Admit Report's Teaching Quality and Value Ranking 2023

A New Ranking: Teaching Quality and Value

College admissions is changing. As acceptance rates shrink and tuition costs rise, your chances of making it through a highly-selective application review process get slimmer and slimmer. And if you're applying to college, you're not just wondering where you can get in. You're also wondering where you'll get the most for your money.

We know that the first place you'll probably turn to is national rankings. They are, after all, the best-known measure of academic status. But rankings also signify value—both in classroom experience and in post-grad outcomes.

You want to attend a school that will educate you well and set you up for success in the future. It's a no-brainer.

But here's something you may not have expected: the schools that will educate you well and set you up for success aren't necessarily the ones consistently topping the national rankings. That is, if you can get into them in the first place. You need alternatives.

That's why we created the Teaching and Value Ranking.

We set out with a simple question: which schools in the United States have the best teaching quality and provide the best return on investment?

Ranking Calculation Method

After gathering IPEDS data for four-year public and private colleges and universities, we got to work. We filtered out all the schools with acceptance rates at 10% or below, and we calculated a measure of teaching quality using student-to-faculty ratio, retention rate, average faculty salary, ratio of professor-level instructors, and four-year graduation rate. Weighting teaching quality against Georgetown's 40-year net present value data, we ranked schools in each state for educational experience and payoff.

Our winners provide excellent teaching quality and return on investment. Their students experience high-quality instruction in the classroom and receive the best long-term value for their investments.

Ready to dump the big rankings and find the best fit (and value) for you?

Alabama

Auburn University

Auburn University is Alabama’s second largest university. It’s a public research university located in Auburn, Alabama. Auburn offers over 150 undergraduate majors, and the University Outreach helps students get involved in the surrounding community. 

• Total Enrollment: 31526
• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $995,000.00

Alaska

University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage resides in Anchorage, Alaska’s biggest city. Their student body is made up of 90% Alaska residents, and it boasts over 100 academic programs.

• Total Enrollment: 10845
• Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $963,000.00

Arizona

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

If you’re interested in aviation, aerospace, or security and intelligence, then Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott may be a good fit. Prescott’s mild climate is ideal for flying, and you won’t run out of outdoor activities to do, either.

• Total Enrollment: 3071
• Acceptance Rate: 74%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,328,000.00

Arkansas

Hendrix College

A private liberal arts college, Hendrix is located in Conway, Arkansas. Students hail from 37 states and 10 countries, the average class size is 16, and over 90% of students live on campus.

• Total Enrollment: 1120
• Acceptance Rate: 68%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $801,000.00

California

Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna is a liberal arts college. Only 30 miles east of LA, it’s one of the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges. Claremont McKenna is best known for economics, government, and student-centered research.

• Total Enrollment: 1422
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,516,000.00

Colorado

Colorado College

Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Colorado College is a private liberal arts college. It's best known for the Block Plan, where students take one class at a time for three-and-a-half weeks.

• Total Enrollment: 2266
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $861,000.00

Connecticut

Fairfield University

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university. Located only 60 minutes from Manhattan, Fairfield has over 50 majors and minors and 22 accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s programs.

• Total Enrollment: 5826
• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,454,000.00

Washington, D.C.

Georgetown University

A private research university, Georgetown is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the country. It takes a holistic approach to education and has a commitment to social justice.

• Total Enrollment: 20935
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,950,000.00

Delaware

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware offers over 150 majors and minors and boasts an average class size of only 35 students. As the first institution to offer study abroad, UDelaware offers over 100 study abroad programs, and 30% of students choose to go abroad.

• Total Enrollment: 23996
• Acceptance Rate: 72%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,214,000.00

Florida

University of Miami

The University of Miami is a private research university located in Coral Gables, Florida. It meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, and it also awards merit scholarships. Students choose from over 100 academic programs.

