SmartAsset has released its 2026 ranking of the best value small colleges and universities in the United States. Immaculata University, a private Catholic school in Pennsylvania, topped the list. The ranking evaluated institutions with fewer than 5,000 students, focusing on affordability and strong graduate outcomes.
The list weighs net tuition costs, financial aid availability, and post-graduation earnings data from federal sources. Immaculata was cited for its relatively low net price and high early-career earnings among graduates.
According to SmartAsset, the ranking aims to help families identify schools that offer a strong return on investment. The full methodology is published on their website.
No schools from Vermont or New Hampshire appeared in the top 10, according to the report. The full ranking is available on SmartAsset's website.
Originally reported by North Star Monthly.
Photo: William Fortunato via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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