Which Colleges Have the Best Professors?
This year's rankings are based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The most weighted factors include results from student surveys, average professor salaries, and each school's student to faculty ratio. You can read more on how this ranking was calculated here. All of Niche's top-ranked colleges have diverse, accomplished, and well paid faculty members that are highly rated by students.
Let's take a look.
1. Yale University
The student-faculty ratio at Yale University is 6:1, and the school has 72% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
- New Haven, CT
- 6% Acceptance Rate
- $18,748 Net Price
- 1460-1570 SAT Range
84% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Yale
Senior: Great college! They say the more options you have the more regrets you'll have, and that has been true of my Yale experience. While I do not regret doing the things I did do, I do wish I had more than 24 hours in a day so I could do even more! There is so much to do in terms of career development, extra-curriculars, and just entertainment in general. There are so many classes to choose from and most of the professors are incredible not just as professors, but as people in general.
If I could redo college I would definitely choose Yale again!
2. Brown University
The most popular majors at Brown University include: Computer Science; Econometrics and Quantitative Economics; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies; and History, General.
- Providence, RI
- 8% Acceptance Rate
- $27,238 Net Price
- 1420-1550 SAT Range
88% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Brown
Junior: Brown University has been an incredible experience and has allowed me to pursue passions that I wasn't even aware I was interested in! The unique open curriculum allows students to take courses from a broad range of subjects and helps to ensure they find the right area of study. I personally believed I wanted to go into biomedical engineering, however, after taking a variety of classes at Brown in environmental studies, I have switched my major.
Every teacher, student, and dean is so incredibly passionate about the work and everyone is constantly striving to be better which makes the University an amazing place and experience!
3. Duke University
Duke University ranked #3 among colleges with the strongest professors.
- Durham, NC
- 9% Acceptance Rate
- $19,785 Net Price
- 1450-1570 SAT Range
88% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Duke
Sophomore: Duke is a great place to come for vast opportunities, career exploration, professional development and more. You can literally try anything here! It's so flexible. Campus is beautiful, the food options are plentiful, and research experiences are readily available.
The academic advising here is amazing as well.
4. Rice University
Houston-based Rice University has some of the best college professors in the country.
- Houston, TX
- 11% Acceptance Rate
- $23,202 Net Price
- 1450-1560 SAT Range
93% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Rice
Sophomore: The culture at Rice is amazing! We are a diverse community of scholars who value collaboration, not cut-throat competition. We value what known as a "culture of care," and I believe this makes us unique from all other elite schools. The professors are amazing, classes push you and challenge former beliefs, and the community becomes family.
Rice University is an amazing place, even with intense academics.
5. Dartmouth College
The student-faculty ratio at Dartmouth College is 7:1.
- Hanover, NH
- 9% Acceptance Rate
- $23,394 Net Price
- 1420-1560 SAT Range
91% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Dartmouth
Junior: It is hard to imagine a better college than Dartmouth. The mix of academics, clubs and outdoor activities, and social scene is (in my opinion) unparalleled. Everyone is academically driven, and I feel like I can have an intellectual conversation with anyone on campus. There is a sport, club, or outdoor activity for everyone at the college, as most people I know are heavily involved in at least 2 extracurricular clubs. Lastly, the social scene is fun and inclusive. There are different frats and sororities for all types of preferences, and every house has an "open door" policy. There is little to no social hierarchy that I've noticed (football players aren't treated differently from comp sci geeks), making it so that anyone can be friends with anyone.
One additional note: sophomore summer is the best term of all time! Look it up.
6. University of Chicago
U of Chicago has 78% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
- Chicago, IL
- 7% Acceptance Rate
- $33,003 Net Price
- 1470-1570 SAT Range
87% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About UChicago
Freshman: My favorite part of UChicago is definitely its academics -- students are constantly encouraged to debate, rethink, and most importantly, listen. I was able to take a graduate student course as a first-year, and was amazed by the level of respectful and intellectual discussion that was possible! Students and professors alike are motivated, caring, and inclusive, and there's a strong sense of community everywhere you go, from the UCPD officer on the street corner to the dining hall staff. There's truly something for everyone, from Student Action to University Theater to Circus Club to Greek life.
Regardless of extracurricular interests, however, there's an undeniable bond in the love of learning and open-mindedness that ties everyone in UChicago together.
7. Northwestern University
The student-faculty ratio at Northwestern University is an impressive 6:1.
