45 Best College Graduation Rates for 2025

Tyson Schritter / Colleges of Distinction »

Updated: February 12th, 2025

By: Tyson Schritter & Colleges of Distinction Staff

Jump to:    20 Best Graduation Rate Colleges   |   15 Best Graduation Rate Colleges of Distinction   |    10 Best Graduation Rate Public Colleges 

Graduation rates are one of the most popular statistics used to rank schools. After all, the whole point of going to college is to graduate, right? While college is so much more than the diploma with your name on it, graduation should be the ultimate goal. Thanks to the 1990 Student Right to Know Act, colleges and universities are required to report the percent of students who graduate within 150% of the normal time for completion of or graduation from the program, which is typically 4 to 6 years. 

Graduation rates can be good indicators for the quality of a school, but a low rate doesn’t necessarily equate to a lesser quality school. There are numerous factors that contribute to a less-than-perfect rate, and not all of them should deter you from applying. Keep reading to learn more about graduation rates and see which schools report the highest numbers.

How are graduation rates calculated?

A college’s graduation rate is the percentage of a school’s first-time, first-year undergraduate students who complete their program within 150% of the published time for the program. For example, for a 4-year degree program, entering students who complete within 6 years are counted as graduates.

Average national graduation rates:

According to data collected by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics in 2020, the overall 6-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time undergraduate students who began seeking a bachelor’s degree at 4-year, degree-granting institutions in fall 2014 was 64 percent.
To see a college’s strict 4-year rate, go to NCES College Navigator tool and search for any school. Click the drop down tab labeled “Retention and Graduation Rates,” You’ll find a graph like the one below that illustrates the institution’s 4-year, 6-year, and 8-year rates. For the following examples, we used data from Harvard University.

What factors affect graduation rates?

Transfer students: Graduation rates do not include students who have transferred in or out of a university. Institutions are not required by the “Right to Know Act” to report their transfer rates. Thus, there is not enough data to accurately account for students who transfer to and ultimately graduate from another institution. So, a school with a lower rate might also serve a significant transfer student population. The table below does not have a transfer-out rate because Harvard University elected not to provide that information. 

Double majors and minors can also affect rates. Although there is less quantitative data to reflect this, many schools report that students who chose to double major or minor do not graduate within the 4 to 6 year window. Those pesky over-achievers can skew the data in a small way.

Ivy League Graduation Rates

It’s no secret that Ivy League schools are great colleges. These institutions are leaders in almost every area: acceptance rates, retention rates, endowment size, etc. And graduation rates are no different. Elite colleges—such as our example school, Harvard—boast some of the highest rates in the country. In fact, Harvard takes the number-one spot with a whopping 97% graduation rate. Now, you might be wondering how nearly every student is graduating from Harvard. They must have the secret sauce, right? The perfect formula for success? Maybe. World-renowned professors and a $53.2 billion endowment certainly helps, but there could be another side to this coin. 

Former Business Insider Journalist Joe Weisenthal shared a critical take on Harvard’s glowing graduation rates in his article titled “The REAL Reason Harvard Has Awesome Graduation Rates.” He wrote: 

But let’s be honest. You know why Harvard has a matriculation graduation rate around 80%, right? It’s not because they have programs to hold their students’ hands through graduation. The secret: be uber-selective in who you accept, ensuring that everyone who enters is a type-A, overachiever. That’s it.

While this was published 14 years ago, the only thing that has changed is the numbers. Harvard’s graduation rate has risen to an impressive 97% while the acceptance rate has plummeted; in 2009, Harvard’s acceptance rate was 9.1%. In 2022, it fell by more than half of that to 4%. Yikes. All of this begs the question: are these schools really that much better at educating students than other schools? Or are they merely benefitting from being extremely selective about the type of student they are accepting?

10 Best Graduation Rate Colleges


1. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Graduation Rate: 97%

Harvard University, founded in 1636, is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Known for its rigorous academics, world-class faculty, and influential alumni, Harvard offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With a rich history of innovation and leadership, it remains one of the most respected universities in the world.

