by our College Data Analytics TeamGeneral degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best general schools.
What’s on this page:
The school you choose for general can shape your career. To help, we created our Best General Schools rankings. For our Best Overall General School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.
To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best General Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall general education, regardless of degree level.
Leading the list is Duke University, our #1 school for general. Set in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. Duke University awarded about 21 general degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general program make about $83,388 in their early career. Duke University graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. Get the full general details for Duke University
A rank of #2 makes Boston University one of the top schools for general. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Boston University awarded about 35 general degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general degree from Boston University earn around $63,598 in the first couple years of their career. Boston University graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. Read more about the general program at Boston University
Students looking for a strong general program will find one at Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. About 50 general degrees were awarded at Massachusetts Institute Of Technology in the most recent year. General graduates of Massachusetts Institute Of Technology earn a median of $113,129 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $13,516 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general from Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
Emory University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best general schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Atlanta. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. About 18 general degrees were awarded at Emory University in the most recent year. Graduates of the general program make about $67,840 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,431. Get the full general details for Emory University
Students looking for a strong general program will find one at Washington University In St Louis, which ranked #5. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of St. Louis. About 94% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 12 general students who graduated with this degree at Washington University In St Louis in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general degree recipients from Washington University In St Louis generally make around $68,303. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete this degree. Get the full general details for Washington University In St Louis
Explore the best general schools by region.
| Region |
|---|
| New England |
General is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. Browse the parent area of study.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.