The Top 25 D3 Schools
Something caught our eye recently 👇
We found a college ranking based on how much a school improves students’ chances of graduating and their future earning potential rather than reputation.
The rankings are a collaboration between the WSJ, Statista, and College Pulse and used some unique metrics including:
Student outcomes (70%)
Salary impact, Years to pay off tuition and Graduation rate
Learning environment (20%)
Learning opportunities, Career preparation, and Facilities
Diversity (10%)
Students from different backgrounds, Ethnic diversity, and Income diversity
To make it more relevant, we pulled out only the D3 schools to provide a focused list for our readers (original overall WSJ rankings included for context).
The Top 25 D3 Schools in 2025 are listed below!
The Top 25 D3 Schools
1 - Babson College
Babson College is a private school in Wellesley, MA
“At second-ranked Babson College, the emphasis on hands-on experiences begins the moment students step on campus as freshmen. Built into the Babson curriculum are opportunities for experiential learning, like the mandatory Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship class, where students launch startups in groups during their first two semesters of college using a loan of up to $3,000 provided by the school.” (via WSJ)
Final Score: 91.9
Overall WSJ Rank: #2
2 - Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna is a private school in Claremont, CA
Claremont McKenna College stands out for its focus on leadership, economics, and government, blending a rigorous liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on practical, real-world applications. The college encourages close mentorship between students and faculty and offers unique opportunities through its research institutes, such as the Rose Institute of State and Local Government.
One reason CMC likely scored high on the WSJ list is its focus on experiential learning via numerous internships, study abroad programs, and partnerships with policy makers and business leaders.
Fun Fact: CMC athletes compete with the athletes from #4 and one other school in all sports.
Final Score: 89.2
Overall WSJ Rank: #5
3 - MIT
MIT is a private school in Cambridge, MA
MIT is globally recognized for its cutting-edge research and leadership in science, technology, and engineering, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. It offers a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment where students work closely with world-class faculty on groundbreaking projects across fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology. MIT’s culture emphasizes hands-on learning, with programs like UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program) and a strong focus on solving real-world challenges.
Final Score: 87.4
Overall WSJ Rank: #6
4 - Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd is a private school in Claremont, CA
Harvey Mudd College strikes a rare balance in Academia. Renowned for its strong emphasis on STEM education (think engineering, computer science, and mathematics) it still maintains a top liberal arts curriculum. The college fosters close-knit student-faculty relationships with small class sizes and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. It also places a high priority on real-world experience, offering extensive research opportunities and projects designed to address pressing societal issues.
No wonder it was a new entrant to the WSJ Top 100 this year and a Top 5 D3 School for 2025.
Can you name the third school that competes alongside HMC & CMC student-athletes?
Final Score: 83.6
Overall WSJ Rank: #20
5 - Washington University (St. Louis)
Washington University in St. Louis is known for its strong interdisciplinary programs, combining rigorous academics with flexibility across fields like business, engineering, and the arts and sciences. It may have gotten a boost in the rankings based on its vibrant campus culture, featuring extensive community engagement and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Final Score: 81.8
Overall WSJ Rank: #32
6 - Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is one of the nation’s top liberal arts schools, known for its rigorous academics, small classes, and tight-knit, collaborative community. Students get access to world-class faculty, a beautiful campus, and the unique Tri-College Consortium with Bryn Mawr and Haverford (they also compete at the NCAA D3 level for athletics), which expands course options and social life. With strong outcomes, generous financial aid, and a culture that values curiosity and social impact, Swarthmore is an excellent choice for students who want a challenging yet supportive college experience.
Final Score: 81.6
Overall WSJ Rank: #35
7 - Augustana College
Augustana College is a strong liberal arts school known for its supportive community, hands-on learning, and career-focused outcomes. Students benefit from small classes, dedicated faculty, and standout programs in the sciences, business, education, and the arts. The college’s AUGIE Choice program—providing funding for internships, research, or study abroad—helps students build real-world experience before graduation. With a vibrant campus life in the Quad Cities and a reputation for developing well-rounded graduates, Augustana offers an enriching and practical college experience.
Final Score: 81.3
Overall WSJ Rank: #37
8 - California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech)
Caltech is one of the world’s premier science and engineering institutions, known for its intense academics, cutting-edge research, and exceptionally low student-to-faculty ratio. Students learn directly from leading scientists and have unmatched access to research opportunities—even as undergrads. The tight-knit campus fosters collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and innovation. With elite STEM programs, strong career placement, and a global reputation for producing groundbreaking thinkers, Caltech is an outstanding choice for students who want to push the boundaries of science and technology.
We caught up with their Women’s Basketball Coach…who is a former D3 athlete! (Full Interview)
Final Score: 81.2
Overall WSJ Rank: #39
9 - Washington & Lee University
Washington & Lee University is a top-tier liberal arts college known for its strong academics, honor culture, and close-knit community. Students benefit from small classes, engaged faculty, and exceptional programs in business, politics, law, and the humanities. The campus blends tradition with opportunity, offering robust internships, research, and alumni connections. With generous financial aid and a reputation for developing thoughtful, principled leaders, W&L provides a distinctive and high-impact college experience.
W&L has a $0 tuition program if your family makes under a certain income limit.
Final Score: 80.3
Overall WSJ Rank: #50
10 - Albion College
Albion College is a student-centered liberal arts school known for its supportive community, hands-on learning, and strong pathways into careers. With standout programs in the sciences, business, education, and pre-professional tracks like pre-med and pre-law, Albion combines rigorous academics with real-world experience. Signature initiatives—such as the Wilson Medical Institute and the Albion College School for Public Purpose—help students gain mentorship, internships, and leadership development. With small classes, caring faculty, and a campus culture focused on growth, Albion is a great choice for students seeking a personalized and practical college experience.
Final Score: 79.7
Overall WSJ Rank: #54
