Rankings / Innovation
Colleges With the Largest Endowments Per Student
- 50
- Schools
- $59,307
- Avg. Earnings
- 65%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,058
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,875
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $38,262 to $89,964, a 2.4× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Florida delivers the most for the money: roughly $71,588 in median earnings against $6,541 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, University of Florida ($6,541 net price), still posts $71,588 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates 92% of its students, versus a 65% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.19× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 The University of Texas at Austin ($75,121 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Maine Maritime Academy ($89,964), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- University of Florida costs $6,541 a year and The New School costs $58,741. Yet their graduates earn $71,588 and $52,901, nowhere near the $52,200 price gap.
- On value, University of Florida beats Maine Maritime Academy: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Florida and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from 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 after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
- Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.
- Bell, A., Chetty, R., Jaravel, X., Petkova, N., & Van Reenen, J. (2019). Who Becomes an Inventor in America? The Importance of Exposure to Innovation. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 134(2), 647-713.
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 The University of Texas at Austin #1 overall | $75,121 ▲ +27% vs avg | $19,857 | 88% | 22 |
| 2 Saint Johns University #2 overall | $76,786 ▲ +29% vs avg | $25,672 | 76% | 10 |
| 3 Trinity Washington University #3 overall | $53,804 ▼ -9% vs avg | $9,302 | 47% | 10 |
| $72,200 ▲ +22% vs avg | $11,655 | 92% | 9 | |
| $53,166 ▼ -10% vs avg | $14,068 | 32% | 9 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Colleges With the Largest Endowments Per Student
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $59,307 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 65% and an average net price of $19,058.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida — Net Price: $6,541 | Graduation Rate: 91%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — 92% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Maine Maritime Academy — Median alumni earnings: $89,964
Research Note
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Innovation & Knowledge Creation Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about which universities drive innovation?
$57,536
Median earnings (10yr)
64%
Median graduation rate
$17,818
Median net price
1.5%
Avg. mobility rate
Some universities create the economy they teach about. Through patents, startups, and the researchers who seed entire industries, their influence runs far beyond their classrooms. Innovation rankings try to capture that generative capacity: the schools whose ideas and graduates show up disproportionately in the companies and technologies that follow.
Start with the medians across these 50 schools. Graduates earn a median of $57,536 ten years after enrollment, or about $9,536 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 64%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $17,818 a year with about $21,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 28% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.5%.
What we’re seeing: innovation output and student mobility do not always travel together, and the rare schools that lead on both are the standouts. Median earnings of $57,536 and mobility leaders like New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology mark where knowledge creation and opportunity overlap.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
The University of Texas at Austin lands at #1 with a 22/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $75,121 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,857 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 #2
Saint Johns University lands at #2 with a 10/100 composite, led by social mobility (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $76,786 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,672 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 #3
Trinity Washington University lands at #3 with a 10/100 composite, led by value per dollar (66/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $53,804 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,302 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Chapel Hill, NC · 15% accepted · $11,655 net
Why it ranks #4
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lands at #4 with a 9/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (77/100). Graduates earn a median $72,200 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,655 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 #5
Nevada State University lands at #5 with a 9/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $53,166 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,068 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 #6
Saint Francis University lands at #6 with a 9/100 composite, led by academic quality (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (37/100). Graduates earn a median $62,101 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,526 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 #7
California College of the Arts lands at #7 with a 9/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (23/100). Graduates earn a median $49,414 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $53,909 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Westminster College lands at #8 with a 8/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $52,199 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,314 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of South Dakota lands at #9 with a 8/100 composite, led by social mobility (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $51,926 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,858 a year. 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 #10
The New School lands at #10 with a 8/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (30/100). Graduates earn a median $52,901 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $58,741 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Rolla, MO · 73% accepted · $16,298 net
Why it ranks #11
Missouri University of Science and Technology lands at #11 with a 7/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $82,957 a decade after enrolling, 40% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,298 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Columbia College Chicago lands at #12 with a 6/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,195 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,598 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
University of Louisville lands at #13 with a 5/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $53,899 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,988 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 #14
University of South Alabama lands at #14 with a 5/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $49,379 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,648 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
Winston Salem, NC · 30% accepted · $14,906 net
Why it ranks #15
University of North Carolina School of the Arts lands at #15 with a 4/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (55/100). Graduates earn a median $38,357 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,906 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 #16
University of Kentucky lands at #16 with a 4/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $59,025 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,851 a year. 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 #17
Oregon State University lands at #17 with a 3/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $64,010 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,604 a year. 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 #18
University of Idaho lands at #18 with a 3/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $54,670 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,831 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 #19
The University of Alabama lands at #19 with a 3/100 composite, led by academic quality (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $59,221 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,420 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 #20
University of Alabama at Birmingham lands at #20 with a 3/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $54,501 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,749 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
University of Arkansas lands at #21 with a 3/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,191 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,209 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 #22
University of Florida lands at #22 with a 3/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Maine Maritime Academy lands at #23 with a 3/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $89,964 a decade after enrolling, 52% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,414 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 #24
University of Oregon lands at #24 with a 3/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $61,324 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,182 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 #25
Virginia Military Institute lands at #25 with a 3/100 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
Blacksburg, VA · 55% accepted · $24,953 net
Why it ranks #26
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University lands at #26 with a 3/100 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, 38% 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
University of Connecticut lands at #27 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,097 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 Utah lands at #28 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (67/100). Graduates earn a median $67,170 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,200 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.
