College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Top Schools in Schools

105 Colleges in the United States
7,787 Top Schools in Degrees Awarded
$49,082 Avg Early-Career Salary

Top Schools in is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 524 schools to find the best for top schools in students.

What’s on this page:

Choosing a Great Top Schools in School

Best Top Schools in Schools

The school you choose for top schools in can shape your career. That is why we built our Best Top Schools in Schools rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Top Schools in Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Top Schools in
Bachelor's Degrees in Top Schools in
Master's Degrees in Top Schools in
Doctoral Degrees in Top Schools in

We offer several rankings, including this Best Top Schools in Schools list, to help you decide. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this 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.

Learn more about our methodology

Best Schools for Top Schools in in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall top schools in education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Top Schools in

1

Leading the list is Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University, our #1 school for top schools in. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. About 57 top schools in degrees were awarded at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their top schools in degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn around $60,004 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,393 to complete this degree. Read more about the top schools in program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

2

University Of Southern California came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best top schools in schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. There were roughly 49 top schools in students who graduated with this degree at University Of Southern California in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, top schools in degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $75,677. University Of Southern California graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. See the full top schools in program report for University Of Southern California

3

The University Of Texas At Austin is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in top schools in, landing the #3 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Austin. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. There were roughly 139 top schools in students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent data year. Graduates of the top schools in program make about $57,819 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,275. Read more about the top schools in program at The University Of Texas At Austin

4
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in top schools in, ranking #4. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. James Madison University graduates 80% of students within six years. There were roughly 20 top schools in students who graduated with this degree at James Madison University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their top schools in degree from James Madison University earn around $52,997 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete this degree. Get the full top schools in details for James Madison University

5

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best top schools in schools. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 51 top schools in students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. See the full top schools in program report for Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

6

San Jose State University landed the #6 spot for top schools in this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. San Jose State University awarded about 36 top schools in degrees in the most recent data year. More information about a degree in top schools in from San Jose State University

7

Baylor University landed the #7 spot for top schools in this year. Located in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Baylor University graduates 80% of students within six years. Baylor University awarded about 11 top schools in degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their top schools in degree from Baylor University earn around $49,888 in the first couple years of their career. Baylor University graduates carry a median of $23,928 in student loans. More information about a degree in top schools in from Baylor University

8
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University earned the #8 position for top schools in this year. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 82 top schools in students who graduated with this degree at Florida State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the top schools in program make about $58,249 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,693 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in top schools in from Florida State University

9

Suny At Binghamton earned the #9 position for top schools in this year. Located in the suburb of Vestal, Suny At Binghamton is a very large public university. About 82% of students finish within six years. Suny At Binghamton awarded about 15 top schools in degrees in the most recent data year. Top Schools In graduates of Suny At Binghamton earn a median of $51,766 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,691 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in top schools in from Suny At Binghamton

10

Texas A And M University College Station landed the #10 spot for top schools in this year. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. About 54 top schools in degrees were awarded at Texas A And M University College Station in the most recent year. Students who receive their top schools in degree from Texas A And M University College Station earn around $38,792 in the first couple years of their career. Texas A And M University College Station graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. See the full top schools in program report for Texas A And M University College Station

11

University Of Maryland Baltimore landed the #11 spot for top schools in this year. University Of Maryland Baltimore is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Baltimore. University Of Maryland Baltimore awarded about 14 top schools in degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their top schools in degree from University Of Maryland Baltimore earn around $85,300 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Maryland Baltimore graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. See the full top schools in program report for University Of Maryland Baltimore

12
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best top schools in schools. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. Rowan University graduates 67% of students within six years. Rowan University awarded about 10 top schools in degrees in the most recent data year. Top Schools In graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $52,031 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,488 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in top schools in from Rowan University

13

University Of San Diego ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best top schools in schools. University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. About 84% of students finish within six years. University Of San Diego awarded about 39 top schools in degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, top schools in degree recipients from University Of San Diego generally make around $97,944. Typical student debt for the program is $23,795. Read more about the top schools in program at University Of San Diego

14

Loyola University Baltimore placed #14 among the best top schools in schools. Set in the city of Baltimore, Loyola University Baltimore is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Loyola University Baltimore graduates 79% of students within six years. About 32 top schools in degrees were awarded at Loyola University Baltimore in the most recent year. Students who receive their top schools in degree from Loyola University Baltimore earn around $54,021 in the first couple years of their career. Loyola University Baltimore graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full top schools in program report for Loyola University Baltimore

