Forbes Best Colleges

Forbes' annual ranking of America's Best Colleges, published in 2011, offers a detailed look at the nation’s top undergraduate institutions, based on a number of factors that students find crucial: the quality of teaching, career prospects, graduation rates, and low levels of student debt. In its 2011 rankings, Williams College claimed the coveted top spot, followed by Princeton University and the United States Military Academy at West Point. These rankings are particularly insightful because they take into account elements of the college experience that students directly engage with and benefit from, rather than simply prestige or reputation alone. The list highlights institutions where students are likely to experience the most success both academically and in their post-graduation careers.

At the heart of the Forbes ranking methodology is a combination of key performance indicators that measure a school’s ability to offer a well-rounded education and deliver on its promises. In addition to academic excellence, the rankings emphasize career outcomes, including post-graduation employment, the long-term earning potential of graduates, and how effectively a school prepares its students for the workforce. Graduation rates and the amount of student debt accumulated during the course of their studies are also important factors. The institutions that rank highest are those that provide students not only with high-quality education but also with excellent career prospects and financial value, minimizing the burden of student loans that often accompany higher education.

Williams College and the Top-Tier Institutions

Williams College, which secured the top spot in Forbes’ 2011 rankings, stands as an exemplary model of an institution that embodies all the qualities that students are looking for. Located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Williams College is a small liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic standards, intimate learning environment, and outstanding faculty. With its focus on teaching excellence, small class sizes, and the ability to provide students with personalized attention, Williams is a highly desirable destination for those seeking an academic environment that fosters deep intellectual engagement and growth.

The college’s emphasis on undergraduate education is a major draw. Williams has long been recognized for its strong liberal arts curriculum, where students are encouraged to explore various fields of study, ultimately gaining a broad perspective that makes them well-equipped for a range of careers. In addition to its excellent academic reputation, Williams College boasts one of the highest graduation rates in the country, further contributing to its ranking as the best college in America according to Forbes. Moreover, the college provides strong career services and post-graduation outcomes, making it a desirable institution for students who value both educational quality and long-term career success.

Princeton University, which follows Williams College in second place in the 2011 rankings, also stands as a model of academic excellence. Princeton, one of the Ivy League schools, is renowned for its world-class faculty, research opportunities, and rigorous undergraduate education. Its focus on undergraduate teaching—despite its status as a research university—sets it apart from many other elite institutions, where graduate students often take the lead in classroom instruction. Princeton’s commitment to ensuring that its undergraduates receive the best possible education, combined with the college’s robust financial aid program that eliminates student loans, further enhances its reputation. Students who graduate from Princeton not only emerge with an exceptional education but also with strong prospects for high-paying and prestigious careers. As an Ivy League institution, Princeton's reputation and alumni network also contribute significantly to the career success of its graduates.

Just behind Princeton in third place is the United States Military Academy at West Point. While West Point is a military academy rather than a traditional civilian college, it has consistently ranked highly on various college rankings due to its excellent education, leadership training, and career prospects for graduates. Students at West Point receive a high-quality education while also gaining leadership skills that are highly valued in both military and civilian careers. West Point graduates are guaranteed to enter careers that provide strong financial security, and the institution has one of the highest rates of graduate success, both in the military and in business, law, and other professional fields. Furthermore, because the education is funded by the government, West Point students graduate without the burden of student loans, a major factor that sets it apart from other universities.

Other Notable Performers in Forbes' 2011 Rankings

While Williams College, Princeton, and the United States Military Academy occupied the top three positions, there are several other institutions that also stood out in the 2011 rankings, reflecting the diversity of schools excelling across various dimensions. One of these schools is Lawrence University, which ranked 63rd overall among 650 of the nation’s leading undergraduate colleges. This small liberal arts college in Appleton, Wisconsin, has a strong reputation for providing high-quality education and fostering a close-knit academic community. For the fourth consecutive year, Lawrence was ranked first among 13 Wisconsin colleges, a testament to its strong performance relative to its peers in the state.

Lawrence University’s commitment to providing students with a personalized education that emphasizes critical thinking and intellectual growth sets it apart. The college offers a range of academic programs designed to prepare students for both careers and further study, with a strong focus on the arts, sciences, and humanities. It is particularly known for its excellent music program, which attracts students from across the country. Despite its relatively small size, Lawrence has demonstrated that it is capable of offering its students a world-class education, and its rankings reflect the success of that mission.

Another standout in the 2011 rankings is the University of Virginia (U.Va.), which ranked 46th overall among the 650 colleges listed. U.Va. is consistently recognized as one of the top public universities in the United States, and its performance in the Forbes rankings reaffirms this status. The university is known for its excellent undergraduate programs, strong faculty, and vibrant student life. U.Va. has a particularly strong reputation in the fields of public policy, business, and law, and its alumni network plays a significant role in ensuring that graduates secure high-paying jobs. U.Va. also stands out for its commitment to affordability, as it consistently strives to provide financial aid packages that help minimize student debt.

The University of Virginia is also distinctive for its emphasis on cultivating leadership skills in its students. Through initiatives like the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, which provides merit-based scholarships, U.Va. attracts top-tier students who are prepared to make a significant impact on their fields. The school’s close ties to the state of Virginia and its focus on civic engagement further enhance its appeal, particularly for students who are interested in public service and community leadership.

In Michigan, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) made a notable appearance on the Forbes list, ranking 4th among Michigan's public universities. GVSU’s success in the rankings is reflective of its growing reputation as a strong regional institution. While it may not have the same level of recognition as some larger public universities, GVSU has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing students with a high-quality education, practical career experiences, and access to a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. The university’s focus on student success and its strong career services network have contributed to its rapid rise in the rankings.

For St. Norbert College, another institution in the 2011 Forbes rankings, the upward trajectory is even more pronounced. The college, based in De Pere, Wisconsin, jumped an impressive 68 spots to rank 84th overall. This notable leap underscores the impact of recent initiatives to enhance student engagement and improve academic offerings. St. Norbert has carved out a niche as a strong liberal arts college, particularly known for its academic rigor and strong sense of community. Students at St. Norbert benefit from a personalized education that prepares them for a variety of career paths, making the college an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded undergraduate experience.

Finally, Santa Clara University has been consistently rising in the rankings over the years, moving from 318th in 2008 to 67th in 2011. Located in California's Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is uniquely positioned to offer its students unparalleled access to career opportunities in technology, business, and entrepreneurship. The university’s proximity to major tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Facebook provides students with internships, networking opportunities, and potential job placements that few other schools can match. Santa Clara’s strong focus on ethics, social justice, and community engagement also sets it apart, offering students an education that balances academic excellence with a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Conclusion

The Forbes 2011 ranking of America's Best Colleges highlights a diverse array of institutions that have demonstrated success across multiple dimensions of student experience. Whether it is through academic rigor, student engagement, career prospects, or affordability, schools like Williams College, Princeton University, and the United States Military Academy continue to set the standard for excellence in higher education. Additionally, schools like Lawrence University, the University of Virginia, and Grand Valley State University showcase that a combination of innovation, community involvement, and dedication to student success can lead to significant progress in college rankings.

In an era where students are increasingly concerned with both the quality and the financial burden of their education, these colleges and universities serve as shining examples of how higher education can provide value and prepare students for the challenges of the future. As the 2011 rankings demonstrate, the best colleges are those that put students first, offering them not only an excellent education but also the tools and resources they need to succeed long after graduation.