Skip to content
Every year the Princeton Review’s releases its Best Value Colleges
From the Princeton Review:
Check out our list of the 209 best value colleges—based on academics, costs, financial aid, debt, graduation rates, and alumni career and salary data. Find college rankings in categories like Best Career Placement, Best Alumni Network, and more.
Tips for Building Your College List
- Reflect on your priorities of what you’re looking for in a college: location, size, majors, cost, campus culture — know what you care about before you build your list.
- Use admissions data wisely: Look up admit rates, published profiles of admitted students, financial aid trends and compare these to your own profile.
- Visit or virtual-visit: For many schools, you’ll get a better feel from a campus tour or online session.
- Balance wisely: Aim for 2–3 reach, 3–5 target, 2–4 likely. Adjust if you have special constraints (e.g., budget, out-of-state vs. in-state).
- Customize each application: Write specific, genuine essays for each school. Highlight programs or aspects that resonate with you.
- Keep finances in mind: Don’t just apply to schools with high sticker prices and limited aid. Some “less selective” schools offer great merit scholarships.
- Apply early if possible: Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) can give you a better chance at selective schools — and reduce pressure later.
If you’re wondering whether your current list is too big, too small, or just right — schedule a free consultation with our admissions team. Let’s make sure you’re applying strategically, not just broadly.
Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.
In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With over 125,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other.
