap. It鈥檚 highly unlikely that you鈥檒l find yourself surrounded by 50+ peers in more than a single course during your time at Providence鈥攋ust 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.

  • Enrollment: 4,191
  • Cost of Attendance: $80,640
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 88%

#5
Furman University

Furman University

  • Greenville, SC

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鈥檛 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 鈥渉igh impact practice,鈥 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.

  • Enrollment: 2,327
  • Cost of Attendance: $77,180
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%

#6
Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

  • Geneva, NY

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鈥檒l 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.

  • Enrollment: 1,618
  • Cost of Attendance: $82,602
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%

#7
DePauw University

DePauw University

  • Greencastle, IN

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鈥檚 鈥淕old Commitment鈥 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.

  • Enrollment: 1,819
  • Cost of Attendance: $74,320
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 80%

#8
Rollins College

Rollins College

  • Winter Park, FL

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鈥攐ver 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鈥攁nd 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.

  • Enrollment: 2,595
  • Cost of Attendance: $78,260
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 41%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 77%

#9
Clark University

Clark University

  • Worcester, MA

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.

  • Enrollment: 2,369
  • Cost of Attendance: $68,700
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 42%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 77%

#10 Best College for B Students
Gustavus Adolphus College

Gustavus Adolphus College

  • St. Peter, MN

Academic Highlights:聽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鈥67% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students鈥攚hile 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.

  • Enrollment: 1,952
  • Cost of Attendance: $67,680
  • Median SAT: N/A
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 62%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%

#11
University of Delaware

University of Delaware

  • Newark, DE

Academic Highlights: The University of Delaware offers over 90 bachelor’s degree programs. Its student-to-faculty ratio is聽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鈥檚 programs, 19% entering a professional program, and 6% beginning a PhD.

  • Enrollment: 19,772
  • Cost of Attendance: $33,718 (In-State); $57,358 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%

#12
Fairfield University

Fairfield University

  • Fairfield, CT

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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

  • Enrollment: 4,968
  • Cost of Attendance: $76,940
  • Median SAT: 1310
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%

#13
Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University

  • Spokane, WA

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鈥檚 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).

  • Enrollment: 5,163
  • Cost of Attendance: $74,249
  • Median SAT: 1310
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%

#14
Agnes Scott College

Agnes Scott College

  • Decatur, GA

Academic Highlights: Agnes Scott has one of the more uniquely tailored sets of general education requirements you鈥檒l find. Consisting of 25-45 credits that focus on global learning, leadership development, and intellectual breadth, the school鈥檚 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.

  • Enrollment: 911
  • Cost of Attendance: $64,812
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%

#15
The College of Wooster

The College of Wooster

  • Wooster, OH

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聽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.

  • Enrollment: 1,876
  • Cost of Attendance: $75,800
  • Median SAT: 1360
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%

#16
Elon University

Elon University

  • Elon, NC

Academic Highlights: Elon鈥檚 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鈥檚-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.

  • Enrollment: 6,402
  • Cost of Attendance: $62,514
  • Median SAT: 1210
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%

#17
Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College

  • Kalamazoo, MI

Academic Highlights: For more than half a century, the 鈥淜-Plan鈥 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.

  • Enrollment: 1,196
  • Cost of Attendance: $74,208
  • Median SAT: 1275
  • Median ACT: 35
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%

#18
Saint Anselm College

Saint Anselm College

  • Manchester, New Hampshire

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.

  • Enrollment: 2,052
  • Cost of Attendance: $67,890
  • Median SAT: 1180
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%

#19
Willamette University

Willamette University

  • Salem, OR

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.

  • Enrollment: 1,571
  • Cost of Attendance: $67,501
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%

#20
Drexel University

Drexel University

  • Philadelphia, PA

Academic Highlights: There are over 100 undergraduate majors to choose from at Drexel.聽 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 鈥渁s early as the freshman year.鈥 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.

