The Princeton Review Releases 2026 Best Colleges Rankings

The Princeton Review, a leading education services company, has announced its 2026 Best Colleges rankings, a comprehensive guide that profiles the top 391 colleges in the United States. This year's rankings, based on surveys of 170,000 students, cover 50 categories, including academic excellence, campus life, and financial aid, providing a detailed look at what makes each institution stand out.

Among the highlights of this year's rankings are categories such as Best Career Services, where Bentley University (MA) took the top spot, and Great Financial Aid, with Washington and Lee University (VA) leading the way. The University of Massachusetts—Amherst was recognized for Best Campus Food, while Washington University in St. Louis (MO) was celebrated for Best College Dorms. These rankings are crucial for students and parents navigating the college selection process, offering a glimpse into the student experience at each institution.

A new addition to this year's rankings is the Most Politically Moderate Students category, reflecting the current political climate and the importance of understanding campus cultures. The University of Richmond (VA) was named the top school in this category, alongside Reed College (OR) and Thomas Aquinas College (CA), which were recognized for having the most politically liberal and conservative students, respectively.

The Princeton Review's rankings are unique in that they are entirely based on student feedback, providing an authentic perspective on life at each college. This approach helps prospective students find schools that align with their academic goals and personal preferences. For more details on the methodology and to explore the full list of rankings, visit https://www.PrincetonReview.com.

Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief of The Princeton Review, emphasized the value of these rankings in helping students answer the pivotal question, 'Which college is best for me?' With the 2026 edition of The Best 391 Colleges now available, students and parents have a valuable resource to guide them through the college admissions process.