Acceptance Rate 3%Net Price $17,900SAT Range 1500-1580

2. Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Graduation Rate: 97%

With a history dating back to 1746, Princeton University is a world-renowned Ivy League institution recognized for its academic excellence and vibrant intellectual community. Its stunning campus, distinguished faculty, and strong emphasis on research and service make it a leader in higher education. Princeton’s commitment to developing future leaders has cemented its reputation as one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Acceptance Rate 4%Net Price $19,811SAT Range 1500-1580

3. University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

See profile >

Graduation Rate: 97%

The University of Notre Dame du Lac, known simply as Notre Dame or ND, is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana, outside the city of South Bend. The university graduates 97% of students in 6 years.

Acceptance Rate 12%Net Price $29,083SAT Range 1440 – 1540

4. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

Graduation Rate: 97%

The University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, is a prestigious Ivy League institution in Philadelphia known for its rigorous academics and commitment to innovation. With a strong emphasis on student success, Penn boasts a high graduation rate of 97%, reflecting its supportive learning environment and world-class resources. Its top-ranked programs in business, law, and medicine, along with a rich tradition of research and leadership, make it one of the most respected universities in the world.

Acceptance Rate 6%Net Price $26,017SAT Range 1500 – 1570

5. Williams College

Williamstown, MA

Graduation Rate: 97%

Williams College, founded in 1793, is a top-ranked liberal arts college in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Known for its small class sizes, personalized learning, and strong emphasis on undergraduate research, Its close-knit community, dedicated faculty, and commitment to academic excellence make it one of the most prestigious liberal arts institutions in the country.

Acceptance Rate 10%Net Price $16,988SAT Range 1470 – 1560

6. Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME

See profile >

Graduation Rate: 96%

Bowdoin College, founded in 1794, is a highly regarded liberal arts institution in Brunswick, Maine. With a strong focus on academic excellence, close faculty-student relationships, and a commitment to the common good, Bowdoin boasts a high graduation rate of around 96%. Its rigorous academics, vibrant campus community, and emphasis on leadership and service make it one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges.

Acceptance Rate 8%Net Price $23,110SAT Range 1480 – 1550
Bowdoin College entrance gates

7. Brown University

Providence, RI

Graduation Rate: 96%

Brown University, founded in 1764, is an Ivy League institution in Providence, Rhode Island, known for its open curriculum and emphasis on intellectual exploration. With a graduation rate of around 96%, Brown fosters a collaborative and self-directed learning environment that encourages students to pursue their academic passions. Its commitment to innovation, research, and social impact makes it one of the most distinctive and prestigious universities in the world.

Acceptance Rate 5%Net Price $26,608SAT Range 1500 – 1570

8. Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH

Graduation Rate: 96%

Dartmouth College, established in 1769, is a prestigious Ivy League institution in Hanover, New Hampshire, offering a close-knit community with just over 4,000 undergraduate students. Known for its broad range of academic programs, Dartmouth provides majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, while encouraging interdisciplinary studies. With a graduation rate of around 96%, the college’s small size fosters close relationships with faculty and a personalized learning experience.

Acceptance Rate 6%Net Price $17,322SAT Range 1500 – 1570

9. Duke University

Durham, NC

Graduation Rate: 96%

Duke University, founded in 1838 and located in Durham, North Carolina, is a prestigious research institution known for its academic rigor and commitment to leadership. One high-impact practice Duke employs is its Bass Connections program, which connects students with faculty on interdisciplinary research projects addressing real-world issues. This collaborative initiative allows students to gain hands-on experience while making meaningful contributions to fields ranging from public policy to global health, enhancing their academic and professional development.

Acceptance Rate 7%Net Price $23,422SAT Range 1510 – 1570

10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA

Graduation Rate: 96%

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), founded in 1861 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a world-renowned institution known for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). MIT offers a wide range of majors, from physics and computer science to economics and architecture, with a strong emphasis on innovation and problem-solving. One notable high-impact practice at MIT is the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which allows students to engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty, providing hands-on experience in groundbreaking projects across various disciplines.

