The Princeton Review has released its “Best Colleges for 2027” rankings, a set of 50 category-based lists built entirely from student feedback—an approach designed to help applicants and families focus less on prestige and more on campus fit.

The rankings are now searchable for free on PrincetonReview.com and are also published in a dedicated chapter of The Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition (Penguin Random House, $26.99), which went on sale August 18.

A rankings system built on student experience

Unlike lists that attempt to name a single “best” college overall, The Princeton Review’s project breaks the undergraduate experience into categories that mirror real questions students and parents ask: How good are the professors? Is financial aid strong? What’s campus food like? Do students feel supported?

This year’s rankings are based on surveys of 172,000 students at the 392 colleges featured in the book—about 439 students per school on average. Students completed a 98-question survey rating academics, administrative services, financial aid, campus amenities, and social dynamics, including topics like political leanings, race/class interaction, and LGBTQ acceptance.

Each ranking list names the top 25 schools in a specific category, using data drawn from one or more survey questions. The Princeton Review also posts information online about how each list is calculated.

Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief at The Princeton Review and lead author of the guide, emphasized that the schools profiled vary widely by “type, size, locale, and campus culture,” but each offers an academically strong undergraduate education. He also reiterated a key point behind the project: there is no single “best” college—only the best fit for a given student.

Notable #1 schools across the 2027 lists

The 2027 rankings highlight how different “best” can look depending on what matters most to a student.

For academics and campus operations, several schools earned top spots:

• Professors Get High Marks: Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering (Massachusetts)
• Best Classroom Experience: Reed College (Oregon)
• Best-Run Colleges: Claremont McKenna College (California)
• Great Financial Aid: Washington and Lee University (Virginia)
• Best Career Services: Bentley University (Massachusetts)
• Best Health Services: The University of Chicago (Illinois)
• Best Student Support and Counseling Services: Macalester College (Minnesota)

Campus life categories also drew attention:

• Best Campus Food: University of Massachusetts—Amherst
• Best College Dorms: Bowdoin College (Maine)
• Most Beautiful Campus: University of San Diego (California)

The lists also capture student-reported culture and community dynamics:

• Most Politically Conservative Students: Texas Christian University
• Most Politically Liberal Students: Bennington College (Vermont)
• Most Politically Moderate Students: Manhattan University (New York)
• Most Religious Students: Brigham Young University (Utah)
• LGBTQ-Friendly: University of Vermont
• Lots of Race/Class Interaction: Rice University (Texas)
• Friendliest Students: William & Mary (Virginia)
• Happiest Students: Vanderbilt University (Tennessee)

One new addition in the 2027 edition is “Great Outdoors: Students Get Outside,” with The University of the South (Tennessee) ranked #1.

“Statistical Stand-Out Schools” adds a data lens

In addition to student rankings, The Best 392 Colleges includes a feature called “Statistical Stand-Out Schools for 2027,” based on surveys of college administrators. A few of the standout distinctions include:

• Lowest Tuition & Fees (In-State) / Public College: University of Central Florida ($5,954)
• Highest Average Need-Based Scholarships: Princeton University ($80,837)
• Lowest Student/Faculty Ratio: Caltech (3:1) and MIT (3:1)
• Lowest Average Undergraduate Debt: CUNY: City College ($7,849)
• Most Applications / Public College: UCLA (145,086)
• Most Applications / Private College: NYU (114,125)

For families weighing cost, support, and outcomes, these stats can provide a useful counterpoint to reputation-driven decision-making.

How to use the rankings

The Princeton Review’s 2027 lists are best used as a starting point for research: identify what you value most—teaching quality, career preparation, affordability, student support, or campus culture—then compare schools through that lens.

The full rankings hub is available at: www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-colleges

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Beyond the Sticker Price: Identifying the Most Affordable New Vehicles to Insure for 2026

(Feature Impact)For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they’ll make. The purchase price is only the beginning, however. Fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance all contribute to the total cost of ownership, making affordability a consideration that extends well beyond the showroom.

To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, Mercury Insurance recently released its annual rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure, identifying the top-performing SUV, truck, sedan and electric or hybrid vehicles in four of today’s most popular categories.

“Consumers naturally compare purchase price, fuel economy, safety ratings and technology features before buying a vehicle,” said Chong Gao, director of research and development for Mercury Insurance. “Insurance is one of the few ownership costs drivers can estimate before making a purchase. Factoring it into the decision gives consumers a more complete picture of what that vehicle is likely to cost over the years they own it.”

While every driver’s premium is unique, this year’s rankings also revealed a broader trend: Practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest long-term insurance value.

“Vehicles designed for everyday drivers often strike the best balance between safety, repairability and replacement costs,” Gao said. “That’s reflected in this year’s rankings, where familiar models from manufacturers like Hyundai, Chevrolet, Honda, Kia and Volkswagen rose to the top. It reinforces the idea that choosing a practical vehicle can pay dividends well beyond the purchase price.”

A Cost You Can Plan For

Unlike unexpected repairs or fluctuating fuel prices, insurance is a predictable ownership expense consumers can research before purchasing a vehicle.

Comparing insurance costs alongside purchase price, fuel economy, maintenance expenses and expected repair costs can help shoppers better understand the long-term financial commitment of vehicle ownership.

Factors Influencing Insurance Costs

Insurance costs are influenced by many factors, but repair complexity, parts availability, vehicle safety systems and historical claims experience all contribute to how a vehicle is insured. While advanced safety technology can help reduce accidents, vehicles that are easier and less expensive to repair can also help improve long-term affordability. Among the considerations insurers evaluate are:

• Repair and replacement costs
• Historical claims experience
• Vehicle safety features and crash performance
• Theft frequency
• Availability and cost of replacement parts
• Vehicle performance characteristics

The Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure

This year’s rankings show practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest insurance value. The top spot in both the SUV and electric and hybrid categories was claimed by Hyundai while Chevrolet led the truck category and Volkswagen topped the sedan rankings. Rounding out Mercury’s rankings were several familiar nameplates recognized for balancing insurance affordability with everyday value.

