The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), in partnership with College Pulse, has released its 2025 ranking of the top U.S. universities. This comprehensive list evaluates factors like student success rates, learning environments, and diversity. Princeton University claims the first spot, with high scores for graduation rates and the earning potential of its graduates, marking its second consecutive year at the top.
Princeton received an overall score of 92.3, with nearly 99% of students graduating. Its graduates also see substantial salary increases, positioning Princeton as a leader in financial outcomes post-graduation. In second place, Massachusetts-based Babson College rose 124 positions over two years, earning a 91.9. Babson is celebrated for its focus on entrepreneurship, and graduates report a high starting salary, surpassing the national average by 20%.
Stanford University ranks third, scoring 91.6, and is recognized for its emphasis on innovation and research, with a strong record of high-earning graduates. Yale University follows in fourth, with a score of 89.3, known for rigorous academic programs and high graduate success. In fifth is Claremont McKenna College, with an 89.2, recognized for its focus on social sciences and humanities, and its career preparation programs.
The WSJ rankings focus on three main areas: student outcomes (70% of the score), learning environment (20%), and diversity (10%). This ranking offers prospective students valuable insights into educational quality and career opportunities at leading U.S. institutions, complementing other rankings such as those by Forbes and U.S. News & World Report.
Princeton University leads the top 10, followed by Babson College, which stands out for its entrepreneurial focus. Stanford University ranks third, while Yale University and Claremont McKenna College round out the top five. The full list of the Wall Street Journal’s top 10 universities for 2025 includes:
- Princeton University (NJ) – 92.3
- Babson College (MA) – 91.9
- Stanford University (CA) – 91.6
- Yale University (CT) – 89.3
- Claremont McKenna College (CA) – 89.2
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA) – 87.4
- Harvard University (MA) – 86.2
- University of California, Berkeley (CA) – 86.1
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA) – 85.8
- Davidson College (NC) – 85.6
This ranking provides a well-rounded view of the top-performing U.S. universities, focusing on academic excellence, post-graduation success, and diverse learning environments.
