The ranking uses three pillars. “Student outcomes” counts for 75% of the score, “learning environment” 15%, and “student desirability” 10%.

Student outcomes are judged by three indicators: graduates’ earnings, the graduation rate, and the return on education, which compares earnings to the cost of the degree.

Stanford University took first place, MIT was second, and Harvey Mudd College ranked third. All three are noted for strong STEM programmes.

Because earnings make up a large part of the student‑outcome score, schools whose graduates earn high salaries tend to rank higher. STEM careers often command higher pay, and a 2026 National Science Foundation report cited in the ranking shows the STEM workforce grew 26% from 2013 to 2023, while non‑STEM grew only 9%.

Economics professor John Friedman of Brown University told TIME that students want a clear economic return on their college investment, and rankings that focus on outcomes help highlight schools that deliver that value.