• Total Enrollment: 19096
• Acceptance Rate: 28%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,220,000.00

Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

More commonly called Georgia Tech, The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university in Atlanta, Georgia. Best known for its engineering and computing programs, Georgia Tech’s mission is to improve the human condition through STEM.

• Total Enrollment: 43859
• Acceptance Rate: 16%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,729,000.00

Hawaii

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, the University of Hawaii at Manoa is a public research university. It’s especially well-known for its programs in the earth sciences and Hawaiian and Pacific Islands studies.

• Total Enrollment: 19098
• Acceptance Rate: 70%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $962,000.00

Idaho

University of Idaho

The University of Idaho is in Moscow, Idaho. It’s a public research institution that has historically led innovation in agriculture, engineering, and military sciences. Idaho residents account for 73% of the student population, and 32% of students are the first in their families to attend college.

• Total Enrollment: 11303
• Acceptance Rate: 81%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $877,000.00

Illinois

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A large, public research institution, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign sits about 140 miles south of Chicago in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign. The school is well-known for its research and has won more National Science Foundation awards than any other university in six out of the past seven years.

• Total Enrollment: 56607
• Acceptance Rate: 60%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,299,000.00

Indiana

University of Notre Dame

More commonly known as Notre Dame, the University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic research university. It’s a leading research institution, and about 80% of all undergraduate students live on campus, so it’s very residential.

• Total Enrollment: 13139
• Acceptance Rate: 15%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,626,000.00

Iowa

Drake University

Drake University is a private university located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers over 100 majors, minors, and concentrations, and the campus has a big emphasis on student-focused leadership.

• Total Enrollment: 4875
• Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,185,000.00

Kansas

University of Kansas

Located in Lawrence, Kansas, the University of Kansas is home to the Jayhawks. The University of Kansas has over 600 campus organizations and 38% of students who hail from outside of Kansas.

• Total Enrollment: 26780
• Acceptance Rate: 92%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,016,000.00

Kentucky

Centre College

A private liberal arts college in Danville, Kentucky, Centre College takes a personal and deeply engaging approach to education. 98% of students live on campus, and a whopping 85% study abroad.

• Total Enrollment: 1320
• Acceptance Rate: 68%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $921,000.00

Louisiana

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

More commonly called Louisiana State or LSU, this school is a public research institution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Being a research institution, 100% of students have the opportunity to participate in research. Even better, 2 out of 3 students have zero debt when they graduate.

• Total Enrollment: 35912
• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,047,000.00

Maine

Bates College

A private liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine, Bates College focuses on educating the whole person. Bates is known for its emphasis on rigor, intellectual curiosity, and social justice. Bates students have 36 majors and 26 minors to choose from.

• Total Enrollment: 1821
• Acceptance Rate: 17%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,202,000.00

Maryland

Loyola University Maryland

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Loyola University Maryland is a private Jesuit liberal arts university. The average class size is 20 students, 64% of students participate in service programs, and over 60% of Loyola undergrads study abroad.

• Total Enrollment: 5140
• Acceptance Rate: 84%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,363,000.00

Massachusetts

Babson College

Babson College is a private business school located in Wellesley, Massachusetts. It has a big focus on entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and combining theoretical with practical education.

• Total Enrollment: 3684
• Acceptance Rate: 25%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,985,000.00

Michigan

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan, a public research institution, was home to over $1.5 billion in research expenditures in 2021. Nearly 1,000 of its students are student-athletes, and two out of three first-year students receive financial aid.

• Total Enrollment: 50278
• Acceptance Rate: 20%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,364,000.00

Minnesota

Carleton College

Carleton College is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota. Four out of five students come from outside the midwest, and 96% of students live on campus. Carleton also meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

• Total Enrollment: 2044
• Acceptance Rate: 18%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,083,000.00

Mississippi

Millsaps College

Located in Jackson, Mississippi, Millsaps College is a private liberal arts college. Students choose between 33 majors and 47 minors, and 90% are employed or in graduate school six months after graduating.

