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Ranked: Top 10 Dream Colleges in the U.S. for 2025
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Choosing the perfect college is a major decision for students and parents alike.
Every year, The Princeton Review surveys thousands of college applicants and parents across all 50 states to determine their top “dream schools.”
In this graphic, we highlight the top 10 most sought-after colleges for 2025, based on responses from 7,023 students and 2,294 parents.
The ‘Dream School’
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) claimed the top spot as the most desired college among students, according to The Princeton Review survey. MIT is not only one of the most prestigious institutions in the country but also one of the most competitive and expensive to attend.
Meanwhile, parents ranked Princeton University as their top choice. Notably, Harvard University, which previously held the No. 1 spot, dropped in rankings following controversies, including allegations of antisemitism on campus and the resignation of President Claudine Gay amid plagiarism accusations.
| Rank | Students' Dream Colleges | Parents' Dream Colleges |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MIT | Princeton University |
| 2 | Harvard College | MIT |
| 3 | Stanford University | Stanford University |
| 4 | Princeton University | Harvard College |
| 5 | Yale University | Yale University |
| 6 | Columbia University | University of Michigan |
| 7 | New York University | Columbia University |
| 8 | University of Michigan | Duke University |
| 9 | Univ. of Pennsylvania | New York University |
| 10 | UCLA | University of Texas–Austin |
The survey, revealed that 38% expect to spend over $150,000 on a college degree and that 98% will need some kind of financial aid to pay for college.
When asked about the main benefit of a college degree, 46% cited better job prospects and higher income, 29% valued exposure to new ideas, and 25% prioritized education.
Top-Ranked Universities
Many of the schools on this list also rank among the best colleges in America, as showed by a research conducted by Forbes. Using 14 key metrics—including median student debt and post-graduation salaries—Forbes ranks colleges based on educational quality, financial value, and career outcomes.
Princeton University, the top choice among parents, also leads that Forbes’ ranking, followed by Stanford and MIT.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic breaking down which countries host the top 100 universities in the world.
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