- Evanston, IL
- 8% Acceptance Rate
- $27,540 Net Price
- 1430-1550 SAT Range
85% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Northwestern
Niche User: I have been to the Evanston campus once, but in that visit I was astounded by the various opportunities offered by the university. Every program, whether that be the musical program, theater, biology, medicine, or integrated science, was fleshed out to a point of great immersion and understanding. Not to mention that there was an overall atmosphere of learning and curiosity. Highly recommend!
8. Harvard University
Harvard faculty are global leaders in their respective fields.
- Cambridge, MA
- 5% Acceptance Rate
- $17,590 Net Price
- 1460-1580 SAT Range
80% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Harvard
Freshman: Harvard is incredible! The campus is vibrant and there are always tourists. It is especially busy during fall because the foliage is beautiful. The professors are very knowledgeable. Most write their own textbooks, so they truly know what they are teaching. The students are also great; they are intellectual, fun, and laidback.
It is a great experience studying here!
9. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt is the largest private employer in Middle Tennessee and the second largest private employer in the state.
- Nashville, TN
- 10% Acceptance Rate
- $23,596 Net Price
- 1450-1560 SAT Range
80% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Vanderbilt
Sophomore: I've very much enjoyed my time here! My favorite thing about this school is the collaborative environment. You never feel alone here, and you'll find professors and friends who will support you through thick and thin. The liberal arts education is amazing because I've been exposed to so many new topics that I would've never studied otherwise. Although I'm here to get into medicine, I've developed a love for studying French, and this school has helped me pursue my passions in both fields.
10. Princeton University
Princeton faculty are renowned leaders in their fields, extraordinary teachers and student mentors.
- Princeton, NJ
- 5% Acceptance Rate
- $16,192 Net Price
- 1440-1570 SAT Range
86% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Princeton
Freshman: The courses, faculty, resources, and community here are all wonderful. There is truly a culture throughout the university of caring about the students and doing everything possible to help them succeed. The academics are, of course, extremely challenging, but there are plenty of ways to get help and the academic faculty are always very receptive to students needing assistance. Most everyone has the drive to succeed without creating an overly competitive or cutthroat environment.
Culture outside of academics - arts, music, clubs, sports - is vibrant as well.
11. Stanford University
Stanford professors design their own freshman and sophomore introductory seminars.
- Stanford, CA
- 4% Acceptance Rate
- $17,271 Net Price
- 1420-1570 SAT Range
89% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Stanford
Graduate Student: There is no other university like it on the planet. The undergrad experience is fantastic--Stanford really makes sure to integrate first year students into campus life.
Stanford does everything well: academics, extracurriculars, social scene, sports, food, the arts, improv comedy(!), etc. You name it, Stanford does it and does it brilliantly. It even has the best weather!
And don't forget about the grad programs. They are outstanding across the board.
12. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT has 71% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
- Cambridge, MA
- 7% Acceptance Rate
- $18,971 Net Price
- 1500-1570 SAT Range
82% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About MIT
Junior: MIT is an outstanding university with numerous and diverse opportunities in research and academics. Classes at MIT are indeed difficult, with homework and associated studying consuming a large chunk of time. The beauty of this is that it pushes students to go above and beyond their previous understanding of what they believed themselves to be capable of. Additionally, the explorative and creative atmosphere which springs from the vibrancy of the student body and the faculty is second to none.
There are so many chances to do great things at MIT, even as an undergrad!
13. University of Pennsylvania
The student-faculty ratio at University of Pennsylvania is an impressive 6:1.
- Philadelphia, PA
- 8% Acceptance Rate
- $26,266 Net Price
- 1420-1550 SAT Range
75% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About UPenn
Sophomore: A true research institution, the University of Pennsylvania encourages all of its students to be curious about the world. Fund their research, it provides once in a lifetime opportunities with access to remarkable faculty, an international reach, and trail blazing peers. As a member of the Ivy League, it connects its study body to similar-minded students in a culture of alma matter pride, playful rivalry, and inter-school dependent programming.
Whether it be an Ivy League conference on LatinX heritage, political science, or veganism, the University of Pennsylvania encourages curiosity at every seam of the institution’s fabric.
14. Johns Hopkins University
The most popular majors at Johns Hopkins University include: Public Health; Neuroscience; Biology; Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering; and Chemical Engineering.