Pillar breakdown
Socorro, NM · 44% accepted · $9,873 net
Why it ranks #29
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology lands at #29 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (71/100). Graduates earn a median $76,489 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,873 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
University of Wyoming lands at #30 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $56,880 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,599 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
University of Virginia's College at Wise lands at #31 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $45,325 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,210 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 #32
Auburn University lands at #32 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $65,337 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,323 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
Greensboro, NC · 50% accepted · $10,846 net
Why it ranks #33
North Carolina A & T State University lands at #33 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $44,440 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,846 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
Michigan State University lands at #34 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $67,253 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,680 a year. 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 #35
Rowan University lands at #35 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $59,988 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,408 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 #36
Florida State University lands at #36 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (71/100). Graduates earn a median $61,675 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,297 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
South Carolina State University lands at #37 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $38,262 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,097 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 #38
Angelo State University lands at #38 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $50,116 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,091 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 #39
Washington State University lands at #39 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $68,905 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,971 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Wichita State University lands at #40 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $51,532 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,194 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
Greensboro, NC · 89% accepted · $10,965 net
Why it ranks #41
University of North Carolina at Greensboro lands at #41 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $48,160 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,965 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 #42
University of Iowa lands at #42 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $64,762 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,531 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 #43
Texas Tech University lands at #43 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $62,454 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,070 a year. 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 #44
Emporia State University lands at #44 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $47,601 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,261 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 #45
Mississippi University for Women lands at #45 with a 2/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $46,128 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,411 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 #46
East Texas A&M University lands at #46 with a 1/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,841 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 #47
Colorado College lands at #47 with a 1/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $65,222 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,375 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 #48
University of Mississippi lands at #48 with a 1/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (66/100). Graduates earn a median $50,994 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,314 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 #49
University of Memphis lands at #49 with a 1/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $48,458 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,397 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 #50
West Virginia University lands at #50 with a 1/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $55,939 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,634 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
Colleges with large endowments often have more resources to invest in education, research, and student support. This list highlights institutions that stand out not just for their endowment size, but for the financial impact that has on their students. With average earnings of $59,307, the schools here reflect how financial backing can translate into educational opportunities and outcomes.
What sets these colleges apart are the tangible results they deliver in terms of graduate earnings, completion rates, and manageable debt levels. For instance, the schools listed have an average graduation rate of 65%, which indicates a solid commitment to student success. The numbers suggest that a generous endowment can provide financial security and lead to better post-graduate outcomes, making this list relevant for families considering their options.
Consider the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Trinity Washington University. UNC Chapel Hill boasts an impressive graduation rate of 92% and a lower average debt of $14,000 compared to Trinity's 47% graduation rate and $28,250 debt. This contrast highlights how financial resources can impact different educational experiences and outcomes, making it crucial for families to weigh these factors carefully as they explore their options.
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 49 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.5%. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology leads the group at 4%, with Maine Maritime Academy (3.5%) and Mississippi University for Women (2.7%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 6.3% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Mississippi University for Women leads at 15.3%, 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 24.4% across this list. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology posts the highest success rate at 47.7%. 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 1.55 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Colorado College reaches 1.88, 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
Where These Schools Are Located
When we look closely at the data, we see distinct patterns that can guide our decisions. For example, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill outperforms Trinity Washington University significantly with a graduation rate of 92% compared to Trinity's 47%. This difference suggests that the resources available at UNC Chapel Hill translate into better student support and success.
As you sift through this list of 50 schools, it's essential to take a step back and consider your own priorities. Think about location, program fit, and campus culture alongside these financial metrics. Are you willing to take on more debt for a school with a higher graduation rate? Or does a lower net price with higher debt feel more manageable? Defining what matters most to you will help clarify your options.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life can hinge on the choices made now. For one family, choosing a school with a robust endowment could mean less debt and higher post-graduation earnings—factors that contribute significantly to financial stability. Each decision shapes not just the college experience, but the broader future.
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
Colleges With the Largest Endowments Per Student: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Colleges With the Largest Endowments Per Student ranking? +
The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX ranks #1 in our 2026 Colleges With the Largest Endowments Per Student ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $75,121 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 88% 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? +
Maine Maritime Academy posts the highest median earnings on this list: $89,964 ten years after enrollment, well above the $59,307 average across the 50 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, University of Florida leads: graduates earn a median $71,588 against net price of about $6,541 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 92%, compared with a 65% 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 $19,058 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. University of Florida is among the most affordable at roughly $6,541. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Colleges With the Largest Endowments Per Student 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 50 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
Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →
U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →
Bell, A., Chetty, R., Jaravel, X., Petkova, N., & Van Reenen, J. (2019). Who Becomes an Inventor in America? The Importance of Exposure to Innovation. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 134(2), 647-713. →
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