• Total Enrollment: 666
• Acceptance Rate: 68%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $977,000.00

Missouri

Washington University in St. Louis

Named after George Washington, Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university. With over 300 academic programs to choose from, there’s something for everyone. The university has a big emphasis on research, teaching, creativity, and community.

• Total Enrollment: 16973
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,448,000.00

Montana

Carroll College

Carroll College is located in Helena, Montana. It’s a private Catholic college with the motto, “Not for school, but for life.” About 59% of students come from outside of Montana.

• Total Enrollment: 1121
• Acceptance Rate: 84%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $917,000.00

Nebraska

Creighton University

A private Jesuit research institution in Omaha, Nebraska, Creighton offers over 140 academic programs. The university values research, internships, community service, and study abroad. Creighton students contributed over a million hours in community service in a single year.

• Total Enrollment: 8735
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,202,000.00

Nevada

University of Nevada-Reno

The University of Nevada, located in Reno, is a public research institution. Home to the Wolf Pack, the campus has 13 schools and colleges, 12 museums and galleries, and 60 research facilities.

• Total Enrollment: 21034
• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $995,000.00

New Hampshire

Saint Anselm College

Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, Saint Anselm is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, Order of Saint Benedict. With an average class size of 18 and over 90 academic programs to choose from, students get a personalized educational experience.

• Total Enrollment: 1977
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,173,000.00

New Jersey

Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the oldest tech universities in the country. It’s a private research university located in Hoboken, New Jersey. The school grants $60 million in research awards annually and has over 20 research centers and labs.

• Total Enrollment: 8287
• Acceptance Rate: 53%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,833,000.00

New Mexico

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Commonly known as New Mexico Tech, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is in Socorro, New Mexico. It’s a public school with academic programs primarily in the sciences. Nearly all students graduate with some kind of research experience.

• Total Enrollment: 1734
• Acceptance Rate: 97%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,084,000.00

New York

Colgate University

Colgate University is located in Hamilton, New York. It’s a private liberal arts college whose students commonly go on to work in business, communications, consulting, education, finance, government, and more. Colgate meets 100% of demonstrated need.

• Total Enrollment: 3176
• Acceptance Rate: 17%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,322,000.00

North Carolina

Davidson College

Davidson is a private liberal arts college. It’s located right in Davidson, North Carolina and is known for its honor code. Davidson is also known for the Davidson Trust, which has eliminated loans in financial aid packages and helps Davidson meet 100% of students’ calculated financial need.

• Total Enrollment: 1973
• Acceptance Rate: 18%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,227,000.00

North Dakota

University of Mary

In Bismarck, North Dakota, the University of Mary is a private Benedictine institution. It's a Division II school with over 60 clubs and organizations. 99% of students receive financial aid, and students can choose from over 50 academic programs.

• Total Enrollment: 3794
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,140,000.00

Ohio

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western is a private research university in Cleveland, Ohio. It's known for student research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With over 50 arts, medical, and academic resources within a mile of campus, students have great access to hands-on learning experiences.

• Total Enrollment: 12142
• Acceptance Rate: 30%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,519,000.00

Oklahoma

University of Tulsa

A private research institution in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa has an average class size of 11 and nearly 80,000 hours of community service hours.

• Total Enrollment: 3832
• Acceptance Rate: 75%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $985,000.00

Oregon

University of Portland

University of Portland is in Portland, Oregon. It’s a private Catholic university and Oregon’s only university with business, education, engineering, nursing, arts and sciences, and graduate schools. Over 90% of first-year students live on campus, and students have over 40 undergraduate programs to choose from.

• Total Enrollment: 4033
• Acceptance Rate: 81%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,172,000.00

Pennsylvania

Carnegie Mellon University

A private research university, Carnegie Mellon resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. CMU is known for its research, innovation, and economic development. With 21% of the undergraduate student body made up of international students, Carnegie Mellon has a global reach.