- Baltimore, MD
- 11% Acceptance Rate
- $27,868 Net Price
- 1450-1560 SAT Range
63% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Johns Hopkins
Sophomore: I am a rising sophomore at the Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering majoring in engineering and computer science. I had a great freshman year despite finishing with 44 credits in some very challenging courses. Professors not TA's taught my courses and they as well as their TA's did a great job of being accessible when I needed assistance. Hopkins offers additonal tutoring and review sessions which were very helpful. The classes were small and intimate and I felt comfortable and engaged and the content was right on target with my expectations. I was also able to obtain a research assistant position as a freshman and was able to meet directly with the department chair which was thrilling. Johns Hopkins has met and exceeded my expectations. I have found the environment to be challenging but collaborative and not competitive at all.
Even with the pandemic, my freshman year turned out to be a great one THANKS to Johns Hopkins!
15. Emory University
The university offers academic degrees and programs through nine schools, including more than 70 undergraduate choices and dozens of graduate and professional specialties.
- Atlanta, GA
- 19% Acceptance Rate
- $26,804 Net Price
- 1350-1520 SAT Range
82% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Emory
Junior: After finishing up my second year at Emory University, I could not be more satisfied with my experience so far. Emory is truly a phenomenal school with great professors, staff, and students.
My professors have been amazing mentors to me and some even knew me by name before I got to campus on the first day. Professors truly want to see you succeed, and they strongly encourage students to talk to them outside of class. The student body is full of a diverse group of very intelligent students. Both campuses (Oxford and Emory campuses) are very beautiful, and I love walking around outside just taking in the nice weather.
When applying for college over two years ago I was really unsure about going to the South, but Atlanta has become my new home, and I truly could not imagine a school that would be a better fit for me!
16. Cornell University
Cornell offers over 4,000 different courses.
- Ithaca, NY
- 11% Acceptance Rate
- $28,890 Net Price
- 1390-1540 SAT Range
82% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Cornell
Sophomore: Cornell is an amazing blend of people from various cultures who have come to one place for the purpose of pursing an education. I come from a very small town in Maryland. Coming to Cornell has allowed me to experience different cultures in lots of new ways. However, I believe that Cornell could work on accepting people not only from diverse backgrounds, but also from various socioeconomic statuses. I am middle class. My father is a principle of and I am grateful to have a well-supported family. Many Cornell students are in top-earning families. Currently, I am taking a class called “Controversies About Inequality.” I have learned that Cornell accepts more students from the top 1% than they are from the bottom 1%, and this cycle continues. I would like to point out that Cornell is very aware of this issue and is taking steps towards leveling the playing field for both high and low income students. And the food is absolutely amazing here, so that’s a huge plus!
17. Columbia University
Columbia faculty are global leaders in their respective fields.
- New York, NY
- 6% Acceptance Rate
- $21,220 Net Price
- 1450-1560 SAT Range
87% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Columbia
Alum: Wow, I loved it there! The academics were top notch, and several of my peers are already successful in their careers; the degree as a label has traction in the job market.
As a Veteran who grew up in Minnesota, the weather was mild for me, but those from the South will find the winter challenging.
I found myself very absorbed by my studies at that time, and so did most of the other students. That can make it extremely easy to meet people in an intellectual sense but somewhat difficult to meet in a social sense. My advice is if you want to date, you should learn how to meet people at NYU.
Financial aid is difficult to obtain, but I was a Veteran, and the government paid my tuition, so that was not my struggle.
18. Washington University in St. Louis
Most Wash U professors keep open office hours and teach and mentor undergraduates.
- Saint Louis, MO
- 15% Acceptance Rate
- $27,931 Net Price
- 1470-1570 SAT Range
91% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About WashU
Graduate Student: I'm currently enrolled in the Masters of Legal Studies Program. I'm thoroughly enjoying this program. WashU offers a number of classes in various legal fields. I've taken courses in tort law, contracts, intellectual property law, legal negotiations, legal writing & legal procedures & court hearings. The Masters program is 100% online. The virtual experience is phenomenal. It's like being in an actual class, but at home. This program is very diverse. Through this program, I've connected with different students from Asia, Europe, Africa and the various parts of the United States. The professors are knowledgeable and professionally accomplished in the legal field. The program is fast paced, intriguing and fun. You can complete this program in one to two years. I started in January 2019 and I'm graduating in May 2020. CHOOSE WASHU! The investment is well worth it and WashU is one of the best law schools in the world.
19. University of Notre Dame
The student-faculty ratio at University of Notre Dame is 9:1, and the school has 62% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
- Notre Dame, IN
- 18% Acceptance Rate
- $30,229 Net Price
- 1400-1550 SAT Range
91% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Notre Dame
Freshman: The thing that stood out to me about the University of Notre Dame was my professors! They have all been willing to go the extra mile in order to teach, be it holding long office hours and staying later or staying back long after class has ended, especially before exams. Their passion not only for the subject but for our education really helped me through some tough courses. Furthermore, the community is excellent. Notre Dame is truly a family, and dorm communities are very distinct and strong. Each dorm has its own mascots and colors and become a part of a person's identity. It is similar to Greek life but without the negatives of rushing and hazing. Everybody is very kind and inclusive.