SUVs:

• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Chevrolet Blazer
• Honda Pilot
• Kia Sportage
• Honda Passport

Trucks:

• Chevrolet Colorado LT
• Chevrolet Silverado C3500
• Ford Maverick and Ranger
• Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
• Toyota Tundra CrewMax

Sedans and Coupes:

• Volkswagen Golf R
• Acura Integra
• Honda Prelude
• Kia K4
• Mazda3

Electric and Hybrids:

• Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
• Chevrolet Blazer EV
• Kia Sportage Hybrid
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Honda CR-V Hybrid

“The smartest vehicle purchase isn’t always the one with the lowest sticker price,” Gao said. “It’s the one that delivers the best overall value over time. Comparing insurance before buying gives consumers another tool to make a more informed decision.”

Visit MercuryInsurance.com to see the full rankings and request a quote to get a more complete understanding of long-term ownership costs.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai America (Hyundai Santa Fe)
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (couple using laptop)

SOURCE:

Mercury Insurance

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Six Flags is officially in “season pass season” — and it’s starting with a headline deal. The company announced Aug. 7 that it has launched sales of its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price guests will see this season or next, with a limited-time offer running through Sept. 7, 2026. To mark the 8/7 launch date, Six Flags teamed up with brand ambassador Travis Kelce, celebrating the biggest pass offer of the year on a number that’s become part of his legacy.

The big takeaway for fans: buy early, and you’re not just locking in 2027 access — you’re getting the rest of 2026, too. That includes major seasonal events like Halloween and holiday celebrations, plus the chance to start using the pass right away across participating parks.

What the 2027 Season Pass deal includes

Guests can purchase a 2027 Gold Pass or Prestige Pass at launch pricing and receive admission for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.

Kelce framed it in simple terms: unlimited visits, especially heading into fall and winter event season, is the kind of value that would have been “mind-blowing” as a kid — and it’s built for families and friend groups who want more reasons to get together.

Gold Pass: the value play for frequent park visits

The 2027 Gold Pass is positioned as the core option for guests who want maximum visits at the lowest price point. Benefits include:

• Unlimited visits for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027
• Free general parking (restrictions apply)
• Regional park access (East, West, Midwest, or Texas)
• Admission to fall haunt events and seasonal holiday celebrations
• Discounts on select food, merchandise, and tickets
• One bonus Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for renewing passholders and new members who purchase by Sept. 7

Prestige Pass: VIP perks and nationwide access

For guests who want more premium access and in-park benefits, Six Flags is also pushing its Prestige Pass tier. Prestige perks include:

• Access to all Six Flags parks across North America
• Preferred parking at many parks
• Complimentary fountain beverages
• VIP entrance access at participating parks
• Free Bring-A-Friend tickets
• One free single-use Fast Lane per visit
• A $20 in-park credit for new Prestige members and Prestige passholders who renew by Sept. 7

Memberships: month-to-month flexibility

Six Flags also announced 2027 Memberships for guests who prefer a monthly payment option. Memberships include unlimited visits and a range of benefits similar to Season Passes — including multi-park access (based on tier), parking benefits, discounts on food and merchandise, and member-exclusive rewards and offers.

Premium membership tiers add expanded park access and additional VIP-style perks, giving guests more ways to customize how they visit.

Why Six Flags is making a big push now

The 2027 pass launch arrives as Six Flags prepares what it calls one of its most ambitious attraction lineups ever, with major additions planned across regions.

Highlights announced so far include:

• East: Six Flags Great Adventure will debut Bakunawa, billed as the world’s tallest and fastest spinning coaster (382 feet, 100 mph), anchoring a renovated Boardwalk area inspired by Jersey Shore culture. Carowinds will introduce Rip Roarin’ Falls, a super-flume featuring a 100-foot drop.
• Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas will debut Werewolf Gorge, described as the world’s longest family launch coaster with immersive storytelling.
• Midwest: Six Flags Great America will open Camp Timber Trail, a family adventure area anchored by Sky Hawk, a suspended family coaster.
• West: Knott’s Soak City will introduce Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, new family raft slides featuring ride systems making their West Coast and North American debuts.

Six Flags also teased that more major announcements are still on the way.

You can start using the pass in 2026 — and more is coming

Beyond the 2027 pipeline, Six Flags says guests who buy now can take advantage of new or recently opened additions in 2026, including:

• Quantum Accelerator (Six Flags New England)
• Tormenta: Rampaging Run (Six Flags Over Texas)
• Shoreline Pier (Six Flags Great Adventure)
• Daredeviler (Canada’s Wonderland)
• Speedway Stunt Coaster (Six Flags Mexico)
• Looney Tunes™ Land (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
• Phantom Theater (Kings Island)
• A major summer entertainment lineup (Kings Dominion)

And the calendar doesn’t slow down after summer. Six Flags says its 2026 Halloween lineup is coming soon, featuring new horror franchise experiences and new entertainment, followed by holiday events across parks — including the return of a newly reimagined Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia.

The deadline to know

If you’re considering a pass, the timing matters: guests must purchase by Sept. 7, 2026 to receive launch pricing and promotional offers. For park-specific details and restrictions, Six Flags directs guests to visit sixflags.com.

For fans, Kelce summed up the pitch: more time at the parks now means more memories later — more rides, more laughs, and more reasons to bring your crew along for the season.

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Source: Six Flags

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