2022 College Rankings Are In!
U.S. News and World Report recently released their ranking of the top national universities. There is a separate study reflecting the top global schools of 2022.
The study assessed 1,466 U.S. bachelor’s degree academic institutions on 17 measures of academic quality. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence including, but not limited to:
Student-faculty ratio
Average federal loan debt of graduates
Academic majors offered
Application requirements
Tuition and financial aid policies
Student body demographics
Campus life
You can read the full article about their methodology for the rankings here.
The data compiled saw Princeton University at the top of the list, reigning as the number one national college. Below we provide a snapshot of the top six national universities. The full list of rankings is here.
1) Princeton
Founded in 1746 in Elizabeth as the College of New Jersey, Princeton is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Students who are accepted have an average SAT score between 1460 and1580 and an average ACT score between 33 and35. The school has a 4% acceptance rate, meaning admissions officers reject approximately 96 out of every 100 students who applied. Princeton has a 13.93% acceptance rate for early action applicants.
There was a three-way tie for the number 2 spot on the list between Columbia College, Harvard, and MIT.
2) Columbia University
Ranked third from 2019 to 2021; the upward move for 2022 can be attributed in part to its strong graduation rates. Students who get into Columbia have on average an SAT score between 1440 and 1570 or an average ACT score of 33 and 35. Located in New York City, Columbia’s admissions are extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 3.7% and early decision acceptance rate of 15.1%. Columbia has three undergraduate schools and has had numerous prolific graduates, such as former President Barack Obama, Amelia Earhart, and writer Hunter S. Thompson.
2) Harvard
The oldest institution of higher learning in the United States has a 3.4% acceptance rate and an early acceptance rate of 13.9%. Students admitted to Harvard University have on average an SAT score between 1460 and 1580 or an ACT score of 33 and 35. It’s worth noting that about one-quarter of admitted applicants achieved perfect scores.
2) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Founded in 1861, this private university has an acceptance rate of 7% and an early acceptance rate of 7.4%. Half the applicants admitted to MIT have an SAT score between 1510 and 1580 or an ACT score of 34 and 36. The college offers 39 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 37 majors within 16 broad fields of study. Did you know that the first human cancer gene discovery took place at MIT and that Buzz Aldrin is an MIT alum?
5) Yale University
An astonishing 89% of 2020-21 freshmen scored above a 700 on the math section of the SAT; 86% scored above a 700 on the reading section. The mid-50% SAT range for admitted freshmen was 1470-1560; the ACT range was 33-35. Yale, founded in 1701, is made up of the College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and 12 professional schools. It is well known for its excellent drama and music programs. The university has a 4.6% acceptance rate and a 10.54% early action acceptance rate.
6) Stanford University
Located in California’s Bay Area and founded in 1885, this private academic institution sees accepted students receiving on average an SAT score between 1420 and 1570 or an ACT score of 31 and 35. The school had a 5% acceptance rate and a 9.52% acceptance for early action applicants. Notable Stanford alumni include former U.S. President Herbert Hoover, Hall of Fame NFL quarterback John Elway, and actress Sigourney Weaver.
This list gives a snapshot of some of the most highly selective colleges in the United States, many having an acceptance rate of less than 5% of applicants. Is your student applying to one of the schools on this list? The most important thing a student or parent can do to have a successful admissions process is to plan and start early. This is why many of our students begin meeting with an Ivy Link advisor as early as Spring of 8th grade. We understand the application process not only because we were once successful applicants, but also because our team includes former college admissions officers and experienced high school guidance counselors who have helped hundreds of students get into highly selective colleges. If you're looking to quell anxiety and stress during the admissions process, contact us to learn more about our services like our diagnostic standardized testing and our College App Fast Track program today!
