3 (tie). Pomona College, Claremont, California
3 (tie). Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
How Rankings Are Calculated
U.S. News evaluates schools using measures that include graduation and retention rates, the performance of students who received federal Pell Grants, faculty resources, academic reputation, graduates’ earnings and student debt.
U.S. News said the rankings should be considered one tool among many when choosing a college. Cost, financial aid, available majors, campus culture, location and a student’s likelihood of graduating can matter more than a school’s numerical position.