• Total Enrollment: 15057
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,750,000.00

Rhode Island

Providence College

Providence College is a private Catholic University. It’s located in Providence, Rhode Island, just outside of downtown. As of 2019, the most popular majors were finance, marketing, biology, management, and psychology. Providence students have an average class size of 20 and over 300 study abroad programs to choose from.

• Total Enrollment: 4671
• Acceptance Rate: 58%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,257,000.00

South Carolina

Furman University

Furman University is a private liberal arts university located in Greenville, South Carolina. In addition to 27 academic departments, Furman is home to four externally-facing institutes, where students get hands-on experience in fields like sustainability and community health.

• Total Enrollment: 2463
• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,022,000.00

South Dakota

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is more commonly known as South Dakota Mines. It’s a public university located in Rapid City, South Dakota, about three hours west of Pierre. South Dakota Mines has a STEM focus.

• Total Enrollment: 2416
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,212,000.00

Tennessee

Rhodes College

Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Rhodes College is a private liberal arts college. With an average class size of 14 and more than 50 majors and minors to choose from, students get an individualized academic experience. Over 80% of students participate in service, and three-quarters do at least one internship.

• Total Enrollment: 2073
• Acceptance Rate: 57%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,084,000.00

Texas

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is the UT flagship. It’s a public research university located in the bustling city of Austin, Texas. With its research focus, the university receives more than $650 million every year for research.

• Total Enrollment: 51991
• Acceptance Rate: 29%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,233,000.00

Utah

University of Utah

The University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah. It has the lowest tuition among its PAC12 and BIG10 Public peers. The school offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and has 18 schools and colleges.

• Total Enrollment: 34464
• Acceptance Rate: 95%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio:: 18
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,131,000.00

Vermont

Middlebury College

Located in Middlebury, Vermont, Middlebury College is a four-year private liberal arts college. It’s known for its programs in environmental studies, international studies, global studies, and languages. Students have a one-month winter term to concentrate on one class or complete an internship.

• Total Enrollment: 2937
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,188,000.00

Virginia

Washington and Lee University

A private liberal arts college, Washington and Lee University sits in Lexington, Virginia. It’s one of the oldest colleges in the country, and it holds core values of honor, integrity, and civility. Students participate in experiential learning, research, and community engagement.

• Total Enrollment: 2238
• Acceptance Rate: 19%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,578,000.00

Washington

University of Puget Sound

The University of Puget Sound is a liberal arts university in Tacoma, Washington. Puget Sound takes an action-oriented approach to the liberal arts and is one of the Colleges That Change Lives.

• Total Enrollment: 2173
• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,004,000.00

West Virginia

West Virginia University

Its main campus located in Morgantown, West Virginia, West Virginia University is a public research university. With fourteen schools and colleges, undergrads have over 130 academic paths to choose from.

• Total Enrollment: 25474
• Acceptance Rate: 90%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $976,000.00

Wisconsin

Marquette University

Located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Marquette University is a private Jesuit research university. It offers 78 undergraduate majors, is a Hispanic Serving Institution, and boasts over 40 alumni clubs to help you stay connected.

• Total Enrollment: 11320
• Acceptance Rate: 86%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio:: 13
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,280,000.00

Wyoming

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming is Wyoming’s only four-year university. It’s a public research university located in Laramie, Wyoming, under an hour west of Cheyenne. Students can choose from over 80 academic programs, and over half of University of Wyoming undergrads graduate with no student debt.

• Total Enrollment: 11479
• Acceptance Rate: 97%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14
• 40-Year Net Present Value: $1,010,000.00

When 95% of applicants get rejected by a school, you can't stake your future on attending. That's the problem with building your school list off of national rankings alone.

The good news is that schools across the country want to see students just like you on their campuses—schools that have professors at the top of their fields, state-of-the-art facilities, and promising post-grad outcomes.

You don't have to compromise accessibility, cost, and quality. A good college list can achieve all three.

Once you've decided where to apply, get a jump on your application strategy by reading about how to craft a cohesive application narrative.