A Different Kind of College Ranking

by Paul Glastris and Nate Weisberg August 30, 2026September 1, 2026

When you stop giving points for snob appeal, the truly excellent ones shine through. Plus, our first-of-its-kind ranking of the best colleges for rural America.

Podcast

Berea: The Little College That Could

by Paul Glastris August 27, 2025September 4, 2025

College Guide

25 Best-in-Class Colleges

by Rob Wolfe, Nate Weisberg, Gillen Tener Martin, and Jamaal Abdul-Alim August 24, 2025August 24, 2025

College Guide

Introduction: A Different Kind of College Ranking

by Kevin Carey August 28, 2022August 30, 2022

College Guide

America’s Best Bang for the Buck Colleges

by Robert Kelchen August 28, 2022August 28, 2022

Support the Washington Monthly

Founded in 1969, the Washington Monthly is an independent media organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission: To preserve democracy and champion good governance through honest journalism and thoughtful commentary.

We’re not a subsidiary of a giant media company or a mouthpiece for ideologues. We’re independent, listened to by insiders and willing to take on sacred cows—liberal and conservative.

Yes, I'll Make a Donation

Berea College

A Different Kind of College Ranking

Berea: The Little College That Could

25 Best-in-Class Colleges

Introduction: A Different Kind of College Ranking

America’s Best Bang for the Buck Colleges

Best Colleges for Rural America

America’s Best Colleges for Research

America’s Best Hispanic-Serving Colleges

A Note on Methodology: Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars

Fear and Loathing in Palo Alto

Mary Todd Lincoln Reconsidered

The Return of the Native