Acceptance Rate 5%Net Price $21,519SAT Range 1510 – 1580

The Rest of the Top 20 Graduation Rate Colleges

#SchoolMore
Info
Graduation
Rate
LocationAcceptance
Rate
Net PriceSAT Range
11Bowdoin College89%Brunswick, ME9%$26,727Test optional
12Vanderbilt University89%Nashville, TN7%$27,5531480-1570
13Columbia University in the City of New York88%New York, NY4%$12,4111470-1570
14Massachusetts Institute of Technology88%Cambridge, MA4%$30,9581530-1580
15Harvey Mudd College88%Claremont, CA10%$33,8381480-1560
16Yale University88%New Haven, CT5%$20,6051480-1580
17Cornell University88%Ithaca, NY9%$24,2621450-1560
18Villanova UniversityProfile>88%Villanova, PA25%$33,1231350-1490
19Boston CollegeProfile>88%Chestnut Hill, MA19%$30,1591420-1530
20Bates College88%Lewiston, ME17%$26,231Test optional

15 Best Colleges of Distinction Graduation Rates

These hyper-elite colleges are not the only way to get a great college education. We have picked another 15 amazing schools that have strong graduation rates and also pass through our Four Distinctions guidelines. Take a look for yourself and see if there is one or two worth adding to your shortlist!

SchoolMore
Info
Graduation
Rate
LocationAcceptance
Rate
Net
Price
SAT
Range
Bryant UniversityProfile>80%Smithfield, RI74%$40,3101120-1300
Stonehill CollegeProfile>80%Easton, MA72%$31,467Test free
Quinnipiac UniversityProfile>77%Hamden, CT88%$38,244Test optional
Saint Norbert CollegeProfile>75%De Pere, WI85%$27,1071100-1280
Gustavus Adolphus CollegeProfile>74%Saint Peter, MN73%$27,657Test optional
Washington CollegeProfile>74%Chestertown, MD70%$22,088Test optional
Messiah UniversityProfile>73%Mechanicsburg, PA77%$23,8951100-1340
Washington & Jefferson CollegeProfile>71%Washington, PA84%$27,1011050-1300
Elizabethtown CollegeProfile>70%Elizabethtown, PA79%$26,5341070-1280
The College of WoosterProfile>70%Wooster, OH61%$24,9341220-1430
Sacred Heart UniversityProfile>69%Fairfield, CT66%$43,907Test optional
Assumption UniversityProfile>69%Worcester, MA86%$26,513Test optional
Hobart William Smith CollegesProfile>68%Geneva, NY67%$34,2391170-1370
Westminster CollegeProfile>67%New Wilmington, PA82%$20,2581040-1258
University of Puget SoundProfile>67%Tacoma, WA88%$28,2211150-1370

10 Best Graduation Rate Public Colleges

#SchoolMore
Info
Retention
Rate
LocationAcceptance
Rate
Net PriceSAT Range
1University of Virginia-Main CampusProfile>89%Charlottesville, VA21%$20,4011380-1500
2William & MaryProfile>86%Williamsburg, VA37%$18,3991360-1520
3University of North Carolina at Chapel HillProfile>84%Chapel Hill, NC20%$11,5081140-1380
4University of California-Los Angeles83%Los Angeles, CA11%$13,393Test free
5University of Michigan-Ann ArborProfile>81%Ann Arbor, MI20%$19,205Test optional
6University of California-Berkeley79%Berkeley, CA14%$17,652Test free
7University of Massachusetts-AmherstProfile>77%Amherst, MA66%$17,2911250-1460
8The College of New JerseyProfile>76%Ewing, NJ62%$13,2691170-1350
9Binghamton UniversityProfile>75%Vestal, NY44%$17,8811310-1470
10University of California-San DiegoProfile>73%La Jolla, CA34%$15,632Test free

At Colleges of Distinction, we firmly believe that the true value of a school lies beyond the numbers. That’s why we hand-pick and individually review all of our schools to see how they help students learn, grow, and succeed. We believe that a thorough selection process requires so much more than an overview of institutional data and statistics. No matter where you are in your college search journey, Colleges of Distinction can help you find a school that’s the best fit for you.

If you’re an adult student who wants to finish your degree, we can help you too! Check out our sister brand Abound: Finish College to find the right degree completion program for you.