Education
Emma Onyemaechi • 26 August, 2025

Forbes Names Top 50 Small Colleges in 2025
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  • Forbes Names Top 50 Small Colleges in 2025

    In today’s update—which is making waves across education news—




    In today’s update—which is making waves across education news—Forbes has revealed  its 2025 edition of the “Top 50 Small Colleges,” spotlighting institutions with fewer than 4,000 undergraduates that excel in academic performance, career outcomes, and return on investment. This carefully curated list spans public and private nonprofit colleges, offering a diverse roadmap for students seeking close-knit learning environments with big aspirations. 



    While the full list is packed with exceptional schools, each institution stands out for its student focus, faculty access, and outcomes after graduation. You’ll find schools known for high postgraduate earnings, strong faculty engagement, and a friendly campus vibe. The criteria are designed to highlight colleges that, although small in size, deliver a major impact. 



    Though Forbes didn’t publish detailed rankings for every institution in the article overview, the spotlight highlights how small colleges continue to punch above their weight in academics, personal attention, and value. Many alumni report that small campus size provided them with stronger mentorship and better career launchpads compared to larger universities. 




    For context, schools like Amherst, Swarthmore, and Bowdoin—regulars in elite college conversations—are often part of these compilations (they featured in last year’s top ten editions). While the 2025 rankings expand the selection, they still reinforce the consistent excellence found in these small institutions.



    Why This Matters:



    As more students and parents hunt for college options that balance intimacy and quality, Forbes’ list serves as a trustworthy reference. These schools usually offer lower class sizes, stronger alumni networks, and often better access to faculty. In the long run, graduates report both professional success and personal fulfillment—metrics Forbes strives to highlight.












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