One of the clearest messages of the U.S. News rankings is the value of public universities. While top private schools often charge $65,000–$75,000 per year in tuition alone, the University of California offer comparable academic prestige for in-state residents at a fraction of the cost.

UC Berkeley: ~$17,000 (in-state) vs. ~$55,000 (out-of-state)

UCLA: ~$15,000 (in-state) vs. ~$48,000 (out-of-state)

UC San Diego: ~$17,000 (in-state) vs. ~$55,000 (out-of-state)

Compare this to similarly ranked private institutions such as Stanford, Duke, or Northwestern, where tuition alone exceeds $70,000 per year. Over four years, that adds up to $280,000 or more just for tuition. By contrast, an in-state UC student pays roughly $60,000–$68,000 total over four years, a potential savings of over $200,000 over four years, compared to a private school. Even out-of-state UC students, who pay about $48,000–$55,000 per year, can save $60,000–$90,000 over four years while still earning a degree from a highly ranked institution.

For families focused on both prestige and value, the UCs provide an elite education at a fraction of the price, making them one of the most cost-effective options in the country.

Rankings can be a helpful starting point, but they have limitations and contain subjectivity. Many factors, like peer assessment (20% of the score!), are based on opinion rather than measurable outcomes. Selectivity can also be misleading: colleges often boost their prestige by increasing application numbers while keeping class sizes the same. This results in lower acceptance rates without improving the student experience.

Because of this, rankings should be just one data point, not the sole factor in building your college list. Casting a wide net beyond the top-ranked schools is essential. Explore regional rankings and specialized lists like social mobility rankings, which highlight schools that excel at supporting first-generation and low-income students. These alternative rankings can reveal hidden gems that may be a better personal fit than higher-ranked national universities.

In short, don’t limit yourself to the perception of prestige. It is okay to use rankings to start your research, but it is important to widen your lens on finding schools that match your individual goals. A balanced list with a mix of reach, target, and likely schools will give you more choices and better outcomes on Decision Day.

Rankings should be just one factor in the college search, not the driving force. The idea of finding “best fit” colleges is highly individual. What is perfect for one student may be completely wrong for another. Each student’s list will look different because everyone has unique academic goals, personal preferences, and financial circumstances.

A true best fit considers three areas: 

Academic fit looks at whether the school offers strong programs in your areas of interest, research opportunities, and a learning environment where you can succeed. 

Personal fit is about campus culture, diversity, and the overall social environment: where you will feel supported and engaged.

Financial fit ensures the school is affordable, with manageable costs, available aid, and strong career outcomes after graduation.

A school ranked #50 that matches your needs is far better than a #10 school that is financially out of reach or misaligned with your priorities. Focusing on best fit rather than prestige helps you build a list of schools where you can truly thrive.

A common misconception among families is that adding more highly ranked schools to a college list will increase admission chances. The reality is quite different. Schools in the top 20 typically have admission rates below 10%, with some as low as 3–4%. Harvard (#3), Stanford (#4), and MIT (#2) are extraordinarily selective, regardless of their exact ranking position.

Simply adding more elite schools often leads to disappointment. Instead, families should focus on building a balanced list that includes:

Likely schools (aka 'Safety')
Where admission is very likely, and the school fits your academic, personal, and financial needs. The term safety school is less common now, as there are no guarantees in college admissions.

Target schools
Where your academic profile aligns closely with the middle 50% of admitted students, making admission reasonably likely but not guaranteed.

Reach schools
Highly ranked institutions where admission is possible but not likely, given your academic profile. 

Ultra-reach schools
With more colleges reaching single-digit acceptance rates, a new category has emerged. Highly rejective schools with acceptance rates below 10%. Admission is uncertain for even the strongest candidates (e.g., Stanford, Harvard, MIT).

This approach balances aspiration with realism, ensuring students have strong choices on Decision Day.

California's strong representation in the 2026 U.S. News rankings reinforces the state's commitment to higher education excellence. The success of UC Berkeley (#1 public) and UCLA (#2 public) demonstrates that outstanding education can be affordable.

Rankings can offer useful information, but it is critical to cast a wide net and aim to find colleges that fit your goals, interests, and needs. Whether you choose a public or a private university, remember that your best college is the one where you can grow, contribute, and succeed.

While prestige can open doors, your college experience and the opportunities you create for yourself ultimately define your future. Focus on growth, engagement, and making the most of your time wherever you enroll. The name on your diploma is just the beginning: the value you gain is built by your actions and accomplishments at your chosen school. College is what you make of it!