Rankings / By State
Best Biology Colleges in Virginia
- 34
- Schools
- $59,552
- Avg. Earnings
- 61%
- Avg. Graduation
- $21,196
- Avg. Net Price
- $24,273
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Median graduate earnings across these 34 schools run from $38,275 to $94,810, a 2.5× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
-
Virginia Military Institute delivers the most for the money: roughly $77,369 in median earnings against $17,113 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
-
Mary Baldwin University is the lowest-cost school here at $12,756 a year in net price.
-
University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates 95% of its students, versus a 61% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
-
University of Virginia-Main Campus carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.20× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 William & Mary ($73,490 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Washington and Lee University ($94,810), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Mary Baldwin University costs $12,756 a year and University of Richmond costs $31,309. Yet their graduates earn $44,427 and $76,178, nowhere near the $18,553 price gap.
- On value, Virginia Military Institute beats Washington and Lee University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Virginia Military Institute and University of Virginia-Main Campus. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on the outcomes that actually compound — graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value — using federal tax-records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $58K ten years out.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-06-12
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 William & Mary #1 overall | $73,490 ▲ +23% vs avg | $19,096 | 90% | 84 |
| 2 Washington and Lee University #2 overall | $94,810 ▲ +59% vs avg | $23,781 | 94% | 83 |
| 3 | $81,698 ▲ +37% vs avg | $24,953 | 86% | 78 |
| $76,178 ▲ +28% vs avg | $31,309 | 86% | 77 | |
| $60,613 ▲ +2% vs avg | $20,667 | 67% | 76 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Biology Colleges in Virginia
This analysis ranks 34 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $59,552 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 61% and an average net price of $21,196.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Virginia Military Institute — Net Price: $17,113 | Graduation Rate: 79%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Virginia-Main Campus — 95% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Washington and Lee University — Median alumni earnings: $94,810
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Virginia Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Virginia?
$57,214
Median earnings (10yr)
58%
Median graduation rate
$21,889
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across Virginia, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
The median graduation rate across these 34 schools is 58%. Median graduate earnings reach $57,214 ten years after enrollment, roughly $9,214 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $21,889 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $25,000. Some 32% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.4%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for Virginia pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $21,889 and median earnings of $57,214 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
William & Mary lands at #1 with a 84/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (73/100). Graduates earn a median $73,490 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,096 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Washington and Lee University lands at #2 with a 83/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (74/100). Graduates earn a median $94,810 a decade after enrolling, 59% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,781 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Blacksburg, VA · 55% accepted · $24,953 net
Why it ranks #3
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University lands at #3 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $81,698 a decade after enrolling, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,953 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Richmond lands at #4 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $76,178 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,309 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of Mary Washington lands at #5 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $60,613 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,667 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Virginia Military Institute lands at #6 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $77,369 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,113 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Christopher Newport University lands at #7 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $60,509 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,015 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
George Mason University lands at #8 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $76,343 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,915 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
James Madison University lands at #9 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $69,954 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,322 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Sweet Briar College lands at #10 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $51,943 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,758 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Randolph College lands at #11 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $53,409 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,921 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Virginia Commonwealth University lands at #12 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $58,128 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,433 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Old Dominion University lands at #13 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $54,914 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,638 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Charlottesville, VA · 17% accepted · $21,565 net
Why it ranks #14
University of Virginia-Main Campus lands at #14 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (95/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $86,863 a decade after enrolling, 46% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,565 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Radford University lands at #15 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $53,739 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,578 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Shenandoah University lands at #16 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $58,433 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,298 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Southern Virginia University lands at #17 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $50,002 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,213 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Roanoke College lands at #18 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $58,047 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,503 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Hollins University lands at #19 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $40,075 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,896 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Virginia Wesleyan University lands at #20 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $50,074 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,676 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Bridgewater College lands at #21 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $53,453 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,800 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Virginia State University lands at #22 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $45,543 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,840 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Hampton University lands at #23 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $59,159 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,319 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Emory & Henry University lands at #24 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $47,385 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,061 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Eastern Mennonite University lands at #25 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $54,869 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,588 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Averett University lands at #26 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $51,516 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,925 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Marymount University lands at #27 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $67,516 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,137 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
University of Lynchburg lands at #28 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $56,380 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,235 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Norfolk State University lands at #29 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $44,666 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,282 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Mary Baldwin University lands at #30 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $44,427 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,756 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Hampden-Sydney College lands at #31 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $67,640 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,400 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Randolph-Macon College lands at #32 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $58,448 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,866 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Virginia Union University lands at #33 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,275 a decade after enrolling, 36% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,235 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Bluefield University lands at #34 with a 52/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $48,896 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,573 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 34 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right biology program can significantly influence a student's career trajectory. In Virginia, 34 colleges offer biology degrees, each with unique strengths in terms of outcomes and program concentration. As prospective students and their families consider these options, understanding the earning potential and graduation rates becomes crucial.
What differentiates the top programs from others in this list is their focus on student outcomes. Metrics like earnings after graduation, graduation rates, debt levels, and overall completion rates provide essential insights into how well these schools prepare students for life after college. Below, you’ll find data that reflects these important factors, helping you make an informed choice.
Take Washington and Lee University, for example. Its graduates earn an average of $94,810, with a graduation rate of 94%. In contrast, the University of Richmond has a lower average earning of $76,178 and the same graduation rate of 86%. This difference in earnings could impact a student's financial future significantly, highlighting the importance of where you study biology in Virginia.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 28 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.4%. Norfolk State University leads the group at 3.4%, with Marymount University (3.4%) and George Mason University (3.1%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 6.7% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Virginia State University leads at 32.8%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 27.9% across this list. University of Mary Washington posts the highest success rate at 60.7%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.65 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Washington and Lee University reaches 1.82, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When examining the data, a surprising trend emerges between Washington and Lee University and Virginia Tech. While both schools have strong graduation rates, Washington and Lee's graduates earn an average of $94,810 compared to Virginia Tech's $81,698. This showcases how a school’s reputation and resources can directly impact earning potential after graduation.
As you sift through these options, consider what matters most to you. Are you prioritizing financial factors like net price and debt, or are you more focused on graduation rates and career support? Each student’s situation is unique, and aligning the program's strengths with your personal goals is key. Visiting campuses, talking to current students, and exploring specific biology concentrations can help clarify your choices.
Ultimately, the decision about which college to attend can shape a young person's pathway to a stable life. With rising costs and varying outcomes, families must weigh the financial implications against the potential for career success. Choosing a program with strong earning potential and graduation rates can make a significant difference in a student's future, impacting their financial stability for years to come.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Biology Colleges in Virginia: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Biology Colleges in Virginia ranking? +
William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Biology Colleges in Virginia ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $73,490 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 90% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Washington and Lee University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $94,810 ten years after enrollment, well above the $59,552 average across the 34 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Virginia Military Institute leads: graduates earn a median $77,369 against net price of about $17,113 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Virginia-Main Campus has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 95%, compared with a 61% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $21,196 a year across the 34 ranked schools with cost data. Mary Baldwin University is among the most affordable at roughly $12,756. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Biology Colleges in Virginia ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 34 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
