by our College Data Analytics TeamBest programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 27 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for best students pursuing a degree.
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If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the best degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked San Jose State University the best school in the country for a degree in best. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. About 69% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 171 best students who graduated with this degree at San Jose State University in the most recent data year. Get the full best details for San Jose State University
University Of California San Diego is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in best, ranking #2. This very large public university is located in the city of La Jolla. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. University Of California San Diego awarded about 74 best degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their best degree from University Of California San Diego earn around $60,797 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $17,101 to complete this degree. Get the full best details for University Of California San Diego
A rank of #3 makes University Of California Santa Barbara one of the top schools for best. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates 83% of students within six years. University Of California Santa Barbara awarded about 28 best degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the best program make about $45,488 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $15,501 to complete this degree. See the full best program report for University Of California Santa Barbara
A rank of #4 makes University Of The Pacific one of the top schools for best. Set in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of The Pacific awarded about 32 best degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their best degree from University Of The Pacific earn around $77,022 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,514 to complete this degree. Read more about the best program at University Of The Pacific
Students looking for a strong best program will find one at Willamette University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Salem, Willamette University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Willamette University graduates 71% of students within six years. About 39 best degrees were awarded at Willamette University in the most recent year. Best graduates of Willamette University earn a median of $41,892 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,537. More information about a degree in best from Willamette University
University Of Oregon came in at #6 for best this year. Set in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public institution. University Of Oregon graduates 72% of students within six years. University Of Oregon awarded about 29 best degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their best degree from University Of Oregon earn around $44,628 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,034. Get the full best details for University Of Oregon
University Of San Diego placed #7 among the best best schools. Located in the city of San Diego, University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit university. University Of San Diego graduates 84% of students within six years. University Of San Diego awarded about 47 best degrees in the most recent data year. Best graduates of University Of San Diego earn a median of $68,281 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,795 to complete this degree. Read more about the best program at University Of San Diego
Western Washington University landed the #8 spot for best this year. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. Western Washington University awarded about 19 best degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the best program make about $41,118 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,361. Get the full best details for Western Washington University
Portland State University placed #9 among the best best schools. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. About 53% of students finish within six years. Portland State University awarded about 17 best degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their best degree from Portland State University earn around $47,717 in the first couple years of their career. Portland State University graduates carry a median of $26,475 in student loans. More information about a degree in best from Portland State University
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 27 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.