15

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best top schools in schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Cincinnati. About 74% of students finish within six years. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus awarded about 13 top schools in degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the top schools in program make about $58,659 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,530. Read more about the top schools in program at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

16

University Of Arizona earned the #16 position for top schools in this year. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. University Of Arizona graduates 68% of students within six years. There were roughly 35 top schools in students who graduated with this degree at University Of Arizona in the most recent data year. Top Schools In graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $50,834 early in their careers. University Of Arizona graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. See the full top schools in program report for University Of Arizona

17

Sacred Heart University placed #17 among the best top schools in schools. Located in the suburb of Fairfield, Sacred Heart University is a large private not-for-profit university. About 74% of students finish within six years. Sacred Heart University awarded about 63 top schools in degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, top schools in degree recipients from Sacred Heart University generally make around $62,864. Typical student debt for the program is $25,831. More information about a degree in top schools in from Sacred Heart University

18

Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #18 spot for top schools in this year. Set in the city of Saint Louis, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Saint Louis University Main Campus awarded about 13 top schools in degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the top schools in program make about $65,599 in their early career. Saint Louis University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $26,586 in student loans. Get the full top schools in details for Saint Louis University Main Campus

19

Ohio University Main Campus placed #19 among the best top schools in schools. Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Athens. Ohio University Main Campus graduates 65% of students within six years. About 48 top schools in degrees were awarded at Ohio University Main Campus in the most recent year. Students who receive their top schools in degree from Ohio University Main Campus earn around $49,736 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete this degree. See the full top schools in program report for Ohio University Main Campus

20

George Washington University landed the #20 spot for top schools in this year. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 17 top schools in degrees were awarded at George Washington University in the most recent year. Top Schools In graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $53,979 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,910. More information about a degree in top schools in from George Washington University

21
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University came in at #21 for top schools in this year. This very large public university is located in the city of East Lansing. About 81% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 38 top schools in students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the top schools in program make about $54,166 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,213 to complete this degree. Get the full top schools in details for Michigan State University

22

University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #22 among the best top schools in schools. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. University Of Illinois At Chicago graduates 62% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 top schools in students who graduated with this degree at University Of Illinois At Chicago in the most recent data year. Students who receive their top schools in degree from University Of Illinois At Chicago earn around $61,829 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,115. Read more about the top schools in program at University Of Illinois At Chicago

23

George Mason University landed the #23 spot for top schools in this year. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. George Mason University awarded about 99 top schools in degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, top schools in degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $56,264. Students borrow a median of $25,747 to complete this degree. Read more about the top schools in program at George Mason University

24
Salisbury University crest
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University earned the #24 position for top schools in this year. Salisbury University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Salisbury. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 12 top schools in degrees were awarded at Salisbury University in the most recent year. Top Schools In graduates of Salisbury University earn a median of $45,476 early in their careers. Salisbury University graduates carry a median of $23,545 in student loans. Read more about the top schools in program at Salisbury University

25

University Of North Dakota came in at #25 for top schools in this year. University Of North Dakota is a large public school located in the city of Grand Forks. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 25 top schools in degrees were awarded at University Of North Dakota in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, top schools in degree recipients from University Of North Dakota generally make around $64,378. University Of North Dakota graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. See the full top schools in program report for University Of North Dakota

Rest of the Top 50 Top Schools in Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong top schools in education:

26
27
28
29
30
31
Grossmont College crest
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA
32
33
34
35
36
37
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
38
39
40
Lewis University crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
41
Robert Morris University crest
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA
42
43
44
45
46
La Salle University crest
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA
47
University Of New Haven crest
University Of New Haven
West Haven, CT
48
49
50

Additional Top Schools in Award Winners

These schools also stood out for top schools in:

Rank School Location
#56 Seattle University Seattle, WA
#59 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
#60 Utica College Utica, NY
#64 University Of Maryland University College Adelphi, MD
#70 Champlain College Burlington, VT
#73 University Of Wisconsin Platteville Platteville, WI
#76 Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL
#79 Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Daytona Beach, FL
#84 Miami Dade College Miami, FL
#103 University Of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK
#136 Hilbert College Hamburg, NY
#139 Keiser University Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL
#147 Tiffin University Tiffin, OH

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for top schools in:

>

Top Schools in by Region

Explore the best top schools in schools by region.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Top Schools in is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

Major Annual Graduates
Forensic Science and Technology 3,841
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism 2,103
Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy 861
Criminalistics and Criminal Science 532
Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation 253
Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis 165
Security Science and Technology, General 31
Geospatial Intelligence 1

View All Top Schools in Concentrations >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 524 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options