In the latest Forbes' America's Top College rankings, published on August 1, Princeton University has retained its first position for the fifth time in a row, followed by Williams College and Stanford University.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the average tuition fee for a four-year course at public universities across the country was $6,669 in 2010-11. The required minimum fee for private universities on the other hand, went up to a staggering $21,949.
Forbes stresses how the rankings focus on things that matter the most to students, including quality of teaching, great career prospects, high graduation rates and low levels of debt.
Vassar College, New York
Undergraduate Population:2,386
Student Population:2,386
Student to Faculty Ratio:8:01
Total Annual Cost:$57,385
In-State Tuition:$44,705
Out-of-State Tuition:$44,705
Percent on Financial Aid:77.0%
Percent Admitted:23.0%
SAT Composite Range:1320
Website:http://www.vassar.edu/