  • Enrollment: 13,589
  • Cost of Attendance: $81,413
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 77%

#21
Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College

  • Lake Forest, Illinois

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.

  • Enrollment: 1,796
  • Cost of Attendance: $71,350
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%

#22
Beloit College

Beloit College

  • Beloit, WI

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鈥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.

  • Enrollment: 948
  • Cost of Attendance: $71,959
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%

#23
Bryant University

Bryant University

  • Smithfield, RI

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;聽 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.

  • Enrollment: 3,240
  • Cost of Attendance: $71,057
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%

#24
The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey

  • Ewing, NJ

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鈥檛 find many seminar-style courses with single-digit enrollments, there are plenty of ways to personally connect with faculty thanks to the school鈥檚 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,聽 Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, EY, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The most frequently attended graduate schools by recent grads included Rutgers, Columbia, and NYU.

  • Enrollment: 7,073
  • Cost of Attendance: $40,032 (In-State); $45,915 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 62%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

#25
Creighton University

Creighton University

  • Omaha, NE

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:聽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.

  • Enrollment: 4,262
  • Cost of Attendance: $63,790
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 72%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 80%

#26
Chapman University

Chapman University

  • Orange, CA

Academic Highlights:聽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.

  • Enrollment: 7,874
  • Cost of Attendance: $85,080
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 80%

#27
Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University

  • St. Louis, MO

Academic Highlights:聽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.

  • Enrollment: 10,519
  • Cost of Attendance: $73,884
  • Median SAT: 1340
  • Median SAT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 80%

#28
Lawrence University

Lawrence University

  • Appleton, WI

Academic Highlights: There are 65 majors and minors at LU. A 7:1 student/faculty ratio allows for extremely small class sizes鈥攖he 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鈥檚 and doctoral programs at schools such as Boston University, Harvard, Dartmouth, Johns Hopkins, MIT, and Yale.

  • Enrollment: 1,410
  • Cost of Attendance: $69,849
  • Median SAT: 1310
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%

#29
Hope College

Hope College

  • Holland, MI

Academic Highlights:聽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.

  • Enrollment: 3,368
  • Cost of Attendance: $55,790
  • Median SAT: 1200
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%

#30
Baylor University

Baylor University

  • Waco, TX

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.聽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).

  • Enrollment: 15,155
  • Cost of Attendance: $74,269
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 51%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 80%

#31
Knox College

Knox College

  • Galesburg, Illinois

Academic Highlights: Knox College delivers an exceptionally personalized liberal arts education through its 99 majors and minors, featuring one of the nation’s most intimate learning environments with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 14. The college emphasizes hands-on learning, with 87% of students completing independent research or creative projects under the guidance of faculty, 96% of whom hold terminal degrees. This globally-connected community brings together students from 43 states and 56 countries, creating a vibrant intellectual atmosphere that extends far beyond its Illinois campus.

Professional Outcomes: Knox graduates achieve outstanding career outcomes, with 84% employed, in graduate school, or engaged in service work shortly after graduation. Alumni launch careers at prestigious organizations including Boeing, BlackRock, and Abbott Laboratories, while 65% pursue advanced degrees within five years, gaining admission to elite institutions like MIT, Yale, and Georgetown. Most build their careers in the dynamic Greater Chicago region, demonstrating how Knox’s combination of rigorous academics, undergraduate research opportunities, and global perspectives prepares graduates for leadership roles.

  • Enrollment: 1,001
  • Cost of Attendance: $68,626
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%

#32
University of Denver

University of Denver

  • Denver, CO

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鈥檛 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鈥檚 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.

  • Enrollment: 6,415
  • Cost of Attendance: $80,536
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%

#33
Stonehill College

Stonehill College

  • Easton, Massachusetts

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.

