America Top Colleges

The Princeton Review’s annual college guide, The Best 368 Colleges (2009 Edition), is one of the most well-respected and comprehensive resources available to prospective college students. This guide evaluates colleges and universities across the United States and categorizes them into 62 distinct categories based on responses from a survey of approximately 120,000 students. The Princeton Review takes a student-centered approach to its rankings by focusing on the perceptions, experiences, and priorities of undergraduates themselves. Through this survey and its subsequent analysis, the Princeton Review provides a snapshot of various aspects of college life, ranging from academics and extracurricular opportunities to social life, career prospects, and community culture. Among the rankings in The Best 368 Colleges are categories highlighting everything from academic rigor to student happiness, political activism, and athletic culture. The 2009 edition of the guide offers insights into which institutions excel in these unique categories, giving prospective students a wide range of factors to consider as they weigh their options.

One of the most notable findings in the Princeton Review's survey is that Clemson University has the happiest students in the nation. According to the 2009 report, Clemson has consistently earned the distinction of being the number one school for “Happiest Students.” This ranking reflects the university’s combination of academic excellence, supportive campus culture, and strong social and athletic opportunities. Clemson’s reputation as a “Jock School” is another important feature of its identity. Being recognized as the number one “Jock School” underscores Clemson’s athletic prominence and the spirit of camaraderie that athletic events bring to the university. The university’s athletic teams, especially its football program, create a strong sense of school spirit, pride, and community, which contributes to students’ overall happiness. Clemson students enjoy not only an academically rigorous environment but also access to an outstanding athletic program, supportive faculty members, and an active, engaged social life.

Clemson University also stands out in several other categories in the Princeton Review rankings. It is ranked second in “Town-Gown Relations,” which measures the strength of the relationship between the university and the surrounding community. This category reflects how well universities integrate with their neighboring towns and provide opportunities for local engagement and cooperation. Clemson’s ability to foster strong, positive interactions between its students and the surrounding community has further solidified its reputation as a student-friendly institution. The university also ranks sixth for “Best Quality of Life,” reflecting the satisfaction and well-being of students living on campus. The combination of academic support, opportunities for extracurricular involvement, and strong residential experiences makes Clemson a university that prioritizes the overall quality of life for its students.

Clemson University is also recognized for having excellent athletic facilities, ranking seventh in that category. Its commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for athletics highlights how much the university values the student-athlete experience. Additionally, Clemson has earned the distinction of ranking seventh for “Students Pack the Stadiums,” which refers to the enthusiasm of students in supporting athletic events, particularly in football games and other major competitions. Another noteworthy finding is its recognition as eighth for “Everyone Plays Intramural Sports,” reflecting a strong, inclusive sports culture that allows all students, regardless of skill or experience, to participate in competitive recreation. Furthermore, Clemson ranks eighth for “Best Career/Job Placement Services,” indicating its commitment to providing students with excellent post-graduation opportunities and the necessary resources to launch successful careers.

While Clemson is celebrated for its many strengths, the Princeton Review categories reflect a variety of other top schools across the United States for different distinctions. Among the standout institutions highlighted is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which is ranked number one for “Students Who Study the Most.” MIT is one of the most academically rigorous universities in the world, known for its strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Students at MIT prioritize intellectual exploration and academic excellence, as reflected in their heavy workload and commitment to discovery. This dedication to academics aligns with MIT’s reputation as a hub of innovation and research in areas ranging from technological development to space exploration.

Stanford University, another elite institution, is ranked number one for “Best Classroom Experience.” Stanford’s emphasis on small classes, dedicated professors, and innovative teaching methods creates a classroom environment where students can actively engage with their coursework and explore their intellectual curiosities. The university's commitment to fostering collaboration, discussion, and inquiry has solidified its place as one of the most innovative and respected universities in the United States.

Northeastern University is recognized for having the “Best Career and Job Placement Service,” which highlights its success in preparing students for the workforce through internships, co-ops, and real-world experiential learning opportunities. Northeastern has developed strong partnerships with industries and businesses, enabling its students to gain valuable hands-on experience while completing their degrees. The university’s focus on connecting classroom education to practical applications allows its graduates to enter the workforce with relevant, real-world skills that make them attractive to employers.

Another important category identified by Princeton Review is “Diverse Student Population,” a category where Baruch College—part of the City University of New York (CUNY)—takes the top spot. Baruch College is celebrated for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, providing students with an opportunity to study and learn in a multicultural environment. The diverse student body at Baruch offers a unique, global perspective that enhances classroom discussions and fosters an understanding of different cultures, values, and perspectives. This inclusivity makes Baruch an important institution for students seeking a dynamic and globally minded education.

The Princeton Review also recognizes American University for having the “Most Politically Active Students.” American University has a strong reputation for encouraging civic engagement, public service, and political activism. The university provides numerous opportunities for students to become involved in political organizations, advocacy groups, and other forms of civic participation, offering students the tools they need to engage with national and local issues. American University fosters a student body that values social change and is committed to creating positive community impacts.

When it comes to campus facilities, the Princeton Review ranks the University of Maryland at College Park as having the “Best Athletic Facilities.” This recognition reflects the university’s commitment to creating state-of-the-art spaces for student-athletes to train, compete, and stay fit. The modern facilities support a variety of athletic programs and recreational activities, ensuring that students can participate in sports and fitness at their own level.

Princeton University also shines in the category of “Best Financial Aid.” This category reflects the university’s commitment to ensuring that students can access higher education without being burdened by excessive debt. Princeton’s financial aid program provides support to students from a wide range of economic backgrounds, making it one of the most accessible and affordable elite universities in the United States.

Finally, the University of Florida earns the distinction of being ranked as the number one “Party School” in the nation. This category highlights the strong social life at the university, which balances academics with opportunities for social interaction, parties, and extracurricular activities. The lively campus culture, combined with the opportunities for fun and relaxation, allows students to balance their academic goals with opportunities for recreation and friendship.

In conclusion, the Princeton Review’s The Best 368 Colleges rankings provide a snapshot of what students value most during their college experiences. From academics to extracurriculars, sports, and student happiness, these categories offer a diverse and multidimensional understanding of American higher education. Institutions like Clemson University, MIT, Northeastern University, American University, and the University of Florida stand out for their respective strengths, reflecting the diversity of opportunities available to students across the United States. These rankings emphasize not just academic rigor but also student engagement, happiness, extracurricular opportunities, diversity, and career preparation, highlighting the variety of factors that prospective students must weigh as they consider their academic futures.