20. University of Southern California
The most popular majors at University of Southern California include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Social Sciences; Visual and Performing Arts; Engineering; and Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 13% Acceptance Rate
- $36,161 Net Price
- 1350-1530 SAT Range
83% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About USC
Junior: Being a student at the University of Southern California is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the academics are stellar. The whole school feels like one big family. The athletic programs are top notch and really bring all the students together. I love being able to attend countless games while seeing cheering fans who truly love where they go to school. The best part about the University of Southern California is the Trojan alumni. With over 425,000 Trojan alumni in the world, you are always connected to a Trojan. The wonderful Trojan alumni are there for you beyond your four years. They give opportunities to advance in your desired career field, as well as be there in a new environment. No other university is this connected between current students and alumni.
I am proud to attend USC, where academics, athletics and alumni blend together making the ultimate college experience!
21. Wake Forest University
The most popular majors at Wake Forest University include: Social Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Psychology; and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 29% Acceptance Rate
- $27,354 Net Price
- 1270-1410 SAT Range
93% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Wake Forest
Junior: It is an amazing school that allows many educational opportunities for all students! The campus is beautiful and creates such a welcoming atmosphere. Students are very involved both in terms of academics and student life. There isn't much I would change about Wake Forest. There is a good variety of food choices, but if I was to change something, I would add additional food options.
22. Washington & Lee University
The average freshman retention rate at Washington & Lee, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 96%.
- Lexington, VA
- 21% Acceptance Rate
- $21,918 Net Price
- 1350-1490 SAT Range
96% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About W&L
Junior: I know it's been a hot topic recently, but I would like to set the record straight. This school is by no means perfect, like all other colleges there are plenty of flaws, but it is truly one of the best options for an undergrad university that you could choose. Despite what rumors may have indicated, most of the students are incredibly friendly, academics are superb, the town of Lexington is adorable, extracurriculars are treasured by nearly every student. Unlike some of the schools I have previously attended, W&L is an incredibly close-knit community full of passionate and hardworking students. It is considered "cool" to be smart, and students at W&L work and play hard. Also, If you are considering playing a sport here- DO IT! As a student athlete I have had an incredibly valuable experience and the woman on my team will likely be close friends for the rest of my life. I simply love this school- of course it is not perfect, but no school is.
23. Colby College
The most popular majors at Colby College include: Social Sciences; Natural Resources and Conservation; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Psychology; and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
- Waterville, ME
- 13% Acceptance Rate
- $20,689 Net Price
- 1350-1510 SAT Range
97% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Colby
Alum: The 4 years I spent at Colby were some of the best years of my life! I was challenged and pushed to become my best by teachers who went above and beyond. Through Colby's variety of programs and class offerings - in particular, the importance Colby put on studying abroad - my eyes were opened to the whole wide world that awaited me upon graduation, and I couldn't be more grateful!
24. Grinnell College
The most popular majors at Grinnell College include: Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; and Physical Sciences.
- Grinnell, IA
- 24% Acceptance Rate
- $30,808 Net Price
- 1370-1530 SAT Range
93% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Grinnell
Freshman: Great so far. Very good institution, even greater academics, amazing faculty too! Mental health resources are lacking, however, I've personally struggled to keep up the academics due to this. Besides that, wonderful open curriculum allows for plenty of exploration unless you are pre med and want to major in the humanities. In that case you will be a bit more restricted but still have enough room to explore some new interests. The town is very wonderful and charming. There is lots of diversity and if you are very liberal and respect others you will love it here.
It really is home away from home and the best experience I could ever ask for!
25. Carnegie Mellon University
The most popular majors at Carnegie Mellon University include: Engineering; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Mathematics and Statistics; and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 17% Acceptance Rate
- $30,847 Net Price
- 1450-1550 SAT Range
85% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
What Students Say About Carnegie Mellon
Alum: My time at CMU was great. My advisor was really caring and helped me do more than plan my schedule. The school acknowledges the stress culture is pretty bad and has taken steps to provide stress relievers (eg: mindfulness room, paws to relax, the petting zoo, etc). The campus food wasn't bad and the staff was friendly. Professors were, for the most part, understanding when things came up. I was able to make a few lifelong friends too!
The campus is pretty diverse, with a majority of students being internationals!