CollegeList.me - College Rankings

Ranking Methodology

Our ranking system evaluates colleges across six key dimensions, with a maximum possible score of 74 points:

1. Earnings Potential (16 points max)

Major-specific earnings are prioritized when available
If only overall earnings data is available, it's weighted at 66% of full value
Maximum points (16) awarded for programs with median earnings above $165,000
No points awarded for earnings below $40,000

2. Net Price (14 points max)

Based on family income and residency status
Maximum points (14) for net prices below $5,000
Points decrease gradually as price increases
No points awarded for prices above $45,000

3. Student-Faculty Ratio (14 points max)

Maximum points (14) for ratios of 3:1 or better
High points (12) for ratios between 4:1 and 5:1
Points decrease as ratio increases
No points awarded for ratios above 28:1

5. Graduation Rate (12 points max)

Maximum points (12) for 95%+ graduation rate
Points decrease gradually for lower rates
No points for rates below 60%

6. Admission Rate (10 points max)

Hight points for rates between 30-85%
Slightly lower points (5-8) for selective (15%-30%) or less selective (>85%) schools
Low points (0-4) for maximum selective (<15%)
Balances accessibility with selectivity
No points for rates below 1%

4. Number of Majors (8 points max)

Maximum points (8) for 25+ majors offered
Points decrease with fewer program options
No points for fewer than 5 majors

Tier Distribution

Perfect

52+ points

Elite

48-51 points

Excellent

42-47 points

Great

38-41 points

Strong

34-37 points

Good

30-33 points

Average

26-29 points

Fair

22-25 points

Weak

18-21 points

Poor

14-17 points

Very Poor

0-13 points

The tier system provides a quick way to understand a college's overall quality based on our comprehensive scoring methodology. Higher tiers represent institutions that excel across multiple dimensions of academic quality, affordability, and student outcomes.