Ranking Methodology

Best Academics

Authority's rankings use objective data to quantify nearly every college in the United States.

Best Academics

The definitive ranking of the colleges with the best academics in the country.

Academics is primarily about what a student learns in the classroom, but it is also what a student learns while working in a laboratory or talking with peers on campus. Our ratings include not just the classroom prowess of a college but also the crucial education gained outside the classroom. We consider admissions statistics, professor data, and success metrics alongside student life factors to assemble a comprehensive evaluation of academics.

Applicants

Acceptance Rate

18%

Admissions Yield

Standardized Tests

12%

Professor Salary Index

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

11%

Percent Faculty Full Time

Faculty Gender Diversity Index

Research Expenditures

Research Expenditures Per Student

Diversity International

Diversity Out-of-State

Racial Diversity Index

Student Gender Diversity Index

6-Year Graduation Rate

10%

Full Time Retention Rate

Best Colleges Methodology

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Best Professors Methodology

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Specific Degrees Methodology

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Best Campuses Methodology

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