Did you know some colleges are test-optional but still favor applicants who submit scores?

It’s not always what it seems. Our state-by-state breakdown helps you spot where scores still matter—and where they don’t.

Best Colleges By State

Q: Did you know some states have public colleges with higher graduation rates than elite private schools?

Yes—your state flagship might outperform a name-brand university in outcomes and affordability. Click your state to compare.

Q: Did you know college planning can (and should) start as early as 9th grade?

Early choices in courses and activities shape future options. This map helps parents see the big picture before senior year panic sets in.

Q: Did you know your teen’s 'reach school' might be someone else’s safety school—depending on the state?

Admissions selectivity varies wildly. This map helps you explore realistic options without falling into the prestige trap.

Explore, Compare, and Decide For Yourself!

Click on a state below for a deeper dive into top colleges, school comparisons, and insights to support your college planning journey.

Planning campus tours? 👉See which schools you can visit on the same day!

Did You Know?

1 / Did you know some states have public colleges with higher graduation rates than elite private schools?

Yes, really. While top-ranked and "name-brand" universities often dominate headlines and rankings, some state flagship and smaller liberal arts schools quietly outperform them in key areas, such as graduation rates, affordability, and long-term outcomes. These public institutions often serve a broader range of students, offer generous in-state tuition, and invest heavily in student support systems.

Depending on your state, your local flagship might have a higher graduation rate than some Ivy-adjacent and Ivy-plus private schools, and at a fraction of the cost. That means your child could earn a respected degree, graduate on time, and avoid excessive debt, all without leaving your home state.

Curious how your state stacks up? Click on your state to compare.

2 / Did you know college planning can (and should) start as early as 9th grade?

It’s true. Many families wait until junior year to seriously consider college, but the foundation is often laid much earlier. Course selection, extracurricular activities, and even summer experiences in 9th grade can quietly shape future options. These early choices influence access to advanced classes, scholarship eligibility, and how competitive a student appears to colleges.

The good news is that you don’t need to have everything figured out right away. What matters most is having a clear view of the landscape. This map helps parents see what’s important, what’s flexible, and how different states and colleges approach readiness. It gives you a chance to plan ahead before senior year stress takes over.

3 / Did you know your child’s “reach school” might be someone else’s safety school (or vice versa), depending on the state?

College admissions selectivity isn’t one-size-fits-all. A school that feels highly competitive in one region might be considered a backup option in another. Factors like in-state preference, regional yield strategies, and historical application trends all play a role in how selective a college appears and how likely your child is to be admitted.

This means that relying on national rankings or prestige alone can lead families to overlook strong, realistic options. It also creates unnecessary stress when a so-called “reach” or "target" school might actually be well within range, depending on where you live and how your child’s profile aligns with that school’s priorities.

Our interactive map helps you explore these nuances nationwide. It’s designed to help you explore realistic options without falling into the prestige trap.