  • Enrollment: 2,515
  • Cost of Attendance: $74,005
  • Median SAT: Test Blind
  • Median ACT: Test Blind
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%

#34
Drake University

Drake University

  • Des Moines, IA

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鈥69% launching careers at Iowa powerhouses like Principal Financial Group, John Deere, and Hy-Vee鈥攚hile 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.

  • Enrollment: 2,702
  • Cost of Attendance: $67,080
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 77%

#35
Indiana University

Indiana University

  • Bloomington, IL

Academic Highlights: IU offers 200+ majors The university鈥檚 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio is strong for a school of Indiana鈥檚 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.

  • Enrollment: 36,833
  • Cost of Attendance: $28,900 (In-State); $57,592 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%

#36
New College of Florida

New College of Florida

  • Sarasota, Florida

Academic Highlights:聽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鈥 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.

  • Enrollment: 710
  • Cost of Attendance: $25,191 (In-State); $48,219 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1130
  • Median ACT: 23
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%

#37
Catholic University

Catholic University

  • Washington, D.C.

Academic Highlights:聽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.

  • Enrollment: 3,139
  • Cost of Attendance: $77,784
  • Average SAT: 1200
  • Average ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%

#38
Hendrix College

Hendrix College

  • Conway, Arkansas

Academic Highlights:聽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 $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.

  • Enrollment: 1,098
  • Cost of Attendance: $55,444
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%

#39
Loyola University Maryland

Loyola University Maryland

  • Baltimore, MD

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鈥檚-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.

  • Enrollment: 3,987
  • Cost of Attendance: $75,590
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 80%

#40 Best College for B Students
Miami University – Oxford

Miami University – Oxford

  • Oxford, OH

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.

  • Enrollment: 16,478
  • Cost of Attendance: $38,757 (In-State); $60,973 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%

#41
University at Buffalo (SUNY)

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

  • Buffalo, NY

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 鈥渄igital badges.鈥 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.

  • Enrollment: 20,463
  • Cost of Attendance: $33,788 (In-State); $53,578 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%

#42
Ursinus College

Ursinus College

  • Collegeville, PA

Academic Highlights:聽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)鈥攅nsuring 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.

  • Enrollment: 1,492
  • Cost of Attendance: $77,582
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 77%

#43
University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina

  • Columbia, SC

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聽 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.

  • Enrollment: 28,470
  • Cost of Attendance: $31,977 (In-State); $54,223 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 61%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%

#44
Temple University

Temple University

  • Philadelphia, PA

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.

  • Enrollment: 21,720
  • Cost of Attendance: $44,756 (In-State); $60,136 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%

#45
Siena College

Siena College

  • Loudonville, NY

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.

  • Enrollment: 3,497
  • Cost of Attendance: $64,870
  • Median SAT: 1230
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%

#46
Butler University

Butler University

  • Indianapolis, IN

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,聽 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.

  • Enrollment: 4,519
  • Cost of Attendance: $67,210
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 79%

#47
University of Texas at Dallas

University of Texas at Dallas

  • Richardson, TX

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.

  • Enrollment: 21,617
  • Cost of Attendance: $33,376 (In-State); $58,876 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%

#48
Drew University

Drew University

  • Madison, New Jersey

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 r茅sum茅s. 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.

  • Enrollment: 1,624
  • Cost of Attendance: $68,495
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%

#49
Michigan State University

Michigan State University

  • East Lansing, MI

Academic Highlights: This highly regarded state institution boasts over 400 areas of study鈥攗ndergraduate, graduate, and professional鈥攁cross 17 degree-granting colleges. A 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio rates in the average range for public universities of MSU鈥檚 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.

  • Enrollment: 40,483
  • Cost of Attendance: $32,668 (In-State); $60,052 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%

#50
Bard College

Bard College

  • Annandale-on-Hudson, NY

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.

  • Enrollment: 2,453
  • Cost of Attendance: $84,852
  • Median SAT: 1370
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%

We hope you have found our list of the 50 Best Colleges for B Students to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including: